We Methodist need hard-core scientific help. I don’t want help from theologians, philosophers, psychologists or sociologists driven by subjective certainty. I want instead BadAss hard-core creative types that respect fact and are obsessed about excruciatingly careful and objective observation. Scientists who are out to please no one but their own demanding integrity and maybe to gather a few bucks tossed their way by the Nobel Prize dispensary.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
(RELEVANT THIS WEEK THE BEST OF RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
• United Methodist Church Proposes Split Over LGBTQ Views
The United Methodist Council of Bishops released a statement announcing that a “diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world has collaborated on a proposed agreement for the separation of The United Methodist Church (UMC) that has the unanimous support of all the parties involved.”
At the core of the proposed split are differing views on gay marriage. The plan is expected to be approved when the denomination meets in May at its global conference.
The church leaders have agreed on a new plan for a “traditional Methodist” denomination to split off from the UMC. The traditional denomination would oppose same-sex marriage and not allow for the ordination of LGBTQ ministers. The UMC, however, would allow same-sex marriages and welcome LGBTQ clergy.
For years, the denomination has been divided over the issue and new sanctions were set to go into place that would have imposed harsh punishments on pastors who officiate same-sex weddings. However, the new proposal will allow for those sanctions—which include a year without pay for one violation and being defrocked for a second—to be postponed until the formal vote this spring.
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2 Timothy 4:3-5 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)
3-5 For the time is coming when men will not tolerate wholesome teaching. They will want something to tickle their own fancies, and they will collect teachers who will pander to their own desires. They will no longer listen to the truth, but will wander off after man-made fictions. For yourself, stand fast in all that you are doing, meeting whatever suffering this may involve. Go on steadily preaching the Gospel and carry out to the full the commission that God gave you.
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Romans 1
The fearful consequence of deliberate atheism
25-27 These men deliberately forfeited the truth of God and accepted a lie, paying homage and giving service to the creature instead of to the Creator, who alone is worthy to be worshipped for ever and ever, amen. God therefore handed them over to disgraceful passions. Their women exchanged the normal practices of sexual intercourse for something which is abnormal and unnatural. Similarly the men, turning from natural intercourse with women, were swept into lustful passions for one another. Men with men performed these shameful horrors, receiving, of course, in their own personalities the consequences of sexual perversity.
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As Saint Paul was God’s messenger whom God used exceedingly well, this very day may He hear the cry of earnest players in the scientific community. ….and provide them entree into the fecund garden of sweat-inducing inspiration.
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