Kendra Arsenaux writes, "This week I am excited to be sharing [Imago Gei] with Pastor Alicia Johnston, the author of the new book, The Bible and LGBTQ Adventists. She addresses queer theology and answers a number of questions about the Bible and what it has to say regarding LGBTQ persons, relationships, origins, and marriage. If you’d like an opportunity to win a free copy of Pastor Alicia Johnston’s new book The Bible and LGBTQ Adventists listen to the end and find out how you can win your free copy today!
My question would be how would a same sex couple, true to each other, handle a disfellowship from fellow members, even the pastor, at a church they loved for years?
I don’t need to ‘win’ a copy of Alicia’s book, since I already have started reading the copy I purchased. I’m still slowly working my way through it, taking time to ponder and digest. I’m incredible thankful for her insights.
I struggle to find the best way to communicate with church friends who express “the Bible is clear” and “hate the sin but love the sinner” and seem unable to consider a perspective that might differ from the inherited idea/s that fit their current comfort zone.
I know that I have never experienced growth in a situation where I have felt attacked, belittled or criticized; and have no desire to come across that way to anyone else. As Alicia expressed in this podcast, learning to communicate effectively is crucial. I have so much room for growth.
My question would be: might there be a short simple straightforward sentence, non-threatening to the non-affirming, that could be like a seed planted for the Holy Spirit to tend?