Editor's Box | Themed Series on Homosexuality

Starting on July first, we are going to deal with a very challenging topic. These days the conversation around homosexuality is very political and at the same time, for some people, it is very personal. It makes it a difficult subject to consider carefully.

We don't really need to point to the changing legislative climate, shifting cultural tide or consternation in churches in the western world to establish the obvious: that this is a pressing and often distressing topic for many people. It is almost certain that you will not agree with all of the articles published in the next several weeks. As with all the articles we publish, New Church Perspective does not necessarily endorse the opinions and ideas expressed. And it is important to be clear that New Church Perspective does not publish the New Church perspective. Instead we offer the thoughts and feelings of writers trying to speak from or about that perspective.

There are different ways to have a conversation. It can be very useful to find people who hold certain things in common. The more that is held in common, the greater can be the feeling of safety and the ability to get deeply into the nuances of a commonly held view. On the other hand, it can be valuable, though less comfortable, to listen to a wide range of divergent opinion. In this case, one is forced to work harder to listen, understand and maintain respect for the other people in the conversation.

In this discussion of homosexuality we have chosen to lean toward the second approach. Please join the conversation in the comment lines. The authors know that they have opened themselves up to strong disagreement from readers by writing on this subject. But, as always, make an effort to engage fairly. Try to avoid accusing others of bad motives or deliberate biasing of the subject. Please write sincerely and trust that others have done the same.

There are five articles in the series:
Homosexuality by Coleman Glenn
The Pro-Love Agenda by Dylan Hendricks
Creation by Lawson Smith
View of Homosexuality: Doctrine or Bias? by Dylan Glenn
Love Your Neighbor. Yep, even those different from you by Michelle Chapin