Female Priests To Be Excommunicated

I came across this article today:

May 30, 2008

The Vatican issued its most explicit decree so far against the ordination of women priests yesterday, punishing them and the bishops who try to ordain them with automatic excommunication. The decree was written by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and published in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, giving it immediate effect. A Vatican spokesman said the decree made the church’s existing ban on women priests more explicit by clarifying that excommunication would follow all such ordinations. Excommunication forbids receiving the sacraments or sharing in acts of public worship. (Reuters)

As a Baptist woman seeking to be a head pastor, I can only sympathize with the struggle of these women and the defense of their call. I am not Catholic and so I don’t know all the theological reasoning as to why women are not allowed in the priesthood, but I am interested as to the Biblical reasoning. I just know that I too have been kicked out a church, because i would not sign the Baptist Faith and Message declaring that a pastor can only be male. This is probably the wrong post for me to put all of my theological reasoning and defend my call. I guess my heart just hurts because Christ treated all people with equality and dignity, but many times those of us that are followers of Christ don’t live to that. Since when did the Holy Spirit become gender biased?

The Magdalene Sisters

An independent film entitled The Magdalene Sisters made my eyes fill with tears, my body fill to the brim with anger and my mouth break out spontaneously in prayer. It has been long time since a movie has had that kind of impact on me.

The movie is titled after Ireland’s “Magdalene Laundries.” Originally opened about 150 years ago by the Catholic Church to create a means for women in prostitution to start a new life and career. However, by the turn of the century these laundries became a place for women who had a child out of wedlock or who’s chastity was suspect to pay penitence as “fallen” women. It is estimated that nearly 30,000 women entered these laundries. They were beaten, threatened, verbally assaulted, and humiliated. I was ashamed as a Christian that these women were treated this way, rather than the love and compassion of Christ. The sad part is, these laundries existed until 1996.

I suggest anyone watch this. Be warned there is some female full frontal nudity.

Can a Baptist Support Gay Marriage?

On Thursday, May 15, the California Supreme Court overturned a ruling banning gay marriage. This monumental ruling would allow California to be the second state, behind Massachusetts to preform and recognize marriage between homosexual couples. You can read a synopsis article here.

As I have read quotes from Evangelicals such as Dr. James Dobson, a part of me is angered and utterly embarrassed at the response of supposed Jesus-following Christians. After all, only God can condemn us to Hell. The other part of me is conflicted and tormented on where I stand on the issue of gay marriage.

I am perhaps conflicted for the many roles and titles that I carry. I am an American who supports the individual freedom of all people, even those I disagree with. I am a Christian who generally subscribes to orthodox theological beliefs, therefore I find homosexuality to be a sin. No greater than any other sin, but nevertheless, a sin. I am a Baptist, therefore I am a historical defender of separation of church and state, as well as liberty. So where do I stand? What must give?

I am still mulling over the issue, but I am making headway. At this point, I think I can say I am support of homosexual civil unions, but not marriage. Before you begin to think I am a close-minded, hell declaring evangelical or a liberal moral-destroyer, hear me out.

For the the crux of the issue rests on the definition and meaning of the words marriage and civil union. I would define marriage as the ceremony of union of two people as a institution of God and the Church. It is recognized by God and the body of believers. Since orthodox Christianity believes homosexuality is a sin, this union would between a heterosexual couple. In addition, most governments consider this to be legally binding as well. A civil union from my understanding is the commitment of two same-sex persons to one another as recognized by local legal standards. It is recognized to have the same legal rights as a heterosexual couple, but without all the religious implications.

What I am getting at is this: the church makes its law based on the Bible, the government does not meddle. As a church based on Scripture interpretation, the church has the right to not allow gay marriages to take place in the church. As a Baptist, because of my strong conviction of separation of church and state, I would contend that the government can not rule otherwise and force churches to preform marriages between homosexual couples. However, if a church does decide they want to carry out such ceremonies, that is a different issue in its entirety.

However, as an American and Baptist, I do not see any conflict in support or favor of civil unions. This makes homosexual unions legal in the sight of the government. It has no religious implication. As an American, this would fall within the realm of belief that all people should be treated equally and given equal rights. It also is in harmony with my Baptist convictions in not meddling church and governmental affairs.

I think I’m rambling now, but I am going to continue to chew over this topic of discussion. What do you think? Am I more of a heretic than I thought?

Mission and Purpose

So, if I have learned anything in my business classes, it is to come up with a purpose and mission when establishing an organization. I think blogs should be the same way. I’d like to think that I have some grandiose plan, or that I will even be disciplined enough to blog daily in order to get hits. In all actuality, this blog is just for the amusement of my self and friends. If some stranger happens to stumble upon this blog and is humored, then I would say that is a fine accomplishment. I came up with the name from a line in my favorite movie Yentl. People tell me I should write the things I say, I have no clue if they were being cordial. Nevertheless:

Purpose: To write what I am not allow to say. (For some reason this seems to be acceptable on blogs)

Mission: Humor my friends and strangers.

Stay tuned…