Saturday, April 30, 2016

I Have to Confess... I am open to lots of things. But does that mean I should embrace them?

Am I Open To An LGBT-affirming Biblical perspective?
An honest response to Rev. Morgan Guyton’s treatment on the subject.

To be clear, I am always open to hear anyone’s viewpoints on this or any other topic.  I am open to the discussions that are needed to ensure that healthy dialogue continues.  I believe that when we stop communicating and start name calling and belittling, everyone loses.  Especially those who we are seeking to give voice to.  Passion can't afford to be undermined by vitriol.  If everyone is yelling, then no one is able to listen.  You can’t do both at the same time.  And I’m not interested in “winning” a conversation.  If that’s my goal, then I’ve already lost, because that means I’ve placed more importance on my pride or “rightness” than on searching for real resolution to a deep and painful division.  With that said, Rev. Morgan Guyton’s recent and repeated challenge for any "conservative" to offer “good-faith engagement” on his blog post from last year, “Are You Open To LGBT-affirming Biblical Perspective?”, coupled with his subsequent commenting on a UM clergy group page, led me to read his blog… carefully… several times.  So, “Am I open to an LGBTQ-affirming Biblical perspective?”  And what does that mean exactly?