Read on Twitter
This lunchtime, I spent some time watching the CEEC video ‘The Beautiful Story’, and I would like to offer some reflections on the film itself and the responses I’ve seen here on Twitter:
1. Firstly, I am broadly in agreement with their theological view. There are parts I disagree with - of course there are! - but I think it presents the gospel message and the traditional, orthodox, evangelical view on sex & sexuality clearly and well.
2. It frustrated me that in the ‘real repentance’ section, plenty of people admitted the historic failings of the church with regards to sex, marriage, sexuality etc. but not once were the words ‘we apologise’ or ‘we are sorry’ uttered.
Real repentance looks like saying sorry.
Real repentance looks like saying sorry.
So: I wish to acknowledge and apologise for the ways in which, in thought, word and deed, through negligence, through weakness and through our own deliberate fault, we have done the LGBTQI+ community wrong, failed to love you as Christ calls us to, and so caused you hurt & pain.
3. Quotes & soundbites can easily be taken out of context, either in the editing or online. This can then be used to dismiss the overarching argument, which is not right.
By all means disagree with points made, but don’t create a straw man out of a few phrases in a 30 min video!
By all means disagree with points made, but don’t create a straw man out of a few phrases in a 30 min video!
4. Just because you disagree with someone’s view (theological or otherwise) doesn’t make them a terrible person who never does anything right or good.
Stop criticising the person; start critiquing their argument(s).
Stop criticising the person; start critiquing their argument(s).
5. No side is flawless in this debate.
Yes, this video includes a call to action, and can easily be categorised as ‘propaganda’.
But - rightly or wrongly - CEEC are not alone in this approach.
Just because you agree with it doesn’t mean it isn’t propaganda.
Yes, this video includes a call to action, and can easily be categorised as ‘propaganda’.
But - rightly or wrongly - CEEC are not alone in this approach.
Just because you agree with it doesn’t mean it isn’t propaganda.
6. I am aware that I - like everyone else - come to this from a certain background with particular privileges and disadvantages. We all do, some more than others. And some privileges and disadvantages are more visible than others.
Therefore, please take these comments as they were intended, and do not assume subtweets, passive aggression or another agenda entirely.
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