Yes, he did, and he said it in response to what he saw as ignoring the spirit of biblical law for the letter of the law, as performed by the Pharisees. In that same passage, Jesus said, “Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.”</p>
<p>The same can be said, I think, about those who think members of the ELCA are wrong to be proud of their representatives for embracing the spirit of Jesus’ message with regard to their homosexual clergy. Jesus himself might have likened them to the Pharisees.</p>
<p>No I do not need the bible. I have my own relationship with God. I need no third party or any instrument for my relationship with God. I am lucky God is in my heart.</p>
<p>The church didn’t just randomly make this decision. If you want to argue with them, read this first: [Recommended</a> Proposed Social Statement - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America](<a href=“ShieldSquare Block”>ShieldSquare Block)</p>
<p>“if you really had a special relationship with god you would have read in the bible that homosexuality is an abomination”</p>
<p>The Bible also says that…</p>
<p>-The Earth is 6,000 years old and flat.
-Eating shellfish is an abomination.
-Wearing mixed textiles is an abomination.
-Women who are menstruating should be quarantined.
-That the sale of one’s daughter is permitted, and gives specific instructions on how to do so.
-That people found guilty of adultery/sexual perversion should be stoned to death.</p>
<p>(aside: I know the common response to these is, ‘But Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament, so it doesn’t need to be followed’, but the problem with that is people who do not believe in Christ are still held accountable to the OT. Not to mention, it’s still in there…Whether or not it’s applicable isn’t explicitly relevant.)</p>
<p>Bottom line is that The Bible is an antiquated book written by fallible men, and to take it at face value is a mistake. I’m not rallying against religion/faith (because I certainly believe in God, and have my own set of beliefs/values), but we have the ability to examine/study/philosophize/reason…Blindly following the word of men (!key word!) from a time of scientific and civil ignorance is a bad choice.</p>
<p>I also applaud the decision. The time has long since come to stop all the hating. </p>
<p>BTW God told me recently he didn’t really have time to worry about whom we choose to love… Now if I can just get the wife to liberalize her views a bit…and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ address…;)</p>
<h1>13 I am not a member of this denomination but I assume that if they are single they probably can serve as ministers as long as they are not having sex with other singles. Once they get into a long term committed relationship they can then have sex. Someone correct me if I am wrong.</h1>
<p>RC , As I read it I think you’ve got the gist of it. If marriage was a legal option for gay clergy in all jurisdictions, it would be a whole lot easier wording these things. Celibate- single. Not Celibate- married. Just two categories.</p>
<p>Interesting. Tell me, do you support stoning adulterers? If you have a daughter, will you be selling her? If you are currently married, do you make your wife stay in a hotel room when it’s that ‘time of the month’? Do you own any cotton/polyester blend shirts? If your answers to these questions are contrary to The Bible, then I don’t think you should worry about the morality of homosexuality, nor declare your stance. Those in glass houses, after all.</p>
<p>Anyways, it is absolutely relevant. This discussion is about a Christian Church deviating from The Bible, just like you said. I’m simply pointing out that deviating from The Bible isn’t necessarily bad, because it is antiquated and culturally relevant.</p>
<p>if it is in Romans it would be Paul’s words, but you are right, Church authority should be scripture alone, however we do not live in a perfect world</p>
<p>Anyone wanting more information about the recent churchwide assembly, the social statement adopted, their vote on gay clergy, and the ELCA itself can visit [Home</a> - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America](<a href=“http://www.elca.org%5DHome”>http://www.elca.org). </p>
<p>I had no desire to start a debate about homosexuality and the church. I am sorry it has gone that way.</p>
<p>Yes, Teriwtt, I am stating that 68% of the ECLA ministers are ignoring the teaching of the Bible. They absolutely ARE following false prophets. What is next?? Will the leaders of ELCA congregations be allowed to have adulterous affairs? Is this OK, too? Perhaps multiple wives??? It has nothing to do with gays. God loves all of his children, but he is saddened by their sins.
I am with you, Banjoman, Martin Luther would be appalled.
And, Teriwtt, mark my words: 32% of your congregations will leave the ECLA and many more of the members will choose to go elsewhere.</p>
<p>Martin Luther would also be disappointed that the congregation isn’t out forcefully converting Jews. Fortunately, the church has left these prejudices behind.</p>