I say AMEN to this article whatever happened to expository preaching? Where are the great expositor's of our day? I for one am sick of PowerPoint pep talks! It used to not be this way about 15 years ago. Now nobody even brings a Bible to church. You can bet they aren't reading it at home either. Very sad.

Thank you for such a well thought out and written article.

It's hard for me to understand why this is even an issue. Homosexuality isn't a gray area in the Bible. It's sin. There should be no gay preachers, period.

Thanks, Tullian! A great reminder as the New Year has started with a flurry of activity. I am reminded of Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."

Leadership positions have been held by women in the Bible - Deborah or even Miriam; however, the Levites did not have priests that were women. The New Testament has pastoral requirements that appear gender specific to men. This does not mean that women are not to proclaim or preach the gospel as the entire church in Acts when they were scattered went out preaching the gospel. Other pasages do not put women off the hook when it comes to such a responsibility. To say that people think women are unclean or apply some other Scripture to it unnecessarily, diminish the real oposition that some may have to women in the specific role of a pastor or bishop and appears shortsighted. If people say that women can not proclaim Gods message or have a ministry in the church that would another matter.

"However, I find your put down of other peoples beliefs both sad and counter productive."

Who says it is a put down?

"Why can't we all live in harmony, whatever our beliefs?"

Christians are instructed to "make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:19. For some reason, atheists want disciples too.

"Surely, this is what all learned teachings aim towards?"

Teachings aren't what get us to Heaven. Jesus is the only way. "No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

I agree, the movie looks funny... doubtful that we would find anyone in Hollywood that would refrain from using our Lord's name in vain or in a curse as they do. It is frustrating....

I was more alarmed and confused in that after Jennifer Anniston starred in this movie, she posed nude for a men's magazine.... she went from legitimate relatively clean actress, a lot like Meg Ryan, to a huge disappointment for me.... alas, and so passes another of one of America's sweetheart ladies...

Where are our lawyers in this? Individual churches pay for individual churches. Follow the money. Did the diocese buy the church? Is the diocese making payments? If so, give it back to the diocese. But, otherwise, the leadership of mainstream denominations has failed to lead, and has caused the split within the church. They then should benefit from their heretical decisions that go against Biblical standards and centuries of church doctrine? Seems so.
Leave anyway. The true church is not a building! and congratulations to those who have had the courage to stand up for their convictions against this rising tide. This is a spiritual battle and not a physical one. Keep the faith!
Homosexuals can, and have changed, hence the logic of the "church" is wrong on so many points. So leave, and reach out with the true gospel of hope and healing to all broken people caught in any sin. One sin is not greater than any other, but accepting sin is wrong on so many levels for a believer. Bring hope!

God help those that don't worry about other people's souls. And we have to grant (I would think) that there is a difference between being sinfully judgemental of someone (e.g., "You're not a Christian because you listen to secular music.") and grieving for a person's eternal state based on what they believe about the gospel.

And regarding the Elks analogy: I hope we can agree that being a Christian is about far more than "showing up at the meeting."

The article is well done, but doesn't really measure up to the man, which is how it should be. Richard John Neuhaus has indeed inspired many, including myself, through his insight in the integration of faith and culture. Reading his commentaries in "First Things" has always been a feast for me, and I shall miss him greatly for that alone. I am equally sure far more who were far closer shall miss him deeply and my condolences are with them. As for Father Neuhaus, I am confident he isn't missing a thing anymore as he is with his greatest love even now.