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Forward or Backward?
In the latest post on our gospelrevolution.com site, Glenn took the
opportunity to express views that, in short, examined the stances pro and con
regarding the controversial appointment of an openly gay man to the position
of Bishop in the Episcopal Church. I felt it was a good point to make. I knew
he had struck a cord. I just didn't realize how big of one.
I now know how naive I was about where people really are in their thinking.
Actually after the many responses came in my surprise went both ways. We
received some of the most gracious replies. There were letters encouraging us
to keep going, demonstrating that this gospel revolution is breaking down
barriers and changing hearts in an awesome way.
There were others of disagreement. As I read them I could see their point and
respected their opinions whether well thought out or not so well thought.
Disagreement is such a healthy exercise in this life. Hey, let's face it. None
of us have moved forward in our thinking without some conflict and
disagreement. The fact is our that our nation, as a free society, was founded
in conflict and has never moved forward without it. In actuality, the planet
and its people has never moved to a better position without these moments,
unpleasant as they may be. However, in each of these human experiences,
national and personal, opinions don't answer the critical questions.
Ultimately, they are only addressed through observable experiences that endure
the passing of time.
Perhaps, rather than be inflamed by the excessive warnings of the
"slippery slope" that the doomsday folks always warn us about,
let's all take a deep breath and see what transpires. Warnings about the peril
to society when the slaves were freed or when women got the vote turned out to
be baseless. It simply took time to see that a freed black man was not a demon
waiting to commit anarchy. Nor did women's equality change the electorate to a
totally emotionally-based voting pattern.
Contrarily, we should never allow ourselves to be lulled into a sleepy mindset
that would allow a true societal tragedy such as the Holocaust Germany
perpetrated.
The question at hand, though, is this: are we moving forward or backward?
There has been present in the argument against homosexuals as equals the
fringe thinking that certainly must be openly and vigorously denounced and
exposed for its ignorance, hate, and intolerance of any grace or critical
thinking.
My mind is literally filled with so many things I want to say. My heart is
groping for wisdom to make my thoughts clear. What I'm about to say is in no
way designed as a publicity stunt or tactic to keep you "tuned in".
The things I want to say will be forwarded in the future and will be clearly
articulated. I will be doing this is a series of posts to come, hopefully very
soon.
As you read my comments, please read them knowing who they are coming from.
They will be coming from Michael Williams: the youngest of 6 siblings, a
father of 3 daughters, the Grandfather of four, and a man who turned 51 August
16th, one whose life's is driven to know, understand, and share the Truth of
the person of Jesus Christ. This is all comprised in an honestly gay man. This
is a man who truly wants to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and who believes he is.
Michael Williams
www.gospelrevolution.com
618.392.0901 (voice) 618.392.7207 (fax)
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