About gay vicars.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Now I admit I'm not religious so I don't really get the argument of breaking church law, etc.

But I think its crazy that in this day and age a vicar can be refused a licence to practice by the local bishop because he's gay.

I thought Christians were meant to be tolerant, compassionate, etc.

Its even more crazy when he wouldn't be working directly for the diocese but for the local hospital.

bbc news story

[Anniegetyourgun]

Prevent what, sorry? The 21st century?

[alemci]

to try to prevent the trafficking of people and raise awareness in the community. Christians are involved in this.

[niminypiminy]

"Look what happened at women in church recently. People still standing up saying that it shouldn't happen!"

Not quite sure what you mean. Is that about women bishops? If it is, I think we can agree that it was hugely disappointing. But I think that will be resolved very shortly. Change can happen

[edamsavestheday]

What I don't understand about the conservative anti-gay, anti-women lot is why they are so hung up on these issues. Aren't there more important things to worry about, like declining congregations, poverty, assisted suicide and all sorts of other stuff?

Clearly whether St Paul meant homosexuality or male prostitution, he included lots of other sins too - so whatever he meant about sex, he said it was on a level with robbery, adultery or drunken-ness. So why do evangelicals not crusade against alcoholism or bar people who have ever stolen anything - even a paperclip from work - from the priesthood?

[Bardette]

Why should people who are not Christians have any say over what Christian's believe? It is not a religion that has just been thrown together on a whim but something that we firmly believe in and do our best to live by. Yes some parts of the Bible are open to interpretation and yes some things need to change but I am glad that change happens slowly after careful consideration and discussion. If we changed our beliefs based on fashions and fads they would not be worth having in the first place.

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

Alemci, I guess it is. It really grates against modern life now doesn't it.

[edamsavestheday]

Bardette, we are allowed to discuss what a major Christian organisation does, just as we discuss any other issue in the public eye. The CofE, in particular, is not a private club - it is the established church, with a duty to care for all souls, a presence in every parish, and privileges such as bishops helping to make our laws.

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

Niminy, yes. Sorry. Not very articulate tonight. Apologies. Great link! Hurrah!!! I really hope that happens. I was very angry and ashamed of the governing body at that previous result. Really made me question my faith. It so badly did not fit. Oh that is good news. Fingers crossed then!

[Anniegetyourgun]

Oh right, sorry. Very good. So we can take it the Church does not condone slavery these days, at least not officially, despite what it says in the Bible. But it does still have a major down on homosexuals. Go figure.

[niminypiminy]

"What I don't understand about the conservative anti-gay, anti-women lot is why they are so hung up on these issues. Aren't there more important things to worry about, like declining congregations, poverty, assisted suicide and all sorts of other stuff? "

So agree with this!

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

This thread has helped me lots. Thanks. I help at SS. I'm going to lead a teen group and I've been dreading what to do if questions like these are raised, which they will and should.

I volunteered for primary age and to help! Got teens and lead. Ah well. Will save thread for later ref. been really bothering me...

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

I guess it's that dreadful word "tradition"?

[Anniegetyourgun]

Oh btw, I'm C of E - not a regular attender these days though - does that qualify me to comment?

[alemci]

I haven't made any comment on the church and homosexuality. of course slavery is wrong and I think it always has been and you don't expect to find it in this day and age.

[Anniegetyourgun]

.

[alemci]

I always found the sex before marriage thing too much but alot of evangelical christians feel this is the way to be.

[niminypiminy]

@ Minnieisthedevilmouse that's what you get for volunteering. It's a slippery slope you know

[alemci]

thought this was quite helpful about slavery in biblical times

christiananswers.net/q-aiia/aiia-slavery/

[alemci]

sorry my links are never great from android

[headinhands]

of course slavery is wrong and I think it always has been

A handful of logical fallacies aside alenci have a look at this:

Slavery in the Bible

(Slavery is just fine with god btw)

[headinhands]

indentured servant type arrangement

Yeah this seems quite fair;

^Beating and Killing Slaves: Although an owner could beat a male or female slave, she/he would have to avoid serious injury to eyes or teeth. The owner would have to avoid beating the slave to death. But it was acceptable to beat a slave so severely that it only disabled him or her for two days:
Exodus 21:20-21 "And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money [property]."

I think if your slave dies, due to his injuries at least 3 days after you beat them, you're okay.

[alemci]

Thanks hand, the verse in Luke 47 is out of context and is a parable, it talks about the servant beating the other servants whilst his master is away. not sure if a servant is the same as a slave.

I think you have to look at each chapter.

[alemci]

agree old testament was very harsh

[Szeli]

SS questions are wonderful! Good luck!

My kids decided Adam and Eve must have been amoebas because otherwise there's be no dinosaurs.

I'll take that :D

And 'agreeing with gay vicars' means I'm glad we have openly gay vicars now, it's a fairly recent move along with the women vicars

[headinhands]

By what reasoning are you deciding the OT is harsh? You sound like you have better and more sophisticated morals than the god of the bible. Oopsies.