Category Archives: Sin

Follow the Bad Guy?

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Doug Bennett

Message at Durham Friends Meeting, April 1, 2018 Do you like crime stories? I do.  Ellen and I watch them on TV: Magnum PI, Inspector Morse, Major Crimes.  I am almost always reading one, too, and when I’m done I … Continue reading →

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What’s Up With Sin?

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Doug Bennett

Message given at Durham Friends Meeting, August 20, 2017 The last few times I’ve stood here and given a message, I’ve talked about things I didn’t know. I’ve shared my ignorance with you. Just a year ago “I’m With Stupid” … Continue reading →

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What Do Quakers Consider Sin? What Does God?

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Doug Bennett

July 25, 2013 Note:  The new issue of Quaker Theology (#23) is now available for online reading. Contents include responses by the editors of QT and six Friends to a press statement on “Quakers and Homosexuality” by Friends Church Kenya.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Beliefs, Bible, Homosexuality, Sin | Tagged | 26 Comments

Now (As Always) It Is Up To Us

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Doug Bennett

June 26, 2013 In two dramatic decisions this week, the Supreme Court declared laws unconstitutional. By a 5-4 majority, the Court set aside section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. And by an identical margin, though with only one vote … Continue reading →

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Homosexuality as a Sin: The View from the U.S. Public

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Doug Bennett

June 7, 2013 The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press has just released a large, detailed survey exploring public opinion about homosexuality and gay marriage. Included in the survey (Part 3) are a number of questions that … Continue reading →

Posted in Homosexuality, Sin | Tagged | 1 Comment

Rights Vs. Righteousness In the Marriage Equality Debate

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Doug Bennett

April 3, 2103 “Supreme Court Debates Same-Sex Marriage – Should We?”   This was the title of a recent blog post by Micah Bales that has stayed on my mind.  In it, he says he strongly supports moves towards legalization of … Continue reading →

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The Stigma Around Homosexuality and the Harm It Causes

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Doug Bennett

March 2, 2012 Everyday across the U.S. – across the globe, for that matter – young people begin to realize that their sexual desires are different from others. Early-teen boys realize they are attracted to other teen boys, and early-teen … Continue reading →

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Leprosy in the Bible

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Doug Bennett

February 28, 2012 I’ve found myself thinking about leprosy in the Bible.  It is mentioned, various reference sources tell me, 55 times.  That’s about ten times more frequently than homosexuality.  When He is trying to get Moses’ attention, calling him … Continue reading →

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Is God’s View of Sin Arbitrary?

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Doug Bennett

February 17, 2012 Certainly, our views of what is right and what is wrong should not be shaped by public opinion.  Nevertheless, we should be aware of what other people think.  The most recent public opinion polling on whether we … Continue reading →

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The Seven Deadly Sins, and Other Lists

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Doug Bennett

February 3, 2012 Another passage where the Bible provides a list of sins is Proverbs 6:16-19:  “16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent … Continue reading →

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