Christians (and people who aren’t Christian but see Christianity as the key to preserving western civilization) are having a bit of a moment about The Olympics right now.
I would like to slap Tate and Musk upside their heads with a copy of "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church." (Okay, GENTLY slap. In a very forgiving way because they are idiots who simply don't know better.) The Church has never been at risk from being too forgiving, it risks dying out when it becomes so entwined with culture that it loses its distinctive nature. And by 'entwined with culture' I don't mean in the sense that the culture warriors do, I mean in the sense of elevating power and wealth and seeing those as signs of our success as a faith.
Also , we are not bigots who are not thoughtful and accepting parts of our culture we don’t identify with . My PCUS denomination has voted , 10? Years ago to allow gay folks to become pastors . Also , my church just voted in an African American woman as our new pastor . Formerly , a member of our staff was a lesbian . I love both these women and fully support their positions . The heads of the Olympics prob did not know of this presentation , they had bigger fish to fry . I read the entire apology . The artistic director did , however . You are so involved with image and the influence on people that you might agree that the image itself could be interpreted as offensive . Most people are not as thoughtful and analytical as you are . You do not need to go to college ! You could be. A professor yourself !!!
Also , where did you learn about the destruction of Christian sites in Gaza ? I would like to know more .
In both this wider-world and, as Christians, among our collective faith-family—so often filled to the brim with over-reactions and harmful judgements of others—it’s encouraging to know that you, your thoughtful words, and your consistent voice are not only challenging but also championing us all to explore a much bigger picture than most folks often see at first glance!
I know it’s not always easy to speak up to—and or be heard by—the crowds, on either side of topics like these, but I’m grateful that you continue to do so nonetheless!
Wrote a long one but it disappeared A very thoughtful piece . The Christian on the street has prob never heard of Dionysius so interpreted the event as seen . We more conservative Christian s are offended by nudity and drag queens . Does not mean we don’t love them but don’t want their lifestyle thrown in our faces .
I would like to slap Tate and Musk upside their heads with a copy of "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church." (Okay, GENTLY slap. In a very forgiving way because they are idiots who simply don't know better.) The Church has never been at risk from being too forgiving, it risks dying out when it becomes so entwined with culture that it loses its distinctive nature. And by 'entwined with culture' I don't mean in the sense that the culture warriors do, I mean in the sense of elevating power and wealth and seeing those as signs of our success as a faith.
Houston,
Your voice is so refreshing in contrast to the tumultous sea of outrage. Keep up the good work!
Great read, thanks for writing it! This was a refreshing perspective.
Good read.
Well, I’m very proud of you.
Also , we are not bigots who are not thoughtful and accepting parts of our culture we don’t identify with . My PCUS denomination has voted , 10? Years ago to allow gay folks to become pastors . Also , my church just voted in an African American woman as our new pastor . Formerly , a member of our staff was a lesbian . I love both these women and fully support their positions . The heads of the Olympics prob did not know of this presentation , they had bigger fish to fry . I read the entire apology . The artistic director did , however . You are so involved with image and the influence on people that you might agree that the image itself could be interpreted as offensive . Most people are not as thoughtful and analytical as you are . You do not need to go to college ! You could be. A professor yourself !!!
Also , where did you learn about the destruction of Christian sites in Gaza ? I would like to know more .
Thank you, Houston!
In both this wider-world and, as Christians, among our collective faith-family—so often filled to the brim with over-reactions and harmful judgements of others—it’s encouraging to know that you, your thoughtful words, and your consistent voice are not only challenging but also championing us all to explore a much bigger picture than most folks often see at first glance!
I know it’s not always easy to speak up to—and or be heard by—the crowds, on either side of topics like these, but I’m grateful that you continue to do so nonetheless!
Really wonderful post, Houston!
Wrote a long one but it disappeared A very thoughtful piece . The Christian on the street has prob never heard of Dionysius so interpreted the event as seen . We more conservative Christian s are offended by nudity and drag queens . Does not mean we don’t love them but don’t want their lifestyle thrown in our faces .