Presentation by Task Force on Christian Marriage Presbyterian Church of the Cross April, 2016
Timeline April 3 - Sunday morning 9:30-11 Foundations April 10 - Sunday morning 10-11 Christian Marriage April 17 - Sunday morning 10-11 Homosexuality April 24 - Sunday morning 10-11 Unity May 1 - Sunday afternoon 12-3 Conversation Café
Conversation Cafe Process for meaningful conversation to achieve: Sharing Listening Understanding Connections Collective Insights May 1, from 12-3 please sign up
Café setting Tables of 4-5 Question introduced 20-minute conversation Elder remains at table as keeper of the discussion Process Others rotate to different tables for new question, discussion with different people 3-4 rotations, 20 minutes each
Opening Prayer Father God we come before you now, a people gathered with different opinions and emotions and worries and concerns about this topic, but we gather knowing that you call us to do exactly this; to gather as one, to gather as the body of Christ, to gather in your name and we are blessed with the knowledge that your spirit is here with us. Please touch each person here so that they feel your presence and are comforted and encouraged by your presence as we embark on this study together.
Presentation by Task Force on Christian Marriage Presbyterian Church of the Cross April, 2016
Proverbs 31:10 A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.
The Book of Order
from the Book of Order W-4.9000 Marriage W-4.9001 Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community.
W-4.9001 Marriage is Gift of God For our well-being Unique commitment Between 2 people For the rest of their lives Sacrificial, sustaining love Members of the church
Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.
W-4.9006 Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service that the teaching elder or the session believes is contrary to the teaching elder s or the session s discernment of the Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Word of God.
Same-Gender Marriage The Supreme Court has said yes. The PCUSA has said your church may host such a wedding if your church s session will allow it.
Mutual Forbearance Duty to continue to share in fellowship with those whom you disagree. Civility does not mean passivity (don t stop the search for God s will) Does not mean compromising your understanding of God s will Does mean mutual respect for fellow believers
Mutual Forbearance It is to the principle of mutual forbearance that we appeal. We must seek a way to live together as the body of Christ by exercising mutual tolerance and forbearance in those areas where people of good faith differ. This is how we model what it means to be the body of Christ for each other and for the world.
The Wedding at Cana
No to Same-Gender Marriage God s Word doesn t go there, so I can t go there, either.
Yes to Same-Gender Marriage What kind of God would create people like this, and then tell them their God-given desires are wrong?
2 Recommended books By Jack Rogers By Kevin DeYoung
from Kevin DeYoung Is homosexual activity a sin that must be repented of, forsaken, and forgiven, or, given the right context and commitment, can we consider same-sex sexual intimacy a blessing worth celebrating and solemnizing? (page 15)
the same-gender dilemma No The Scriptures seem to prohibit it. God is just and true. Yes God created some people with an attraction to their same gender. God is merciful and loving.
So is God more just or more loving?
Historical Examples of Church-Society Is the earth flat or round? Slavery Women in Leadership Divorce and Remarriage Same-gender marriage?
Conclusion Both sides appeal to scripture, although they read it differently One side focuses on biblical passages that appear to prohibit same-sex relations categorically. One side focuses on biblical passages that appear to emphasize principles of love and justice as more important than passages that specifically prohibit Both sides refer to history and biological and social sciences Both see their approach as compassionate toward gays and lesbians, although they understand the requirements of compassion differently
Preparation for Next Session Review the handouts from today Check out the PCOC website www.churchofthecrossomaha.org Look at the book list and consider reading one that will challenge your current perspective Pro Rogers Con - DeYoung
Presentation by Task Force on Christian Marriage Presbyterian Church of the Cross April, 2016
Guidelines for Scripture https://www.pcusa.org/resource/presbyterianunderstanding-and-use-holy-scripture/
Guidelines for Scripture Depend on the Holy Spirit in interpreting scripture Discernment of meaning comes from Holy Spirit Be guided by the confessions (Rule of Faith) These rules all come directly from our confessions Recognize that Christ is the center of scripture Seek interpretations that are consistent with Jesus teachings Focus on the text in grammatical and historical context Understanding the original context first is crucial
Guidelines for Scripture All interpretations in accord with rule of love Love God and love neighbor Seek to interpret scripture in light of all other scripture throughout the Bible (OT and NT) Interpretation requires earnest study and discussion to understand Biblical, historical, cultural context
Book of Confessions Historical statements of what we as a church believe Apostles Creed (180) Nicene Creed (381) Westminster Confession of Faith (1729)* Confession of 1967 A Brief Confession of Faith (1991) Belhar Confession (2014) Each confession seeks to cast the light of scripture on the needs of the present moment
Guidelines for Disagreement Listen first Trust that all desire to be faithful to and honor Jesus Speak in love Focus on the ideas, not questioning motives, intelligence or integrity Maintain unity Find points of agreement Stay in community even if discussions are vigorous and tense Pray that we listen attentively, speak in love, and remain open to the vision God holds for us all.