Chuck Colson Slams Lutherans
Charles “Chuck” Colson: OnFaith on washingtonpost.com
The decision by the ELCA to ignore biblical standards of moral behavior is, given the history of modern mainline Christianity, not surprising, but it is deeply distressing.
What Colson’s whining about here is the ELCA membership’s decision to encourage church leadership to “refrain from or demonstrate restraint in disciplining” gay church leaders who are in “committed same-gender” relationships. In other words, the church membership has taken a very small step towards allowing gay clergy in the ELCA Lutheran Church.
Good for the ELCA membership! It’s a pity they didn’t word their resolution a little more forcefully but, hey, they’re Lutherans. They don’t like to come off as being confrontational. (And I know this from personal experience. I grew up as Lutheran in Minnesota. I’m now a Catholic.)
So, anyway, that’s what Chuck “I’m A Better Christian Than You” Colson is all in a twist about.
Yes, he’s an asshole. What can you do? They seem to be everywhere.
Colson’s actual “editorial” on the Washington Post web site is really quite short. The best part, by far, is reading the hundred-plus comments from readers.
Posted by RebeccaHartong on August 22, 2007 under Uncategorized
You’re a “Catholic”? A Catholic what ? Universalist? Don’t tell me you think you’re a Roman Catholic?! Which diocese are you in?
Heh, heh…. Yes, yes. I know. By most people’s standards (including the Pope’s) I’m NOT a very good Catholic.
But I do have huge appreciation for the rituals of the Catholic church. For me, when they’re done right, they most reliably touch on deep universal mysteries. Or maybe it’s just a certain part of my brain that’s being stimulated — I don’t really care all that much. (And, yes, there’s a great deal of debate on what “done right” might mean.)
Here’s how I see it, though: If people who want women priests and marriage for priests can call themselves Roman Catholics, then I can call myself a Roman Catholic, too. Hey, there are lots of “Catholic” things I’m in favor of:
* Priestly celibacy — no problem and I think it’s a good idea
* Only men in the priesthood — no problem
* Latin Mass — love it!