Pastor of Georgia Mega-church comes out

[micatala]

http://newsroom.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/1 ... =allsearch


Questions for debate.

Will this have a measurable effect in changing attitudes within his church, or in the wider evangelical community?

[LiamOS]

From my observation of similar occurrences, I seriously doubt that this will have a notable effect.

[Lux]

Unfortunately, I think the first reaction we can expect to see is outrage, and some kind of movement to have him removed from the church. I hope I'm wrong.

[Guest]

http://newsroom.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/1 ... =allsearch


Questions for debate.

Will this have a measurable effect in changing attitudes within his church, or in the wider evangelical community?

No. Not any more. Its becoming an old way to get attention. He might get a few talk show interviews but not as many as the first one. Eventually, no one will bother noticing. I dont. I mean, so what if the church is loaded with sinners. Its supposed to be. Thats why its there.

[flitzerbiest]

I doubt that this will change the attitudes of Evangelicals, but time will. Numerous polls show that the younger generations are overwhelmingly rejecting the bigoted (and often hypocritical) anti-gay message of Evangelicalism. This is just the latest social justice issue (e.g. slavery, feminism, etc) on which the conservative church is doggedly defending the wrong side.

[cnorman18]

I doubt that this will change the attitudes of Evangelicals, but time will. Numerous polls show that the younger generations are overwhelmingly rejecting the bigoted (and often hypocritical) anti-gay message of Evangelicalism. This is just the latest social justice issue (e.g. slavery, feminism, etc) on which the conservative church is doggedly defending the wrong side.

I think it ought to be noted that the liberal churches have consistently been on the RIGHT side of all those issues; slavery, civil rights, feminism, and now gay/lesbian rights. For the record, so have modern Jews. Fundamentalist religion can be toxic and counterprogressive, and very often is; but that is not necessarily true of Christianity as a whole, nor of religion in general.

[flitzerbiest]

I doubt that this will change the attitudes of Evangelicals, but time will. Numerous polls show that the younger generations are overwhelmingly rejecting the bigoted (and often hypocritical) anti-gay message of Evangelicalism. This is just the latest social justice issue (e.g. slavery, feminism, etc) on which the conservative church is doggedly defending the wrong side.

I think it ought to be noted that the liberal churches have consistently been on the RIGHT side of all those issues; slavery, civil rights, feminism, and now gay/lesbian rights. For the record, so have modern Jews. Fundamentalist religion can be toxic and counterprogressive, and very often is; but that is not necessarily true of Christianity as a whole, nor of religion in general.

Well, yes and no. The Episcopal communion is dividing over the ordination of Gene Robinson, and ELCA churches are withdrawing from their synod over the same issue. I suppose what remains is the liberal church, but there is not exactly consensus within the liberal Christian movement.

[cnorman18]

I doubt that this will change the attitudes of Evangelicals, but time will. Numerous polls show that the younger generations are overwhelmingly rejecting the bigoted (and often hypocritical) anti-gay message of Evangelicalism. This is just the latest social justice issue (e.g. slavery, feminism, etc) on which the conservative church is doggedly defending the wrong side.

I think it ought to be noted that the liberal churches have consistently been on the RIGHT side of all those issues; slavery, civil rights, feminism, and now gay/lesbian rights. For the record, so have modern Jews. Fundamentalist religion can be toxic and counterprogressive, and very often is; but that is not necessarily true of Christianity as a whole, nor of religion in general.

Well, yes and no. The Episcopal communion is dividing over the ordination of Gene Robinson, and ELCA churches are withdrawing from their synod over the same issue. I suppose what remains is the liberal church, but there is not exactly consensus within the liberal Christian movement.

Point taken, but I hope you took MY point as well; not all Christians are reactionaries and bigots.

When has there ever been consensus among Christians on anything? That's why there are 33,000+ denominations. Every time there's an argument, one bunch withdraws from their church, goes down the street, and starts a new one distinct from the old bunch. Those schisms have been about social and ethical issues as often as doctrinal ones. Don't forget that the Episcopal Church basically got its start because Henry VIII wanted to get married again.

[flitzerbiest]

I doubt that this will change the attitudes of Evangelicals, but time will. Numerous polls show that the younger generations are overwhelmingly rejecting the bigoted (and often hypocritical) anti-gay message of Evangelicalism. This is just the latest social justice issue (e.g. slavery, feminism, etc) on which the conservative church is doggedly defending the wrong side.

I think it ought to be noted that the liberal churches have consistently been on the RIGHT side of all those issues; slavery, civil rights, feminism, and now gay/lesbian rights. For the record, so have modern Jews. Fundamentalist religion can be toxic and counterprogressive, and very often is; but that is not necessarily true of Christianity as a whole, nor of religion in general.

Well, yes and no. The Episcopal communion is dividing over the ordination of Gene Robinson, and ELCA churches are withdrawing from their synod over the same issue. I suppose what remains is the liberal church, but there is not exactly consensus within the liberal Christian movement.

Point taken, but I hope you took MY point as well; not all Christians are reactionaries and bigots.

I never made such an assertion. However, I would gladly defend an assertion that Evangelicalism embraces exclusivism, intolerance and bigotry.

[East of Eden]

I doubt that this will change the attitudes of Evangelicals, but time will. Numerous polls show that the younger generations are overwhelmingly rejecting the bigoted (and often hypocritical) anti-gay message of Evangelicalism. This is just the latest social justice issue (e.g. slavery, feminism, etc) on which the conservative church is doggedly defending the wrong side.

I think it ought to be noted that the liberal churches have consistently been on the RIGHT side of all those issues; slavery, civil rights, feminism, and now gay/lesbian rights. For the record, so have modern Jews. Fundamentalist religion can be toxic and counterprogressive, and very often is; but that is not necessarily true of Christianity as a whole, nor of religion in general.

Bible-believing Christians have been on the side of the anti-slavery and civil rights movement, as well as better treatment of women and gays. If you expect them to discard God's ideal of sex to be a matter between one man and woman in a marriage relationship, it won't happen.