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"The Message" And Homosexuality

I went looking for the passage in Romans specifically, and the wording clearly indicates homosexual sexual activity. It's hard to miss. Could it be used by people to deny the traditional Christian teaching (that is, Catholic) on homosexuality? Of course it can. What can't? But what does Peterson intend by writing it? It would shock me if you could show Eugene Peterson teaching anyone that homosexual activity wasn't a sin. Maybe he believes that. But you can't assert it without proof.

You might say, "This "Bible" equivocates on important issues, and gives unrepentant sinners cover to continue in sin!" Fine. That point is conceded. I wouldn't teach from The Message. It's not even a full Bible. (See, "Catholic Church, Canon of Scripture") But that's a far cry from saying its author will burn in Hell for all eternity for writing a colloquial, conversational Bible!

I think a great many people are obsessed with who is "in," and who's "out." Maybe it's a Calvinism thing; I don't know. I do know that perhaps a guy who's read and taught the Scriptures for a solid 40 years wanted to hear them with fresh ears. I doubt you do devotionals from the Greek and Hebrew like he does, Sparky. It's a book for people who have read the Scriptures their whole lives.

I'm certainly not going to crucify him for it. Sorry.

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