In both cases, religious revolution has been enabled by a communications revolution. In the 16th Century it was the invention of the printing press, which led to growing literacy and access to information among the so-called masses. In the 20th and 21st Centuries, revolution is almost instantly fueled and catapulted forward by yet another communications advance, the Internet.
Of course, Martin Luther's 95 Theses and desire to marry and Henry's taste for Ann Boleyn's potential fecundity did not cause the Protestant Reformation, but they were certainly tipping points. While homosexuality is not the singular cause of the Second Protestant Reformation, it has certainly shown itself to be a critical, if not the key tipping point.
Baptists, Episcopalians, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Methodists, to name but a few, are clearly splitting into two very opposite sides on the homosexuality issue. Unless some miraculous coming together occurs on gay marriage, the ordination of gay clergy, and the acceptance of practicing homosexuals in congregations, each one of these major denominations will split right down the middle.
Looking at many historical "events" such as the Renaissance and the Fall of the Roman Empire, it is difficult to imagine how such a sea change can occur relatively overnight and of course they didn't. Many elements evolving over decades suddenly converged and the world changed.
If you carefully examine social and political forces as they've evolved over the past 100 years, the Second Protestant Reformation, as caused by homosexuality, has been a slow process easily discerned in retrospect but difficult until now to understand within the immediate present. Even five years ago, who could have predicted that Christianity in 2006 would be in such upheaval and splitting down the middle over gay issues?
Until recently, the common wisdom was that Protestantism would go the way of immutable Catholicism: black or white. Instead it is quite otherwise. As Catholic nations around the world defy Rome, legalize gay marriage, and ban discrimination against gays, the next step may very well be a new and separate neo-Catholic Church.
While these are desperately trying times, these are also extraordinarily thrilling times. Despite much of the pain and chaos around us, this is a time of enormous historical significance and the emergence of a new Christian movement unlike anything we've seen in 500 years. For gay men and women, it is a time of change unequaled in human history and should be savored and appreciated as such. It is not often that one can actually see profound change result from the efforts of individuals who stand by their principles and do battle against injustice.
Article comments
1 - Sam
Hi, I truly agree that this will be a reformation type event. The fact that social justice and equality should be modeled by the church and not fought has been blurred. The truth of scripture must be re-revealed as Luther did. The church has once again detoured into regulation and organization. My hope is that society can come together and unite in this endeavor as much as possible.
2 - Baronius
I see the analogy. Luther didn't set out to destroy his society; he lacked the foresight to understand the consequences of his actions. But he is responsible for the damage he did, because he knew he was being disobedient. He was only concerned with soothing his feelings of guilt. His pride ruined the lives of generations.
3 - D'oh
"destroy his society" - complete bunch of shit.
No one is talking about destroying anything, just that a portion of human beings be accepted and recognized as having the same rights as the rest of us.
Why is this even a problem?
Now, people from some persuasions try and drag otu excerpted portions of Leviticus to try and justify themselves and the bigotry that ensues.
But do those same folks know the rest of the "abominations" listed in Leviticus? Shellfish, wearing more than a single type of clothing material and a huge heap of other silliness is there, and ignored.
Try
this bit out anytime anyone tries to give you biblical shit from Leviticus.
Oh yes, and being "disobedient" is how the vast majority of human progress has occurred. Especially when it comes to the imposed stagnation that the Church has habitually advocated, you know, like why they called them the "Dark Ages"
4 - god
hey i completely disagree with u.one reason for protestant revolution was rampant homosexuality among celibate priests.gods wrath will come on you as WW3 false christians unless u repent!visit christstar.blogspot.com
5 - Christstar
Homosexuality is sin just as idolatary is sin.There are sins of varying levels.Jesus says sins against holyspirit will never be forgiven.These are high level sins.Also remember if ur sins are not forgiven u will rot in hell fire for all eternity.May the spirit open ur eyes.
6 - Christstar
Vatican created comunism but movment went out of their hand and is now destroying western society in the form of feminism,gay marriages.