I have written previously of my history and experiences within the Church of the Nazarene. In my 45 year journey with Jesus, my time spent within those circles appears minimal. Seven years of education (B.A. and M.Div) and almost 5 years of pastoring (Ohio and California) only create approximately 25% of spiritual input. However, that 25% left marks on me that were both beneficial and detrimental. I have tried, in as much as one can, to be fair, objective, and gracious in my reflections through the years. No earthly institution is perfect because it is run by broken, sinful, and dysfunctional people. No matter how loud or often you preach the doctrine of entire sanctification, you cannot escape that reality. I preface the blog with these remarks because I find it painful to comment on a movement based on a book which it had no hand in creating, at least, not a direct hand; but there lies the problem. While the Oords’ latest book, “Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming”, is not denominationally sanctioned, it certainly found its germination within its soil. The book contains essays and chapters written by former and current Nazarene elders and while Oord is no longer teaching at a Nazarene University, he is still ordained and credentialed within its ranks.
