This 10-week course will be an introduction to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Throughout the weekly class meetings, we will explore what we have been taught about queer people and their lifestyles, the biblical response to homosexuality, and how to relate to queer friends and family members. We will also seek to offer alternative viewpoints to the biblical “clobber” passages for your personal consideration.
The class will meet each Sunday night (except March 23rd and April 20th) from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Patrick Wilson's FaceBook page. (This is an abbreviated class from the in-person class offered at CrossRoads on the same night from 5:00-6:30 p.m. It is recommended that people attend the discussion oriented class in-person, if possible.). The class will loosly follow the chapters of Dr. David Gushee's book, Changing Our Mind. Here is a brief overview of the book:
Christian denominations and churches everywhere struggle with the issue of LGBTQ inclusion. With growing scientific evidence, our wider society has taken big steps, but too many religious families and communities have not kept up. As much as ever, many people still experience deep condemnation by evangelical and other churches, getting kicked out or altogether leaving. Dr. David Gushee offers a powerful, inspiring message of hope and healing by helping Christians to return to Bible study, prayer, and reflection in a way that creates a vision for a more inclusive church.
Arguably America’s leading Christian ethicist, Gushee has written many helpful books for churches, discussion groups, and individuals. He is the author of the “Evangelical Declaration Against Torture” and drafted the “Evangelical Climate Initiative.” His Kingdom Ethics is on pastors’ bookshelves nationwide. Now—in what he describes as the most important book of his career as a Christian teacher—Gushee gives us this encouraging discussion on how he changed his mind.
From his own careful Bible study, research, and prayer, Gushee takes us along an conversational theological journey. In one book, he concisely marks out every single component of historic Christian sexual morality. He covers all of the relevant biblical passages and all the theological positions, including the key argument of creation. With a careful study of context and biblical language, he walks us through a principled discussion that is respectful of traditionalists while calling for inclusion and the end of contempt. This definitive third edition also includes Gushee’s response to critics and a study guide for small group discussion.
The intent of the class is not to force or coerce anyone to "change their mind." Rather, the intent of the class is to facilitate a conversation and discussion around various ways to approach the Bible in an exploration of God, faith and life. Specifically, our dialogue will center around passages that are commonly weaponized against the LGBTQ+ community to offer a safe place to explore alternative interpretations.