Let those who can hear, hear...
350333
One of the 'hot-button' issues in the church today is homosexuality.  Almost every major denomination has had to make some sort of statement regarding the issue at regional, national and international levels within the past few years.  This is an issue that often generates more heat than light, as they say, because it touches deeply-held convictions and emotions that go to the core of identity as human beings as well as what it means to be a Christian.  If recent history is any guide, it serves to tell us that this issue is far from over, and the discussions, debates, and arguments are a long way from being settled in any definitive and satisfactory manner.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is one of the mainline denominations currently struggling to find answers to this issue.  Different regions have different policies about acceptance; even within regions, it is often a local matter as to whether a congregation is going to be 'gay-friendly' or adhere to 'traditional values' (there are other labels that might apply, and I must also state having applied these that I do agree that labeling on the whole is generally unhelpful).  This book, designed by a committee within the CC(DoC) appointed by General Minister Richard Hamm, seeks to use the process of discernment to approach the issue, rather than more directly-oppositional forms of engagement.  The committee was formed from a diverse group of people, including seven women and seven men; it intentionally included three people who were gay or lesbian as well as three people whose idea of homosexuality is that it is a sin.

Discernment can be a long process, and indeed, true discernment is never completely finished.  Discernment doesn't force issues or call for votes, but rather waits and listens as people share their stories, their understanding of biblical stories and texts, share worship experiences, and assumes no specific outcome by a particular timetable.

This is a practical guide, designed for use in congregation or regional-sized groups.  While it is designed specifically with the CC(DoC) denominational structure in mind, it can be readily adapted to almost any particular framework.  There are sample worship liturgies to be used by the groups, Bible studies and recommended questions for consideration, and suggestions for further work.  The book divides the process into seven stages, but these are not meant to be applied for a set time period of seven weeks or seven months; certain stages may take longer, and other stages may take less time.

As the chapter on preparation makes clear, there will be times (regardless of what side one finds oneself) where there will be disagreement and discomfort with the process, and perhaps with others engaged in the process.  This is to be expected, and should be accepted as part of the 'cost' of doing the important work of discernment.

The text gets high marks from me for referring to scholars in the fields of theology, biblical studies, and ministry such as Luke Timothy Johnson and Walter Wink.  The bibliography is a valuable resource.  It also gets high marks from me for not having a bias against either side, but rather works to bring all voices to the table for inclusion and understanding.
1335212
What a relief to have to be able to hear the tv without jacking up the sound only to have others complain of the loudness of the tv.  What a good product.
3341395
Are you serious, I just want to use some foul language, but I have respect, Good, I will cherish the music, it's complicated to explain so I will say anything is possible, I couldn't quit even if I wanted, some people. That's a separate thought some people. That's all I got to say some people.
1529523
It was a good read.  A good story.  It's a story that needs to be heard.  It's a scenario that needs to be explored.
1770678
I'd say they are okay because people often struggle to hear me.  I have to really shout to be heard.  I'm going to try another brand.
3382947
The fit to the head is comfortable.  The audio is crisp and clear, and the microphone sends a clear signal to the listening party.
698372
24/6 is a badly needed message to the world.  People are so caught up in the choices/demands/busyness of life that we have forgotten (if we ever knew) how to "Be still and know that I am God".  I am intrigued with how this information fits alongside a study on discernment by Priscilla Shirer.  She uses this same Biblical quote to encourage being quiet and listening for the Holy Spirit to speak.  And we cannot hear God without consciously planning to have time to listen.
Planning to celebrate the Sabbath with quietness and anticipation that God will speak to us.

I am grateful for Matthew's willingness to be used by God to promote this concept.  I remember that we had a saying we used when I worked in Hospice-"You never see a Uhaul behind a hearse".  I suggest some quiet thoughtful time be given to ponder that idea.  There is no avoiding death and all our accumulated stuff will be left behind!

One of my favorite sections is on pg 66.  "The purpose of work is to live and glorify God. One of the ways we do that best is by rmembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy."
3072244
Have allowed friends to use the headphones. Their feelings were the same as my. WOW!
I now hear background music others in the room are unaware of until they use them.
1305725
People think they on speaker phone and to them it sound like an echo. They can't hear me too good. But I can hear them good.
824228
Sound is clear. Can hear beautifully, others can hear me. The only problem is how it fits over the ear. Body is to wide.
3454601
IF ALL PEOPLE LISTEN TO THIS SON THEY CAN LEARN SOMETHING IT IS ABOUT THE WORDS NOT THE PERSON WHO IS SINGING IT.
3282340
Nice loud sound. Great to use for people with hearing difficulty.
1172254
...And let him who has ears to hear, hear this Yes album.  The Yes band cannot be stopped. Noone else makes music quite like this.
 Buy all their albums now before anyone figures out what they are singing about and you have start racing to beat the Amy Grant crowd to buy them.
1915755
Listening to them is what it is all about .......... Reading about it while you are listening ...... makes it even that much better !
1808472
It could be a little louder. There are some sounds that are hard to hear. Other than that it's ok.
618535
This is what I have been looking for.  Several years I have spent trying to find a way to watch TV and understand what is being said. It has been especially difficult to understand when women or children are speaking.  I have a hearing problem with higher frequencies.  I have spent up to $10,000 on hearing aids and have bought 3 different wireless headsets with no success in being able to enjoy TV. If you have the hearing problem that I have This might be the answer  I wish I had found this a long time ago.
1498449
If only there was a voice so that I can understand. I have stood by and said this to myself so many times, with friends, parents, teachers, co-workers and the children affected by ASD. What the author has so brilliantly done, whether intentional or not, is give a voice to all those who are touched by this issue. To the parents, know you are not alone. To the friends and family, know the silent struggle and pain of these parents can be understood so that proper empathy and support can be shared. And to the care givers, this will help you see that the patient is not the child, but the entire family.