THIS POST IS NOW LIVE ON MY NEW BLOG
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UPDATE 29/11/13 - A great new website launched today, looking at this complex issue through the perspective of individuals, theological thought, and book reviews. Endorsed by some great folks and well designed, check out Living Out!
I'd love to know your thoughts on this post, so please do comment. If you'd like to explore this topic further on my blog, I'd recommend reading this post, by a celibate follower of Jesus, about orientation. You might also find my post 'Christianity and Homosexuality: A New Approach' to be helpful. A friend of mine wrote this superb guest post on singleness and celibacy. I'd also warmly recommend a few books to you; 'The End of Sexual Identity', and 'Washed and Waiting'. Finally, on the recent furore in the UK over gender-neutral marriage, you may like to read this. There are many more, and more posts on these topics besides what I link to here, but I hope that will get you started.
I'd love to know your thoughts on this post, so please do comment. If you'd like to explore this topic further on my blog, I'd recommend reading this post, by a celibate follower of Jesus, about orientation. You might also find my post 'Christianity and Homosexuality: A New Approach' to be helpful. A friend of mine wrote this superb guest post on singleness and celibacy. I'd also warmly recommend a few books to you; 'The End of Sexual Identity', and 'Washed and Waiting'. Finally, on the recent furore in the UK over gender-neutral marriage, you may like to read this. There are many more, and more posts on these topics besides what I link to here, but I hope that will get you started.
Hi Tom, a well-written post! Just a thought I had while reading:
ReplyDeleteCorrect me if I'm wrong, but at the start of your piece you seem to be implying that people who participate in the Gay Pride events are making the statement that their sexuality is their main identity trait.
The gay community is especially concerned with showing the world that their sexuality does not define who they are. The celebrations are simply one day a year when people can show that they're happy with this one aspect (emphasis on 'one aspect') of their person...
It just seems redundant to remind people that sexuality isn't enough. I think you'd find it hard to find someone who, when asked how they define who they are, would list their sexuality as the basis of their identity.
Anonymous, thanks for commenting, appreciate you taking the time to do so.
ReplyDeleteFair point - I would argue that a large amount of what the 'gay community' does and says seems to demonstrate that their sexuality does define them to an extent. A lot doesn't, but I think a lot does. Its why, I think, there is the importance of 'coming out', and I wrote a semi-satirical Christian post about that a while back.
It may be redundant, I don't think so, and that is partly why I wrote sex(uality). I want to challenge people in the whole area of sex, identity, sexuality, all that. Largely because of the insane value our culture places on sex.
I hope that clears some things up!
Thanks again for taking the time to comment.
Hi Tom
ReplyDeleteIn response to your post above, I found this today on the Changing Attitude (Scotland) website (http://www.changingattitudescotland.org.uk/beliefs-2/) and I can't improve on it for clarity and succinctness:
Beliefs
We believe that:
there is integrity in being both Christian and gay, lesbian or bisexual
gay, lesbian and bisexual people are called by God to express their sexuality in loving, faithful and committed relationships
same-sex orientation is a God-given reality for a large minority of people, not a sin or a sickness
as the positive contribution of the gay community towards society becomes clearer, the church’s mission to this expanding group becomes urgent
gay people’s lives offer evidence of the fruit of the Spirit
our present experience requires a re-evaluation of scripture and tradition
to be gay, lesbian or bisexual is not limited to sexual activity or sexual identity but encompasses every dimension of life
prejudice against gay people in the church is as unacceptable as racism or prejudice against women
the church should stop colluding with cultural repression and discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people in all parts of the world
You're right - sex is not enough but Christian civil partnered couples are finding that their discipleship is bringing 'life in all its fullness'.
Hi Jane,
Deletethanks for the comment! I'm completely unconvinced by the CA approach ot scripture, to people, and sexuality. Its limited. You can see some of this in my review of Jeffrey John's 'Permanent. Faithful. Stable', but its deeper than that.
That 'belief' paragraph is interesting, but its more political than religious, and fails to take into account the created or christ-like elements of God's design for sex etc.
Do read my review of J's book. Consider googling 'peter ould changing attitude' for a firm demolition of CA's approach.
Thanks again for commenting.