http://themoderatevoice.disqus.com/enWed, 17 Dec 2008 14:06:08 -0000http://themoderatevoice.com/25056/putting-aside-the-bible-for-a-while/#comment-4463814<p>Dennis -- thanks for highlighting that post. The money line from it, in my opinion was this one: "For some, I believe the Bible has become an idol." Students of the bible and Judeo-Christian history should appreciate just how much of a wallop that line delivers. </p>GuestWed, 17 Dec 2008 14:06:08 -0000http://themoderatevoice.com/25056/putting-aside-the-bible-for-a-while/#comment-4459275<p>There is too much too-easy banter around these days, like "that's so gay," etc. I hear this regularly in the work-place, and try to put a damper on it. The recent public service commercial hits it right on the head. Gay-bashing is never appropriate.</p><p>Adam Cleaveland's post, while well-intentioned, misses the mark. It's not because the average traditionalist doesn't know someone gay that we are traditional in our view point. It's because we <i>do</i> that we remain compassionately traditionalist, understanding that in our rapidly changing culture, people look to the Church to "stay the course" on some basic things.</p><p>Yes, the Bible <i>condemns</i> homosexuality, but its main message is transformation, or "regeneration," as theologians call it. If Jesus were here today, he would stretch out his hand to the gay man or woman, no question about it. So should the Church, though so far, we've done too little. As the Gospels portray it, when people follow Jesus, he has a way of transforming their lives, meeting them where they are, but never leaving them there. There <i>is</i> freedom in Christ, for those who seek it. That is a message of love, not hate, no matter how others try to spin it. </p>Manchester2Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:56:51 -0000http://themoderatevoice.com/25056/putting-aside-the-bible-for-a-while/#comment-4459167<p>Of course there is always the issue of with whom did Cain and Abel have their children?</p>mikeyesWed, 17 Dec 2008 10:50:28 -0000