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Question
I'm not allowed to teach and preach because of a past marriage. A member in the congregation decided to inquire about my past life. One thing is for sure I am not going to let them impose on me the celibacy state on me. They are saying that I need to repent from my "Sin of Adultery" What can I do to rebuttal the traditional view of the Church Of Christ? One more thing many others in the congregation are in same state. My wife and I do not plan to get a divorce.
Wilfredo,
(sorry for the delay; I thought I had already answered this but it appears I have not.)
You are likely not going to change anyone's mind since the difference has to do with the way they understand what Scripture is. If you want to teach and preach, will probably need to change churches.
Here are some books you might want to read to help shape your own understanding of the question. Once you have your own view developed sufficiently, you will be able to better respond (if you want to) to those who don't think you're worthy of teaching them. You need to realize though, that the folks you describe are going to see the authors of these books as Change Agents and they will probably dismiss them out of hand. So, they are for your reading rather than recommending to others.
Down But Not Out, by Al Maxey
What the Bible Says About Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage, by Olan Hicks
Christians Caught in the Divorce Trap, by Bruce Parmenter
Divorce and Remarriage, by Rubel Shelly
Good luck and blessings,
Hoyt
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Answers by Expert:
Hoyt Roberson
Expertise
I can answer just about any doctrinal, relational, or Scriptural question from a "traditional" church of Christ perspective, and from perspectives of somewhat more progressive congregations. If you want an answer from a particular perspective, let me know that up front, and I'll respond in that vein. If you want to peg me on the liberal-conservative spectrum, I would suggest a bit left of center. Depending on the question though, I might be far left, or perhaps rather toward the right.
Experience
I am currently a shepherd of a congregation (which means, for those of you who aren't Church of Christ folk, I'm one of a handful of people responsible for the spiritual direction and maturity of the congregation, and who hire and fire the ministers). I have served in many capacities including adult class teacher (also current), deacon, administrator, and lay leader at two military bases. I am a life-long member of churches of Christ, mostly mainline congregations, but am quite familiar with more conservative and more liberal congregations and views as well. I read and subscribe to various books and periodicals for churches of Christ, and have discussed a variety of topics with representatives of our various groups both in person, and via mail.
Organizations
Christian Association for Psychological Studies, American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Publications
www.robersonblog.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials
I hold a Masters of Ministry degree from Pepperdine University, as well as a Masters of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.
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