Matthew, Spoken like a convinced Roman Catholic. And there is validty to to your observations. But I also think the notion of a more minimalist theology is theologically justified. C.S. Lewis called it Mere Christianity. In the case of Vineyard, I think the organization failed to live up to its commitment to this approach. Personally, I think it’s healthy that there is a vast diversity on the Christian landscape in these matters: traditions that nail many issues down, and those that focus on a smaller set of core beliefs … and everything in between. I see this theological and ethos diversity in the pages of the New Testament. On the matter of “heroic celibacy” I do agree that some are called to celibacy and part of the call involves grace from God to live in this way. But this is a grace, a gift, and not an imposed torture. St. Paul himself, who wanted more to practice this in light of his understanding that the “time was short” before the end of the age, also said that it’s better to marry “than to burn.” We are created as sexual beings, after all, and it is not natural or wise to impose this burden on those who have not been gifted with the ability to bear it. I find that often the people who call for “heroic celibacy” are often married people who are not practicing it. Those who are called to it are wise to practice it. Those who are not called to it are wise not to impose it on others.