In this special edition of The Paulcast, Kurt explores a topic that is on the hearts and minds of many people in the aftermath of the horrific shooting that took place in Orlando. 50 lives were lost. 49 lives were lost because of one thing: their identity. LGBTQ persons continue to struggle to find equal footing in our society, and this tragedy is another reminder of how far our culture has to go to make a safer and more humanizing world.
Questions are often raised, during times like this, about how the Scriptures speak to issues pertaining to sexuality. In this episode of The Paulcast, Kurt explores the Roman vision of sexuality and virtue and how Paul confronted such ideals of hierarchy with a better way: the way of love. Is Paul homophobic? Doubtful. Was Paul speaking to issues of same-sex practices that are the same as what LGBTQ folks advocate for today as blessed before God in the context of covenantal marriage? That is a “debatable matter.” What isn’t up for debate, however, is Paul’s insistence that Christ-followers of differing convictions belong at the same table. Without solving the “who is right?” question, Kurt offers some observations about gender in the ancient world that ‘traditionalists’ and ‘progressives’ tend to interpret differently.
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. They are excited to announce the launch of the new Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership and Culture. This online program, designed for practicing pastors and ministry entrepreneurs, will help you understand and integrate sub-cultures, theology, and leadership into practice. Guest faculty like Bruxy Cavey, Greg Boyd and Brian Zahnd model practical integration of Anabaptist theology and 21st century kingdom work. Learn more at fpu.edu/mlc.
*Show sponsors do not endorse every word or idea discussed on The Paulcast.
Author: Kurt Willems
Kurt Willems is a pastor, author, and spiritual director. His first book, Echoing Hope: How the Humanity of Jesus Redeems our Pain, releases in March 2021. Kurt is also the host of the Theology Curator podcast. He has a master of divinity degree from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and a master of arts in comparative religion from the University of Washington.
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