Theology Questionnaire and Survey
1) Reflect individually upon the following questions and write down your response to each2) In small groups, read the questions one by one and discuss possible responses3) After discussion, choose which statement at the end best reflects your theological position4) Review your response to each question related to your choice and note any changesA number of important questions should be answered when considering whether or not there
is a theological rationale for blessing same-sex relationships. Please consider the following
questions and then indicate the statement that best reflects your theological position.
If the Church maintains that homosexual behavior is condemned in scripture, then…
Is teaching members of the Church to avoid homosexual behavior wrongful discrimination?Should same-sex couples be welcome as members of the Church and at communion?Should active homosexual people be allowed to hold Lay positions or be ordained?How can the Church promote commitment and fidelity in homosexual relationships?What advice should the Church give regarding promiscuity or fidelity in any relationships?What guidance can the Church provide for anyone confused with their sexual identity? Should individuals with homosexual desires be advised to practice celibacy or seek help?If the Church recognizes an exception to scripture for committed same-sex partners, then…
If scripture condemns homosexual behavior, on what basis should an exception be allowed?How would this exception be different from the one allowed for remarriage after divorce?Should this exception be limited to those with no choice in their sexual orientation?Is there any way the Church can determine whether or not a person has a choice?Should this exception be extended to individuals who claim to have bi-sexual desires?If the Church affirms that scripture is silent on committed homosexual relationships, then…
How are these passages explained; Leviticus 18-22, 20-13, Romans 26-27, 1 Corinthians 6-9?What does Jesus mean in Matthew 19 when the alternative to marriage is compared to a Eunuch?Is it reasonable to think loving homosexual relationships did not exist in Biblical times?How should the Church make future decisions regarding issues where scripture is viewed as silent?Should homosexual acts be considered appropriate only for those with a homosexual orientation?If the Church decides that scripture is culturally biased against homosexual behavior, then…
How do we determine which cultural norms provide an accurate representation of God’s truth?How can scripture act as a basis to influence the cultural practices of any population?Was Jesus also expressing cultural bias in the statements included in Matthew 19?Have advances in social and medical science actually changed the risks of homosexual activity?Should sexual orientation or gender be considerations when choosing a life-partner?If the Church blesses same-sex relationships for any agreed upon theological reason, then…
What should the Church do to protect partners from exploitation in same-sex relationships?If not recognized by Civil law, how should the Church keep track of same-sex blessings?If they are available, should Civil Unions be required for relationships blessed by the Church?What guidance can the Church provide for anyone confused with their sexual identity? At what age should a person consider their sexual orientation to have reached maturity?Should individuals experiment with sexual behavior to help identify their sexual orientation?Should homosexual acts be limited to committed relationships blessed by the Church?Do we agree that any “casual sex” that is not based on love and commitment is wrong?Do we agree that promiscuity and infidelity can cause spiritual, emotional or physical harm?How can the Church include members who support traditional views on homosexual behavior?What could be the consequences to the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion?Based on the answers to the questions above, which of the following theological positions
should the Church adopt regarding homosexual behavior and same-sex relationships?
___ Homosexual behavior is condemned in scripture and should be discouraged
___ An exception to scripture should be allowed for committed same-sex partners
___ Scripture is silent on committed homosexual relationships; they should be supported
___ Scripture is culturally biased against homosexual behavior; to oppose is discrimination
