Comments for Synod court nullifies presbytery’s vote in Larges case at http://www.pres-outlook.org , comment 1 to 12 out of 12 comments http://www.pres-outlook.org Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:18:59 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4533 Jesus didn't have to say anything about homosexuality. It had already been addressed in the LAW (Leviticus). He did say that he came not to abolish the LAW but to fulfill it. End of argument. - Virginia Parrish Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:42:25 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4532 Just because the "youth culture" does not have a problem with homosexual issues who or what determines truth? The youth culture? I grow weary from those who graduate from Seminary with a theological acumentship of a five year old. Try reading the Scripture from Genesis to Revelation and you may understand God's position on sin. Sin practiced; Unrepentant sin is deadly. YOU who SAY YOU HAVE NO SIN MAKE GOD OUT TO BE A LIAR (1 John 1:8-10). Shame to you who call sin righteous...we are in an age where some do what is "right" in their own eyes. We are nearing apostate denomination. - L.Lawrence Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:01:18 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4529 I am really sick of comments like the ones from Trish Rogers (March 25). I have been involved in the middle of the homosexual debate for the past twenty years. Throwing out words like homophobia and bigotry only alienate people. I, along with many others in the PCUSA, will never endorse what God says is sin. Even thouugh there is a small portion of our population that has same-sex attraction, I will never embrace homosexuality as God-given. If people like Trish Rogers wants to call me homophobic or bigoted then they can do so from another denomination. I have no more tolerance for people like her. These people work to undermine on a daily basis the peace and purity of God's church. I have the contact information for the United Church of Christ. They approve homosexual ordination. - Jeffref Winter Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:15:24 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4513 This is not about whether we can love homosexuals - clearly we must love our neighbors ( even enemies). The issue is when we respond to the call to lead God's people do we come ready to repent of sinful behavior, knowing we need God's power to enable us to live a "life worthy of the calling". Whether our sin is sex outside marriage ( Jesus does address that and he clearly defines marriage as male and female), or the sin of gluttony or gossip or drunkeness, etc. these are sins according to scripture and we are to repent of them when we come to Christ. This should be the case for all sin and our standard should reflect that. It is not loving to tell someone that sin is not a problem, or that sin is not really sin and that God will look the other way. Repentence is not a one time thing, it is a life long need whenever we fall into sin. - Sally H. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:04:11 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4511 We have no way of knowing who God loves and who God doesn't, except that God *is* love (I Jn. 4:16) We do have a way of knowing what God's will and intention for humanity is, which is revealed in Scripture. And, as a church, we have a way of finding common ground if we disagree on interpretation of Scripture (G-6.108,) the Confessions. In 1979, the PCUS amended Westminster regarding divorce. If someone has an argument with Scripture, the Confessional standards of the church, or thinks they know better, what, in the name of common sense, are they doing in church? There are civic clubs and community organizations where you can practice things like justice and compassion. - Sid Leak Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:48:25 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4509 I believe George is making the point that Jesus did not speak about LGBTs, but he did speak clearly (at least in one Gospel) against divorce. If we can overlook something that is so directly addressed by our Lord, why are we tying ourselves in knots over something Jesus did NOT address? - Glyndon Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:36:39 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4506 I have just read George Gill's response (princeton, NJ) and agree that many factors need to be weighed when considering a candidate. However, I must respond to his last comment regarding divorce. I was divorced 15 years ago because of physical and emotional abuse to myself and my children. If I were not divorced, I know I would not be alive today. Grace should abound in all areas of personal life when a candidate is being considered for ordination. My experience has given me a unique awareness and compassion for victims of abuse of any type which enriches my ministry. - Chris Clark Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:24:46 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4503 So once again we raise the question of the presbytery's authority within or over and against another governing body's. The subject matter - homosexuality - for me has been a non-issue for many years, but what does concern me is the dotted line between the authority of a presbytery and the authority of the Synod or General Assembly on ANY controversial issue. Frankly, I don't know. The connectional church breaks down when any presbytery can do whatever it pleases. So, I'm going to rephrase the dilemma in another way: what is adiaphora, what is status confessionis for a presbytery, for a synod, for the General Assembly? Can each governing body (not to mention a session) determine for itself upon what is "elbow room" and what is "bottom line?" Do these reformation categories help any? - R. Jill Schaeffer Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:45:31 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4502 I think it will be very interesting to see how the San Francisco presbytery proceeds and how their final decision will be accepted by PC(USA). I agree with Trish that the change in society's attitudes on this is coming slowly but surely (in God's time, as usual), and I hope that we can all agree to let those presbyteries/congregations who are ready for the change go ahead and go where the Holy Spirit leads them. - marilyn a. dorn Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:34:17 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4501 As best as I can determine God is primarily interested in the quality of our relationships, with God, and with one another. Do we exercise compassiona and mercy toward each other, are we concerned about injustice in our communities and around the world? Do we seek ways to eliminate poverty wherever it occurs, are we concerned about the increasing violence in our society, do we look for ways to end war wherever it occurs are just some of the mandates I find discussed in the bible. And,try as I might, I cannot see how any person's sexuality prevents them from loving God and neighbor thereby adhering to biblical mandates - Anne Marshall Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:05:47 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4500 As I understand it God's justice is for all, God's grace is for all. I simply cannot find it in the Bible where I am instructed to determine whom God loves. The younger generation does not share the Presbyterian Church homophobia. Slowly but soon this will be a non-issue. The chruch should be careful that it doesn't become a non-issue also. It becomes increasingly hard to support all the good it does because of it's corporate bigotry. - Trish Rogers Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:30:14 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8609-synod-court-nullifies-presbyterys-vote-in-larges-case.html#comment-4497 The presbytery and it's CPM need to weigh many factors and not just sexual orientation to find for a candidate. Personal Pastoral Image is the key factor. I have been on the local Presbytery's CPM and the real outstanding candidates are few and they really shine in many areas. Sexual orientation should not eliminate a candidate. I feel, perhaps, that divorce should eliminate a candidate. - George M. Gill Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:34:13 +0100