Comments on: Shane Claiborne

By: Carl McColman

Carl McColman — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:38:47 +0000

To the best of my knowledge the Bible nowhere says we should “agree to disagree.” And when Shane Claiborne said “Christians need to learn how to disagree well,” that’s something entirely different from merely agreeing to disagree.

I think we need to be careful about this idea that if something isn’t in the Bible, it must be secular (and, by implication, not permitted). Assuming that the Bible does not permit honest debate is but a small step from saying “the person or group with the most power/influence/money/etc. gets to tell everyone else how to interpret the Bible.”

Like it or not, conflict has always played an essential role in the intellectual history of humankind. If there had never been a Protestant Reformation (a conflict that was particularly bloody, especially given the age in which it occurred), there never would have been the emergence of Reformed ways of thinking about the Bible — let alone fundamentalist or literalist ways of interpreting scripture.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:53:02 +0000

Since we are talking about things the Bible is or isn’t clear on, I would like to know where in the Bible it says we as humans/Christians should “agree to disagree.” I have always heard this phrase when people are discussing homosexuality, drinking alcohol, etc., but in my opinion this is a secular phrase that I can find no reference for in scripture. Inform me if this isn’t the case.

By: Lover

Lover — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:39:08 +0000

I find it a bit sad that the one thing people seem to be focusing on is what they don’t like about Shane’s response to “the gay question” as if he avoided giving a straight answer because he was afraid to. What he was trying to do was show that his opinion on the matter had very little to do with his status as a follower of Christ. As was said, the Bible is unclear on this issue, so he told everyone to agree to disagree. I find that to be a good answer, falling in with everything else he speaks and lives. (I also highly reccomend the book. It challenged my “comfortable Christianity” in a way that I love.)

By: Carl McColman

Carl McColman — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:20:56 +0000

I think anyone who says “Homosexuality is an abomination in God’s eyes” but then protests “I’m not a homophobe,” is caught in the grip of fundamentalist doublethink. You may have fooled yourself into thinking that your stated agenda of being “just here to say the truth” is not judgmental, but I can assure you that others have a more accurate view of you than you appear to have of yourself.

By: Me

Me — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:24:20 +0000

Homosexuality is an abomination in God’s eyes.. While it is not a Christian’s place to judge others, it IS our place to tell the truth.. Your surrendering to Jesus Christ will make you further understand what God really has in store for you. I’m not a homophobe… I have family members who are in the same position, nor am I here to judge… just here to say the truth.. God bless…

By: 4854derrida

4854derrida — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:23:03 +0000

Hello

I’ve just uploaded two rare interviews with the Catholic activist Dorothy Day. One was made for the Christophers [1971]–i.e., Christopher Closeup– and the other for WCVB-TV Boston [1974].

Day had begun her service to the poor in New York City during the Depression with Peter Maurin, and it continued until her death in 1980. Their dedication to administering to the homeless, elderly, and disenfranchised continues with Catholic Worker homes in many parts of the world.

Please post or announce the availability of these videos for those who may be interested in hearing this remarkable lay minister.

They may be located here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/4854derrida

Thank you

Dean Taylor

By: Another World is Possible

Another World is Possible — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:24:59 +0000

Hey if you're a fan of Shane Claiborne and his book, then you should really check out the Another World is Possible DVD series. It's a multimedia project by Shane Claiborne and Jamie Moffett (co-founders of the Simple Way) that emerged in response to their belief that things are not right in the world, and that they don't have to stay that way. There are three DVD's, one on war, one on poverty, and one on creation. You can find out more about them at www.awip.us.

By: Carl McColman

Carl McColman — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:57:35 +0000

Amen, Judy.

By: judith collier

judith collier — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:44:39 +0000

Why all the focus on other peoples’sins. If homosexuals are truly homosexuals(not just visiting) then the question is, what do they do about their sex lives? Should we as christians tell them “never do that again” or you will burn in hell. Tell a heterosexual he/she can never have sex again, see what answer you get. I thought even if a man(or woman) lusts in their hearts that it was sin. Not all people are called to be celibate,not even half of them. I remember being young and passionate, therefore I am incapable of asking others to do more than was asked of me unles I possess the magic formula and I don’t. At least I could get married. judy

By: Carl McColman

Carl McColman — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:32:21 +0000

Phil, you sound like someone who really is devoted to seeking the truth of the Gospel — a quality I admire in anyone. But as Shane says, "Christians need to learn how to disagree well," and based on your comment I suspect that you and I might disagree considerably in terms of how we understand Christ's message, as well as what constitutes true Christian sexual morality. You might find it worthwhile to read a book by a New Testament scholar named William Countryman, called Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and Their Implications for Today. It is a solidly Biblical study of a number of moral issues, including homosexuality, and I think once you read it you'll have a clearer understanding of where Christians like Shane (and me) are coming from.