Spring Break
Gay Awareness Week promotes acceptance
Abstract:
Reverend Jo Hudson said the Cathedral of Hope's main passion is to be big enough that a gay waiter in Uncertain, Texas, knows there is a church where he can go and be welcomed with open arms....
- Displaying 1 - 14 of 14
Ed
posted 4/11/07 @ 3:02 PM CST
Originally posted byConcerned
I know I need to be careful here. But I am wondering what the point of going to this Cathedral of Hope is?
The Bible makes it plain that mankind has a serious problem, called sinful hearts. The purpose of Christ's life, death, burial and resurrection was to bring people out of their sin. Christ himself said marriage is between a man and a woman. He would not have condoned -- and certainly not encouraged -- homosexuality.
What "hope", I wonder, does this Cathedral offer to the community?
"Come to our church and we'll help you live a better life"?
"Come to our church and we'll help you feel welcomed"?
"Come to our church and we'll tell you everything's gonna be OK"?
All of these messages are deceptions if the gospel is not at the center. Christ called all men (yes, me too) to believe in Him and then repent, or turn away from sin.
I am not speaking out on homosexuality. I am speaking out on this church.
While i've never heard of or been to this church i can tell you that there is a point to this church.
You are wise to be aware of man's sinful hearts. But we all go to church anyway even when we cannot be possiblily sure if the the person siting beside us just had pre-marital sex or excessive drinking last night or comitted plagerism for the last homework or exam. That is called faith in the goodness of God and His love and blessings on his children, the very same people you sit beside.
Homosexuals deserve this as much as any of us weak and sining selves do. It is only unfortunate that for reasons they have to feel or are made to feel that they are not welcomed to sit beside you or me in church. Like on to a people that are banished to the farther reaches to wither and die from us. If anything, that church was formed for them to feel the same fellowship that we seem to selfishly keep amongs our own sinful heterosexual kind.
Sin does not stop us from raising and worshiping God so why should it stop them? Just as you mention, if we preach the gospel with other sinful thoughts and intentions still lingering, than what makes us any better. Church is a medium to guide us to God, so that we do not wonder in the wilderness alone but to have each other for support and experience to guide us closer to God. How different are we in sin that we should let some gather in company while deny others to wonder alone?
Adrianne
posted 4/11/07 @ 3:31 PM CST
I would have to agree with the first speaker, and the second speaker.
Here is my take on all of it:
While we should be welcoming to all people (including, gasp, homosexuals ha ha) this "church" is telling thier congregation and everyone else that homosexuality is aok with God (using the well-worn argument that the bible was only referring to gay-rape and temple prosititution and not your "everyday" homosexuality; and that when they talk about it in the old testament, well they were just reflecting the views of thier time and not what God really thought) The problem with those arguments is that Christians are supposed to believe that scripture is divinely inspired, so to say that it isn't really saying what God means is to say that God didn't actually inspire the Bible because they aren't his thoughts and commands to us. IF you can pick apart things like that then you quickly unravel the entire set up and you end up with people picking and choosing thier favorite flavor of religiousity. (similar to what is already going on around the world...)
Here is my take on all of it:
While we should be welcoming to all people (including, gasp, homosexuals ha ha) this "church" is telling thier congregation and everyone else that homosexuality is aok with God (using the well-worn argument that the bible was only referring to gay-rape and temple prosititution and not your "everyday" homosexuality; and that when they talk about it in the old testament, well they were just reflecting the views of thier time and not what God really thought) The problem with those arguments is that Christians are supposed to believe that scripture is divinely inspired, so to say that it isn't really saying what God means is to say that God didn't actually inspire the Bible because they aren't his thoughts and commands to us. IF you can pick apart things like that then you quickly unravel the entire set up and you end up with people picking and choosing thier favorite flavor of religiousity. (similar to what is already going on around the world...)
Adrianne
posted 4/11/07 @ 3:33 PM CST
Oh and if you are curious where I got my information on the faith of this organization, they had an article in the latest issue of Texas Monthly, so you can check it out if you want
Katy Stewart
posted 4/11/07 @ 4:37 PM CST
For myself, the search for God is a journey. It is an exploration of perspectives and ideas as to the nature of God. It is a developing relationship that is ever growing.
I saw Rev Dr. Jo Hudson's presentation last night, and I am a member of the church home she came from before Cathedral of Hope. That church, in this town, (Friends Congregational Church, UCC) is welcome and affirming to all people and believes that "God is Still Speaking" to us. The point that hit me the most in this presentation was an unfolding of understanding about God. Christianity was not meant to be (from the perspective I am gaining) a "believe X, Y, and Z" and you are a Christian. Moreso, it is a deepening of the mystery of Who is Christ today, Who was he then? What does he still have to say?"
I would encourage anyone interested in what Rev Dr. Hudson had to say to check out some books she mentioned were good reading.
Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (Plus) by Bart D. Ehrman
If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person (Gulley, Philip) by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland
The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus J. Borg
If God Is Love : Rediscovering Grace in an Ungracious World (Gulley, Philip) by Philip Gulley and James
I saw Rev Dr. Jo Hudson's presentation last night, and I am a member of the church home she came from before Cathedral of Hope. That church, in this town, (Friends Congregational Church, UCC) is welcome and affirming to all people and believes that "God is Still Speaking" to us. The point that hit me the most in this presentation was an unfolding of understanding about God. Christianity was not meant to be (from the perspective I am gaining) a "believe X, Y, and Z" and you are a Christian. Moreso, it is a deepening of the mystery of Who is Christ today, Who was he then? What does he still have to say?"
I would encourage anyone interested in what Rev Dr. Hudson had to say to check out some books she mentioned were good reading.
Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (Plus) by Bart D. Ehrman
If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person (Gulley, Philip) by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland
The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus J. Borg
If God Is Love : Rediscovering Grace in an Ungracious World (Gulley, Philip) by Philip Gulley and James
Maribeth
posted 4/11/07 @ 4:54 PM CST
Let me begin by saying that this post is about Cathedral of Hope. Yes, I do believe that homosexuality is wrong, but it is only when "Christians" and homosexuality mesh and embrace each other that I feel the need to bluntly speak out.
First of all, church is not "a medium to guide us to God" as a previous post suggests. Jesus Christ is the only mediator we need. Church is the body of believers gathering together to worship, serve, and learn about God. It is also about fellowship with other believers.
That same post says we are all sinners and that we all "deserve" to participate in church. Yes, we are all sinners. For example, pull out a Bible and read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Yes, it does say homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. But, it also says adulterers, thieves, and drunkards among others will not inherit the kingdom of God. Every person, including me, fits in at least one of these categories. But, as verse 11 states, those who are sanctified by Christ have been washed clean and will repent from those things.
Obviously, if homosexuals are hosting a "Gay Pride Awareness" week, they are not so very repentant.
Which brings me to this church. This church is a joke and does not represent the Christian faith. First, the reverend is a women. Not Biblical. Second, it not only tolerates but embraces homosexuality. It is in complete contradiction with the Bible. It has selected parts it likes and has disregarded, if not blatantly objected, those parts that it does not particularly like and finds all too convicting. Reverend Jo Hudson stated in this article that "We want to reclaim Christianity as a religion with an extravagant grace." Christianity IS a religion of "extravagant grace." It needs no reclaiming. However, Christianity is not a religion that embraces what is inconsistent with its teaching.
Finally, Cathedral of Hope's mission to interlock Christianity and acceptance of GLBTs is unbelievable. Cathedral of Hope has conformed church and created its own interpretation of "Christianity" so that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders feel comfortable and accepted. Even to the non Christian, this agenda must seem altogether ridiculous. If Jo Hudson and her followers want to create a surrounding or even a "church" where GLBTs are embraced, go right ahead!! But, labeling it a "Christian" church is absolutely preposterous, nonsensical, and illogical. It is in complete and utter contradiction with and does not represent the Christian faith.
First of all, church is not "a medium to guide us to God" as a previous post suggests. Jesus Christ is the only mediator we need. Church is the body of believers gathering together to worship, serve, and learn about God. It is also about fellowship with other believers.
That same post says we are all sinners and that we all "deserve" to participate in church. Yes, we are all sinners. For example, pull out a Bible and read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Yes, it does say homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. But, it also says adulterers, thieves, and drunkards among others will not inherit the kingdom of God. Every person, including me, fits in at least one of these categories. But, as verse 11 states, those who are sanctified by Christ have been washed clean and will repent from those things.
Obviously, if homosexuals are hosting a "Gay Pride Awareness" week, they are not so very repentant.
Which brings me to this church. This church is a joke and does not represent the Christian faith. First, the reverend is a women. Not Biblical. Second, it not only tolerates but embraces homosexuality. It is in complete contradiction with the Bible. It has selected parts it likes and has disregarded, if not blatantly objected, those parts that it does not particularly like and finds all too convicting. Reverend Jo Hudson stated in this article that "We want to reclaim Christianity as a religion with an extravagant grace." Christianity IS a religion of "extravagant grace." It needs no reclaiming. However, Christianity is not a religion that embraces what is inconsistent with its teaching.
Finally, Cathedral of Hope's mission to interlock Christianity and acceptance of GLBTs is unbelievable. Cathedral of Hope has conformed church and created its own interpretation of "Christianity" so that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders feel comfortable and accepted. Even to the non Christian, this agenda must seem altogether ridiculous. If Jo Hudson and her followers want to create a surrounding or even a "church" where GLBTs are embraced, go right ahead!! But, labeling it a "Christian" church is absolutely preposterous, nonsensical, and illogical. It is in complete and utter contradiction with and does not represent the Christian faith.
Katy Stewart
posted 4/11/07 @ 5:02 PM CST
Jesus broke bread with and engaged those who were on the margins of society at his time. No one was left out.
It is time we thought again about "What would Jesus Do".
If one is to follow the Bible literally, then
Does one not wear cotton blends that contain wool?
Does one boycott the Texas Aggie Football games because the football was traditionally made from the hide of a hooved animal?
What parts of the Bible to we pick to adhere to literally and which do we not?
And what translation of the Bible do we use. In its various translations the Bible's words have changed again and again. In point of fact, the word homosexuality was not even introduced to the Bible until 1946. Do we use the original Greek? Do we use the Hebrew?
The word of God is important, don't get me wrong. However, the life of Christ is also important. And, the continual unveiling of God through relationship with him/her whatever your faith tradition is perhaps the most important.
It is time we thought again about "What would Jesus Do".
If one is to follow the Bible literally, then
Does one not wear cotton blends that contain wool?
Does one boycott the Texas Aggie Football games because the football was traditionally made from the hide of a hooved animal?
What parts of the Bible to we pick to adhere to literally and which do we not?
And what translation of the Bible do we use. In its various translations the Bible's words have changed again and again. In point of fact, the word homosexuality was not even introduced to the Bible until 1946. Do we use the original Greek? Do we use the Hebrew?
The word of God is important, don't get me wrong. However, the life of Christ is also important. And, the continual unveiling of God through relationship with him/her whatever your faith tradition is perhaps the most important.
Ed
posted 4/11/07 @ 8:53 PM CST
Originally posted byMaribeth
Let me begin by saying that this post is about Cathedral of Hope. Yes, I do believe that homosexuality is wrong, but it is only when "Christians" and homosexuality mesh and embrace each other that I feel the need to bluntly speak out.
First of all, church is not "a medium to guide us to God" as a previous post suggests. Jesus Christ is the only mediator we need. Church is the body of believers gathering together to worship, serve, and learn about God. It is also about fellowship with other believers.
That same post says we are all sinners and that we all "deserve" to participate in church. Yes, we are all sinners. For example, pull out a Bible and read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Yes, it does say homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. But, it also says adulterers, thieves, and drunkards among others will not inherit the kingdom of God. Every person, including me, fits in at least one of these categories. But, as verse 11 states, those who are sanctified by Christ have been washed clean and will repent from those things.
Obviously, if homosexuals are hosting a "Gay Pride Awareness" week, they are not so very repentant.
Which brings me to this church. This church is a joke and does not represent the Christian faith. First, the reverend is a women. Not Biblical. Second, it not only tolerates but embraces homosexuality. It is in complete contradiction with the Bible. It has selected parts it likes and has disregarded, if not blatantly objected, those parts that it does not particularly like and finds all too convicting. Reverend Jo Hudson stated in this article that "We want to reclaim Christianity as a religion with an extravagant grace." Christianity IS a religion of "extravagant grace." It needs no reclaiming. However, Christianity is not a religion that embraces what is inconsistent with its teaching.
Finally, Cathedral of Hope's mission to interlock Christianity and acceptance of GLBTs is unbelievable. Cathedral of Hope has conformed church and created its own interpretation of "Christianity" so that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders feel comfortable and accepted. Even to the non Christian, this agenda must seem altogether ridiculous. If Jo Hudson and her followers want to create a surrounding or even a "church" where GLBTs are embraced, go right ahead!! But, labeling it a "Christian" church is absolutely preposterous, nonsensical, and illogical. It is in complete and utter contradiction with and does not represent the Christian faith.
Just another ruse to claim you are less impure than everyone else and that you deserve a place in heaven more than your fellow creations of God.
Joe
posted 4/11/07 @ 7:28 PM CST
"Jesus broke bread with and engaged those who were on the margins of society at his time. No one was left out."
Of course he did, no one denies that. But you know what he did during those times? Convicted people of their sins. He let people know when they were doing wrong. When he ate with the Pharisees, he let know them know, quite bluntly, of their sin. When he met the adulteress woman and told the often quoted line "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," he also told the woman to go and sin no more.
That's the problem with Cathedral of Hope -- they try to justify homosexuality. I'm fine with accepting and loving homosexuals, just like any other sinner. But they will know that I believe, and my church believes, that their actions are wrong. Just like we would not encourage a heterosexual adulterer in his sin, we will not encourage homosexuals to continue their unBiblical lifestyle.
Of course he did, no one denies that. But you know what he did during those times? Convicted people of their sins. He let people know when they were doing wrong. When he ate with the Pharisees, he let know them know, quite bluntly, of their sin. When he met the adulteress woman and told the often quoted line "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," he also told the woman to go and sin no more.
That's the problem with Cathedral of Hope -- they try to justify homosexuality. I'm fine with accepting and loving homosexuals, just like any other sinner. But they will know that I believe, and my church believes, that their actions are wrong. Just like we would not encourage a heterosexual adulterer in his sin, we will not encourage homosexuals to continue their unBiblical lifestyle.
jerry pritikin
posted 4/11/07 @ 7:43 PM CST
I'm old enough to remember President Eisenhower saying that taking a political stance in the middle of the road opens you up to the extremes of both sides of an issue. There is no wrong way nor right way except what is good for you. Try not preaching and stop once in a while to listen...you might learn something along the way. I happen to be a 70 year old,Jewish and openly gay man who has witnesed a lot of change in my lifetime but there is still a long way to go in getting equal, human,civil and gay rights.
I was a friend of Harvey Milk, but I did not support him when he ran for Supervisor because I felt his opponent was better qualified. Harvey was also Jewish, & Gay but a man's religion or sexual orientation should be the last reasons to vote for some one...
I have been very lucvky because I have friends who are different from me and together we make progress. I hope that your education includes more than one point of view. If so you'll get OUT of LIFE what you put into it as long as it includes love and understanding your fellow mankind and keep an open mind and change your views when need be and fight for dignity for yourself and others.
I was a friend of Harvey Milk, but I did not support him when he ran for Supervisor because I felt his opponent was better qualified. Harvey was also Jewish, & Gay but a man's religion or sexual orientation should be the last reasons to vote for some one...
I have been very lucvky because I have friends who are different from me and together we make progress. I hope that your education includes more than one point of view. If so you'll get OUT of LIFE what you put into it as long as it includes love and understanding your fellow mankind and keep an open mind and change your views when need be and fight for dignity for yourself and others.
jerry pritikin
posted 4/11/07 @ 9:10 PM CST
FOR SOME REASON THE WRONG WEBSITE APPEARS WHEN CLICKING ONTO MY NAME...jerry pritikin
IT SHOULD BE www.thecastro.net / WHEN THEN WAS NOW...
It is a unique web-site of images and stories and comments by pioneers in the Gay Rights Movement...by people of all kinds of races,religions and from all over the United States during the 1970's. Keep an open mind and you'll understand better what
it was like to be at the right time and place...
IT SHOULD BE www.thecastro.net / WHEN THEN WAS NOW...
It is a unique web-site of images and stories and comments by pioneers in the Gay Rights Movement...by people of all kinds of races,religions and from all over the United States during the 1970's. Keep an open mind and you'll understand better what
it was like to be at the right time and place...
Katy Stewart
posted 4/11/07 @ 10:46 PM CST
OK, since the discussion on Cathedral of Hope keeps degrading to a discussion on Homosexuality and Christianity.
I guess I just have to say that as someone who was baptised Catholic, raised Lutheran, and attends a UCC church that I do NOT see homosexuality as a sin.
That is just where I am in my faith journey, it is the truth how I see it.
I know it is not the truth as others see it, and I am fine with that. We exist in this world to share with each other though, to share our viewpoints, perspectives, and stories with one another.
I guess I just have to say that as someone who was baptised Catholic, raised Lutheran, and attends a UCC church that I do NOT see homosexuality as a sin.
That is just where I am in my faith journey, it is the truth how I see it.
I know it is not the truth as others see it, and I am fine with that. We exist in this world to share with each other though, to share our viewpoints, perspectives, and stories with one another.
Vicki
posted 4/12/07 @ 8:57 AM CST
I agree with those who stand on the unchanging and perfect Word of God which states that homosexuality is a sin. I believe that God is the Creator of all things and that I am a part of His creation. Therefore, He sets the rules. I worship Him as Creator and take His Word as truth. I stand on His Word.
Those who define God in their own terms and see Him as changing or evolving or accepting what He clearly calls sin in His Word are just fashioning their own gods. This is idolatry. We must take the Almighty God of the Bible to be what He says He is. Those who do not take His Word in total and take Him to be exactly as He says He is are creating a different god of their liking based on their own ideas. Essentially, those people have fashioned other gods. They are free to do so, but they may not redefine the God of the Bible. Actually, the God of the Bible does not care about our own ideas. Read Job 38-41 and then read Job's reply to God in Job 42. God's Word frequently addresses those who fashion their own gods. His Word says that any way devised by man will lead to death. Only God's Way leads to life.
This is the point. God is the Creator, and He makes the rules. Does a created thing tell its creator what to do? Read Romans 9. Rebellious hearts continue to fight God's way and create gods and creeds of their own choosing. Go ahead and do that if you like. But you are not believing the God of the Bible. Accept the Bible or reject it. Fashion your own god if you want to, but do not redefine the God of the Bible. Do not say that Christ is different for today. The God of the Bible is unchanging. If you reject what the Bible teaches, you are free to do so. That is what God's Word says. Accept or reject. Believing hearts accept the Word of the Creator God and, like Job, put their hands over their mouths and repent in dust and ashes.
Those who define God in their own terms and see Him as changing or evolving or accepting what He clearly calls sin in His Word are just fashioning their own gods. This is idolatry. We must take the Almighty God of the Bible to be what He says He is. Those who do not take His Word in total and take Him to be exactly as He says He is are creating a different god of their liking based on their own ideas. Essentially, those people have fashioned other gods. They are free to do so, but they may not redefine the God of the Bible. Actually, the God of the Bible does not care about our own ideas. Read Job 38-41 and then read Job's reply to God in Job 42. God's Word frequently addresses those who fashion their own gods. His Word says that any way devised by man will lead to death. Only God's Way leads to life.
This is the point. God is the Creator, and He makes the rules. Does a created thing tell its creator what to do? Read Romans 9. Rebellious hearts continue to fight God's way and create gods and creeds of their own choosing. Go ahead and do that if you like. But you are not believing the God of the Bible. Accept the Bible or reject it. Fashion your own god if you want to, but do not redefine the God of the Bible. Do not say that Christ is different for today. The God of the Bible is unchanging. If you reject what the Bible teaches, you are free to do so. That is what God's Word says. Accept or reject. Believing hearts accept the Word of the Creator God and, like Job, put their hands over their mouths and repent in dust and ashes.
Morgan
posted 2/19/09 @ 11:09 AM CST
Originally posted byVicki
I agree with those who stand on the unchanging and perfect Word of God which states that homosexuality is a sin. I believe that God is the Creator of all things and that I am a part of His creation. Therefore, He sets the rules. I worship Him as Creator and take His Word as truth. I stand on His Word.
Those who define God in their own terms and see Him as changing or evolving or accepting what He clearly calls sin in His Word are just fashioning their own gods. This is idolatry. We must take the Almighty God of the Bible to be what He says He is. Those who do not take His Word in total and take Him to be exactly as He says He is are creating a different god of their liking based on their own ideas. Essentially, those people have fashioned other gods. They are free to do so, but they may not redefine the God of the Bible. Actually, the God of the Bible does not care about our own ideas. Read Job 38-41 and then read Job's reply to God in Job 42. God's Word frequently addresses those who fashion their own gods. His Word says that any way devised by man will lead to death. Only God's Way leads to life.
This is the point. God is the Creator, and He makes the rules. Does a created thing tell its creator what to do? Read Romans 9. Rebellious hearts continue to fight God's way and create gods and creeds of their own choosing. Go ahead and do that if you like. But you are not believing the God of the Bible. Accept the Bible or reject it. Fashion your own god if you want to, but do not redefine the God of the Bible. Do not say that Christ is different for today. The God of the Bible is unchanging. If you reject what the Bible teaches, you are free to do so. That is what God's Word says. Accept or reject. Believing hearts accept the Word of the Creator God and, like Job, put their hands over their mouths and repent in dust and ashes.
Since you clearly strictly adhere to bible teachings, I can only assume that you and or all the praying women in your life have shaved heads by now. If not, I can only assume you do not pray in public since the bible says if a women prays in public her head should be shorn. I don't see many women running around with shorn heads, so I expect you are holding your fellow prayerful women accountable for their "sinful nature" of retaining the hair on their head. Let me know where I sign up to hold those sinful women accountable. So proud of my fellow strict bible adherent sisters :)
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Concerned
posted 4/11/07 @ 10:54 AM CST
The Bible makes it plain that mankind has a serious problem, called sinful hearts. The purpose of Christ's life, death, burial and resurrection was to bring people out of their sin. Christ himself said marriage is between a man and a woman. He would not have condoned -- and certainly not encouraged -- homosexuality.
What "hope", I wonder, does this Cathedral offer to the community?
"Come to our church and we'll help you live a better life"?
"Come to our church and we'll help you feel welcomed"?
"Come to our church and we'll tell you everything's gonna be OK"?
All of these messages are deceptions if the gospel is not at the center. Christ called all men (yes, me too) to believe in Him and then repent, or turn away from sin.
I am not speaking out on homosexuality. I am speaking out on this church.