Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Tony Campolo: loving people who are gay



(hat tip to Tim Morris at http://wunsicdude.blogspot.com/)


Several years ago, I realized that Tony Campolo is one preacher whom I sincerely want to emulate when he talks about loving people. I know of many who describe themselves as Christians, but they qualify their relationships with gay people in the category, "love the sinner, but hate the sin." That phrase is highly judgmental, and I don't like it at all, but Tony refers to it in this video.

I want to ask that you watch this video, which is about 7 minutes long. You will hear from a respected Christian pastor and leader, and I hope it will provide insight into one more aspect of "love your neighbor as yourself."

6 comments:

Mary Kay said...

Carol:
Thanks for sharing that! I really enjoyed it.

Not to get into religion but that is why I changed denominations. I no longer wanted a church where a pastor was condemning and casting everyone to hell. Now I have peace where I am in a church that teaches love and forgiveness.
Mary

Shel Baxter said...

I had tears in my eyes watching this because this man is a true Christian, not just a lip-service one. My brother in law claims to be a Christian but he has completely turned his back on his gay son -- won't even let him set foot in the house. This is why my husband will never come out to his family. My son and I were talking about this a while back and son very wisely said that his dad should stop worrying about what his family thinks since they are so off the mark. Sadly, he cares too much about what people think and will be a mostly-closeted gay for the rest of his life. I say mostly-closeted because he and his boyfriend go to the gay club downtown occasionally and travel out of town to one every couple months. And because he insisted I sign a non disclosure agreement during out divorce proceedings, he's dragged me into the closet with him.

Truth has a way of eventually coming out (no pun intended)and my husband's truth will too. And his so-called Christian siblings will turn their back on him and call him a sinner, and I shudder to think what his reaction will be.

We need more Tony Campolos in the world and fewer "insert name of any TV hatemongering preacher" who use the airwaves to publicly spread their vitriol.

Thanks for this clip.

Amy said...

I love, love, LOVE Tony and his wife, Peggy. I highly recommend their excellent talk, "Building Bridges."

http://www.gaychristian.net/campolos.php

Jarred said...

I watched this video back when Wendy Gritter posted it to the BTG blog. I loved it back then and I love it now.

Thank you for sharing it with your readers.

hillsideslide said...

Thanks for posting, Carol.

I just downloaded and listened to his wife, Peggy's, interview on Gay Christian Radio.

Another brave ally.

Here's the link

http://www.gaychristian.net/gcnradio/gcnradio2010-04-16.mp3

Jones said...

Thanks for sharing this and for all that you do in a loving compassionate way in supporting the gay and lesbian community. You are a true example of Christian love.