[Gamecock]

Irresponsibly picking and choosing between Bible texts that agree with him, and those that do not, he dismisses Paul’s teaching as mere letters from 2000 years ago that no longer apply, and then chooses a 3500 years old text with which he agrees, namely Genesis 2:18, which states: “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” In a sentimentalizing interpretation of this foundational text, Bell launches into an emotive appeal for companionship, perfectly suited to his Oprah-taught audience. “One of the oldest aches in the bones of humanity is loneliness…Loneliness is not good for the world. Whoever you are, gay or straight, it is totally normal, natural and healthy to want someone to go through life with. It’s central to our humanity. We want someone to go on the journey with.” Bell argues that the Bible, like all warm-blooded human beings, is in principle opposed to psychological loneliness, and thus implicitly endorses all forms of “marriage,” heterosexual, homosexual or poly-sexual.

[Gamecock]

Companion thread:

Former Megachurch Pastor Rob Bell: A Church That Doesn't Support Gay Marriage Is 'Irrelevant'
Rob Bell Trashes the Bible and Marriage on Oprah

[Gamecock]

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[Tudorfly]

I’m of the view there is a special place in hell for those who pervert scripture and thus lead others astray; and for those who add or remove words or meaning from God’s written Word. God specifically tells us in the Bible to not do that.

[circlecity]

"Kristen stated: “Marriage, gay and straight, is a gift to the world because the world needs more not less love, fidelity, commitment, devotion and sacrifice.”

This is a smoke screen. Sex is not necessary for "love, fidelity, commitment, devotion and sacrifice." All of these are possible in a non-sexual relationship or environment. They use these to rationalize gay sex (or sex out of wedlock in a normal relationship). Marriage is not necessary for any of these things either but their real objective is to normalize gay sex not promote marriage.

[CptnObvious]

This has happened because the Scriptural Authority has largely been abandoned and even in many churches. Once that happens the inevitable follows.

In our church we say "Sola Scriptura" - "Scripture Alone" as the basis of authority. Thus when the Leviticus 18:22 says "Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin" (Abomination) we believe it. And it is settled matter in the Presbyterian Church in America PCA. It's in our Book of Church order that Marriage is between one woman and one man quoting these and other verses. The Scriptures are Authoritative for us and the basis for what we do or do not do.

All folks are welcomed into our churches, but if you want to become a member you must put off practicing open sin, repent and come and follow the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord of one's life. Membership means actively conforming ones image to His character rather than one's own or the worlds.

Our Society has abandoned and denied the authority of Scripture in this area and the inevitable will follow save for a severe national repentance before the Almighty. I pray this happens quickly before this lampstand be removed.

[Tax-chick]

The idea that there is no close companionship in life, unless it involves genital gratification, is nonsense.

[Salvation]

In my opinion the title is correct.

But what about the dreadful loneliness without God -- being cast into hell forever? Christ is the word -- can people look at it this way?

[HiTech RedNeck]

it’s even worse without God (duck’n & runn’n)