David Gushee, an influential Christian ethicist, talks about his book "Changing Our Mind" which challenges the church's exclusion of LGBTQ Christians. They discuss the intersection of LGBTQ issues and religion, the importance of Christian ethics, and debates on scripture, slavery, and indigenous populations.
Personal experience should be considered alongside scripture and tradition when making ethical decisions.
Interpreting biblical texts must consider the fallen nature of the world and the coming redemption in Christ.
Ethical beliefs should be grounded in real-world circumstances and avoid excluding certain groups based on outdated interpretations.
Deep dives
The Complex Role of Personal Experience in Ethics
The podcast episode delves into the role of personal experience in ethical decision-making. The host explores the idea that personal experience should be considered alongside scripture and tradition when grappling with moral dilemmas. This perspective acknowledges that experience can provide valuable insight and understanding in navigating complex ethical issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the real-world implications of ethical beliefs and the need to apply moral norms to the concrete circumstances of individuals.
The Challenges of Interpreting Scripture in Modern Contexts
The episode delves into the idea of interpreting biblical texts in relation to contemporary ethical questions. It draws upon theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer's perspective, which emphasizes the limitations of appealing to the created order, given the fallen nature of the world. The episode encourages a forward-looking approach that considers the coming redemption in Christ, rather than relying on an idealized past state. It challenges the notion of deriving ethical norms solely from biblical texts while neglecting the realities and experiences of individuals in the modern world.
Rooting Ethics in Real-World Contexts
The podcast episode highlights the importance of grounding ethical beliefs in the real world and concrete circumstances of individuals. It references philosopher Lisa Cahill's viewpoint that ethical guidance should encourage individuals to pursue the most morally commendable course of action available to them, given their specific circumstances. This approach acknowledges the limitations and complexities of human nature and experience, avoiding simplistic idealism. The episode argues for applying demanding, yet attainable moral norms to real individuals, rather than imposing unreachable expectations or excluding certain groups based on outdated interpretations.
The Need to Renew the Grand Tradition of Covenant Marriage
Dr. David Gushee argues for the renewal of the grand tradition of covenant marriage. He highlights the importance of marriage as a sacred covenant, emphasizing the need for commitment and faithfulness. While acknowledging that the institution of marriage has deteriorated in various ways, Gushee advocates for including LGBTQ individuals within this tradition. He calls for a pro-marriage stance that encompasses both heterosexual and non-heterosexual relationships, rooted in the principles of covenant and fidelity.
The Evolution of Moral Boundaries in the Church
Gushee and Randy reflect on the ongoing evolution of moral boundaries within religious communities. They discuss how every generation has grappled with contentious moral issues, ranging from slavery to gender equality. Gushee points out that the church has a track record of being both wrong and right over the course of history. He also emphasizes the importance of critically engaging with the scriptural tradition to diffuse harmful interpretations. They explore the boundaries of fellowship in religious communities, recognizing that communities have center-margins and that boundaries are necessary, even within a post-evangelical collective.
David Gushee is an influential Christian ethicist who famously changed his mind about LGBTQ Christians. His 2014 book Changing Our Mind (now in its third edition) has been celebrated and widely recommended as an honest and forceful reckoning with the ethical issues surrounding LGBTQ Christians and the church's complicity in their exclusion, neglect, and abuse. It is a powerful and well-researched chronicle of David's journey from a traditional stance to an inclusive one, a journey that he completed while remaining theologically conservative. We are honored that David agreed to speak with us about this important book, and we look forward to more conversations about his many others in the near future!
