Gravity Commons Podcast Karen Keen & Ron Pierce: Christlike Acceptance Across Deep Difference
Nov 25, 2025
Ronald W. Pierce, a theologian with decades at Talbot School of Theology, and Karen R. Keen, a biblical scholar and spiritual care provider, explore a fresh approach to LGBTQ acceptance in the church. They discuss the importance of appreciative dialogue over debate, aiming to model civility in contentious discussions. Ron shares how he holds a traditional view while promoting respectful engagement, while Karen recounts her transformative journey to an affirming perspective. Together, they emphasize love and humility as essential to navigating deep differences.
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Why LGBTQ Debates Feel So Fraught
- Disagreements over LGBTQ theology feel deeper because sexuality triggers vulnerability, shame, and identity threats.
- Karen Keen and Ronald Pierce note discussing people is harder than debating abstract doctrine.
Appreciative Dialogue Lowers the Heat
- Structuring dialogue as appreciative and collaborative lowers heat and models Christian peacemaking.
- Ronald Pierce conceived the project after reading Barry Corey's Love Kindness and wanting relational conversation in the classroom.
Listen From The Inside Out
- Do practice listening to opposing views from the inside out without prepping to refute them.
- Pierce says deep, humble listening can change minds or at least improve the conversation.
