Saturday, September 26, 2009
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Last year, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA appointed a Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage. The committee was given two years to study how the theology and practice of marriage have developed in the Reformed tradition and the place of covenanted same-gender partnerships in the Christian community.
This adult education course tries to do something similar over an eight-week period for St. Andrew Presbyterian in Iowa City. Throughout this discussion, we hope to hear from class participants’ personal experiences and questions concerning sexuality and the Presbyterian faith.
For questions or comments, contact Jeff Charis-Carlson at
Click here for the syllabus and class notes from eight-week class (Sept. 13 - Nov. 1)
WEEK 1: JAN 24
In-class readings
* “Guidelines for People of Faith During Times of Disagreement”
* Summary of eight-week session
* Questions from eight-week session
What are the questions participants are coming to the class with?
Examining Biblical passages usually cited when discussing same-sex attraction and relationships
* Kenneth Bailey, "The New Testament and Homosexual Practice."
Watch and discuss first half of the documentary, “For the Bible Tells Me So.”
Further reading:
* Gilbert Meilaender, “The First of Institutions”
* Alan Wisdom, “The Myth of Inevitability”
* Kenneth Boa, “All Heaven Allows: Homosexuality and the Meaning of Love”
* Dawn Mikkelson, “Seeking a God who loves us for who we are”
WEEK 2: JAN 31
* N.T. Wright, “Communion and Koinonia: Pauline Reflections on Tolerance and Boundaries”
Discussion of how we — as individuals, as a congregation and as a denomination — should rank Experience, Scripture, Reason and Tradition when deciding questions about same-sex attraction and relationship
Watch the second half of the documentary, “For the Bible Tells Me So.”
Discuss:
* Where does the burden of proof lie right now?
Further reading:
* Ted Olson, “The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage”
WEEK 3: FEB. 7
* Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen, “To Ask A Better Question” (hard copy only)
* Report of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage
* John Stendahl, “How Could This Be?” (hard copy only)
Listen to and discuss a lecture by Joe Nicolosi
Discuss:
* Where is the denominational discussion of this issue right now?
* Where is the congregational discussion of this issue right now?
* What is happening in other churches/denominations nationally/locally?
* How should the church respond to those who are openly gay or struggling with same-sex attraction?
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