Hi. iCeltic! I'm very surprised you met up with such Anglicans as you describe. I suppose the word "happy" is not quite right. I was answering bigmac's point. No-one is happy all the time, outside circs alter that of course. I suppose we have an inner joy and contentment, which is what I always wish each of you on here. I did meet one quite arrogant-ish bloke in charge of the Crooked Spire at Chesterfield, but he is known to have a bit of a problem. "Work on it" I thought to myself. Human nature. (Bad luck that you ran into such a character. We met the best Shepherd you could imagine). As regards being able to explain the bible/beliefs or understand the actions of Yahweh in the OT I would say that independent bible study with a good bible companion is the key. Everything changed with Jesus - who said for example that even harboring hatred equals murder. Don't think I didn't have some some hard questions too. I have spent hours and hours of study and research on points like this and much more - from the basics of Christianity, every sentence of every Creed which we recite - to why there are women vicars, etc etc. I have met no-one more bible/doctrine savvy than our Vicar, Richard. Most of the congregation, I think, don't feel its so important to be able to stand up to critics. Your relationship with God is a strikingly personal and almost tangible thing, precious and unique to each one, and it somehow transcends the need to want or have to debate about it. (Hard to explain). Some things, we even see differently to one another - eg, Eschatology of Christians etc. IT DOESN'T MATTER. The GOSPEL (Good News) is the same as it was 2000 years ago and that is the gel that binds us. I CANNOT agree with your view of how Anglicans view homosexuality/same sex marriage. The common view of the Church of England is that gay couples should marry and enjoy the financial benefits/security. I and my fellow worshippers would embrace ANYONE at our Church, ALL are welcome. No-one is to judge anyone else. HOWEVER, and this is the point of dissention perhaps. Marriage is one of the Holy Sacraments because it represents the relationship between Christ and his Church (St Paul) (Quotes Adam and Eve, the two becoming one flesh being a holy union).Whilst we love ALL people, the Exegesis/Hermeneutics of Homosexuality in the bible mean that today,it just cannot be openly "embraced" as the majority would wish.THAT is why there can be no same-sex church weddings - it is NOT a question of "No such weddings in our Churches!" The Church of England respect and welcome gay people and there are vicars, male and female, and also Bishops who are gay. BUT - a big BUT - If they are taking Holy Services (Baptism, Confirmation, Communion and Marriages) then they are called on to refrain from gay sexual practices.I just totally understand and agree with this, even if it is a big stumbling point for most. This rule doesn't however, apply to Readers, who can take all-age, morning worship services etc. What a difference in my attitude! I am a reformed character, I cannot give better testimony than this, as previously in the jw life, I hated gays.(Never expressed it though, of course). Now love is the dominant force in my life and I would make sure the first person at our Church to hug and welcome a new, openly gay worshipper, would be ME.xx
