Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Do not resist a liberal person?

A fellow student in my History of Christianity II class commented about a Methodist congregation in Columbus the bears a overly-large banner in front of their meeting place that references homosexuals as being "welcomed" as Jesus would welcome. The congregation claims to be "inclusive" of all people types. Her angered statement concluded with, "they are just so liberal."

Is it evil to be liberal?

Many of my contemporary conservative evangelicals would say, "yes." I have heard multiple negative remarks about "liberals." What does it mean to be "liberal?" Are we referring to politics, theology, or a merging of the two?

Is it evil to welcome a homosexual to a place where Christians gather?

I do understand that the National Methodist Conference balloteers did indeed decide to change doctrinal statment about acceptance of homosexuality. Aside from that context, why would Christians not want to engage in relationship with homosexuals? But that argument doesn't really work because any gathering modeling that of he previously mentioned in Columbus does not neccesarily foster relationship.

Jesus says, "Do not resist an evil person?" Are conservative evangelicals translating that now as, "Do not resist a liberal person?"

1 comment:

Vaughn Wood said...

As a conservative Evangelical, I say, "open the doors and let everyone in!" The day my congregation says, "only perfect people aloud," is the day I have to resign as their pastor because I'm not qualified to be in the building, let alone behind the pulpit.
Great site! I'm glad I found you, a Christian not afraid to think and ask the tough questions. I'll be back.... Blessings on your ministerial studies.
Be True,
PV

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."