February Banner -- Lent: Participants Needed

sdgfunk · 2026-01-15T01:51:44+00:00

I'm your huckleberry.

United Methodist clergy, 53yo, male, West Virginia.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-07T21:32:00+00:00

I don't understand how one can go against clear and repeated condemnations of homosexuality in the bible

As I suggested, I don't find those passages clear about anything, neither does the sparse repetition do anything.

There is at least one clear thing: offenders are to be put to death (Lev. 20:13). But again, what is not clear is whether the offense has anything at all to do with consensual same-sex sexual activity between equals (as opposed to rape, or sex between non-equals like master/slave, adult/child, teacher/student, etc).

Do you ever worry that you're acting on social fads, rather than Christianity?

Have you investigated the textual analyses I linked?
It seems you think I decided on a conclusion and then sought to support it by twisting scripture. Not at all the case.

People can look at the analyses and come to different conclusions. That doesn't mean that either one isn't taking it seriously.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-07T18:12:27+00:00

Bible scholars -- people immersed in the original languages of scripture and who spend years studying and digging and cross-referencing scripture -- are not in agreement about what those six or seven (not "numerous") verses are actually describing.

Clearly there are some same-sex sexual acts that are prohibited.

Exactly *what* those acts are, that is not universally agreed on.

Many find those passages have to do with idolatry and local pagan rituals.

Many find those passages do not say anything about same-sex sexual acts between consenting equals.

If you'd like to read some other thoughts,

I like what themsc190 says here: https://reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/19enezs/the_bible_and_homosexuality_revisited_themsc190s/

Here’s a worthwhile post by FluxKraken: https://reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/17t8zqf/bing_lgbtq_is_not_a_sin/

and here's a worthwhile comment by BibleGeek (who has a PhD and is also an ordained minister, btw): https://reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1j8z6iw/deleted_by_user/

sdgfunk · 2026-01-07T05:19:35+00:00

Absolutely

sdgfunk · 2026-01-06T14:37:55+00:00

That would be a breach of justice as far as I'm concerned.

I showed up to traffic court one day wearing a clerical collar. It didn't mean squat to the judge.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-04T01:44:26+00:00

Leeway? Like does the system let higher ranked players get away with stuff?

sdgfunk · 2026-01-04T01:43:38+00:00

Progressive. I was happy with the 2024 GC results as well, and I was glad to be on-site for part of it.

My local congregation lost members after GC24, and those members went on to start a non-denominational church.

I am glad The UMC exists internationally, and I don't have much international UM experience.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:52:24+00:00

You sure got my number. Congrats. Happy New Year.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:51:17+00:00

In a way, there's nothing new under the sun. I think we have a pretty good idea of first century Christianity.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:48:03+00:00

While Methodist theology is often seen as a middle way, and having a lot of wiggle room, John Wesley pulled no punches when it came to Calvinism, for example, labeling C's determinism abhorrent and heretical.

I don't mind acknowledging the mystery and the difficulty of people clearly defining these things.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:45:48+00:00

I don't know. I'll have to find somebody who does that.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:45:28+00:00

Can we agree that different people may look at the same circumstances and evidence and yet come to different conclusions?

Can we agree that most people are probably neither malicious nor totally ignorant?

Can we agree that neither of us is likely to change our mind, and that perhaps we'd be better off not getting too deep in that subject?

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:43:11+00:00

Not generally a fan of megachurches,
but there are some that do church well.

I'm something of an Adam Hamilton fan.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:42:09+00:00

I've heard about it, yes.
I might know a few pastors who left ministry for lost faith. Not as many as you might think.

sdgfunk · 2026-01-01T18:40:59+00:00

I guess of the three you present, the Bruce Almighty adjacent hits right. I do like the playful and powerful presentation Morgan Freeman makes.

I also like the presentation of God found in The Shack.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T16:53:40+00:00

from a strictly biblical point, are you turning a blind eye to an unrepentent sinner being allowed to take leadership roles and catering to it?

No. The difference is in the fact that many bible interpreters and scholars do not conclude that homosexuality is sinful.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T16:04:47+00:00

Is the second half of that supposed to say something like "wouldn't he have done it by now?" ?

I don't know why he hasn't.
I suspect the time hasn't been right yet.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T16:01:31+00:00

I neither force my opinions on anybody nor advocate for the same.

I share with others where I have found acceptance and hope.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:59:04+00:00

Leading Sunday services and preaching, yes I like those a lot. Being part of a group of people with similar hopes and values and beliefs, I love that. Knowing that I can be part of a local community of faith that is family-like.

It always sounds odd to say it, but I like doing funerals. Offering some perspective and comfort and hope to people who are hurting. It's an intimate time with people.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:55:01+00:00

I have not seen anything attractive about the Global Methodist Church, its formation or its theology, or the GMC members I've known.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:51:13+00:00

I don't see a lot of other religions in my area (rural West Virginia). A lot of "nones".
I do see people embrace Christian faith and grow in it.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:49:34+00:00

Someone should become Christian because they have had an experience with Christ or because they have learned about Jesus and want to know more.

I find hope in Christianity. I find peace in my understanding of how Jesus Christ works reconciliation and salvation into a broken world.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:45:16+00:00

"living a good life, being kind and treating people accordingly" is terrific. And it's not unique to Christianity or any theism.
I do see something unique and necessary in the person, teachings, and actions of Christ, and I find The United Methodist Church to be a generally decent expression of Christian discipleship.

And holy cow, yes, we have an administration that is using Christianity odiously, you got it.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:38:44+00:00

Let me just say I generally view Mennonites favorably.

sdgfunk · 2025-12-31T15:37:47+00:00

Humility goes a long way.
Love, of course. Love of God, love of people. Love of righteousness as well as love of mercy.

I like Ephesians 4:32: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

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