Of facts, opinions and the space in between

You can see this comment in its entirety here. It's dated Sept. 22 at 2:22 p.m. I want to encourage you to click on the link and read the comment made in response to this comment. My observations are below.


Anonymous said...
A couple of points:

1) The description of the ELCA and the bible is exactly why La Casa should leave. We don't decide or judge the bible, the bible is the one that decides for us.

I would argue that the Bible is speaking to us on both sides of this issue.  It is our interpretation of what it is saying that would seem to cause disparity. Further, I would argue, this is why I am urging for a complete discussion, transparency, and full disclosure of both sides of the issue.

Anonymous said...
While it may be true on issues like slavery or women different stances have been taken, the difference in this issue is that NOWHERE is anything positive said about homosexuality. God created Adam and Eve, and while you seem to indicate Jesus didn't speak of homosexuality, he gave us ONE standard for sexual relationships, and that is marriage.

As repeatedly stated there are 7 recognized passages that speak on the subject of same sex relationships.  The term homosexuality did not play a role in the early Bible and surfaced as a descriptive term much later.  Nowhere in the 2026 words attributed to Christ does He even address the issue, much less condemn it. .

Anonymous said...
No, we shouldn't go around pointing fingers or condemning anyone, but we can’t ignore what the bible says.

I completely concur with your thought here.

Anonymous said...
You know for a definite fact gay people are born that way? Funny, science hasn't even decided that one. Let us say someone is born with a desire to drink lots of alcohol. Should they? Does that make it right?

No one knows “for a fact”.  However, there are ongoing studies that tend to acknowledge the possibility.  My own ongoing study of a very specific sampling of respondents indicates a high percentage of gay men and women knew of their sexual orientation “as far back” as they could remember or before the age of 10.  Only recently have researchers gained meaningful data from which to glean tendencies, trends or create hypotheses in this area.  Most data available goes back to 1990 and 2000 census data which is incomplete, wrongly recorded, or insignificant due to data parameters.

Anonymous said...
Second, I am curious as to what degrees you have as the editor of this blog. Did you go to seminary like our pastors? Do you have a college or postgraduate degree? Did you study theology? All our pastors have Masters degrees and have graduated from accredited seminaries. How about you?

I’m puzzled as to why this matters to you.  Yes I am degreed.  No, I haven’t completed seminary but then neither did the authors of the Biblical texts.  They, as I am in the process of, researched their subject matter and recorded their findings. Have I read the Bible?  Yes multiple times.  Have I studied ancient languages?  No, I have not, but I certainly have read and spoken with many who have.  Have I read and interpreted the Dead Sea Scrolls?  No, I have not, but I’ve read and spoken with some who have.  Do I have knowledge of the current subject matter?  Yes, over 40 years worth.  Simply holding a degree does not make one an expert, just as not holding a degree does not make someone an idiot. 

Anonymous said...
You can do all the reading and quoting you want. Opinions are like backsides, everyone has one.

Thank you for pointing this out.

Anonymous said...
But my guess is unlike our pastors you have not studied the bible in the original languages or spent decades in school. Maybe you did, perhaps you would like to respond.

Study is engaging a subject and learning all you care to or can about it.  I do not have to study auto mechanics to change a tire or spark plug, but rebuilding a transmission requires a bit more knowledge.  I know of an individual whose degree is in Physics.  He is a pastor and knows more theology than you and I ever will.  It makes no difference.  He is but one piece of the puzzle just as you and I are.  When all the pieces are in place, then the complete picture will be revealed. 
My point is that we all have something to add and that we all are in a constant state of growth and revelation.  I am not a pastor.  I am however qualified to speak on this subject matter.  Now then, let me ask you a question if I may.  Are our pastors the only ones who have an opinion on this subject matter or are there other pastors who hold opposing views?  If so, who is right?  And why can’t we hear their point of view? I have spent considerable time researching this subject over 40 years.  I let that stand on its’ own.

Anonymous said...
So all this is just your opinion. You are free to do it, but don't pass yourself off as some expert.

When you determine to your satisfaction just exactly who is an expert and who is not, please share this information so that we may all learn something from you. 

Thank you sir/madam for your comments.  You are passionate and I appreciate the time it took for you to comment here.  Please plan to attend the next congregational meeting on NOVEMBER 7 2010 and please vote your conscience.  This is our church and your vote matters.