Between Two Worlds

Julia Duin (author of Quitting Church: Why the Faithful are Fleeing and What to Do about It) writes in the Washington Times about a tornado that landed in downtown Minneapolis near where the ELCA was to vote that afternoon to affirm a statement that would further open the door to the ordination of gay clergy. Duin writes:

"We trust the weather is not a commentary on our work," said the Rev. Steven Loy, chairman of an ad hoc committee on a controversial statement on human sexuality that was on the floor that afternoon. The statement, which seems to open the door to greater acceptance of homosexual practice, passed by an exact two-thirds vote a few hours later. One or two votes less would have killed it. There was quite a gasp when we saw the results.

Later some of us were discussing in the pressroom whether the Almighty had sent a tornado to send the Lutherans a message. After all, one of the reporters said, the ELCA endured an electrical storm during one of their previous conventions -- where human sexuality was also on the table - in Orlando.

And if God was speaking, was anyone listening?

This morning John Piper looks at what the Word might have to say about interpreting such things.

The world is divided into those who are sobered by such possibilities, and those who giggle and roll their eyes. If you're tempted to do the latter, I'd encourage you to read Piper's post carefully and prayerfully.

Update: CT's Ted Olsen looks at what the position paper says, doesn't say, and should have said.