Opposing views

There’s a major dispute going on in Church of Norway right now concerning the Biblical interpretation and understanding of gay and lesbian relationships and their rights for positions of leadership in the Church. The Church of Norway doctrinal commission (“Lærenemnda”), which consists of the bishops, theological experts and lay members, was split exactly in the middle with 10 votes against and 10 votes in favor of lifelong homosexual relationships and gay clergy. Two of the bishops (Finn Wagle and Laila Riksaasen Dahl) have changed their view on the matter (from no to yes) during the work in the commission. All commission members agreed that the disagreement should not split the church in the sense that they would no longer be able to celebrate the Eucharist together, but they all agreed that the disagreement strains the unity of the Church of Norway.

It’ll be interesting to follow the debate and it’s going to be difficult. It’s always difficult when different worldviews and interpretations collide. For both sides in this dispute there’s a lot on stake, and for some it’s about their view of God, the truth, their own lives and the future for themselves and the Church.

I believe we are challenged to listen; Listen for the Spirit, listen to the Word, listen to our hearts, listen to our own lives and experiences, listen to the people with opposing views and let ourselves be guided to an understanding. When we find answers I believe we are to stand for what we believe, but we have to do it in a spirit of love and humility. It’s not easy, because our (my) understanding of God and theology feels so universal and true. At times I’ve been amazed by a few theological conversations where I’ve felt that I don’t share the views of the person I’m talking to, and where we’ve been convinced of our opposing views. At the same time we’ve discussed the matters in a respectful and listening mood. Sometimes, I’ve been walking away from those conversations with a feeling that God has been there, and I’ve been encouraged in my faith and love for God. Through our opposing views we’ve felt a presence of a person we both love and want to listen to, and through our conversation we have (in spite of opposing views) experienced God’s love for us. Maybe we’ll find truth when we search for it by standing for our understanding while we listen and search for the truth together with others?