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LadyEllen -> RE: "Episcopal bishops reject ultimatum" (3/21/2007 5:40:59 PM)
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Good for them.
Irregardless of what the bible says, is it not a truism that Christianity makes sinners of all, that they might then be saved?
One must ask why Christians feel the need to take part in communion each week, if no sin is permitted - where we are taking as sin that which is proscribed by the Church. Is there any difference in this regard, between the high status businessman who attends church and undertakes virtue, but then on Monday morning engages in dodgy dealing which could be described as theft, and the gay man who is in an ongoing relationship?
In terms of Christianity, both have committed sin. In terms of Christianity, both are damned equally and there being no system of graduation for damnation - there is only damnation, not a level 1 or 2 or whatever on some scale, there is no difference between them. Both also engaged in their sin wilfully and with aforethought. So there is no difference between them. If we are to hold homosexuals to some special standard not applicable to all, then I would ask where and how this is supported?
The facts of the situation are, that the Church of England/Episcopalean Church now has a substantial majority of its membership based in third world countries, where the social evolution that has taken place in our societies with respect to homosexual rights, (as well as women's rights and all manner of diversity rights), has not occurred. The majority of the church membership now, regards the world in a way not unfamiliar to our society between the wars, and since they are the majority they have the influence to make policy in a way never before envisioned as a possibility - which inevitably means dragging any progress the church has made, back into the homophobic, misogynistic and racist 1930s.
Now, it does not in any way disappoint me to see the greater Church of England facing its destruction this way; I would like to see the edifice crumble such that it has no greater influence on the UK than any other religion. What does concern me is that antiquated and dangerous and damaging views, out of which we have struggled to grow in the last few decades, are being forced upon us by way of this situation - albeit that for the US it is less serious than for the UK, where the Church of England is part of the fabric of government, and for which the Queen is defender of the faith and through which influence could be brought to bear upon laws and regulations.
E
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