So whilst it has been widely reported that many same sex couples will rightly be celebrating their civil and humanist marriages by valentines day next year, I wonder how many of us realise that same sex couples of faith will be relegated to the margins once again - still waiting their turn for equality.
Read MoreCan we talk about "biblical marriage" please?
Read More“Clearly, if the relationships in Genesis are to be held up as “God’s design for marriage”, then it’s not a very good one. Especially if you happen to be female.”
More than sand
“You’ve got to remember, God isn’t just loving. He is also holy, just and righteous.” This solemn pronouncement was recently made to me in support of God’s supposed ordering of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Old Testament. “But what do you think is holy, just or righteous about killing women and children?” I protested. “It doesn’t matter what I think,” came the confident reply, “my job is just to believe it.”
Read MoreWant to learn about Progressive Christianity?
A four week “Introduction to Progressive Christianity” mini-course at Harbour Faith Community.
Listen. Share. Discuss. Progress.
07 March Session 1 - Putting the Bible in its place
14 March Session 2 - The Cross and Forgiveness
21 March Session 3 - Accepting Sexuality
28 March Session 4 - Living on a Prayer
All sessions start at 19:30 at 8 Governors Place, Carrickfergus. Click for more details.
Read MoreWho we are instead
In a part of the country largely dominated by a more conservative evangelical version of Christianity, we aim to provide a home for those who wish to explore or express their faith in an alternative way. This has become known to many as "Progressive Christianity", which encourages thoughtfulness in faith, is not afraid of doubt, excludes no one and fosters a more optimistic view of our shared future together.
Read MoreWhat exactly is "Progressive Christianity"?
This is the heart of what it should mean to be a Christian of any designation; the desire to continue to move and grow and learn and change, even if those things place us in opposition to the person we once were or the beliefs we once held firmly or the testimony we once gave. As we move through space and time, our faith should be in continual evolution. We should always look back at the previous version of ourselves and realise how much we didn’t know then. We should be able to see how far we’ve come in matters of spirituality.
Read MoreBelief matters, but love really does win
This is intended by Jesus to catch us off guard. Even the characters in the parable itself are surprised by how the final judgement was actually playing out. This, as with many of the parables, is meant as a warning to those of us who think we have it all sewn up.
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