Comments on: Bridging the Gap

By: andrew

andrew — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:19:09 +0000

Thanks everyone for your comments…I’m really happy with the way the day went, and the ways in which most bloggers were quite respectful in articulating their views, from various parts of the spectrum. I find that hopeful, and hope that we can continue to have these sorts of conversations on a spectrum of issues in the coming days.

By: Steve F.

Steve F. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:51:07 +0000

I’m not sure that militancy on either side is going to lead us towards a place where we can see the image of God in all people. Embodying mutual honour and respect is difficult if all you see is an enemy.

That, hopefully, is what BTG hopes to break down, Andrew. When we see each other as real people – not stereotypes, not some nameless “them” that is “not us” and therefore not worthy of consideration or redemption or God’s love – that’s when the walls will start to fall down.

(And thank you for not leaving relationship and love in the hands of Joshua Harris. )

I’ll invite you over here to meet me, and read some of the links to some of my “defining moment” posts. I’m reasonably sure nothing will be instantly changed, and I am absolutely sure no one will entirely agree with what I’ve shared. But my prayer is that those who visit will see (as another SynchroBlogger wrote) that “your heart is as my heart is.” And that we can meet at the Cross, even if we don’t agree.

I’m not sure abstaining from sex is the answer. I am pretty sure that talking and listening, rather than preaching and judging, will bring us closer to answers.

And (as I’ve said to several other BTG bloggers) if you’re in the Champaign/Urbana, IL area, I’d be delighted to share a cup of coffee and a donut, and some conversation.

By: Academic

Academic — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:52:14 +0000

Incidentally, abstaining from sexual intercourse has been a part of the fasting regimen of the Church for quite some time. It’s never quite a full year, but within the Orthodox Church, fasting days constitute more than half of the year. You can read more at http://orthodoxwiki.org/Sex

Thanks for participating in the Synchroblog!

By: edwardnortonfan

edwardnortonfan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:42:38 +0000

“I’ve written previously on this blog about a friend who used to remind me that “a bridge goes both ways.” My response to that assertion remains the same. Sometimes people need help crossing it. If it’s a dangerous bridge to cross, if it’s a bridge that leads to a place of discomfort or discrimination, then we have to do more than lazily call out from the other side. If it’s important that someone be able to bridge the gap, then we need to reach out, and accompany them to make sure they get across safely.”

Excellent point.

It reminds me of a story that my pastor used to tell about a Priest working at an orphanage who had a child who was hiding under his bed and refusing to come out, and the Priest tried yelling, tried cajoling, tried bargaining, and finally he got onto the floor and crawled under the bed next to the boy. They lay there for a few moments, then the boy took the Priest’s hand, and they both crawled out together. My pastor used to tell this story at Christmas, saying that this is what Jesus did. He didn’t just stay in heaven and call us from afar, he came down and lived with us and among us and suffered as a human, so we could take his hand and follow him home.

So many things I learned in church still resonate with me, even when I’m afraid to go back. I appreciate this day when so many people are writing and trying to bridge that gap. It’s been very encouraging.

By: gracerules

gracerules — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:26:26 +0000

I really liked your post and appreciate you recognizing the BTG synchroblog. I got my post up a little late but would love for you to check it out and share your thoughts. You can find my post “With A Little Help From My Homosexual Friends” here: http://gracerules.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/with-a-little-help-from-my-homosexual-friends/

By: Trinidad. Adventist.Gay?!

Trinidad. Adventist.Gay?! — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:24:45 +0000

No sex for a year. I like it!

By: wendy

wendy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:39:30 +0000

Honest. Transparent. Creative.

Thank you for joining in this diverse collection of conversations!