I am not a theologian but I know that nobody is always right. This remains true when forming theological beliefs from diverse perspectives and understandings of Scripture. Why can’t we understand that it is not all or nothing? We really need each other and the ability to consider other folks stances with an open mind and open heart. Grace demands that…and love .
I just keep noticing that we ask for prayer against political violence all over the world, except one place...
I love the the Manual should be a guide to discussion (since every bit of it cab be voted on), yet we continually act as if certain parts were written in stone. You are correct in that nothing says that the BGS need to speak as one on everything.
I asked the General Secretary and GS Crocker about this last week. Both affirmed that they do not have to speak as one and could put out individual statements if they so desired.
As much as I love your post, it won’t happen. A church that has a huge list of essentials, has no room for diversity. And hence, the BGS can only speak with one voice. They are doing everything they can to kill diversity. Even wanting to discuss things is punishable by excommunication. Which perfectly aligns with a legalistic concept of holiness. Only the law matters. And the law requires nothing but obedience. Of course, only they interpret the law, which then also becomes law. It’s a full fledged judicial way of doing church.
I sometimes wonder if we need to change the Manual and no longer elect elders to the BGS, but lawyers. They are already running the church anyway, as you undoubtedly know.
Or they remain silent as a cop out to not lose money and membership from a certain sector. If they actually spoke with one voice (more than once every few years if that), I’d be willing to believe your take a bit more.
I am not a theologian but I know that nobody is always right. This remains true when forming theological beliefs from diverse perspectives and understandings of Scripture. Why can’t we understand that it is not all or nothing? We really need each other and the ability to consider other folks stances with an open mind and open heart. Grace demands that…and love .
Hear, hear.
I just keep noticing that we ask for prayer against political violence all over the world, except one place...
I love the the Manual should be a guide to discussion (since every bit of it cab be voted on), yet we continually act as if certain parts were written in stone. You are correct in that nothing says that the BGS need to speak as one on everything.
I asked the General Secretary and GS Crocker about this last week. Both affirmed that they do not have to speak as one and could put out individual statements if they so desired.
As much as I love your post, it won’t happen. A church that has a huge list of essentials, has no room for diversity. And hence, the BGS can only speak with one voice. They are doing everything they can to kill diversity. Even wanting to discuss things is punishable by excommunication. Which perfectly aligns with a legalistic concept of holiness. Only the law matters. And the law requires nothing but obedience. Of course, only they interpret the law, which then also becomes law. It’s a full fledged judicial way of doing church.
I sometimes wonder if we need to change the Manual and no longer elect elders to the BGS, but lawyers. They are already running the church anyway, as you undoubtedly know.
Maybe the most prophetic thing the BGS does is resist the modern temptation to become six personal brands by choosing to speak with one voice.
Or they remain silent as a cop out to not lose money and membership from a certain sector. If they actually spoke with one voice (more than once every few years if that), I’d be willing to believe your take a bit more.