Read the Religion News Service's interview (Links to an external site.) with Eugene Peterson on his changing views on gay marriage. One of his arguments is that "gays and lesbians seem to have as good a spiritual life as I do." This is a very common appeal to "experience" and a revision of theology inspired by changing experience. How would you respond to Peterson? What assumptions does he make about the relationship between the presence of the Spirit in one's life and one's sanctification? Discuss this in conversation with Paul's teaching about the sin of the Corinthians. Does a "good spiritual life," including the indwelling of the Spirit, validate every aspect of one's behavior?
Instructions: This forum builds on the readings in Pneumatology and especially Graham Macfarlane's distinction between the Spirit of Christ and my spirit. You are NOT invited to discuss the validity of gay marriage, or homosexuality (either as practice or as orientation). The focus should be on the relationship between the presence of the Spirit and the spiritual and moral transformation of the person.