The Town of Odyssey

https://bit.ly/2LNewLL

I certainly disagreed with a lot of his teachings and theology, and I’m sure the old timers here and on the TH remember those things being big debates, but it really is a shame he isn’t just recanting his former views but is entirely renouncing his Christian Faith.

I recall a few debates. I'm sorry to hear about anyone leaving the faith. There's definitely a big difference between regretting some past views and leaving one's faith entirely. You never know what changes the future may hold, considering the whirlwind that his past few public decades have been!

What's sad to me is the reason he's leaving the faith: He feels he's alienating the LGBTQ+ community. From what it sounded like, his attitude toward faith was just "Well, I'll try it as long as it doesn't get messy," and then as soon as he's knee-deep in controversy, he says "Nope! I'm out!" I don't know about his teachings before this announcement, and perhaps it's in his character to make these remarks, but it's not only non-Christian to say those things, it's also cowardly and disrespectful to his congregation.

The cynical side of me sees this as a very nice search result distraction from the stated reason he left the church.