Topic: Christianity

So you think homosexuality is a sin?

By David W. Shelton | March 15, 2007 |

An open letter to conservative Christians (as posted on www.skippingtothepiccolo.com)

Chances are that you’re stumbling across this post after doing a search on homosexuality, sin, Leviticus, Romans, or 1 Corinthians. Chances are that you’re looking for a way to refute all those gay activists who are really being a thorn in your side. Chances are you might not want to read any more. I have a feeling, though, that there’s going to be enough of a nagging curiosity to keep you going.

There are usually three different types of people who are looking for material on “gay” and “sin.” The first group is made up of people who are struggling with this issue on a deeply personal level. You see, the people in this first group are looking for anything they can find to help them rip out this part of their lives that literally disgusts them. They don’t want to be gay. But they can’t shake the attractions. To this group, I say this: Jesus loves you, period. And yes, reconciliation is possible.

The second group is made of people who are trying to find every argument they can to rebut what the “militant gay activists” have been saying about their sexual orientation. This group is familiar with phrases like “gay agenda” and the “gay lifestyle.” Alas, I have yet to hear anyone actually tell me what the definition is of either of these. After all, I’m gay. I should know, right? We may never know. But hey, it makes for great preaching.

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Sections: Politics, Spirituality | No Comments

The Story of God - A BBC Video

By Bill Larson | March 5, 2007 |

Professor Robert Winston presents a definitive three-part documentary series on the history of mankind’s quest to understand the nature of God.

The Story of God is an epic journey across continents, cultures and eras exploring religious beliefs from their earliest incarnations, through the development of today’s major world faiths and the status of religious faith in a scientific age.

The series examines the roots of religious beliefs in prehistoric societies and the different ways in which humanity’s sense of the divine developed. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Spirituality | No Comments

Grace: a license to sin?

By David W. Shelton | February 24, 2007 |

After last week’s update for Christian Community Church of Clarksville, I was hit with quite a few irritated emails. Yes, it was expected. Quite frankly, I was hoping to get a few people riled up. After all, if we’re so comfortable in our Christian recliners while we watch our Christian TV and read our Christian magazines as we send our children to Christian schools, then I question whether we’re being the salt of the earth that Jesus called us to be. Clearly, we find it far easier to be salt in someone’s wound than anything else.

I believe God is stirring our collective nests, and that He is bringing us out of our complacency to reach a world that is sick of religious tripe. They’ve seen the big churches, the polished pews, and the fancy preachers, and they are not impressed. Christian TV is as hokey as it is self-centered in its presentation of the Gospel: “Give money to us and God will bless you!” «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Spirituality | No Comments

We’re sorry for being self-righteous, judgmental bastards!

By David W. Shelton | February 18, 2007 |

Good morning, and happy Sunday!

What an exciting time it is for us at Christian Community Church of Clarksville. We’ve never been more focused on our mission for Clarksville and the surrounding areas than we are right now. Sure, we’re small. That’s okay!

After all, how many people did it take to change the world? Twelve.

Yes, we’re focused. But before I start talking about our mission, I want to take a minute to apologize. I’m sorry, dear friends. I’m sorry that the church (in general, not just us) has failed to minister to so many of you who are hungry for real, genuine fellowship. I’m sorry that we’ve been hypocritical. We’re sorry for being a bunch of self-righteous, judgmental bastards. We’ve pointed fingers. We’ve gossiped. God knows that this goes on about anywhere you can imagine. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Spirituality | No Comments

Liberals provide hope, not fear

By David W. Shelton | November 19, 2006 |

Thank God for liberals. It’s about time that those of us who are tired of right-wing fear mongering show that our point of view is based in hope more than anything.

Of course, the usual suspects come out of the woodwork to denounce liberal ideology in typical fashion. In contrast, liberals focus on the reality that we can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. After all, that’s the definition of “insanity.” «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics | No Comments

Video: The god who wasn’t there

By Bill Larson | November 15, 2006 |

Bowling for Columbine did it to the gun culture.
Super Size Me did it to fast food.
Now The God Who Wasn’t There does it to religion.

Holding modern Christianity up to a bright spotlight, this bold and often hilarious new film asks the questions few dare to ask.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7498241687701731240

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Sections: Arts and Leisure | 1 Comment »

The Rainbow Kingdom: NOW AVAILABLE!

By David W. Shelton | October 19, 2006 |

“Can a person be gay and a Christian?”

This is a question that countless thousands of people have asked themselves in the course of their lives. Whether they are struggling with this issue themselves or if they know loved ones who are wrestling with their sexual orientation, there’s now hope! This is a question that countless thousands of people have asked themselves in the course of their lives. Whether they are struggling with this issue themselves or if they know loved ones who are wrestling with their sexual orientation, there’s now hope! The Rainbow Kingdom: Christianity & the Homosexual Reconciled, a new book by David W. Shelton, answers that question and many others that we deal with as GLBT and GLBT-affirming Christians. In the first half, The Rainbow Kingdom addresses the “clobber” verses that are used to condemn gay and lesbian people throughout the world. Then, the message shifts from instruction to ministry, meeting many of today’s issues head-on. «Read the rest of this article»

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Christianity & Homosexuality: CONTINUED

By David W. Shelton | September 24, 2006 |

A few weeks ago, I began a series on my blog and right here at Clarksville Online on Christianity & Homosexuality. There are a total of six passages in the Bible that are used as “clobber” verses for the GLBT community, and the series deals with each of them individually.

So many of us who either know gay or lesbian people, or who are gay, know the kind of religious verbal violence that is hurled at an alarming rate. This series is an effort to take a step back from our pet theologies and look at their literary, historical, and original language contexts. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics, Spirituality | No Comments