Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Urbandale UCC off the Far Left Deep End

This is from an "Iowa View" in the Des Moines Register written by Rev. Shannon Michael Pater, the senior pastor of the Urbandale United Church of Christ.  I always love it how most "Iowa View" articles are written by liberals.  I would have thought I was living in California or something.

The matrimonial altar is no place new for me. As a pastor, I've married nearly 100 couples. But on the first Saturday in June, I stood facing the other way. I walked down that familiar aisle to be married myself.

In the days and months leading up to our ceremony, we experienced all the standard pre-wedding jitters. We fretted and even argued about the photographer, the cake, the rings. But there was one worry that set us apart from most couples: We were afraid of protesters and placards. My beloved and I are the same sex.

This church was heading that way long before they hired a openly gay pastor.  I remember doing a presentation there, and in their fellowship hall was a poster about God and it listed different names.  Mother was one of the names that was on the poster.  Also during this presentation several of the members were very concerned about how kids from other faiths were getting their spiritual needs met (like that is really our problem).  I have never gotten that question before or since when sharing about SOY to a church group.  I have addressed that question at civic groups before, but never in a church.  I read the article and saw that  Rev. Pater said that they didn't have protests.  This was probably due to it being done under the radar.  I would also say it would be in bad taste to interrupt his political statement anyway (that is all it is since Iowa doesn't recognize same-sex marriages).  Rev. Pater has the right to participate in a meaningless ceremony, the fact it was done in a church does not mean it has God's blessing.

I think the following verses apply:

Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and shrewd in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21,ESV)

5 comments:

Recovering said...

Good choice of Scripture. I feel similarly. I also think the Register forgets that there are conservatives that actually read that rag once in a while. I just wish newspapers would be honest about their slant. Just called it the Des Moines Liberal Register. Than we can start one called the Des Moines Conservative Standard or Des Moines Conservative Statesmen or something...

Shane Vander Hart said...

Thanks Eric. I agree wholeheartedly with you about the Register and MSM in general.

Shane Vander Hart said...

BTW - I'm editing this post because of some grammar issues. Sometimes I just jump the gun before hitting the publish button.

Anonymous said...

Interesting.... I find your scripture choice somewhat ironic considering it could also directly apply to those that consider their own homophobic views as "true and good" while actually coming from a truly dark place. Although I am not gay, my mind and heart are open enough that I choose to follow the bible's message of love and acceptance.

Lynn said...

"the fact it was done in a church does not mean it has God's blessing"

Two human-beings of the same sex confirming their love and monogomy for one another is harmless. Claiming you speak for GOD - that scares me!!