What 'taboo' subjects are not spoken about at church but should be?
The responses from people were fascinating. Personally I didn't find anything (other than a refernce to quiche at church lunches) that was off limits from the pulpit. However I did have to recognise that maybe we don't provide enough teaching on some areas. Probably because they are tough to speak about, and tricky to make sure you are provide meaningful answers that are both full of grace and totally biblical.
As a leader in my church I have to evaluate whether we have left some gaps in our preaching that have left people with unanswered questions. I should hope overtime we could redress that.
But I am so encouraged that while our church (small 'c') may need to pick up on a few areas we are part of The Church (big 'c'), the body of Christ. Across this church there are some great preachers and teachers who have the kindness to make their resources available to others.
So in order to address some of the "taboo's" raised I have attempted to find some really good resources to answer peoples questions. I would commend each of these sources and indeed taking the opportunity to listen to other preaches from these sources.
Some of the responses from people were as follows:
Sex - Homosexuality, Sex before marriage, Pornography, Masturbation, Contraception, Teenage pregnancy, Sex for pleasure and not just for reproduction!!
The best teaching I have heard is from Gateway Church, Austin, Texas. They did a five week series on Sex that covers most of the issues raised. I would highly recommend the teaching on "Same Sex" as the most sensitive I have ever heard. You can listen to them individually but they really work best as a series.
An alternative source would be from Willow Creek. Go to their media player and look for "What intimacy requires" under the Summer at the Creek 2010 series.
For specific teaching on Porn visit the teaching from lifechurch.tv with their Porn Sunday message.
Debt
The best practical and spiritual teaching on money and debt is from Dave Ramsey as guest speaker at Lifechurch.tv. Listen or watch their series on Life, Money, Hope.
Violent films
There was a series from lifechurch.tv called Toxic. This covered many subjects but the week on Toxic Influences specifically dealt with this subject.
Hell
The classic question "How can a loving God send people to Hell" is answered in a sermon by my brother from Hope Church, Orpington.
Others I am still looking for are as follows:
- Leadership vs empire building (I am sure I have heard some good teaching on this but need to find it!)
- Politics
- Child protection
- Suffering, Sickness, Healing, Disability (I am sure I have heard some good teaching on this but need to find it!)
- Calvinism (Plenty of sources for this just looking for the best one)
- Consequences of sin as Christian.
- Christian divorce
- Swearing
If you listen or watch any of the above then I would really like to hear if you found them useful or not. Comment here or on Facebook. If you want to recommend any good teaching for the above topics then let me know also.
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