Throughout history, the Bible has been used to justify the marginalizing, disparaging and condemnation of people whose color, race, ethnicity, religious persuasion or sexual orientation present difficulty to those holding power in the society. The Bible is a historical document.
Throughout history, the Bible has been used to justify the marginalizing, disparaging and condemnation of people whose color, race, ethnicity, religious persuasion or sexual orientation present difficulty to those holding power in the society. The Bible is a historical document. Christians have faith that God did not quit in the 3rd century CE when the books of writings Christians now call the Bible (which means books) was accepted in its present form.
I recently preached a sermon suggesting that the bigger the Bible used and the higher in the air it was raised by the preacher expounding on it, the more one could be sure that one was going to feel like a swatted cockroach when it was lowered.
Evelyn Cook’s Viewpoint in The Garden Island Dec. 5 (“Arguments against homosexuality are in the Bible”) represents a reading and understanding of the Bible that is not embraced by many Christians, myself included. Hoping to place in perspective her particular slant on Biblical interpretation, I offer the following letter purported to be addressed to Dr. Laura in response to her thoughts concerning homosexuality and her use of the Bible to condemn it.
“Dear Dr. Laura, “Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s law. I have learned a great deal from you, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate! “I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of specific law and how to best follow them as a true believer.
“When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this?
“I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
“I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
“Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
“I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
“A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this?
“Lev. 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear prescription glasses. Does my vision have to be 20-20, or is there some wiggle room here?
“I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident that you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.”
The Rev. Jan C. Rudinoff, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihu’e
