Article: I am Gay Friendly
Excerpt from Baptist Press article, "First Person: I am Gay Friendly"
Thoughts or feedback?
HT: Steve McCoy
Today the staff of The 411 hauled hundreds of water bottles to a dancer's call audition for the revival of the Broadway musical "A Chorus Line" (infamous for being the first successful musical to openly deal with and affirm homosexuality in the arts). We walked into a room full of hopeful dancers and nervous producers and said "Hey, this water is free for you guys. We're from a new church called The 411 and we just want to say that God loves you."Read Full Article here.
The man running the audition looked at me with a blank stare and then said, "Wow, that's ... well ... that's just ... wow ... that's ... amazing!" Then he announced to the entire room, "Hey these church people just brought you guys all free water!" I then heard him turn aside and mutter to himself, "Wow that is just amazing."
Thoughts or feedback?
HT: Steve McCoy
Labels: David C. Price
posted by DAVID C. PRICE at 7/13/2005 04:30:00 PM
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10 Comments:
"Romans 12:21 reads, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Overcome evil with condemnation? Overcome evil by shaking our heads, refusing to go see the Disney movie "Tarzan"?
No. Overcome evil with GOOD."
This is my favorite part of the article. If more of us read that verse, the world would be better off, I think.
I like the article and the Spirit that carries it. Overcoming evil with good. I do think to use the word "evil" in pointing to homosexuality is alot of the problem that America has with trying to bring folks to Christ. What is the answer? Not compromise--that's not what I'm saying--especially in the Church. But, let's just point to Christ and let Him do the work of the heart. Let people call on Him for their problems just as they are. Let Christ do the work in them. I like the verse in James that says, "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
honestly I don't know how the article made it to print.
I agree with the sentiment but it struck me as completely disjointed and thrown together (and I am a stream of conscience writer and nonlinear thinker).
Maybe I am just getting old.
I don't know if it's the reason, Rick, but if you're like me, you are getting old...and I'm starting to feel it more and more every day! {:-/ As for the article, maybe it made it to print because of the sentiment. I think it's the kind of conversation that needs to be taking place and I am glad, whatever the reason, BP chose to print it.
Thanks for those thoughts, guys. Anybody else who has a comment, chime in...don't be shy.
you are probably right about the sentiment being the thing that got it printed.
I only wish they had printed something with the same sentiment that made more sense. Or, they had gotten her with a better editor. But, maybe I am missing the poetic flavor of the article (which I think could be the case).
I commented over at ESBC also. Actually I ranted a little about the quality of the article.
I think I am going to right an article called "I like cats" and see if they publish it.
Sorry.
I do agree the discussion is needed.
It would only work if you said you were cat friendly
Wasn't the writer a young woman? Give her a break on her writing experience. She's young and that was the whole point. So, instead of criticizing her writing abilities, comment on what you think of her view and approach to the current climate of homosexuality and witnessing to them for Christ. [I say this firmly in smiles, no offense intended.]
And, ahem, David, no comment back for me . . . :)
Take care.
Comment? Hey, you're a young woman who I'm going to give a break on your writ...
...just kidding. Based on her pic, she does look pretty young and hopefully her writing style will catch up with her insights. I think Rick's point is a good one in that if Christians are going to be taken seriously, we must strive for excellence in all things, but at the same time, we mustn't miss the forest for the trees. Does that metaphor fit here?
OK, still not commenting on what she said. Just let it out. How do you feel about WHAT she said. The name of the Church--the 411? What I said? You're killing me.:) And, if you're implying that my writing skills are in need of work also, I agree. But, I discuss that another blog--Writing For Women Under 34!!:)
Ha! I was implying nothing of the kind. :-) Just having a little fun.
Ok, ok, for what my two-cents is worth, I liked the article. I understand Rick's point, but didn't have as much problem with it because I was refreshed to hear a twenty-something talking both about getting out of our comfort zones and pro-actively loving those considered most unloveable and about approaching our mission with humility.
I liked that this young woman did not approach this with the attitude that unless you are a twenty or thirty something, you are completely out of touch with nothing to offer this generation.
The fact is, every single one of us is called to love every generation in a way that communicates unconditional love and not condemnation. Jesus said that He did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that through Him the world might be saved. I think we have to apply the golden rule and love them the way that we (sinners) want to be loved...authentically and unconditionally. We have to put away condemnation and overcome evil with good by, as Al Mohler has said, "[loving] them more than they love their sin." (I think I got that right). That doesn't come through boycotts, but through acts of kindness and compassion. It's a job for every generation.
I thought a key, if not the key statement made was when she said, "In no way should a person who claims to follow Jesus Christ advocate a lifestyle that so clearly is spoken against in the Word of God. However, we trust that by meeting the basic needs of lost people, doors will open to share with them the hope of a new life in Christ."
I think this is what you were saying, too, Marel. We cannot compromise. The message regarding sin (including that particular one) is clear. However, loving them to Jesus and letting Him do the changing is, I believe, the right choice...the only choice that will make a difference.
Now, what do we do with the whole gay marriage thing along with other social problems that cross into this territory? I'm not exactly sure. I'm very much against gay marriage, but I want to try and find a way to communicate my convictions in a way that doesn't come across as hatred. I'm still struggling with that one and don't always handle it the best way, I'm sure. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open.
BTW, Marel, her church is in your neck of the woods. Ever heard of it?
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