tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post5973657108221466089..comments2020-02-17T12:26:49.601-05:00Comments on The Ecumethodist: Love Will Keep Us TogetherPaul Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771814142319521408noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post-63085287813138797472013-11-26T22:41:02.807-05:002013-11-26T22:41:02.807-05:00Anonymous, you're right to point out that some...Anonymous, you're right to point out that some United Methodists *have* been listening to each other, but have now chosen to act in ways that are destructive to the whole family. A certain minority of progressives has chosen to act as if their traditional sisters and brothers do not exist. Meanwhile, some conservatives have pushed for retributive church trials and seem to relish the idea of pushing the progressives out (Southern Baptist takeover, anyone?). But even if a split/divorce occurs, will we not still be bound to one another in the family of God by the Holy Spirit? To me, true *listening* implies moving past the simplistic arguments that are so often repeated and coming to a place of mutual respect where we can agree to disagree. The laity already do this. Clergy could too, if we would stop the political shenanigans. Of course, it would require some humility from both sides...Paul Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16771814142319521408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post-21807042203034432092013-11-26T18:44:40.659-05:002013-11-26T18:44:40.659-05:00Paul, There is much of your blog that is so right...Paul, There is much of your blog that is so right on about the UMC. My own life has found connetion and blessing from congregations and pastors with completely opposite perspectives on beliefs and practical ministry actions connected to human sexuality. We are a family that is diverse and has learned to live with each and in some cases love each other. However, is sitting down and listening to each other the best answer at this time? Is listening all that is needed? Many persons with the "reconciling" perspective and beliefs have stopped listening and started acting. Many persons with the 'confessing' perspective believe these new actions are destroying the family not building up love in the family. Even the most loving families are wise enough to establish healthy boundaries when someone in the family starts destroying the family or acting in ways that violates agreements within the family. Does not experience teach us that families who can't establish healthy boundaries end up being wrecked by manipulation, bullying, acting out, and the destructive behaviors of those unwilling to abide by agreements and healthy boundaries? Are you saying that the most important way to love each other at this time is to sit down and listen? Rev. Schaeffer and the 30+ other pastors in Pennsylvania disagree. They have stopped listening and started acting. Do you believe their actions were actions of love for the UMC? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post-65512534888299535672013-11-26T13:08:55.673-05:002013-11-26T13:08:55.673-05:00Excellent, very well said. It seems to me the issu...Excellent, very well said. It seems to me the issue is about relationships. Jesus commanded us to love each other, as I have loved you. I do not recall him ever commanding us to regulate or condemn who people love. The issue is not Who you love, but Do you love.John JP Pattersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12914810208668629510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post-75111528408403934662013-11-25T22:50:28.073-05:002013-11-25T22:50:28.073-05:00Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joel!
Anonymous,...Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joel!<br />Anonymous, a traditional reading of the biblical passages on homosexuality does not necessarily imply a hateful or judgmental spirit. There should be room in the UMC for Christians who interpret these passages in different ways, particularly at the local church level.Paul Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16771814142319521408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post-58302535954815493402013-11-25T18:51:23.674-05:002013-11-25T18:51:23.674-05:00How is your opinion different from:
Progressive C...How is your opinion different from: <br />Progressive Christian: “Jesus says to not judge and to love everybody!”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5854140391172903738.post-58923608820425380422013-11-24T21:53:54.769-05:002013-11-24T21:53:54.769-05:00Paul,
Thank you for posting this. You hit the nai...Paul,<br />Thank you for posting this. You hit the nail on the head, I think, when you said "we forget we are talking to and about people." I look forward to the day when these difference fade into the background, but until then may we treat one another with love, respect and dignity. Peace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com