The author of the 2014 book, “The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage: An Evangelical’s Change of Heart,” will speak twice at Catawba College on Tuesday, September 20. Dr. Mark Achtemeier -- Presbyterian minister, theologian, and writer – will talk about issues of sexuality and religion at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and both sessions are free and open to the public.
Dr. Achtemeier’s first talk, at 11:00 a.m. in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel, is entitled “When ‘Thou Shalt Not’ Isn’t Working: Facing Today’s Sexual Challenges as a Committed Christian.” He will present a way of relating Christian faith and sexual morality that is positive, inviting, and able to speak a coherent and encouraging word in situations that are less than ideal. Afterwards, there will a question-and-answer session.
His second talk, at 7:30 p.m. in the Robertson College-Community Center, will be more specifically about finding a supportive view of same-sex marriage and LGBT inclusion from within a commitment to Biblical authority. Too many people, whether from a “conservative” religious perspective or a “progressive” cultural perspective, have become convinced that there is no Biblical support for same-sex marriage and LGBT inclusion, leading conservatives typically to oppose the culture and leading progressives typically to oppose religion. Dr. Achtemeier is convinced that this fixed perspective is incorrect.
Dr. Achtemeier is a former anti-LGBT activist in the Presbyterian Church until personal experiences and careful engagement with Scripture convinced him to become a supporter of gay marriage and LGBT inclusion. His aforementioned 2014 book is published by Westminster John Knox Press.
He has served in a variety of official roles within the Presbyterian Church, testified before Congress, and taught theology and ethics. He holds a B.A. from Harvard, a D.Min. from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Duke University. A native of Lancaster, Pa., he is married to the Rev. Katherine Morton Achtemeier, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.
Many thanks to the community members who are sponsoring Dr. Achtemeier’s September visit as part of the 2016-2017 Catawba College Community Forum series.
