Percy-L: Literary, Religious, Scientific, and Philosophical Discussion of Walker Percy

["Parlin, Steven" <PARLINS AT culver.org>]

Bravo David! 

-----Original Message-----
From: David Alan Beck [mailto:dabeck AT iupui.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 8:04 PM
To: Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion
Subject: RE: [percy-l] gay marriage



I want to piggyback on Steve's comments. And these comments are based
solely on a Christian perspective. I think that one of the biggest crimes
that post-modernity has brought us is the notion that we can't judge the
moral or ethical postion of another. "Only God judges" is true only to an
extent. But the idea of non-judgement of another's actions flies in the
face of NT Christianity.
 For example, in the Gospel of John (I know, not one of the synoptics and
looked upon with suspicion by the academic community), Jesus said, "Do not
judge according to appearances, but with righteous judgement." Of course,
He also gave to the authority to the disciples/apostles to forgive or
retain the sins of others. Morevoer, Paul admonished to expel the immoral
brother (the references in Paul's letters are too numerous to mention).
But according to the New Testament, homosexuality IS a sin and those who
practice homosexuality and those who are adulters will not inherit the
kingdom of heaven (1 Cor 6:19).
 Now, the larger questions is: Are these admonishments/ethics for today?
That's for each of us to decide. But, despite what the Episcopal church
says, it is clear in the NT that homosexuality is not compatible with NT
Christianity. Of course, one can raise cultural, historical, etc.
questions, and that's fine. But the truth is: We ARE called to judge (NOT
THE PERSON BUT THE BEHAVIOR).
 And that is Christianity, whether we like it or not. One thing that
seems to be clear though is that the apostles were far less hesitant to
condemn a practice than we post-moderns are. Are we more enlightened than
they? Or are they right in this way but not that way. My point is we can
claim to be Christians, but we need to base it on something. If the NT is
outdated and is a culturally anachronistic, then we can believe what we
want. But if we take up the title (Christian), we better be able to back
up our beliefs and lifestyle by something.
 Sorry for the sermon. (Could someone please pass the collection plate?)
 BTW, isn't this fun?? The percylist is alive again!
-David



On Wed, 13 Aug 2003, Parlin, Steven wrote:


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David Beck                                         
                


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