Houston and Homosexuality in a world of Sound Bites and Tribalism

October 20, 2014October 20, 2014 Geoff Robson Christian Ethics, Quick Hits Brian Houston, Hillsong, homosexuality, Same-sex marriage, tribalism

I’m not a huge fan of Brian Houston (if you want to know why, ask me about the sermon on Matthew 21 where he encouraged listeners to ‘loose the donkey’ in their life). And I’m not a huge fan of Hillsong, a movement that has welcomed and endorsed people who are “widely recognised as false teachers and deniers of key doctrine”.

Yet over the weekend, I noticed a number of people (including some of my friends) getting very worked up about comments Brian Houston made on the topic of same-sex marriage and homosexuality. You can read a transcript of his comments, a couple of the subsequent reports, and a clarification issued by Hillsong. You can also listen to the audio of the press conference here. Continue reading →

The Top Ten of 2013

December 29, 2013December 30, 2013 Geoff Robson Quick Hits 2013, Breaking Bad, census, depression, Evangelism, homosexuality, Kevin Rudd, politics, relationships, Same-sex marriage, top ten, West Wing

It’s that time when, apparently, bloggers post ‘best-of’ lists from the year that’s past. So here we go. These are the top ten most viewed posts from Every Thought Captive in 2013.

10. A Breaking Bad Idea: I took some heat (some of it justified) for this rumination on whether or not Christians should watch shows like Breaking Bad. I’m glad it raised questions for people.

9. Depression and the Christian: A collection of resources for people dealing with (or helping those dealing with) this massive issue. Continue reading →

When Prime Ministers Attack: Faith under (friendly) fire

September 6, 2013September 6, 2013 Geoff Robson Christian Ethics, Christian Thought Colossians, Ephesians, gender roles, homosexuality, Kevin Rudd, politics, Same-sex marriage, science

What can we learn from the Australian Prime Minister throwing his own faith under the bus to win political points?

In case you haven’t already heard, the Australian election campaign took an interesting turn this week when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd appeared on Q & A (a current affairs interview program in Australia) and was asked a question about ‘same-sex marriage’. Rudd went into full flight, launching a passionate defence of the change of heart that has seen him become a vocal proponent of what he calls ‘marriage equality’.

Continue reading →

“Same-sex Marriage”: What I would have said

April 18, 2013December 29, 2013 Geoff Robson Christian Ethics, Christian Thought homophobia, homosexuality, politics, Same-sex marriage, tolerance

As I watched last night’s parliamentary debate, I started pondering what I would say if I were an MP with a chance to address the nation on this historic night. Sam Seaborn or Toby Zeigler I am not, but here’s what I came up with

Mr Speaker, as we meet tonight in this chamber, hundreds of thousands of people around the nation are watching and anticipating not just our decision, but our discussion. And so I’d like to address my comments to some of those who are watching tonight. Specifically, I’d like to directly address the members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities for whom tonight is so important. Indirectly, I’m also addressing the countless New Zealanders who share your hope that this bill will pass.

I must begin by saying that I oppose this bill, even though the horse has bolted and, clearly, this bill will pass. Why? Why oppose a bill that many have claimed is all about human rights, freedom and equality? Am I scared? Am I a homophobe, or a bigot? Am I just a bluff old traditionalist? Let me explain where I stand. Continue reading →