Hi, John, An old theology buddy of mine from college (yes, that was my undergrad degree a generation ago), who is currently a hospital chaplain and worships with a Southern Baptist congregation, did a paper about 15 years ago dealing with all of the Biblical passages traditionally used to condemn homosexuality. His conclusion: None of these passages can be correctly used to condemn homosexuality without considerable distortion of their context, intention, etc. FWIW, this paper shows that it is not necessary to abandon a "literal" or verbal interpretation of the Christian Scriptures to be open on this subject. I have long ago concluded that when it comes to ethics and morality, my Christian faith needs to derive its inspiration and meaning from the Gospel, and its ethical content from not only the Bible, but also from all of the world we live in, here and now. Many of today's ethical challenges had not been dreamed of in Biblical times, and for those which were, the specific moral instruction found in the Christian Scriptures was nearly always culturally influenced - challenging those of us who confess the Christian faith to re-engage and work through this stuff. I understand the strength of the "natural law" arguments, one of the "worlds" from which you derive your position. I only ask that you consider that your position is culturally and philosophically based, even in its Biblical and "natural law" references. The incredible struggles of the gay community deserve the sharing of our resources, friendship and support - within and without the faith communities. In many ways their contribution to the social good exceeds their numbers - and that is really irrelevant to this argument except that it is an affirmation worth repeating, and because you declared its opposite (also irrelevant). "Every nation who approves of and is tolerant of homosexuality has been destroyed" raised the same level of fear, imperative and cultural hatred which drives religious fundamentalists around the world, some Osama bin Laden-trained 60,000 who believe America to be the scourge of the earth, but whose faith-source is one of peace. The greatness of America - although not by any means a virtue exclusive to it - is in its deep and abiding belief in the goodness of all humankind, and in this nation's duty to protect the rights of all of its citizens. The historical failures of other nations relating to moral deterioration cannot be blamed on gender orientation. Debauchery is debauchery. Today's complex challenge is to continue a dialogue (probably not on this list) which results in laws and customs which support and reflect what most of society believes: the reinforcement of modern institutions of marriage and family, and the building of a social and legal framework which provides a context for improved psychological, social and physical health for gay and lesbian people. This same kind of transformation could take place in faith communities too - and is taking place in some. If we and our children succeed in this, it would really be "good news." Back to the Erard.... Bill Shull, RPT In a message dated 10/4/01 6:33:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time, jformsma@dixie-net.com writes: << Though I come from a Christian background, believing that God condemns sodomy, even a look at "natural law" reveals the deviancy. 1) There are no "homosexual" animals. 2) Homosexual relations produce nothing, while heterosexual relations produce something (as they have been designed by God). 3) It revolts against the human anatomy. 4) Every nation who approves of and is tolerant of homosexuality has been destroyed. The list could go on, but I will not do that here. I would ask, though, that you think logically about the mindset of homosexuality (hedonism with absolutely no regard for a Creator and his design), its acts (completely revolting, and dealing with "waste" areas of the body), and its results (emotional as well as physical devastation, such as utter loneliness and AIDS). >>
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