The Christian Way Forums / The Christian Way Forums / Social Issues Relevant to CS and Christianity in General

Christian Science Teacher disciplined by The Christian Science Board of Directors

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Jun 2004 10:32:36 GMT

A Christian Science Teacher who is a lesbian and recently went to Massachusetts to marry her partner, was disciplined by The Christian Science Board of Directors:

http://www.news-press.com/news/cape/040624lesbian.html

It is my understanding that in recent years, gay Christian Scientists have felt that the Board of Directors had become welcoming and more supportive of gay students of Christian Science. But at the same time there were rumors of increasing protest from those Christian Scientists who felt that homosexuality was not something to be tolerated or encouraged among Christian Scientists.

Now gay Christian Scientists appear to be feeling that the Board of Directors has suddenly changed course and a great deal of progress has been undone.

Should Women submit to their husband?

Anonymous — Tue, 30 May 2006 13:39:35 GMT

The following is a comment by Do_Go_Be_Man in another forum that I would like to see more feedback from:

women must submit to their husbands (the heads of their households).

This is my response back to him:

I think you definitely have a very conservative view when it comes to women. I think that most conservative women would even argue with you on your stance that a woman should submit to her husband. Or that a woman cannot hold high positions in the church. I would like to see this debated in another thread actually, because I think that issue may get many comments. I know many conservative men that have even given in on that issue and do not hold your view. I bet you get a lot of protest when you admit your view on that one.

I am curious on everyone's view on this. I assumed that even most conservatives did not believe this anymore. Maybe I am wrong. I am especially interested in female conservative's view. So anyone, please let your view be know here in this new thread.

Liberal Christian

Charity. Too "Material"?

Green Pastures — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:46:35 GMT

I am new to the forums, and have really been interested to read the posts of my peers, the lapsed.

I was born and raised in CS, and although I left in my twenties, somewhat bitter (for reasons that do not relate to this topic), now that I am in my thirties, I kind of miss it, and find myself often thinking of CS doctrine when I am upset or ill. I don't think I will ever fully accept it the way I was raised or be a "fanatic" again, but I do find parts of it to be comforting sometimes.

I have considered re-joining the church, BUT... I am really saddened that the church does not participate in any charity causes and find it really sad. I work for a non-profit charity and we coordinate all sorts of religious groups to donate money or lend a hand for causes in our community (like book and coat drives) or around the world (like Darfur). Charity is a huge art of my life and I want a religion that participates in the healing of the world by meeting the physical needs of people who are suffering.

An example: my dad's CS church is located in a suburb, on the same street as a Catholic, Unitarian and Episcopal church. A few years ago all the churches got together to have an event, raising money for something (I forget the specifics) in the town. They invited the CS branch to be involved, but they had to decline. My dad and a bunch of others participated "as individuals" but not as a church...

I would love to find a place to go on Sundays where I can find a community of people who do good in the world, but also has some of the same doctrine as CS. I heard the Congregational Church (MBE's church before discovering CS) might be my best match, but I would love to hear from ex-CSers, their opinion.

Elder Abuse Similar to the Child Cases?

Gentle Dove — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:28:08 GMT

I was wondering if the deaths of elderly Christian Scientists who may have lost their capacity to make decisions for themselves are similarly situated to the minor children who have suffered under Christian Science. I have an elderly grandmother who is obviously suffering from dementia but is having medical treatment withheld from her because the family feels that is what she would have wanted. However, she needs HELP and some relief. She is like a child and cannot remember anything anyway. I feel like the compassionate thing to do is to seek medical treatment for her which is against the family's wishes. A guardianship is out of the question because the person who is appointed under her legal papers to be her guardian in the event of incapacity is a CS. Contesting would cause a huge stink and may last longer than my grandmother has to live. Anyway, I would welcome any ideas on this topic. All of the press seems to be focused on the child cases (as it should) but it seems important to protect the elderly as well.

Christian discipleship and popular culture

followingHim — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:28:43 GMT

In this thread, I hope members can discuss how we, as Christians, can practice discernment and keep our Christian priorities straight. God calls us to live in the world, yet not be of it--an increasingly precarious act in a world where mass media--the entertainment industry, especially--is powerful and pervasive.

What prompted me to start this thread is what I have recently learned about the film, "End of the Spear," which purports to tell the story of John Elliot and his fellowed martyred missionaries, felled by the Waodoni tribesmen in Juanuary, 1956. What we have here is a secular production company which has--to say the least--watered down Christian content to make the film more palatable to a secular audience.

Apparently, Jesus Christ and a salvation message are not mentioned; the five men who died are presented more as altruists, and not missionaries with a burden for the lost. The thematic aperture is wide enough for just about any religionist to feel comfortable.

Yet at the same time, it is being marketed aggressively to Christian audiences as an evangelistic vehicle!

And if this is not enough, they recruited a gay actor, Chad Allen, to play one of the fallen Christian men, Nathan Saint. This man is highly active in promoting the homosexual cause in the entertainment world, and has stated that he sees his use of this role as a means to make homosexuality more acceptable to Christians.

Those interested in pursuing the film's treatment further can read a rather lengthy posting on the blog, Sharper Iron. A long, more orthodox history of Jim Elliot and his band can be found at Plymouth Brethren.org

My purpose here is not to drag out--here--the issue of whether homosexuality can be reconciled with Christian discipleship. It can't, but for those who want to, there are dedicated threads in this category. The point here is,

To what extent to we keep secular trends--such as acceptance of homosexuality--from corrupting our discipleship in Christ? And, how do we use our faith in influencing the secular marketplace?

I, for one, will not be patronizing the film. I want a product that is more faithful to the Gospel, and to history; nor do I want to validate an actor who will use this to promote a trendy, but tragic, moral ill.

The Da Vinci Code

Do_Go_Be_Man — Wed, 24 May 2006 18:05:46 GMT

I'm surprised we don't have a lively dialog going on the Da Vinci Code. Seems like everyone else does.

Contributors and visitors to this forum may find a web site that include resources about the Da Vinci Code useful - Biblical Foundations.

I started to start this thread in the Resources section, but think that a discussion may ensue.

Do Go Be Man
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Inherit the Wind (Evolution)

Do_Go_Be_Man — Sat, 05 Feb 2005 13:10:24 GMT

In case anyone would like to pick up on the mention of evolution in the "Getting past hatred, getting on with life" thread, here's a place to do it.

From the "Getting past hatred, getting on with life" thread:

Do_Go_Be_Man Saturday, February 05, 2005 11:03 AM

Broncho,

These are all normal feelings. We were designed through evolution to have these feelings . . .

I agree that feelings are normal, but want to head off the "designed through evolution" issue. I'm probably not alone here in discounting evolution in favor of God's design . . .

Gail Saturday, February 05, 2005 11:57 AM

In all respect to Do-Go- I really don't feel that this thread ("Getting past hatred, getting on with life") is the proper place to start on the Evolution /God's design discussion.

Do Go Be Man
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