Matthew Vines speaks on the theological debate regarding the Bible and the role of gay Christians in the church. Delivered at College Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas on March 8, 2012.
The Bible is a collection of writings which span more than a thousand years recounting the history of God's relationship with the Hebrew and Christian people. It was written in several languages, embraces many literary forms, and reflects cultures very different from our own. These are important considerations for properly understanding the Bible in its context. There are vast differences in doctrines between various Christian denominations, all of which use the same Bible. Such differences have led some Christians to claim that other Christians are not really Christians at all! Biblical interpretation and theology differ from church to church.
That being said, Dallas Universal Life Church accepts and affirms gay and lesbian individuals and couples. We also perform legal and holy weddings for gay, lesbian and straight couples who are ready to make such a commitment to themselves, their families, their congregation and church and most importantly to God. We provide pastoral and spiritual counseling services for all and we offer them all of the rights that any member of our congregation is entitled to. You may also be interested in the ULC's official stance on gay marriage.
The resources below is a good place to start if you are still asking "Why.". Please take some time, keeping your mind open, and watch, listen or read more about why we feel that love is love and in true love, there cannot exist hate. They are polar opposites and cannot coexist. Love is love and it is true a gift from God. Our souls do not have a gender limitation and it is from our souls that this gift of love emanates from. Please enjoy expanding your horizons and learning about your faith as you go through these resources. We would like to thank The Cathedral of Hope, The Metropolitan Community Church and The Reformation Project for compiling many of these resources so that we can be more a world of understanding, inclusion and love.
Forget what you think you know about church!
Homosexuality and the Bible by Mel White - a classic, brief introduction to the subject by a trusted and loved Christian leader.
Stranger at the Gate by Mel White - One of Bishop Manning's personal favorites
What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality by Daniel Helminiak
Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality by John Boswell
Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and Their Implications for Today by L. William Countryman
The New Testament and Homosexuality by Robin Scroggs
Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: A Historical Perspective by Martti Nissinen
Love Between Women: Early Christian Responses to Female Homoeroticism by Bernadette Brooten
Sex and the Single Savior: Gender and Sexuality in Biblical Interpretation by Dale B. Martin
The Bible and Homosexuality by Rev. Mona West, Ph.D.
The Power of the Bible By Rev. Mona West, Ph.D.
God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
Bible, Gender, Sexuality by James Brownson
Changing Our Mind by David P. Gushee
TORN by Justin Lee
The Good Book by Peter Gomes
You Know About Church!
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Shop, Save & Do GoodPublishers Weekly called Colby Martin's "UnClobber" "a sincere memoir, welcome for those looking to navigate the changing tide of LGBTQ acceptance within the church." Discover how to align your head with your heart on homosexuality and the Bible. And be inspired about the new thing God is doing in the church.