I have not watched/listened to all of this yet, but In one sentence he states that *"Methodists are not Fundamentalists"*, in another almost right after, he states *"one of the questions we love to ask about the bible in general, is do we take it literally or not?"* Then he states that *"the answer to the is yes"*, then he states *"sometimes you take it literally and sometimes you don't"* He also states that frequency of some things are to be taken more seriously, but then he states that infrequency is also to be taken just as seriously.
If we're not sure of the interpretation of the Bible then we should be praying for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment!
It’s unfortunate that 7 years later that denomination is splitting over this issue. But I think it’s fair for LGBTQ Christians to have a definitive answer instead of agree to disagree. Can they fully participate in the life of the church with membership, leadership, can a pastor perform a marriage for whoever they want to and not lose their job? It’s important to know if a church is fully affirming, or if it’s a bait and switch church where they say “we love you, you can attend, you can give your money; but you’re still restricted because of how God made you.” So I sympathize that he advocates for agree to disagree, and I understand the sentiment and him saying it shouldn’t be as big a deal as to split. Can those who disagree learn to be gracious enough to attend a church where all people are welcome to participate in the full life of the church? There is no clear answer for people, no clear decision of affirmation by this church. At least not by the end of this talk anyway.
Dr. Howell, you stated around the 6 minute mark about Paul and Luke. That some of their statements were specific to men writing their own comments and not being dictated by God what to write. Yet the 2 Timothy 3:16 says "all scripture is inspired by God." How do you reconcile the difference between your statement and 2 Timothy 3:16?
I have not watched/listened to all of this yet, but In one sentence he states that *"Methodists are not Fundamentalists"*, in another almost right after, he states *"one of the questions we love to ask about the bible in general, is do we take it literally or not?"* Then he states that *"the answer to the is yes"*, then he states *"sometimes you take it literally and sometimes you don't"*
He also states that frequency of some things are to be taken more seriously, but then he states that infrequency is also to be taken just as seriously.
If we're not sure of the interpretation of the Bible then we should be praying for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment!
It’s unfortunate that 7 years later that denomination is splitting over this issue. But I think it’s fair for LGBTQ Christians to have a definitive answer instead of agree to disagree. Can they fully participate in the life of the church with membership, leadership, can a pastor perform a marriage for whoever they want to and not lose their job? It’s important to know if a church is fully affirming, or if it’s a bait and switch church where they say “we love you, you can attend, you can give your money; but you’re still restricted because of how God made you.” So I sympathize that he advocates for agree to disagree, and I understand the sentiment and him saying it shouldn’t be as big a deal as to split. Can those who disagree learn to be gracious enough to attend a church where all people are welcome to participate in the full life of the church? There is no clear answer for people, no clear decision of affirmation by this church. At least not by the end of this talk anyway.
Dr. Howell, you stated around the 6 minute mark about Paul and Luke. That some of their statements were specific to men writing their own comments and not being dictated by God what to write. Yet the 2 Timothy 3:16 says "all scripture is inspired by God." How do you reconcile the difference between your statement and 2 Timothy 3:16?
I agree with you. He's definitely contradicting himself and changing the word of God!
the real sin of course is homophobia