{"id":15450,"date":"2017-11-16T21:21:39","date_gmt":"2017-11-17T05:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dminlgp\/?p=15450"},"modified":"2017-11-16T21:21:39","modified_gmt":"2017-11-17T05:21:39","slug":"are-you-equally-as-outraged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/are-you-equally-as-outraged\/","title":{"rendered":"Are you equally as outraged?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Anthony Elliott\u2019s text, Contemporary Social Theory: An Introduction<\/em> is comprehensive and easy to navigate.\u00a0 He highlights multiple theories in this second edition, and challenges the reader to critically engage in understanding societal theories of change in \u201ccontemporary social life\u201d.[1]<\/a> Because it\u2019s intended to be used as a textbook (and the cost reflects that), very few reviews exist.\u00a0 Generally, fellow sociologists report the book is \u201ca remarkable overview of thinkers and themes\u201d.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

One such theory discussed in the text, Queer theory, merits further exploration.\u00a0 It was evident from our experience in South Africa of hearing Rev. Michelle Boonzaaier discuss her organization, IAM.org (Inclusive and Affirming Ministries), the use of the term \u201cqueer\u201d evokes high emotion.\u00a0 During her presentation, Rev. Boonzaaier stated \u201cOur God is a queer God\u201d.\u00a0 This single sentence challenged listeners \u2013 and let\u2019s be honest \u2013 angered many.<\/p>\n

What exactly is queer theory?\u00a0 Eve Kosofsky Sedgewick, described as \u201cthe mother of queer theory\u201d[3]<\/a> believes Queer can be defined as whatever is at odds with the normal,\u00a0the legitimate and the dominant.\u00a0 The study of queer theory has been used by social theorists to \u201ccritically interrogate sexualities and the decentering of identity.\u201d[4]<\/a>\u00a0 \u201cIn simple terms, we can conclude that queer theory is an approach to literary criticism or study that rejects the informal norm. Queer theory is not only the study of gays or lesbians, but also the study of transgender, hermaphroditism, and all other sexual orientations that compete with society’s formal sexual norms.\u201d[5]<\/a><\/p>\n

So\u2026how should a ministry practitioner respond to this theory?\u00a0 Should it be rejected immediately as unnatural?\u00a0 Argued as sinful?\u00a0 Judged as deviant?\u00a0 I think I can safely say the issue of sexual identity in the church is a hotbed for debate.\u00a0 How does the church currently respond to this theory?\u00a0 Not well.\u00a0 \u00a0Christians have a long history of misuse of scripture \u2013 oppression of black people, institution of slavery, oppression of women, use of Apartheid, the exile of Palestinian\u2019s from the Middle East by Israel, and last, but perhaps most poignant in modern times, condemnation of homosexuality.[6]<\/a> \u00a0\u201cThe human community has suffered for so long from dehumanizing racial prejudice. People need to be cleansed and freed from all forms of destructive prejudice, including that which is based on a person\u2019s sexual orientation.\u201d[7]<\/a>\u00a0 I want to believe ministry practitioners could agree that scripture should be interpreted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit \u2013 using the core values of the gospel \u2013 goodness and holiness, wholeness and humanity.\u00a0 Obviously the \u201cchurch\u201d has changed their Biblical interpretation on issues of slavery and racial and gender oppression in recent years \u2013 because those writings were \u201cof the times\u201d vs. \u201cfor the times\u201d (essentially a cultural attitude that worked during that time in history).\u00a0 \u201cYet it is a strange and sad fact that, in spite of this, so many Christians would appear to think that the more they take the Bible literally, the more they are somehow being faithful to Scripture, and that they are the true and authentic Bible Christians! We must object strongly to this presumptuous claim. This literalistic way of treating the Scriptures is misguided and simplistic and leads to all kinds of problems. It is precisely in this way \u2013 the quoting and literal reading of a particular text as God\u2019s clear will and command \u2013 that the Bible has been tragically and dogmatically misused and abused down the ages to justify all manner of injustice and wrong.\u201d[8]<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019m aware the challenging statements in the prior paragraph may trigger outrage to the literal Bible interpreters.\u00a0 As outraged as you may be to the suggestion that the Bible shouldn\u2019t be literally interpreted, are you equally as outraged by the vulnerable and marginalized people in your neighborhood, state, country, and world?\u00a0 Are you outraged enough to spend as much (or more) energy on seeking social justice and facilitating discussions with key stakeholders as you are in trying to defend your interpretation of the Bible or thrust your judgement on marginalized people?\u00a0 I\u2019m asking how willing are you to be the hands and feet of Jesus\u2026.?<\/p>\n

Let me offer suggestions on how to move forward in Biblical love (Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<\/em>\u00a0\u2014Matthew 7:1):<\/p>\n