The Bible Does Not Condemn Homosexuality. Why Does Franklin Graham Not Get This? [View all]

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-nicholas-phillips/the-bible-does-not-condemn-homosexuality_b_7807342.html


Adam Phillips
Pastor of Christ Church: Portland, an open, active & inclusive faith community for God's glory & neighbor's good.

Posted: 07/16/2015 11:10 am EDT Updated: 07/16/2015 11:59 am EDT


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The word "homosexuality" didn't even show up in English translations of the Bible until 1946, so why do we say the Bible condemns it?

Billy Graham's son is terrified that President Obama and a whole host of us have chucked out our Bibles in order to support marriage equality. This week he was at it again on Facebook, railing against "the assault on biblical marriage," referencing California lawmakers who want to amend federal law by striking gendered language pertaining to two partners in a legal marriage. Franklin, son of Billy, even goes on to make the Biblically inaccurate comment that "The One who created marriage defined it as between a man and a woman." I wish he would read my post on this and then re-read the Bible.

Brother Franklin, even thinks that President Obama should invest in more lightning rods in case God strikes the White House in fiery wrath.

This is laughable if it weren't so powerfully sad. Here's the thing, Franklin: You need to read your Bible better. The sooner you do, the more and better work you can do in Africa and elsewhere with Samaritan's Purse. We need your time focused not only on poverty but in addressing America's original sin of racism. We need all you got for those fights. It's time to end the culture wars and fully focus on the war against poverty, racism and injustice in our world.

Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, a mentor in the faith, talks about the early days of gathering his new community, coming out as Evangelicals during the Vietnam crisis, going back to the Bible for help and guidance.

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