(Handout for the Wednesday Koinonia group, 28 November 2012)

The Sex Question
A New Kind of Christianity – Chapter 17 

Fundasexuality – A combative form of religious fundamentalism that preoccupies itself with sexuality… it declares war on those that differ (p. 235)

McClaren’s questions with respect to sexuality:

1. Greco-Roman culture – a sexually charged culture that idolised the male figure. Same sex activity promoted in numerous ways, but tended to be oppressive
2. Constitutional reading of the Bible – does not allow for recent discoveries such as sexual orientation and an increased awareness of the intricacies and diversity of both sexuality and gender. For example, intersex people.
3. God – What does it means for a gay person to be created in the image of God?
4. Jesus’ identity as God – champion for the marginalised and misunderstood.
5. The Gospel – what does it mean for a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex person to be a Christian?

An additional question. How do we, as the church, facilitate and encourage faith amongst the gay community?

Philip and the Eunuch

The eunuch was an unclean foreigner who had been worshipping God and now had questions about scripture. A spiritual thirst for truth.

Philip explains the gospel and recognises faith in the eunuch. He baptizes him on the spot, with no committee meetings or task force to decide whether it was right or wrong. He simply acts.

Why is it that we don’t do the same?

Moses in Kenya

The story of Moses is powerful, but it also raises the tricky questions that missionaries must deal with in cultures radically different to our own. What do we say to a man who has three wives, all living happily together and raising their children, when they all want to embrace faith in Jesus? Do we tell them they can no longer be family? Can there be a God honouring expression of polygamy?

If yes, can there be a God-honouring expression of same-sex relationships?

Matt’s Stories

The “end” of ministry.

Preaching in a Gay Bar.

The “start” of ministry.

Shelly – life to the full

Discussion