funny very funny this kind of stuff wouldnt fly in my synod either we wisconsin synod lutherans are old lutherans. what happened with the elca shame on them
For a church that "Celebrates its Diversity" this is a very White and Middle-class group. Looks about as vibrant as cream cheese. So stupid, but I guess it's no more stupid than any other religion. It's all nonsense anyway. Middle-class, middle-age and middle-brow. Vapid, simpering and prim.
I don't see anything wrong with this church. What all too many of you seem to be is a prisoner of the linguistically correct way to speak about God, that is a male deity. Whatever is God we can be certain God is beyond gender and so if it makes you happy to think of God a male or female do so. No harm done. It looks like the Good News to me. Way to go!!!
Goddessunity50, and js94112, my church is smiling, happy, and welcomes all, if they are seeking the Lord and his counsel. God looks at the heart. But he does not welcome sin. Read 1 john 3, if you continue in sin you are not of god. If the person is to stay, the sin must go, including goddess worship, 1 cor. 5:12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
these people are free to do as they want, have whatever services they like. But don't be mistaken, it is not Christian and has in essence nothing to do with the teaching or person of Christ. I see much pride in them-exalting their distorted humanism, feminism, and pagan worship rituals above the knowledge of God. They have no reverence for God. They have no fear of the Lord, and thus, they have no wisdom. They are in rebellion. The pastor said it when she pointed out her distaste for "rules"
Are you kidding me? There is NO WAY that a CHRISTIAN Church, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican or whatever, can have a God as a feminine deity. Why? Well...Jesus refers to God as His Father. Jesus, is male. The Holy Spirit can be referred to in the feminine, only because The Holy Spirit is a just that - a SPIRIT and is gender neutral. I wonder if they baptize "In the name of the Mother, and the daughter and the Holy Spirit." They look like a bunch of lesbian witches.
I really enjoy reading the comments- whether positive or negative, because it reminds me that religion is still important to so many. I enjoy worship services at herChurch. Most of us have felt un-welcomed by our own congregations. I find it odd that the people who made me feel so unwanted are angry when I find a place where I am wanted. You don't want me in your house, and you don't want me to create my own home? Fear creates hate. Please don't be afraid, come visit, everyone is welcome.
noticed something in this video. these people are happy.. smiling and joyous. is your church or congregation this way? are they loved? Do they love ? if not join the Westbury Baptist church you would fit right in.. google it.
@GoddessUnity50 you must mean the Westboro heretic Church that disgracefully uses the term "Baptist." Your church is just the same, only a different extreme. Jesus would have a fit if you called his father a goddesses. Repent from this garbage! You are clearly blasphemeing the name of God!
its nice to see christians honoring the Goddess but it just seems unbalanced to not see the Father aspect too. I myself have been dealing with not connecting to that side of God an may never will but I think we can connect to source any way we wish.. blessed be
To those that are condemning this church, please understand the practices of early Christianity as it was practiced in Greece. Sophia was recognized as a feminized ideal of God, She was Wisdom and only later de-sexed to the Holy Spirit. You complain, condemn and degrade these people and yet call your God a male? Does your god have testicles? God is without gender, God is formless. Therefore to recognize the Divine Feminine in God is NO LESS heretical than to assume God is Masculine.
@jaidurgajai yes and they arent taught of the original followers were pagan and worshipped God and Goddess. I am a wiccan and I love the teachings of Yeshua. I am not a christian because of the fact it has barely nothing to do with him.
Evolve people. The only thing that was shocking about this for me was the fact that it was still based on a Christian denomination. I had hoped it would have been completely detached from the tyranny of male-dominated religion.
Quite frankly, I think that all of the people writing negative comments are an enormous problem in our society. If you are concerned about different beliefs being ex-communicated, you should focus on yourself and what you believe instead of telling others they are wrong or bad. And for liberals who simply cannot stomach the idea of a female-based religion, perhaps you should educate yourself to the fact that ancient people believed in a Great Goddess way before the restrictions of patriarchy.
Well, as an ex-ELCA/Baptist/Pentecostal (of many denominations), who has been to MCC and is gay, I consider myself quite liberal, but this is WAY beyond anything that I could overlook or stomach. I have stumbled over basic "inclusive" language where everyone tried to say "Parent" instead of "Father" and so on, neutral terms, but even then no one went to "Goddess" and all of that! Yes, they have a right to worship how they like, this is the USA. No, not as ELCA. Not as "Christian" at all. PERIOD.
@RDMinSC your gay and you wonder why? you were probably a different gender in a previous life. Bible says let US create man in OUR image ,,,, Male AND female.. in the image of God we are made. BOTH
@GoddessUnity50 Did you actually read my prior post? In no way, shape, or form, at all, did I imply that I "wonder why"! Not for one second. What I said was that as a gay man I consider myself quite liberal, but this mixture of paganism in Lutheranism goes way beyond the ELCA, or any version of "Christian" in the USA. I concede their right to worship as they will, but not to call themselves Lutheran Christians while practicing pagan worship. Where did my post imply I was insecure about myself?
@RDMinSC I said anyone can do ANYTHING they want its called freedom of course as it harms none. They arent harming anyone they can call it anything they like its just words. thats what i meant and i am pagan and I follow Yeshua the christ too... Im a agnostic neopagan wiccan for christ with buddhist tendencies. .have a issue with that .. I drank to much coffee today..lol so forgive me.. namaste
While everyone has the right to worship as they please, not everyone has the right to just call themselves Lutheran. This is certainly not a Lutheran church.
church is in San Francisco what a surpise-WACKOS! The immigrants who founded the church sure as hell didn't dream of these people who call themselves Lutherans! Another reason the ELCA is going the WRONG way!
All you fundamentalist Christians are locked in the Middle Ages. Why don't you move forward and become enlightened? For too long, the Church has denigrated women and yet all you people would not exist, were it not for women. God is both male AND female! How else could He have created both men AND women? An all-male church and all-male religion is a slap in God's face - it ignores half of His Creation. Why don't you woman-haters become Muslim? Muslims hate women.
@earlymusicus Thank you very much for your words. While reading the first couple of reviews, I was disappointed that people are still so intolerant--not only in other peoples' beliefs but of a female's place in society.
Do you worship God/dess or Martin Luther. He was just a human being, limited by the culture of his time, which was unbelievably different from ours. Hail Christian Goddess! It's high time for Your advent.
for your information WILLIEDSEL, we are not ignorant. We are just following what the scripture says. You are not. Please think again. STUDY THE BIBLE.
Clearly not Lutheran. When did Katy, his rib, ever celebrate the sacraments? Never, this heresy will burn when the time is ripe. I pray that God would turn their hearts back to the Truth so that they may repent of their heresy before it is too late.
Why call yourselves "lutheran" when you are clearly universalist unitarians, and why the hell call this a "chuch" if it´s not even christian?
I visited the website of this aberration and I found it disgusting how there was almost NO reference to scriptural texts, and absolutely NOTHING about Jesus being the way for salvation. Instead, it only talked about Budha and some ancient pagan goddes. You´re hearing this from someone who is considered very liberal, change the name of this circus
So, if you find it unfortunate that many religious traditions are governed by rules then why identify yourselves as Lutheran? The name Lutheran implies that you conform to an array of doctrines that are spelled out in the Confessions. Wouldn't that fall under the category of "rules" as you're using the term? Wouldn't it be far more freeing to just call yourself a Christian church or, even more freeing, just church... or people's church? Why pretend to follow "rules" as you're using the term?
I am so happy to be in SF where we have such a diverse offering. How refreshing to have so much choice, in connecting with others who we resonate with. Whenever I hear someone say something negative about what someone else finds helpful, I felt sorry for them. For all of you who find something negative to say about this place of worship, I hope you can open your heart to others, live and let live. Blessed Be.
this lady is absolutely out of her mind! Its scary that she has been allowed or succesfull in passing her psycho messed up beliefs on to other people! shame on those lutherans!
My wife of 50 years and I were raised in this church. Were members till 67. I almost cried when I saw the sanctuary with no pews. Just the pews are missing along with 200 swedes on sunday mornings. It's hard to say but good for this paster and what she is trying to do. I know a lot of swedes turning over in their graves though. This use to be the Augustana Lutheran Church.
After reading a lot of these thoughts it is just plain sickening how things really haven't changed with the narrowminded and ingnorant thinking by some christians (probably Lutheran). Listen to what this pastor is saying. Maybe your thinking the way you bigots think is why the Lutheran Church is no longer mainstream. VERY PROUD TO BE FROM EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH in San Francisco.
Afraid to stand up for your ignorance there LCMS member?
Hallelujah--which means Praise God (feminine)! The term "God" is NOT gender-neutral in English, or in Christianity (every heard of "God the Father", not to mention "God the Son") as the dismay encountered when the feminine form "Goddess" is used. Pretending that "God" is somehow "gender neutral" simply defaults to the "traditional" masculinization of the divine. The ECLA is to be complimented for "allowing" herchurch. Her-esy indeed!
@signfid376 Thank goodness that it is not considered Christian, as that would require it to be derogatory towards women, limited in scope and culturally biased and completely illogical and useless in any practical way for a person trying to live in a world we have all but decimated because we believe it is our right to have "dominion over all".
yeah if the true gospel of the Bible was preached in that church, everyone would get up and leave and throw out the one preaching before they were finished
@willstrick25 sounds good to me I would leave too if they belittle me and say this wrathful God was gonna burn me in hell if I didnt love him.. that really makes me want to be a fundamental christian.. oh yeah.. *sarcasitc smile*
Words like "God" and "he" are gender neutral in English. Why not re-educate on that point or propose less masculinized pronouns rather than reassign a gender to God? God, and we without our bodies, are neither male nor female. "Goddess" seems inappropriate because it is even more guilty of demoting the godhead to a human characteristics (gender) than does the gender-neutral "God." I think something is amiss here, even if i see the good intentions. -A "liberal" equality-minded Lutheran.
I was not judging, just seeking clarification. The problem with our society today that as soon as someone questions, they are instantly considered an enemy. By no means. Like I said before, I wish them well in spreading the gospel. Your attitude is why people can not sit in a room and have conversation, learn more about each other and truly grow in faith and love.
I applaud this church for their mission. And I love their website and Goddess Rosary.
I encourage those who want to wag fingers to focus on their own faith journey instead of judging others. Your attitude is why people leave. You aren't God/Goddess. Stop acting like you speak for it.
I respect the church's mission in trying to out reaching to others who have turned away from the faith because of patriarchial misogyny. However, I question whether or not herchurch is giving off a perception of the same exclusion. I've never been there so I cannot speak on it. I can just respond to what I saw and heard on the video.
During the infancy of Lutheranism and as they struggled with the meaning of justification by faith, one of the battles was against the thought that Christ's human nature alone was mediator between God and humanity and thus alone provided righteousness to believers. Therefore if this is true than it should be important in understanding God either feminine or masculine. Lutherans rejected this because God in Christ is both human and divine.
I understand the need to see the feminine qualities of God, but I don't get why goddess is the term used? Why is goddess any more or less inclusive than God? I am strongly in favor of embracing the feminine divine, but not at the exclusion of all children of God. Julian of Norwich is one theological example of one who embraced the femininity of God without excluding the masculine.
From what I understand they are not trying to "exclude". But the masculine has been used to such an extent far to long its time to include feminine terms. its silly to say that this church because they use a lot of feminine terms is doing the same thing that the Patriarchal system was doing before. I think the feminine aspects of the Divine needs to be acknowledged. There needs to be a place for people who are tired of the patriarchal language and system that has hurt them.
My point was that one does not need to show only the feminine side of God. By the same token, one does not need to show only the masculine. I do not think it is silly but I do think it is okay to question so one can get the full grasp of the church. If this is not the case, so be it. There needs to be a place for all people to be welcomed. I guess a utopian thinker and I pray for day when all of this separation no longer exists. Maybe I dream of heaven too much.
Because it is a member of the ELCA Synod, that is why they allow it. The syod leaders themselves do not have any idea what they are doing. Why should they make the congregations under them anymore accountable I know of another "Lutheran" church in Chicago that is also called Ebeneezer and they worship and commune with gays. Talk about against Gods word.
I am going to assume that you are in a denomination that uses synod in their title. Just a clarification; ELCA is the moniker of that denomination alone. Synod is used in the form of an area of ELCA congregations. Synods combined become region; regions together form the church.
No I did not say that. My particular comment you are replying to is clarifying the different Lutheran denominations in the USA. I find it interesting when one tries constructive conversation someone comes along with a comment assuming one is acting as some major authority. Only God has that. Sorry, I take no claim. . .
my comments about judging where to other people who where highly negative. In particular the user Cildara. Just wanted to clarify. I do not think you are judging others, but I do think you are not quite understanding. You ask why do they have to show only the feminine side of God? I ask you why did for two thousand years was only the masculine side of God being shown? Honestly it only makes sense the Divine Feminine would have a new dawn so to speak.
I wish and hope that the day would come in which speaking about God is in all forms; masculine and feminine because people see God in both forms. I am not negating the valid point of the years of only using the masculine in speaking about God has hindered people from knowing God. But, does it make sense to do the exact same thing in regards to only speaking about God in the femimine? Do we end up doing the exact compartmentalization that has hurt the faith? Why does it have to be either/or?
As a member of Ebenezer, I can attest that we refer to the Divine in both genders. There is an emphasis on using female language to address the Divine, because we are trying to get in touch with the feminine aspects of God, since that has been largely left out of our Christian heritage. Of course, God/dess is beyond gender, but since our language is gender based, we are trying to expand our understanding. Knowing female and male aspects of God/dess allows us a larger grasp of the Divine.
I am also getting the impression that you may feel I am attacking this church. By no means. God works in all. I am not someone like others that have expressed very bias and negative comments. I am just trying to understand and unlike some who have posted here, I wish them well in spreading the gospel.
This is an abomination. There is nothing Christian about ignoring God's Word and creating a pagan godess worship religion.
You are not Lutheran and it is offensive that you claim you are. Nothing in Scripture or our Confessions supports what you are doing. This is paganism.
Ms Boorn I call you to repentence. To the Congregation at HerChurch, repent and leave now Romans 16:17
I agree! What kind of ridiculous theology arrives at this? Where in the Bible do you find anything that looks like this? This abomination will surely help cause desolation. Let the reader understand!
Please do not claim to be Lutheran. You mock all things of our faith!!! Jesus Christ the ONLY SON OF GOD is in and with us in the practice of holy communion. I am glad that I am a member of a true Lutheran confessional congregation. I will pray for you and your congregation that you will someday come to know the true Lutheran faitha dn christian faith. In His service and glory. Again please do not claim to be Lutheran!
My heart goes out to these hurting persons who are looking for peace and understanding. They will not find it in a religion of their own imaginations. They will find it in the love and sacrifice of Jesus. In Christlike humility.
God chose to give us God in the masculine. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you cannot accept this you are neither Lutheran nor Christian no matter what one calls oneself.
And when was the last time you visited this congregation? If you haven't experienced herchurch you have no right to judge. As an ELCA seminary student I chose herchurch for my Teaching Parish to look beyond the patriarchal images that we have. Human nature wants to control God and hence, become God. God frustrates these efforts. When we seek in love she allows us glimpses of her being. God's mind goes far beyond our comprehension. That's what the Book of Concord says and what herchurch teaches.
You are exactley the reason I am a member of the Missouri Synod. The ELCA allows it's parish ministers to much freedom to change wording and the pattern of worship to draw the masses. It all about numbers not about the worship. The other reason is that they ordain women.
The Book of Concord also stresses the danger of looking soley on the humanity of Christ as a basis of faith. See Formula of Concord article three. I think herchurch is dangerously playing with one of the heresies addressed.
Amazing faith journey--faith in action. It is a relief to see people (both men and women) worshipping in a feminist context. What a joyful celebration of life! Blessings to you all!
Wait a minute! The Christian God is not all powerful. Where did you get the idea that the One who came as an infant in poverty, the one who bore our sorrows unto death is all powerful? Even Isaiah and St. Paul don't spout off about how God is all powerful. God's strength is made visible in weakness and vulnerability, my friend, not in chest beating power. And Plutonius, what do you mean by "heresy". Tell us. It's time we opened the windows of the church to let this breath of fresh air in.
I enjoyed watching this video. This congregation is bringing balance to the Christian message which is often distorted by portraying divinity as only male. Many people are discovering that honoring the divine energies of male and female bring a richer, fuller understanding of the Creator. Margaret Starbird's books on Christianity's missing female divine element are very enlightening.
Good point. I have not sang, never heard a sermon or had the sacrement in that congregation (I have heard the pastor is a good preacher). I was just questioning what I saw in the video. Since you have been there I believe you that it is Christian.
I welcome this incredible church to the community. It opens up the doors to many who have fled the Church and envelopes us all with love and healing God/Goddess energy. Who says that God is a man? Why can't we open our eyes to the possibility that the supreme being has feminine qualities? Thank you Rev. Boorn, thank you to the members and supporters of Ebenezer Lutheran Church.
I can assume that a lot of good ministry is being done within the congregation. But, it is dangerously cutting against the denomination they are a part of which believes in the Trinity and the importance of Christ being human and divine. No matter how it is brought forth, Jesus was a particular gender. To deny that and focus solely on the divinity is heretical in the eyes of the denomination. There are ways to be feminist and being Christian in this light. I wish the church well.
My cousins are the sweetest born agin people and they are Lutherans, I think that this is blasphame to propose that our creator is anything other than an allpowerful God. This is not freedom this is stupidity.
funny very funny this kind of stuff wouldnt fly in my synod either we wisconsin synod lutherans are old lutherans. what happened with the elca shame on them
EffigyOfSteel 1 month ago
For a church that "Celebrates its Diversity" this is a very White and Middle-class group. Looks about as vibrant as cream cheese. So stupid, but I guess it's no more stupid than any other religion. It's all nonsense anyway. Middle-class, middle-age and middle-brow. Vapid, simpering and prim.
NixonisLord 4 months ago
I don't see anything wrong with this church. What all too many of you seem to be is a prisoner of the linguistically correct way to speak about God, that is a male deity. Whatever is God we can be certain God is beyond gender and so if it makes you happy to think of God a male or female do so. No harm done. It looks like the Good News to me. Way to go!!!
MusingsFromTheJohn 8 months ago 2
I love it!!!!! The Goddess is love and light and should be preached! Do research and you will find her in the Bible and God loves her!!!!!BB
popparoach420 9 months ago
Bishop Hanson, you should definitely do something about this.
MrPreacherman94 11 months ago
What is this? It sure is not the gospel.
pthomas2009 11 months ago
This so called "church" is disgusting and insane! God does not have a vagina! Enough with this feminazi crap!
redneckmarine87 11 months ago
@redneckmarine87 God also don't have a penis.
SupraJulie 7 months ago
Goddessunity50, and js94112, my church is smiling, happy, and welcomes all, if they are seeking the Lord and his counsel. God looks at the heart. But he does not welcome sin. Read 1 john 3, if you continue in sin you are not of god. If the person is to stay, the sin must go, including goddess worship, 1 cor. 5:12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
youngblood328 1 year ago
these people are free to do as they want, have whatever services they like. But don't be mistaken, it is not Christian and has in essence nothing to do with the teaching or person of Christ. I see much pride in them-exalting their distorted humanism, feminism, and pagan worship rituals above the knowledge of God. They have no reverence for God. They have no fear of the Lord, and thus, they have no wisdom. They are in rebellion. The pastor said it when she pointed out her distaste for "rules"
youngblood328 1 year ago
Are you kidding me? There is NO WAY that a CHRISTIAN Church, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican or whatever, can have a God as a feminine deity. Why? Well...Jesus refers to God as His Father. Jesus, is male. The Holy Spirit can be referred to in the feminine, only because The Holy Spirit is a just that - a SPIRIT and is gender neutral. I wonder if they baptize "In the name of the Mother, and the daughter and the Holy Spirit." They look like a bunch of lesbian witches.
theosis510 1 year ago 2
I really enjoy reading the comments- whether positive or negative, because it reminds me that religion is still important to so many. I enjoy worship services at herChurch. Most of us have felt un-welcomed by our own congregations. I find it odd that the people who made me feel so unwanted are angry when I find a place where I am wanted. You don't want me in your house, and you don't want me to create my own home? Fear creates hate. Please don't be afraid, come visit, everyone is welcome.
js94112 1 year ago
noticed something in this video. these people are happy.. smiling and joyous. is your church or congregation this way? are they loved? Do they love ? if not join the Westbury Baptist church you would fit right in.. google it.
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
@GoddessUnity50 you must mean the Westboro heretic Church that disgracefully uses the term "Baptist." Your church is just the same, only a different extreme. Jesus would have a fit if you called his father a goddesses. Repent from this garbage! You are clearly blasphemeing the name of God!
redneckmarine87 11 months ago
Praise Sophia Goddess of Wisdom and God the Father Wakentanka.. Names names names.. how many names can we call our loving maker*s*... blessed be
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
its nice to see christians honoring the Goddess but it just seems unbalanced to not see the Father aspect too. I myself have been dealing with not connecting to that side of God an may never will but I think we can connect to source any way we wish.. blessed be
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
I find it interesting (and sad) that Jesus isn't the forefront of this ministry and isn't even mentioned once in this "faith journey" video.
aroggow 1 year ago
To those that are condemning this church, please understand the practices of early Christianity as it was practiced in Greece. Sophia was recognized as a feminized ideal of God, She was Wisdom and only later de-sexed to the Holy Spirit. You complain, condemn and degrade these people and yet call your God a male? Does your god have testicles? God is without gender, God is formless. Therefore to recognize the Divine Feminine in God is NO LESS heretical than to assume God is Masculine.
jaidurgajai 1 year ago
@jaidurgajai yes and they arent taught of the original followers were pagan and worshipped God and Goddess. I am a wiccan and I love the teachings of Yeshua. I am not a christian because of the fact it has barely nothing to do with him.
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
Evolve people. The only thing that was shocking about this for me was the fact that it was still based on a Christian denomination. I had hoped it would have been completely detached from the tyranny of male-dominated religion.
ChamorritaGurl 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@ChamorritaGurl not all men are evil. there are a lot of loving good males..
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
Quite frankly, I think that all of the people writing negative comments are an enormous problem in our society. If you are concerned about different beliefs being ex-communicated, you should focus on yourself and what you believe instead of telling others they are wrong or bad. And for liberals who simply cannot stomach the idea of a female-based religion, perhaps you should educate yourself to the fact that ancient people believed in a Great Goddess way before the restrictions of patriarchy.
ChamorritaGurl 1 year ago 2
Well, as an ex-ELCA/Baptist/Pentecostal (of many denominations), who has been to MCC and is gay, I consider myself quite liberal, but this is WAY beyond anything that I could overlook or stomach. I have stumbled over basic "inclusive" language where everyone tried to say "Parent" instead of "Father" and so on, neutral terms, but even then no one went to "Goddess" and all of that! Yes, they have a right to worship how they like, this is the USA. No, not as ELCA. Not as "Christian" at all. PERIOD.
RDMinSC 1 year ago
@RDMinSC your gay and you wonder why? you were probably a different gender in a previous life. Bible says let US create man in OUR image ,,,, Male AND female.. in the image of God we are made. BOTH
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
@GoddessUnity50 Did you actually read my prior post? In no way, shape, or form, at all, did I imply that I "wonder why"! Not for one second. What I said was that as a gay man I consider myself quite liberal, but this mixture of paganism in Lutheranism goes way beyond the ELCA, or any version of "Christian" in the USA. I concede their right to worship as they will, but not to call themselves Lutheran Christians while practicing pagan worship. Where did my post imply I was insecure about myself?
RDMinSC 1 year ago
@RDMinSC I said anyone can do ANYTHING they want its called freedom of course as it harms none. They arent harming anyone they can call it anything they like its just words. thats what i meant and i am pagan and I follow Yeshua the christ too... Im a agnostic neopagan wiccan for christ with buddhist tendencies. .have a issue with that .. I drank to much coffee today..lol so forgive me.. namaste
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
While everyone has the right to worship as they please, not everyone has the right to just call themselves Lutheran. This is certainly not a Lutheran church.
lukeseamon 1 year ago
@lukeseamon nazi you
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
This is not Lutheran Church!
Mekletajs333 1 year ago
church is in San Francisco what a surpise-WACKOS! The immigrants who founded the church sure as hell didn't dream of these people who call themselves Lutherans! Another reason the ELCA is going the WRONG way!
silverfarmer 1 year ago 3
Thank you for sharing Joy!!!
2112Julie 1 year ago
All you fundamentalist Christians are locked in the Middle Ages. Why don't you move forward and become enlightened? For too long, the Church has denigrated women and yet all you people would not exist, were it not for women. God is both male AND female! How else could He have created both men AND women? An all-male church and all-male religion is a slap in God's face - it ignores half of His Creation. Why don't you woman-haters become Muslim? Muslims hate women.
earlymusicus 2 years ago
@earlymusicus Thank you very much for your words. While reading the first couple of reviews, I was disappointed that people are still so intolerant--not only in other peoples' beliefs but of a female's place in society.
ChamorritaGurl 1 year ago 2
You are a whore. If I could, I would burn down this "church".
minorthreat10 2 years ago
Do you worship God/dess or Martin Luther. He was just a human being, limited by the culture of his time, which was unbelievably different from ours. Hail Christian Goddess! It's high time for Your advent.
twinkebunny 2 years ago
Comment removed
jjunop 2 years ago
i urge you people to get out from ELCA..Join the LCMS.
asnikok 2 years ago
for your information WILLIEDSEL, we are not ignorant. We are just following what the scripture says. You are not. Please think again. STUDY THE BIBLE.
asnikok 2 years ago
Clearly not Lutheran. When did Katy, his rib, ever celebrate the sacraments? Never, this heresy will burn when the time is ripe. I pray that God would turn their hearts back to the Truth so that they may repent of their heresy before it is too late.
kdoggjazz 2 years ago
Martin Luther would puke.
trehcrap 2 years ago
Why call yourselves "lutheran" when you are clearly universalist unitarians, and why the hell call this a "chuch" if it´s not even christian?
I visited the website of this aberration and I found it disgusting how there was almost NO reference to scriptural texts, and absolutely NOTHING about Jesus being the way for salvation. Instead, it only talked about Budha and some ancient pagan goddes. You´re hearing this from someone who is considered very liberal, change the name of this circus
joaogorpo 2 years ago
4:44
LockNLoadRonPaul2008 2 years ago
So, if you find it unfortunate that many religious traditions are governed by rules then why identify yourselves as Lutheran? The name Lutheran implies that you conform to an array of doctrines that are spelled out in the Confessions. Wouldn't that fall under the category of "rules" as you're using the term? Wouldn't it be far more freeing to just call yourself a Christian church or, even more freeing, just church... or people's church? Why pretend to follow "rules" as you're using the term?
klebmo 2 years ago
Matthew 7:15-23.
jenny939798 2 years ago
I am so happy to be in SF where we have such a diverse offering. How refreshing to have so much choice, in connecting with others who we resonate with. Whenever I hear someone say something negative about what someone else finds helpful, I felt sorry for them. For all of you who find something negative to say about this place of worship, I hope you can open your heart to others, live and let live. Blessed Be.
sffemail 2 years ago
this lady is absolutely out of her mind! Its scary that she has been allowed or succesfull in passing her psycho messed up beliefs on to other people! shame on those lutherans!
jdfword123 3 years ago 3
My wife of 50 years and I were raised in this church. Were members till 67. I almost cried when I saw the sanctuary with no pews. Just the pews are missing along with 200 swedes on sunday mornings. It's hard to say but good for this paster and what she is trying to do. I know a lot of swedes turning over in their graves though. This use to be the Augustana Lutheran Church.
Williedsel 2 years ago
After reading a lot of these thoughts it is just plain sickening how things really haven't changed with the narrowminded and ingnorant thinking by some christians (probably Lutheran). Listen to what this pastor is saying. Maybe your thinking the way you bigots think is why the Lutheran Church is no longer mainstream. VERY PROUD TO BE FROM EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH in San Francisco.
Afraid to stand up for your ignorance there LCMS member?
Williedsel 2 years ago
@jdfword123 She is not psycho or messed up. Mind your own business and let others be. She is not doing anything to you or to anyone else.
ChamorritaGurl 1 year ago 2
I'm going to vomit my hot chocolate now.
bigd4all3 3 years ago
Hallelujah--which means Praise God (feminine)! The term "God" is NOT gender-neutral in English, or in Christianity (every heard of "God the Father", not to mention "God the Son") as the dismay encountered when the feminine form "Goddess" is used. Pretending that "God" is somehow "gender neutral" simply defaults to the "traditional" masculinization of the divine. The ECLA is to be complimented for "allowing" herchurch. Her-esy indeed!
maryannbeavis 3 years ago 2
I'm just wondering why ELCA has not excommunicated this church... I'm sorry, but this is not Christian at all.
-From LCMS member
signfid376 3 years ago 11
@signfid376 I don't understand what you see here that is not Christian.
justbob09 1 year ago
@signfid376 Thank goodness that it is not considered Christian, as that would require it to be derogatory towards women, limited in scope and culturally biased and completely illogical and useless in any practical way for a person trying to live in a world we have all but decimated because we believe it is our right to have "dominion over all".
ChamorritaGurl 1 year ago
@signfid376 This is not Christian in what way?
jaidurgajai 1 year ago
@signfid376 christian means christ. and they follow christ. Jesus revered women..
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
@signfid376 Because the ECLA believes that God is both and neither male and female which is based upon Biblical scripture.
SupraJulie 7 months ago
@signfid376
Not just the sect, but the synodical bishop should be excommunicated as well.
istgone 4 months ago
yeah if the true gospel of the Bible was preached in that church, everyone would get up and leave and throw out the one preaching before they were finished
willstrick25 3 years ago 5
@willstrick25 sounds good to me I would leave too if they belittle me and say this wrathful God was gonna burn me in hell if I didnt love him.. that really makes me want to be a fundamental christian.. oh yeah.. *sarcasitc smile*
GoddessUnity50 1 year ago
Words like "God" and "he" are gender neutral in English. Why not re-educate on that point or propose less masculinized pronouns rather than reassign a gender to God? God, and we without our bodies, are neither male nor female. "Goddess" seems inappropriate because it is even more guilty of demoting the godhead to a human characteristics (gender) than does the gender-neutral "God." I think something is amiss here, even if i see the good intentions. -A "liberal" equality-minded Lutheran.
Norskyone 3 years ago
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Kanzari 3 years ago
Awesome, a church defined by God as imagined rather than as revealed!
kuriakos 3 years ago
You are deceived.
klockheed 3 years ago
The last two comments where to BamBam8993 and Cildara respectively.
scarletwomannedm 3 years ago
I was not judging, just seeking clarification. The problem with our society today that as soon as someone questions, they are instantly considered an enemy. By no means. Like I said before, I wish them well in spreading the gospel. Your attitude is why people can not sit in a room and have conversation, learn more about each other and truly grow in faith and love.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago 2
I fid it odd that I was pinpointed when I was the least negative.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
I applaud this church for their mission. And I love their website and Goddess Rosary.
I encourage those who want to wag fingers to focus on their own faith journey instead of judging others. Your attitude is why people leave. You aren't God/Goddess. Stop acting like you speak for it.
Kudos to HerChurch!
scarletwomannedm 3 years ago
BWA-HA-HA-HA!!!
LutheranLucciola 3 years ago
I respect the church's mission in trying to out reaching to others who have turned away from the faith because of patriarchial misogyny. However, I question whether or not herchurch is giving off a perception of the same exclusion. I've never been there so I cannot speak on it. I can just respond to what I saw and heard on the video.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
During the infancy of Lutheranism and as they struggled with the meaning of justification by faith, one of the battles was against the thought that Christ's human nature alone was mediator between God and humanity and thus alone provided righteousness to believers. Therefore if this is true than it should be important in understanding God either feminine or masculine. Lutherans rejected this because God in Christ is both human and divine.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
I understand the need to see the feminine qualities of God, but I don't get why goddess is the term used? Why is goddess any more or less inclusive than God? I am strongly in favor of embracing the feminine divine, but not at the exclusion of all children of God. Julian of Norwich is one theological example of one who embraced the femininity of God without excluding the masculine.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
From what I understand they are not trying to "exclude". But the masculine has been used to such an extent far to long its time to include feminine terms. its silly to say that this church because they use a lot of feminine terms is doing the same thing that the Patriarchal system was doing before. I think the feminine aspects of the Divine needs to be acknowledged. There needs to be a place for people who are tired of the patriarchal language and system that has hurt them.
scarletwomannedm 3 years ago
My point was that one does not need to show only the feminine side of God. By the same token, one does not need to show only the masculine. I do not think it is silly but I do think it is okay to question so one can get the full grasp of the church. If this is not the case, so be it. There needs to be a place for all people to be welcomed. I guess a utopian thinker and I pray for day when all of this separation no longer exists. Maybe I dream of heaven too much.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
Disturbing. This place is not at all Christian. One wonders why the church authorities allow this kind of nonsense.
Cildara 4 years ago 2
Because it is a member of the ELCA Synod, that is why they allow it. The syod leaders themselves do not have any idea what they are doing. Why should they make the congregations under them anymore accountable I know of another "Lutheran" church in Chicago that is also called Ebeneezer and they worship and commune with gays. Talk about against Gods word.
jml112898 4 years ago
I am going to assume that you are in a denomination that uses synod in their title. Just a clarification; ELCA is the moniker of that denomination alone. Synod is used in the form of an area of ELCA congregations. Synods combined become region; regions together form the church.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
Because of course you are the authority on all things Christian? Whatever. Let me know when you are declared God ok?
scarletwomannedm 3 years ago
No I did not say that. My particular comment you are replying to is clarifying the different Lutheran denominations in the USA. I find it interesting when one tries constructive conversation someone comes along with a comment assuming one is acting as some major authority. Only God has that. Sorry, I take no claim. . .
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
my comments about judging where to other people who where highly negative. In particular the user Cildara. Just wanted to clarify. I do not think you are judging others, but I do think you are not quite understanding. You ask why do they have to show only the feminine side of God? I ask you why did for two thousand years was only the masculine side of God being shown? Honestly it only makes sense the Divine Feminine would have a new dawn so to speak.
scarletwomannedm 3 years ago
I wish and hope that the day would come in which speaking about God is in all forms; masculine and feminine because people see God in both forms. I am not negating the valid point of the years of only using the masculine in speaking about God has hindered people from knowing God. But, does it make sense to do the exact same thing in regards to only speaking about God in the femimine? Do we end up doing the exact compartmentalization that has hurt the faith? Why does it have to be either/or?
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
As a member of Ebenezer, I can attest that we refer to the Divine in both genders. There is an emphasis on using female language to address the Divine, because we are trying to get in touch with the feminine aspects of God, since that has been largely left out of our Christian heritage. Of course, God/dess is beyond gender, but since our language is gender based, we are trying to expand our understanding. Knowing female and male aspects of God/dess allows us a larger grasp of the Divine.
heartsvision 3 years ago
Thank you so much. That was good to know. Peace to you all and may God continue to bless the ministry of all who proclaim God's redeeming love.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
Ahhh, so good when heresy makes itself so clear.
klockheed 3 years ago 3
I am also getting the impression that you may feel I am attacking this church. By no means. God works in all. I am not someone like others that have expressed very bias and negative comments. I am just trying to understand and unlike some who have posted here, I wish them well in spreading the gospel.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
Fake Church
GuiltyFaT 4 years ago
This is an abomination. There is nothing Christian about ignoring God's Word and creating a pagan godess worship religion.
You are not Lutheran and it is offensive that you claim you are. Nothing in Scripture or our Confessions supports what you are doing. This is paganism.
Ms Boorn I call you to repentence. To the Congregation at HerChurch, repent and leave now Romans 16:17
srsimon7 4 years ago 4
I agree! What kind of ridiculous theology arrives at this? Where in the Bible do you find anything that looks like this? This abomination will surely help cause desolation. Let the reader understand!
taishob 4 years ago
Amen, Amen, Amen.
lutheranorthodoksi 3 years ago 2
Please do not claim to be Lutheran. You mock all things of our faith!!! Jesus Christ the ONLY SON OF GOD is in and with us in the practice of holy communion. I am glad that I am a member of a true Lutheran confessional congregation. I will pray for you and your congregation that you will someday come to know the true Lutheran faitha dn christian faith. In His service and glory. Again please do not claim to be Lutheran!
jml112898 4 years ago 2
My heart goes out to these hurting persons who are looking for peace and understanding. They will not find it in a religion of their own imaginations. They will find it in the love and sacrifice of Jesus. In Christlike humility.
God chose to give us God in the masculine. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you cannot accept this you are neither Lutheran nor Christian no matter what one calls oneself.
sandrausher 4 years ago 2
Amen!! My fellow Christian. Praise be to THE FATHER SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. To HIM alone be the Glory!!!
jml112898 4 years ago 2
And when was the last time you visited this congregation? If you haven't experienced herchurch you have no right to judge. As an ELCA seminary student I chose herchurch for my Teaching Parish to look beyond the patriarchal images that we have. Human nature wants to control God and hence, become God. God frustrates these efforts. When we seek in love she allows us glimpses of her being. God's mind goes far beyond our comprehension. That's what the Book of Concord says and what herchurch teaches.
jared82ca 4 years ago
You are exactley the reason I am a member of the Missouri Synod. The ELCA allows it's parish ministers to much freedom to change wording and the pattern of worship to draw the masses. It all about numbers not about the worship. The other reason is that they ordain women.
jml112898 4 years ago
The Book of Concord also stresses the danger of looking soley on the humanity of Christ as a basis of faith. See Formula of Concord article three. I think herchurch is dangerously playing with one of the heresies addressed.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
Amazing faith journey--faith in action. It is a relief to see people (both men and women) worshipping in a feminist context. What a joyful celebration of life! Blessings to you all!
lavenderdancer 4 years ago
Wait a minute! The Christian God is not all powerful. Where did you get the idea that the One who came as an infant in poverty, the one who bore our sorrows unto death is all powerful? Even Isaiah and St. Paul don't spout off about how God is all powerful. God's strength is made visible in weakness and vulnerability, my friend, not in chest beating power. And Plutonius, what do you mean by "heresy". Tell us. It's time we opened the windows of the church to let this breath of fresh air in.
WhiteLily94 4 years ago
I enjoyed watching this video. This congregation is bringing balance to the Christian message which is often distorted by portraying divinity as only male. Many people are discovering that honoring the divine energies of male and female bring a richer, fuller understanding of the Creator. Margaret Starbird's books on Christianity's missing female divine element are very enlightening.
heartsvision 4 years ago
True. One classic Christian writer is Julian of Norwich. Her writing of the feminine divine is amazing considering when it was written.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
I have been to this church many times. It certainly seems Christian to me. Some people seem to see anything they disagree with as blasphemy.
kassahoun 4 years ago
Good point. I have not sang, never heard a sermon or had the sacrement in that congregation (I have heard the pastor is a good preacher). I was just questioning what I saw in the video. Since you have been there I believe you that it is Christian.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
I welcome this incredible church to the community. It opens up the doors to many who have fled the Church and envelopes us all with love and healing God/Goddess energy. Who says that God is a man? Why can't we open our eyes to the possibility that the supreme being has feminine qualities? Thank you Rev. Boorn, thank you to the members and supporters of Ebenezer Lutheran Church.
dyke5 4 years ago
I can assume that a lot of good ministry is being done within the congregation. But, it is dangerously cutting against the denomination they are a part of which believes in the Trinity and the importance of Christ being human and divine. No matter how it is brought forth, Jesus was a particular gender. To deny that and focus solely on the divinity is heretical in the eyes of the denomination. There are ways to be feminist and being Christian in this light. I wish the church well.
BAMBAM8993 3 years ago
My cousins are the sweetest born agin people and they are Lutherans, I think that this is blasphame to propose that our creator is anything other than an allpowerful God. This is not freedom this is stupidity.
mtalhead83 4 years ago