Controversial Topics

Post by **_Michelle** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:47 pm

Wow, TK, you could be teaching for a long time...then they'll burn ya.

Post by **_Rae** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:07 pm

Gay Christians

I didn't realize this was an argument within the true church.

Post by **_anothersteve** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:09 pm

Seth wrote

Creation/Evolution/Age of the Earth is a big one. I tend to get freaked-out looks when I mention I don't lean toward the 144 hours view.

Is that the look you're talking about? If so, I can relate!

Must a Christian be a Republican?

I sure hope not, it's not an option for me! Then again, I guess I could apply for an American citizenship and hope for the best.

Post by **_Homer** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:25 pm

TK,

After many years of teaching classes on a topic, on the parables, on a particular book of the bible, etc., I am currently teaching a class similar to Steve's program. The people in the class pick the subject, which may take part of a one hour class, a whole class, or more than one class. We take as much time as needed.

I ask for questions and then answer them in order, but not usually the day they are asked; I take time to prepare, and often present more than one opinion. There is much input and discussion from the class. This has been the most well received class I have ever taught.

Post by **_Mort_Coyle** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:44 pm

Rae,

Gay Christians

I didn't realize this was an argument within the true church.

So you don't consider Anglicans part of the true church? This is a huge issue within Anglicanism/Episcopalianism. Within the mainline and Evangelical denominations there are many gays who claim to be followers of Jesus. How do we deal with them in a Christ-like manner? Is homosexuality a worse sin than, say, alcoholism or porn addiction? Do we exclude gays? Include them? Don't ask, don't tell? Many churches are wrestling with these questions.

Steve,

Must a Christian be a Republican?

I sure hope not, it's not an option for me!

Sorry! For you it's "must a Christian be a Tory?"

Post by **_SoaringEagle** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:53 pm

Within the mainline and Evangelical denominations there are many gays who claim to be followers of Jesus. How do we deal with them in a Christ-like manner?

We deal with them in the same way we deal with gluttonous Christians who have eating disorders, and I'm telling you, their situation is just as complicated as the homosexual. Show them unconditional love and acceptance while present Christ as Lord, Deliverer, Healer, and Restorer through the teaching of the word in a living and dynamic way, and allow them the space to grow. That's how we deal with them.

Post by **_Mort_Coyle** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:13 am

Well said. I don't want to divert this thread into a discussion about Gay Christians. I think in just a few posts we've seen that it is indeed a controversial topic and possibly a good candidate for what TK is considering.

Post by **_Christopher** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:23 am

Rae wrote:

It could help Christians to be more accepting of other Christians who hold different viewpoints than their own on some non-essential issues.

I would like to echo this sentiment. I don't know what TK would answer about his reasons, but I have come to believe that understanding the viewpoints of other Christians (agree or disagree) is an essential element of unity in the body of Christ.

Let me qualify that: at least in Western Christianity. I suspect it's not really even an issue in the third world and countries where Christians are persecuted...they got far better things to worry about than petty differences.

Post by **_Suzana** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:25 am

a couple more possible topics:

- is a pastor our authority / covering
- having church meetings not on a Sunday, but any day of the week that suits

Post by **_TK** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:27 am

danny wrote:

How about a discussion of whether or not George Fox was a "charismatic"?

ooh- that's a good one. i think that he was as well... not only that he was REALLY against tithing as a NT doctrine-- man that would cause panic attacks among some of the staff.

thanks for all your suggestions- definitely some good food for thought!

TK