January 5, 2010
Hi everyone,
I am disappointed to say I will have to take a break from this blog for about three months. I hate to do it. Writing for this blog and engaging with all of you is one of my favorite things to do (even if it is nerve-wracking sometimes!). However, I have a very, very intense semester ahead of me. I will be writing my thesis and have to complete it by mid-April, while at the same time producing good work for three other classes. So, it is necessary to eliminate all distractions and disappear under an ocean of books and papers for awhile. Please pray for me. As usual, I am rather anxious about doing well.
On another note, I am developing a new blog that will probably launch in May. For some time I have desired to create a web resource that engages on issues of sexuality and gender beyond lay-level, ministry–something that is moderate and could include multiple voices, including academic voices (though I hope to avoid dry, boring drivel!). You can see the site here: Sexuality and Gender Forum. Eventually, I hope to develop an expansive library of books, articles, video, audio etc. A “go-to” place for information, as well as thoughtful discussion.
I will likely maintain two blogs for awhile–using Pursue God for ministry related posts. We’ll see how things shape up.
I’ll be back before you know it. In the meantime, remember the Big Picture and keep your eye on the prize! Karen
PS–You can always go back and read my old posts. I am sure they are lonely and desiring to be read. 
December 13, 2009
Dear Friends,
Well, I blinked and the semester ended. I knew my time at Duke would whiz by when I received an e-mail the first month of classes informing me of the deadline to apply for graduation. I came to Duke full of anxiety and excitement. Anxiety because of fears I would not measure up (unfounded as it turns out) and excitement because I am finally doing what I was born to do—preparing for a career in biblical studies. In the family album, there is a photograph of me as a three-year-old, curled up on the couch fast asleep with a treasured possession tucked under my arm. It was not a teddy bear, but a tiny New Testament (which I later beautified with a fluorescent green “Christian fish” sticker). I didn’t know how to read yet, but already I loved that Book about God.
Keep reading →
December 7, 2009
On November 20th, a group of more than 150 Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Evangelical leaders released the Manhattan Declaration. The document is a “clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not—under any circumstance—abandon their Christian consciences.” The signers promise not to comply with laws that violate Christian tenants pertaining to abortion, euthanasia, and sexual relationships. The document is signed by a wide range of individuals from left-leaning Ron Sider to ultra-conservative Ken Hutcherson. As of today more than 260,000 people have signed on.
So, what do you think about this document? Specifically, what is your view on Christian leaders publishing declarations of this nature? And, what are your thoughts on the content of the declaration, particularly as it relates to the segment on marriage and same-sex relationships?
Keep reading →
November 7, 2009
A few years ago, a friend of mine who is a well-known leader in the emerging church movement told me that many evangelical leaders are quietly questioning their traditional stance on homosexuality. These leaders are open to a gay affirming position, but have kept quiet for fear of alienating their congregations. However, now evangelical leaders—and not just in emerging circles—are testing the waters more publicly. Last year Tony Jones of Emergent gave a nod to the gay affirming position on his blog. Likewise, Brian McLaren, often ambiguous, has encouraged churches to be agnostic. And in two weeks, Highlands Church, in Denver, Colorado will be hosting “The Evangelical Church and Homosexuality,” a symposium featuring gay-affirming speakers Justin Lee and Mark Achtemeier.
Keep reading →
October 20, 2009
As many of you may already know there is a highly disturbing bill being considered by the Ugandan government that will place inhumane penalties on those who are gay or lesbian, as well as those who are friends or family of LGBT people. The Ugandan government already allows life imprisonment if convicted of homosexuality. However, a new proposed bill goes even further. Not only does it advocate the death penalty in certain cases, but it also requires anyone who knows of possible homosexual activity to report it within 24 hours or face up to three years in prison. Additionally, it severely censors free speech. Anyone blogging, speaking or otherwise expressing any views on homosexuality considered contrary to the government’s faces the prospect of prison (see the complete text of the bill here).
Keep reading →
October 13, 2009
What do you do when your sexual orientation doesn’t change? Your answer to that question–now or down the road–will significantly impact your life. Gay Christians’ responses to the lack of change is often the determining factor in whether or not a person ultimately affirms homosexuality as God-blessed. Having either participated in or observed the ex-gay movement for the last fifteen years, I have noticed certain patterns. Usually, initial involvement in a support group brings relief and a sense of camaraderie. There are noble commitments to live for God “no matter what.” And the mantra, “It’s not about heterosexuality; it’s about holiness” keeps everything afloat . . . for awhile. Yet, after four to five years (for some even longer), disillusionment sets in. As it turns out, single celibacy is more challenging than we thought it would be. Or maybe we just assumed we would be one of the lucky ones who ended up married. Singleness was fine for a few years, but five, ten, twenty? A lifetime?
Keep reading →
October 4, 2009
Renee is a well-educated physician who had everything she wanted in life. She had a long-term monogamous relationship with her lesbian partner, a son, a house, an accepting family and a great church. But, something was missing. Despite having all these things she had no peace. And, she didn’t know why. She found herself sitting in “a puddle of tears” crying out to God for the answer. What God revealed scared her. He asked her to put her sexuality under his guidance. Two years ago, she took that risk and is no longer in a same-sex relationship. She reports, “It was the scariest thing I have ever done in my life.” It challenged her entire sense of identity. But the results were exactly what she hoped for. She finally had peace. And more than peace, she experienced a joy that made her want to “shout from the rooftops.”
Keep reading →
September 19, 2009
Even Jerry Falwell’s ultra-conservative Liberty University has gay students. In 2007, at least forty LGBT students at Liberty sought help from the campus counseling center. I read that surprising stat in Kevin Roose’s insightful book The Unlikely Disciple. Roose went undercover for a semester to get the inside scoop on “America’s holiest university.” Among other things, he writes about a discussion he had with one of the school’s counselors, Pastor Rick:
Earlier this year, Rick tried to start a group therapy session for his gay disciples (he called it Masquerade), but no one showed up for the meetings. ‘They didn’t want to reveal their struggles,’ he says. ‘We’re hoping that next year, we can tell guys they don’t have to be afraid.’ So now, he meets regularly with forty gay Liberty students in one-on-one sessions . . . He says his job, first and foremost, is to provide emotional support for gay Liberty students. ‘The problem is, the church has been too busy condemning kids for having these feelings, and now they won’t come for help.’ A proper approach to gay conversion, according to Rick, involves massive amounts of prayer and Bible study, as well as focused mental exercises . . . ‘It’s important to figure out where this same-sex attraction comes from,’ Rick says. (pp. 184-185).
This summer the Journal of Psychology and Theology published an article by Yarhouse, Stratton, Dean and Brooke entitled Listening to Sexual Minorities on Christian College Campuses. A sample of 104 undergraduates from three Christian schools completed an anonymous survey. Results showed:
