Quote:
Originally Posted by shinerbock
SC, I understand what you're saying about "loving the sinner." However, if I ever use that phrase with any consistency for my pastor, I don't think I'll be staying in that church. Clergymen are fallible like all of us, but I'm not interested in seeking guidance and spiritual counsel from people who don't even strive to meet the standards I set for my own life.
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I can understand that. Parishioners *know* their clergy people are fallible, but I believe they *desire* or *hope* that they live a little better than the average person, meaning they have less sin or something. They are seen as the "experts" in all spiritual matters. And for that reason, your post makes sense.
I have a different view, I suppose, because I am extremely close to my pastor. He, of course, says things at regular intervals that piss me off and I think are wrong. I confront him on it, and we have dialogue. I think we both come away with understanding where the other one stands. He hasn't said anything that could be fodder for news crews, mind you, but in my mind, they're offensive to my sensibilities. Of course, I could never turn my back on him, because he married my husband and me and baptized our children... and he's my dad.
Perhaps that is why I can understand Obama's stance more than the average person.