For a while, I've been chewing on an idea of doing a series of services based around common misconceptions about God (or about Christian stereotypes). I can't seem to let it go, which is often an indication that God is trying to get my attention. I'd love some input. Here are a few of the ideas rattling around. (The titles are just starters)
- Is God Green? This is where I would talk about the environmental responsibility of Christ followers. The Bible does give some direction on this. The earth was given to humans to use. It's here for our benefit. it's here to serve us. But God didn't intend for us to tear the place up, needlessly wreck its beauty, etc. I'm not advocating that we stop progress or that people be homeless so that we can save a tree. But Christians have long been known as anti-environmentalists and I think this is contrary to what Scripture teaches.
- Is God Homophobic? The passage of California's proposition 8 (constitutionally banning gay marriage in the state) has sparked new levels of tension between the church, Christians, and more socially liberally minded people, gay people, etc. Can someone believe a lifestyle is wrong and still love the person. We give lip service to 'hate the sin but love the sinner.' the question is, can it really be done? And more importantly, how does God see the homosexual? This is a question that is always around us, even when it's not being talked about publicly.
- Is God Racist? I know that this is a settled matter for many people. But with the election of Barak Obama, there is a fresh conversation regarding stereotypes, upbringings, experiences, etc. regarding people of other races. Does God see any differences in people based on the color of their skin? Should we?
There is more and I would really like to hear from you. What are the stereotypes? What would be meaningful to discuss and helpful for people? What questions do people really have about God regarding social issues?
Thanks for your help.
15 comments:
Brian,
This is why I love you so much! I have these questions too. So here are my comments:
1. God is green. He wants us to take care of each other and his gift of Earth! end of that discussion.
2. God loves all. I know you know this. I truly feel that love is a gift from God and it is for everyone. I believe that there is too much hate in this world. If two people truly love one another, real love, then it is a blessing that they found each other. I know a lot of people say it is wrong and they say that God teaches us man should be with woman only. So I will get some flack for my comment, but I don't care.
3. The racist question is interesting. I do not think God is racist. I love that the American people have been able to open their eyes that all races are able to achieve this status. I even voted for McCain, but was very happy to see that we can overcome. I know there are people out there with racial hate and I do pray that they open their eyes and see all races are beautiful and have something amazing to contribute to the world.
there ya go!!
The series idea seems great. I think God and Christ followers are often painted as being not environmentally friendly, homophobic, and even racist at times. However, I believe for the most part this is not true. At least for me it isn't. But how did God (and us) get those labels? And what does scripture say about it? I think the green message would be an easy stretch, but the homophobia message would be a bit tougher. There's plenty of places in the bible where homosexuality is discussed and it clearly says that it is wrong. But on the other hand, Jesus commands us to love, love, and love some more. As for the racism piece, on one hand I think it is easy, and on the other hand... once upon a time, God chose a group of folks to be "His People". So, does that mean He particularly favored these folks and looked less favorably on everyone else? Was that racism? Some other stereotypes I thought of are: Non-Christians often say Christians are judgmental. Some believe Christians (especially younger ones) don't get to, or know how to have fun. And I suppose if you really want to tackle a stereotype, you'd have to bring up abortion and what scripture says about that. I'll definitely be looking forward to this series.
I concur with Karen in that THIS is why people love YOU and PCC. You aren't afriad (will maybe afraid, but you do what GOD tells you irregardless) to hit the topics that people are asking inside. I do not know about being green or a racist God, but you know that the homophobic God interests me deeply. I think that through the many messages that you have given over the last few years, I have learned that Jesus loved those that were MOST messed up and broken. LOVED THEM ANYWAY. Whether their behavior is wrong or "anti-Christian", we can still love them and be Christ-followers at the same time. I am proof of that.
I think a series of messages that talks about several topics that can teach more people to love as Christ would is a awesome idea and I will look forward to the unique and creative way you attack the topics...as always.
I 100% believe that "Love is love" and that you can't choose who you fall in love with. You are born gay and you have no choice in the matter, just like you have no choice in your skin color,your physical appearance or your mental and physical capabilites.To me, telling a gay person not to be gay is like telling a straight person not to be straight. God created us. Why would he judge and/or punish us for being who we were born as. I am a strong supporter of gay rights and have pretty much made that known. I had a step-father who was transgendered and when he passed away 5 years ago from cancer I made it my mission to open peoples eyes to what these people have to go thru on a daily basis just to live their life. I read every book I can get my hands on. I watch every movie/documentary that comes my way and I have educated myself on this topic immensely. Being gay is NOT a choice, but how you choose to accept people who are IS. Would love to talk to anyone and get their views and express more of mine.
I think the topic of homosexuality is huge. We live in a time where it is in the open, in the papers, on the television, in politics and of course in the church. I agree that people who are gay can not control how they feel and they are born with that disposition. I have a very dear friend who is gay and I just love him to death. He spent his whole life trying to deny his true feelings, even got married and eventually divorced. His wife cheated on him so something must have been evident without words. He is in a relationship now and he says it feels natural to him. He is a christ follower and goes to church but even with everything out in the open he feels convicted. It is a topic I struggle with because I believe marriage is between a man and a woman yet I also believe God wants us to love one another regardless. Some people say that gay rights is next evolution in our society just like a womans right to vote. I try to be accepting of peoples differences but I still can't stand to watch two men kiss on TV. I guess I just have to turn off the TV.
Is God an American?
Since the Puritans settled on these shores, America has been viewed by Americans as a City on a Hill, a place where people can worship freely. Americans have come to view themselves as a people set apart, and certainly we have enjoyed many many blessings over the past 400 years. I think there is an underlying attitude among many American Christians that because of our many blessings, that our nation is favored by God over others. Is this true?
Does He indeed bless us so greatly because we are a City on a Hill? Or does a greater blessing mean greater responsibiilty? And if so, how? As our economy and culture become more globalized, what is our response as Christians? How can we move beyond judgementalism, "tolerance" and proselitizng those of other cultures and faiths into a position of understanding, love and being Jesus' example? And, as America becomes increasingly secularlized, there are some people who say that God is punishing us, in various ways, as a people for our unbelief. What is really going on?
Just some randomized thoughts.
And I do think we need to deal with the issue of homosexuality, there are many aspects of this issue that could be addressed.
There are passages in God’s Word that tell us that homosexuality is not a lifestyle that God condones. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters, nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." Sodom and Gomorrah is an example of such offense. Genesis 13:13"But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." The Lord even destroyed Sodom, which was known for its homosexual practices and sexual lusts. Leviticus 20:13 "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lie with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
Romans 1:24-32: "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
Unfortunately I sin against my God everyday. And I ask God’s forgiveness for my sins everyday. God made me in His image, yet I have a free will to do anything I want to do. My understanding of God’s Word leads me not to believe a person is “born gay”. It is the free will that God has given to each and every one of us. There are many books on people who had participated in the homosexual lifestyle, and are now spreading their testimony as to how they turned away from their homosexuality and turned to God. Yes, I believe we can “hate the sin yet love the sinner”. God tells us to. However, even Jesus made a stand against things that were wrong when He walked this earth.
God's stance on abortion and euthanasia. or have we already covered these? I think I already know the answer to the abortion question, but euthanasia on the other hand...
Wow! It seems you have opened a up a can of something. But, as others have said, Brian/PCC takes on these topics in a thoughtful, loving, considerate, compassionate, truthful, Biblical point of view even when it steps on some toes. Thank you.
Now, I think the topic/series of absolutes would be a good one. The "church", not just speaking of PCC, I think has become accustom to existential thinking. What I mean by that is, we are too quick to say "I feel this way", or "To me, this verse says..." and we begin to define God and what He says based on our own experience, thoughts and feelings NOT what He says and has laid out for us. We, the church need to change how we think. We have the truth at our fingertips. We have to use it. We have to accept it. We have to trust it. We have to have faith in it and ask God for that faith. We have to stand by it. And so on.
Possible topics aside from those mentioned in other blogs.
*Truth. Is there absolute truth and how do we as Christians handle that truth without coming across as judgmental etc.?
*Christianity. Is it the ONLY way to God? Again, how do we as Christians handle that without coming across as insular?
*Lovingly standing firm in a world that preaches acceptance. This could address some of the previous blogs from others. For example. You can argue all day long and read piles of publications form both sides of the fence on weather or not some are born with homosexual tendencies. That is not really the issue. What does God's Word say about the practiced lifestyle and how are we to respond? Brian has already done a terrific job on that a while back so if this is to be brought up again is up to him. God is a holy pure God that demands justice. BUT, He is a loving, forgiving, accepting, merciful and full of grace who provides a way out (I Corinthians 10:13) so we may live in that grace.
Others:
*Who is God? Attributes etc.
*Christians are often labeled as hypocrites. What do we do that deserves that and what do we need to change? We often go to church and get all excited about that and then in the here and now of life we just blend right in with the crowd.
I am running out of space.
Since I don't have a blogger identity....
Erik
Homophobic?..It depends on who is defining that term.
The "world" would say anyone, God or people who would take a stand and call the homosexual lifestyle wrong is homophobic.
The dictionary definition is "a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it."
I think that lifestyle is wrong, not just because thats how I "feel" BUT, because of the evidence I see in the Bible as someone pointed out above. I do not have a persistent irrational fear...I simply take a stance (as challenged above) on something that is...well, a sin.
So...Brian, I would have to answer your question as yes and no.
These are great topics that I would love to hear about. Another idea: Is God sexist? Why do certain parts of the Bible seem to relay the message that men are superior and that women do not have the same privileges and rights as men? Do those standards apply in the 21st century? Is it sinful for men to treat women inferior in this day and age? Should women have leadership roles in the Church today?
As a former convicted drug user and someone who desires to follow Christ, I remember that Christ says I am The Way..I am The Truth..I am The Light, no one comes to the father except through me. He also warned about false teaching. It doesn't matter how we feel about something, it matters how Christ feels about it. Paul says we should have the mind of Christ. That is our desire as a Christ follower should be to see and think like Christ sees and thinks. There are 2 kinds of people in this world, those who are in covenant with God and those who are not. We are called as Christ followers to reach out to those who are not in covenant with Christ and help them, guide them and love them into a relationship with him.
If I continued to be a using drug addict and yet claimed to be a Christ follower I would be double minded. Paul says in Romans that when we have conflict like this we do what we know is wrong and we don't do what we know is right. If our behavior is not in line with Christ then our claim to be his is not balanced.
The durg addict, the adulterer, the homosexual, the acholic etc have let their desires rule in their lives, when we come to Christ this is the very behavior He saves us from, but He offers us a better way.
Remember when the God gave the law to Moses it was to show people their sin, when He gave us Christ it was to give us hope. Remember that the word tolerance is right out of the pit. God never tolerated sin and never will, but He does offer us a way out of sin through Christ.
Perfectly put #13! (Sorry, I just watched Get Smart)
Your life example is real. It is tangible. It is an example of the hope we all have through Christ. It is a true testimony to the life we can all have through Him, a testimony to the truth of God's Word.
Thanks
Is God a Universalist? This is a growing common misconception today. I am convinced by scripture this is a misconception. However, this is a growing theology that is carefully disguised and is creeping slowly into acceptance. There is a very popular "teacher" today who many are attracted to because of his exceptional speaking ability but it seems that at the core of his teaching there is no mention of forgiveness by the death of Jesus Christ and that being the ONLY salvation. This I believe is a critical topic.
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