July 23rd, 2008 What does the Bible Say about… Hope, Homosexuality, and Hospitality? OR

What does the Spirit say through the Bible to you for others about our Gay and Lesbian sisters and brothers?

Bishop Dave’s Bible study became another defining moment in Creator’s RIC discernment process, like Pastor Christian's talk at the end of spring together with the other events that have been part of this process. There was clarity in Bishop Dave's thoughts and his approachs on the material and personal meditations he shared with us.

The Bishop began with "What does the Bible say about . . ." and first discussed other topics like marriage, slavery, leprosy, and lending money. He made a distinction about what the Bible says about faith & doctrine and about community & care.


He contends that, regarding the laws and boundaries of community & care, we all need to be selective about what in the Bible we take to heart and follow. The Bible allows for multiple wives with one husband, upholds laws regarding slavery, and clearly states money must be loaned without interest. He felt in these matters the Bible is one voice but not the only voice.

He then addressed the texts in the Bible addressing homosexuality. The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, for example, is the sin of inhospitality. Bishop Dave quoted Ezekiel 16:48 -50 which describes the sin of those two cities as being inhospitable. The depth of his analysis of each of the passages should be experienced. I would encourage you to link to the presentation at http://www.oregonsynod.org/bookoffaith/hhh/ and do just that.

The title of this blog entry comes from what Bishop Dave proposed we should have asked him rather than what we did ask: What the Bible says about homosexuality. The more faithful and Lutheran question he thought was: What does the Spirit say through the Bible to you for others about our Gay and Lesbian sisters and brothers? A different question and a place to start discussions where those on either side ofthe homosexuality debate aren't simply talking at each other.

Most in the audience found the evening sincere, intellectually and spiritually satisfying and the Bishop handled many concerns with laughter and self-deprecating Lutheran humour. There were representatives from many congregations, those who are already RIC, who were thinking about starting the process or those who are engaged.

The talk moved those who were there powerfully. There was a strong sense of identity that was shared by the audience regardless of the position they took on the issue.

Afterwards I have shared the link with some people who are against accepting GLBT in the church. There were people I could not talk to about this issue. We knew we were simply not going to change the other's mind and our words moved to anger. Yet after they saw this presentation we found ourselves in discussion with one another and communicating our true concerns and fears.

Our next RIC activity will be working with the congregation on the language of the Affirmation of Welcome we will put to a vote in January, 2009.