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“What made Dolly so likable was her kindness and compassion.” “I don’t condemn nor condone anything, ” Parton told an Associated Press reporter. “I just love and accept people where they are for who they are.”
These quotes are from two articles on the “Faith” page. (8/28/26) The second headline read, “In Dolly Parton’s theology, God and acceptance shared the same stage.” Dolly was a very kind and generous person, we all agree. What is a “theology”? Simply translated, (“theo” is from the Greek word, “theos”, god) theology is “1. the study of God, his nature and attributes, and his relations with man and the universe.” (The World Book Dictionary)
We are introduced to God, his nature and attributes and his relations with man and the universe in the very first book of the Bible. “Genesis” means “the beginning." In these chapters, God’s love and mercy is revealed after Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” (Genesis 2:15,16)
Are the words, “You must not eat …?” words of acceptance? Krysta Fauria wrote in her theology article, “As society has shifted so have some Christian’s beliefs on things like same-sex marriage …” God’s laws do not change. Adam and Eve did eventually die, as a result of their sin, but God also promised to send His Son who would die to pay for their sins and our sins. God has power over death, sin and the devil. Jesus’ resurrection assures us of our victory over death and the gift of eternal life.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes …”(Romans 1:16) The next verses in Romans l tell us the sins God does not accept -- including same-sex relationships, envy, strife, murder, disobedience to parents, and many more. So Paul states in Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of
the glory of God.” Our sins could leave us in despair, but verse 24 adds, “and (we) are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
A favorite hymn verse states, “Jesus sinners does receive;
Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin’s delusions live
And from God and heaven wander.
Here is hope for all who grieve --
Jesus sinners does receive.”
Erdman Neumeister (1671-1756)
Trudy Madetzke
Marshall