November 28, 2006

  • 20HOT
    POTATOES
    CHRISTIANS ARE AFRAID TO TOUCH

    Found this book at the library the other day
    and thought I would skim through it. Tony Campolo is one of the most honest
    voices in Christian circles today.  Although I think he's not the world
    best bible scholar (a lot better than I am, I'm just saying) he is a prophetical
    voice in our stereotypical right wing Christian nation.  This book is
    rather dated book, 1988, but surprisingly many of hot topic issues remain the
    same.  Some of the issues that he address are the following; AIDS, women preachers, public
    vs. private schools, psychological counseling, homosexuality, and working
    mothers to name a few.  I'd like to talk about 2 ones that have always been
    on my radar, homosexuality & women preachers.

    Homosexuality -  Tony does
    a fascinating job here.  I would like to pull one quote "To treat
    homosexuals as anything less than a brother and sister is a sin."  He
    supports this rather well and I've felt the same way for years.

    Women preacher - First I must
    start out saying that I've grown up all my life being taught that women can't be
    in leadership roles.  Tony brings up an interesting point, how do churches
    say thinks like women should be silent in church (1Tim 2), but let them teach
    women and children.  This is a very hard issue for me, on one hand I
    believe we are made equal and G-d has made us equal (even Jew and gentile, so
    why not women), but on the other hand Paul did speak of women to be submissive. 
    Then again the bible also speaks of men being submissive to their wives. 
    Very confusing issue isn't it. I'd love to start a discussion about this if you
    have comments.  Please include scripture verses when drawing from the
    bible.

Comments (1)

  • I have been really challenged by Tony Campolo's writings. I think he has such an honest, realistic, and Christ-passionate voice. A similar book he has co-written with Brian McLaren, Adventures in Missing The Point addresses many of the same issues.

    One resource I have found particularly helpful with the women in ministry issue has been a little pamplet that American Baptists have put out called "A Biblical Basis for Equal Partnership: Women and Men in the Ministry of the Church." If you can't find it, let me know and I'll mail one to you. The strength of it is precisely its scriptural foundation.

    Shalom

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