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03/02/2009
Audio: Hopefully the congregants stayed awake for this one
Bonnie Half-Elven, a blogger and friend of G-A-Y, introduced us to the following sermon that was recently preached by Rev. Adam Hamilton, a Methodist preacher based out of Leawood, KS. The topic: Why we 'mo folk, of course.
Now, if you go into it expecting a religious leader who definitively declares homosexuality to be a virtue, then you're going to be disappointed. If you delve in as an atheist who wants people to think of God only when they look at their dog in the mirror, then you'll be left with a longing. However, if you listen with ears that wish to hear Christian leaders (esp. red state ones) encouraging open minds rather than stubborn judgment, then we think you'll find lots to like in Rev. Hamilton's Sunday sayings:
Rev. Hamilton's church is exactly 76.1 physical miles from that of fellow Kansan Fred Phelps. Here's hoping that over the next few years, the mental distance between mainstream Christianity and fringe anti-gay nuttiness will grow even larger as the former body takes more and greater strides to combat the latter. This sort of a sermon is a step in the left right direction.
The best sermon I've ever heard [BHE's LJ]
Your thoughts
What am I, chopped liver? http://tinyurl.com/b9j9y3
;)
Posted by: Matt Algren | Mar 2, 2009 11:26:29 AM
Sorry, Matt -- I didn't see yours.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Mar 2, 2009 12:07:40 PM
I'm a little dumbfounded.
This is the theological argument that christians need to hear, and hearing this from a methodist pastor in Kansas is very impressive.
I'm an athiest who takes his 90+ year old Mother to church, and even She would get it.
On top of everything else . .I totally cracked up when he says "he doesn't even understand all this shit" at around 26:35.
Invite this guy instead of Warren next time.
Posted by: Jon | Mar 2, 2009 12:25:24 PM
Mr. Phelps is even closer on my blog, being the next entry. I hesitated to put his brand of hatred on my site, but with more people joining in this fight, I've discovered that many on our side are clueless to some of the people we are up against.
The only way I could stomach it was to link to your "Two Extremists In One" post. ;)
Matt, interesting comments on yours. The idea that someone can be straight and Christian and still advocate for lgbt rights does make an impression.
Well, sometimes. The ultra-conservative Catholic I work for is praying for my soul. He thinks I'm on the fast track to hell. ;)
Posted by: Bonnie_Half-Elven | Mar 2, 2009 12:26:51 PM
"On top of everything else . .I totally cracked up when he says "he doesn't even understand all this shit" at around 26:35"
Actually, he says, "he doesn't even understand all this yet."
It threw the first time I heard it, too.
Posted by: Bonnie_Half-Elven | Mar 2, 2009 2:23:21 PM
Jon, he said "he doesn't even understand all this YET."
...though I'm glad I'm not the only one who heard it different the first time through!
Posted by: Matt Algren | Mar 2, 2009 2:34:41 PM
The thing I find fascinating is the fact that this man put it out there to his congregation in terms of theology.
This is exactly what needs to be examined by those who pick and choose biblical text.
I grew up with methodists. . .hard core folks who thought prohibition was the answer. . .I wore the burlap in the christmas pagent (the blonde girl always got to play the virgin).
The reality is that the methodist church is scrambling . . .a slow road to oblivion which can't retain a congregation under the age of 80. . .I'm watching that happen today. . .my Mothers leaking church can't afford to shingle the roof, and they are dying off by the week.
At the very least, Hamilton has put himself out with a message explaining theological interpretations (much to the consternation many parisioners).
The sad part for me is the loss of community . . .these small methodist churches have built a lifetime of friendships and support.
So, my point here isn't to slam the christians as I do on a normal basis ..but to give kudos to Hamilton for the theological perspective, understanding of what a community is really about.
I'm still an athiest. . .and I still think he said "shit" . .humor me.
Posted by: Jon | Mar 2, 2009 3:39:08 PM
Matt & Bonnie, I liked it my way better ;)
Posted by: Jon | Mar 2, 2009 4:04:22 PM
Thank you so much for posting this. This is the kind of thing we need to hear, and the kind of discussion that people should be having. He is sane, intelligent, and helps restore my faith in the religious community.
Posted by: Claire | Mar 4, 2009 12:46:13 AM
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