Again
Marriage Equality
Discussions about the nature of marriage vary widely among global cultures.
, I learned that at a recent UMC gathering, traditionalists were continuing to allege that progressives have no cogent case for their position on human sexuality.
The simple refutation of that allegation can be stated in one sentence: "They must not have tried very hard to find out there is one."
But to reply with a more substantive response, I offer but one book (there are more) within each dimension of the Wesleyan quadrilateral that present a progressive interpretation, coming from bona fide scholars.
Scripture: James Brownson, "Bible, Gender, and Sexuality"
Tradition: Cheryl B. Anderson, "Ancient Laws and Contemporary Controversies"
Reason (Scientific Contributions): Michael Regele, "Science, Scripture, and Same-Sex Love"
Experience: David Gushee, "Changing Our Mind"
For the Sake of the Bride
I touched on all four aspects of the quadrilateral in my book, "For the Sake of the Bride'"(2014), but these go into greater detail relative to one or more of the four aspects.
It amazes and saddens me that anyone would attempt to make their case appear valid by deliberately misrepresenting reality. These four books (and many others) reveal that there is a credible case for looking at things differently, but apparently they don't want you to know this.
As with any other issue, believe what you will. But don't try to get others to believe what you believe by not telling them the truth.
Steve Harper New
The Rev. Dr. Steve Harper and his wife, Jeannie Waller Harper.
The Rev. Dr. Steve Harper is a retired seminary professor, who taught for 32 years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies. Author and co-author of 31 books and a retired Elder in The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, he and his wife Jeannie Waller Harper are frequent leaders of workshops and spiritual retreats. This post is republished with permission from his Oct. 29 Facebook post.