"Our savior came as the ultimate lightning rod for the hatred of difference as he became the faultless model for those who are a part of the abnormal. He was despised and rejected, and still, his life made room for all of us who choose to walk a countercultural path. The beautiful struggle, and the compassion that flows from our Christ-centered hearts, is the same compassion that we have staked our entire life on, knowing that Jesus had that same compassion on us. It's time to start including into that compassion those people who many of us have thought to be the center of all things abnormal." Love is an Orientation, pg 91.
Eye-opening, refreshing, it's about time--these are the words I associate with Andew Marin, author of "Love is an Orientation". No matter where you stand theologically on the homosexual issue, this book is relevant for you. Marin elevates the conversation.
Not too long ago I was told in an interview after being asked what I thought theologically about the homosexual debate that my answer was not sufficient--that I need to have a firm understanding of which camp I was in. I felt immediately defensive, as a firm understanding meant I remained outside the conversation. Maybe its the postmodern in my, maybe the GenX rebel but, what exactly is the debate? One thing I am absolutely sure of is that I am NOT God. Consequently, I am his follower. To be found in Him is to be found in mystery, in secret, not really understanding most things but stepping out in faith to share what he has so willingly bestowed upon me, GRACE.
Marin does not try to answer questions but what he does do is teach us how to listen--an area the church lacks. It is only in listening that we can step into the need and truly become obedient. How can I know what God desires if I don't bend my ear? How will I be able to love the Gay and Lesbian community if I open my mouth and proceed with insult? How can I hear unless I listen?
Read it. Tell me what you think. This is a conversation I have been waiting to have.
1 comment:
Thank you for this thoughtful and sensitive review. I ordered the book minutes after reading your commentary. One of the painful realities in the PCUSA is the intransigent bias against GLBT persons. It is based upon a rigid hermeneutic stance, reminiscent of the pro-slavery and misogynous positions that characterized previous generations of sincere but inflexible believers.
I love your sentences, "How will I be able to love the Gay and Lesbian community if I open my mouth and proceed with insult? How can I hear unless I listen?"
In case you are not familiar with it, I commend the small volume by Jack Rogers entitled JESUS, THE BIBLE, AND HOMOSEXUALITY (Westminster John Knox Press, 2006). A more definitive treatment of this topic can be found in Wm. Stacy Johnson’s A TIME TO EMBRACE: SAME GENDER RELATIONSHIPS IN RELIGION, LAW, AND POLITICS (Eerdmans, 2006). Each of these authors is Presbyterian, and both are seminary professors.
I pray for the time when Christians on both sides of this issue can come together and affirm one another without having to demonize the other side.
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