Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 5 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
Exclusive to OpEd News:
OpEdNews Op Eds   

Truth knows no boundary

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   1 comment
Message Justin Spears

One of the things that we Christians throw in the face of others is that Truth has no boundaries. Â Sure it is in the context of attempting to share the Word but lately, in the shadow of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) this "fact" is beginning to bite us in the rear.

Â

In a recent article, dated 28 Dec 2010, on the site: Human Events, Leading Conservative Media Since 1944 , titled "America, Land of the Free, Home of the Homophobe" by Skip Coryell, bemoaned the fact that he was, indeed, a homophobe. Â Not a homophobe toward individual homosexuals, but toward the group as a whole. Â He expressed bewilderment over the ability of such a small group to "convince" society that holding such anti-homosexual views was improper, almost immoral. Â In the end, Skip just could not understand. Truth is the reason for the success of this small group but Skip failed to recognize this.

In our arrogance, we have often claimed that we have truth on our side, and it is that simple declaration that makes Christians so unpopular. Â Truth hurts, as is often said from our lips. Â Skip repeated the biblical truth that God abhors homosexual acts, and wonders if God got it wrong. Â The truth behind this belief is that God made no such claim. Â Yes, there are segments of scripture that many have interpreted as condemning homosexuals and their acts, but that interpretation is questionable and more are questioning it.

In any discussion over homosexuality the first, or nearly so, claim is that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of homosexuals. Â Yet there is no direct reference to homosexuality anywhere in that Genesis story. Â By inference, and reading personal bias into that scripture, homosexuality was found, and used to condemn. Â After all, if the town's men were not homosexual then they would have used Lott's daughters, or so the reasoning goes. Â This would be true only if the only reason the town's men wanted to know the two strangers was because of a supposed unrestrained lust held universally by the town's men. Â But that Genesis story begins to lay the foundation that undermines that claim, for it is stated that the Town's men, both young and old, were out making demands that Lott allow them to know the strangers. Â Hmm - "Young and old"? Â If these men were indeed homosexual then there would be no "young", again adhering to the logic of those self-avowed Christians about what it is to be homosexual.

At the very most, if there was a homogenitality occurring in Sodom it would be rape and not love. Â Scripture tells us that rape is always condemned. Â It should be noted that if this was the only argument against the claim that Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed because of homosexuality then the question would remain open but elsewhere in scripture the sins are tabulated and nowhere is homosexuality identified!

Many have revisited scripture in attempt to identify any clear condemnation of homosexuality and have found none. Â The few passages that have historically been used to demean, demonize, and claim that God is the agent have been found to not do so. Â

Skip, like most Evangelical Christians, fails to make the connection. Â Truth, even demeaned and demonized, eventually wins the day. Â The reason why such a small group have been able to convince most of the rest is that they, indeed, hold the truth in regards to homosexuality and it is that, not some "superior" propaganda tactic by the homosexuals, that is winning.

St. Thomas Aquinas has told us that when science and scripture are in apparent conflict it is not science that must change but our understanding of scripture. Â It is that understanding, not scripture itself, that is flawed and a new understanding must be found. Â Â Skip wondered if God got it wrong about homosexuality but never reasoned that God got it right, meaning no condemnation, but that some Christians got it wrong. Â Some are ready to travel that road but should never abandon those not ready. Â Compassion is the task of all Christians and must be extended to those still hanging back.

Â

RevJDSpears, 28 Dec 10

Well Said 1   News 1   Supported 1  
Rate It | View Ratings

Justin Spears Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Rev Spears is an ordained Universalist Minister. He is active in his church and an activist for Gay Rights.
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

"With Liberty and Justice for all"

Truth knows no boundary

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend