My name is Jeff Martinhauk.
I think as Christians, we are bound to take the broadest view possible. We know that in that broad view, the arc of history always leans towards justice. When we stop and absorb that, we can fully absorb the hope God offers us in this world. We can realize that God offers us God’s full abundance in this world. We can see the goodness in others, in ourselves, and in what God offers to us. We can see the democracy of the souls– the worthiness and equal-ness of all people– before God. God is love. History proves it. Justice continues to roll down like waters, and righteousness continue like a mighty stream.
I’m a proud single father of two wonderful kids, ages 4 and 6, and an out gay man. My former partner and I had them through the generosity of a wonderful surrogate mother. I’m an aspirant to the priesthood attending the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. My sponsoring parish is All Saints Church in Pasadena, CA, and the parish I attend in Austin is St. James Episcopal. I’m also Treasurer of Integrity (National) and webmaster for Claiming the Blessing and Voices of Witness (although all views and positions expressed herein are my own and do not reflect the positions, ideas, or thoughts of any organization I affiliate with). In non-churchy life, I recently started singing in the Capital City Men’s Chorus.
On this site, I offer my thoughts for all on whatever strikes my fancy– life, God, religion, politics, the Episcopal church, the Bible, people, the state of the world, hope, justice, or just about anything else. I see no boundaries between any of them. They are all interrelated, woven together, as we are. I hope that you will find some use or meaning here. If not, at least a space to sit back and enjoy the ride!
If you like, you can always contact me at jeffhaukguard-blog@yahoo.com.
Leaning Towards Justice 
June 15, 2006 at 9:17 am
Jeff – First, let me offer you my prayers for a great sense of peace and awe as you prepare for your studies and the continuance of your vocation at ETSS. God will continue to lead and be with you as you journey on “The Way.” Secondly – I have to say, as a newly ordained transitional deacon, that my emotions and impressions mirror your June 15 thoughts. I do not know how we will stay in relationship with people who believe they hold the “absolute” truth. I find it difficult, as a relational person, to remain in conversation/communion with someone(s) when they refuse to remain in the room, seek to bully other people, and deliberately will not go to the altar rail with me. These are behaviours of other Epsicopalains I wrestle with as I sit here in Tucson, AZ and observe at a distance what is apparently going on in Columbus, OH. I am willing to personally reflect on my own faults, my own impatience, willingness to judge others, and be responsible for my continued life in the Body of Christ. I am unwilling to let go of my belief in the inclusive, just, and compassionate truths of Jesus the Christ’s gospel. This is where I am at today as I head to my office at the U of A.
Peace and all God’s Grace to you,
Jim
June 15, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Thanks, Jim. I’m feeling a little better after my rant today, but still find it hard to dialogue when the other party is yelling.
January 15, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Jeff, I’m curious of many things, and one thing that I am curious of is the human mind. It’s something that always keeps me thinking; the Word of God that is. Justification is an interesting subject, not in the sense of Christ’s salvation, (we understand that) but our personal rationalization. How do you think it would fly if someone started the manslaughter political party, that believed we all should be able to accidentally kill as much as we wanted? That would be utterly ridiculous. No one would ally themselves with that. To have an advocation of activity that goes against the law not only of our government but our human conscience would not work. Now this is what continues to make me think on this subject. Having said all that, how can one honestly have a political party/agenda that advocates sexual immorality? Why is there not a consensus view? Well, the devil himself is obviously involved and so it does not surprise me too much. I would like to know what confessing gay and lesbian Christians do to rationalize and poorly attempt to reconcile the Gospel, that is the complete will and Word of God in all his intention. Lastly I would like to pray for you, and pray for all gays and lesbians and I hope that people especially confessing Christians do not treat them and you unbiblically. I do not advocate the use of physical force against such political agendas, but I believe it is the obligation of every Christian to set his brother straight. Homosexuality is evil, immoral, selfish and corruptive of what God intended sexuality to be. If you are engaging in such activity, that is evil, and you should immediately stop. I would like to hear what you have to say on this matter, to see whether or not you willingly commit this sin, or no one has truly ever gotten the message across to you.
January 15, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Greg –
Thank you for posting.
You have a lot of red herrings in here, but I am sure that to you they are not red herrings so I will do the best I can.
First, you seem to be confusing sexual orientation with sexual morality/immorality. A person of either straight or gay/lesbian orientation can be moral or immoral in sexual activity. Moral sexual activity is defined as how one’s sexual activity either works to build up or tear down relationships. Gay and lesbian relationships are quite capable of being loving, caring, compassionate relationships, that add to and enhance family life. This is not immoral activity.
As to a “manslaughter” political party, of course I would not advocate such a position. It is destructive of relationships and of human life. Gay and lesbian relationships add to the enhancement of relationships and of human life to the same degree orientation affects this end. Just as straight people may lead immoral lives, so may gay people lead immoral lives. But gay or lesbian as a label does not necessarily imply a moral position.
I also do not believe it is the obligation of every Christian to set his brother straight in the way that you have described. On matters of justice, when an individual’s actions affect others, it is a matter of Christian responsibility to act. Acting to correct economic, racial and other forms of injustice is the Christian imperative. Acting to change another person because one believes one knows what the other should be or how one wants the other to behave for one’s own purposes is immoral. It is destructive and tears down human relationships. I do not have time for a more detailed exegesis referring to specific Scripture, but there is plenty on this site to back up my position if you are willing to take the time to read the posts.
I hope that helps clarify.
j
March 22, 2007 at 11:44 am
Jeff-
I look forward to reading your blog. You have a gift for clear, concise writing.
Succinct and pithy would describe your style.
I’ve recently written a book titled: Gay Christian 101 – Spiritual Self-Defense For Gay Christians, which will be published in May.
I also started a website:
http://www.gaychristian101.com
Please check it out when you have a spare minute.
I’ll be adding your Blog to my Links page when I build that.
If you feel my website might benefit your readers, feel free to add me to your Links.
God bless you,
Rick Brentlinger
January 21, 2008 at 8:46 am
You give religion a good name my friend.
January 21, 2008 at 10:27 am
Thank you, Maryblu.
j
October 19, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Test message
Sorry me noob…
March 3, 2011 at 8:35 am
awesome site, Jeff!