Comments for Some Lutheran Guy

Comment on It Begins – 2011 SD Synod Assembly by Ray J Gentry

Ray J Gentry — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:19:00 +0000

Yeah, I was surprised. We had a lot more last year. We’ll see if anything new was presented earlier today. Otherwise, I guess we’ll have a pretty easy time at plenary this year.

Comment on It Begins – 2011 SD Synod Assembly by youraveragepastor

youraveragepastor — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Only five resolutions???? Something is wrong. I remember there being at least 20 per year…slipping…

Comment on A Messy World by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:06:00 +0000

I agree that we live in a messy world. You say that we are dirty, yet redeemed. I’d say we’re capable of both terrible and great things. I miss our conversations and since Pastor Dave unfriended me on facebook, I haven’t been able to get my fix of stimulating theological debate. As always, I appreciate what you have to say – even if I don’t agree.

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Catholic Tide

Catholic Tide — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:33:13 +0000

Ecumenical outlook with Orthodox world is encouraging, Pope says…

My blog readers will be interested in your post so added a trackback to it on CatholicTide…

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Ray J Gentry

Ray J Gentry — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:27:03 +0000

In Mark 9 Jesus says that if a man divorces his wife and marries another, he is committing adultry against her. Yet we bless many people's second weddings. Do they daily ask for forgiveness for their relationship? If not, that is the same lifestyle of sin issue that homosexuals are accused of.

As far as I'm concerned the issue isn't even whether or not it's a sin. We excuse all sorts of sins all the time. It comes down to whether we're only willing to show grace when their "our sins" or if that same grace extends to "your sins." I don't at all think the debate and discussion is over. I don't think my post indicates that I do think that. But we have to figure it if and how we'll worship and serve God together because there are going to continue to be people across the entire spectrum described in the social statement in our churches.

The struggle is figuring out how we can be brothers and sisters in Christ, instead of asking if we're brothers and sisters in Christ. No matter what, we are.

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Ex_elca

Ex_elca — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:17:20 +0000

As I read your commentary and your statements on divorce versus homosexuality I can only ask this – Is homosexuality a sin? The ELCA says PALMS relationships are ok and now the push will be to bless these relationships — so not a sin? Divorce is a sin – no doubt – but it's a two person catastrophe – people make mistakes and bad decisions. God's grace through repentance provides those individuals to be forgiven and move on to a hopefully better life. Do they divorce daily? Homosexuality is getting the “no sin” card – do you honestly believe those individuals are waking up every morning and asking for forgiveness for their relationship? Asking God to help them resist their temptations for same sex relations? There is a difference my friend and the debate is far from over …. when you have a nearly 50/50 vote as many synods have had the debate will continue.

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Admin

Admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:10:16 +0000

Thanks, Ray, for your good reporting. And thanks, too, for your good words on the assembly floor.

Tim Fisher
staff member of Lutherans Concerned/North America

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Mary Moeller

Mary Moeller — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:48:21 +0000

Thank you, Ray, for your thorough and sensitive commentary here. As a fellow delegate, I believe you have captured the proceedings accurately.

Since I and my family have and still are struggling to understand the human sexuality issue and its implications for people of faith, I related to the congregations and their members who are in pain and grieving. We need to continually hold these brothers and sisters in our prayers and to pray for the one body of Christ.

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Ray J Gentry

Ray J Gentry — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:28:50 +0000

I'm glad I was able to keep you updated on what's going on here in South Dakota. Where did you serve when you were in our neck of the woods?

Comment on The SD Synod vs. The Social Statement by Revdiroth

Revdiroth — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:28:27 +0000

thank you for this very clear and respectful analysis of what went on. I used to pastor small congregations in South Dakota, and I remain interested in what goes on there.