Ok, so I just told Christian that this is the most outrageous thing I've ever read or heard someone say about a character in the Bible. This alone says a lot about how I was raised (not parentally but theologically).I'm still getting through Rescuing the Bible From Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong and just read some of his thoughts about Paul's writings. Kind of like why he "loathed" himself so much.
I do agree that often in his writings he seems to beat himself up a lot, but I never gave much thought to it because I always just assumed there was something else to learn than to hate myself.
Anyway, I want to share a passage from the book of Spong's theories. Not because I'm some antagonist, anyone who knows me knows I typically avoid conflict at all costs. Mostly because I hope it will spur you, my friends, to pontificate with me on this issue. Think with me for a moment what it would be like to re-read the letters from Paul in this light.
"With the softening of that homophobic stance we might consider the hypothesis that Paul may have been a gay male..." (pg. 116)
"For a moment assume the possibility that this theory is correct and look with me again at the writings of Paul and, more important, at the meaning of Christ, resurrection, and grace in the life of this foundational Christian." (pg. 117)
"Nothing else, in my opinion, could account for Paul's self-judging rhetoric, his negative feeling toward his own body, and his sense of being controlled by something he had no power to change." (pg. 117)
Whoa! There it is. It's out there.
Pontificate.
Note: I'm not reading this book for any other reason than the title intrigued me because I was raised fundamentalist and am in the process of un-becoming fundamentalist because it no longer fits with my paradigm of how I view God and humanity. Most of what this author says has been way radical for my taste but it is interesting, nonetheless, to read it, think about it, and engage other people in my circle of influence to think about it. I'm not in danger by reading this. It's just one person's opinion, which I am now sharing with you. No offense is intended.
3 comments:
Jodi- There is true value, I think, in extending beyond what we've originally considered true, and looking in from a new angle.
Some will read this and question right away whether Spong should have thrown this idea out there in the first place...but he did. So what if??? To me the crux of his bold statement is this: "being controlled by something he could not change." It's that sentence that makes all the difference...
Shani... I always new I liked you. Can you come over for dinner to meet our kids?
JOdi- great blog. I'm so proud that you aren't afraid to look at things that challenge how you were raised. I'm lucky to have a wife like you who will explore the ends of the Earth with me.
Shani,
Thank you for reading this very difficult post of mine and leaving such a thoughtful comment. I agree that the "being controlled by something he could not change" comment is the statement that makes me stop and think. It's what makes me know inside that the way I was raised to view any socially "deviant" behavior isn't the way I feel, deep in my bones, the way God wants me to look at it. In fact, I'm learning to not look at the issue at all, instead, focus on the person God brings into my life that challenges these notions, or not, and learn how best to love them. Who knows where I"ll be tomorrow or two years from now but the journey is exciting right now.
I agree, we need to get together and have dinner so you can meet our offspring:)
Christian: I always love your feedback. Thank you. I'm the lucky one, lovey.
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