Trembling before G-D

Trembling Before G-D

I watched this remarkable documentary last night. It explores homosexuality among the Hasidim. I found it particularly interesting as it touches on many issues that catholic and orthodox Christians face. The film did not overtly take one side over the other, although since it followed the lives of several homosexuals it was sympathetic to their viewpoints. But it did not shy away from some very difficult questions, and presented the issues fairly.

Several scenes were striking: the young man noting that he had wasted many years of his life, and asking if he would be HIV positive had he followed the Torah; the Rabbi who obviously cared for the plight of his friend, but honestly answered "Yes, you must live a celibate life" to the tearful question of living life alone; several who were painfully separated from their family and community because they lived openly as homosexuals; the Rabbi who asked simply "Should I lie to them?" about the proscription against homosexual acts.

It is easy to think about these questions intellectually, but putting a human face to this question requires wisdom. The openly gay "Orthodox" Rabbi (I use quotes as I don't think anyone beside himself considers him orthodox) finds the answer in reading the Torah in a different way - not unlike the way progressive TEC seminarians exegete Scripture to find loopholes for their heterodox behaviors. I don't think this approach does anyone good. But on the other extreme, neither does a community that shuns members who struggle with a desire that is so deeply ingrained.

This is a challenge, a balancing act. We cannot refuse to preach the Gospel, nor can we ignore the uncomfortable bits. But when we preach those uncomfortable bits, we risk chasing out those who do not wish to hear the truth. And this is not limited to one particular sin - I had a parishioner squirming in her seat when I preached forgiveness. And a difficult sermon it was for me, as I had to face my own faults during the writing of that sermon.

I pray for grace and wisdom on this matter, for at its heart this question touches on all sins, and therefore on all men.

The Book of Common Prayer

We celebrated the 460th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer on Whitsunday. We used the 1549 Canon for the Mass; it was a nice ceremony, and it is surprising how little our liturgy has changed through the centuries.

Click through to find the1549 Canon on-line.

What is the Continuum?

This is an excellent article by Fr. Robert Hart describing the Continuing Anglican Churches, with history, some help through the alphabet soup of Anglicanism, and the hope of union. Click on the comments to get a feel for what difficulties lie along the road.