Don't Use the Bible as a Weapon Against People

Another in the Voices of Venango County series ... by The Rev. Sandra Miller Ingham of Burlington, Iowa:

During a visit to Franklin, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my hometown newspaper had the courage to print a same-sex wedding announcement. By printing this announcement, you have done a service to the community.

The subject of gay rights needs to be discussed openly, freely and compassionately.

I followed the subsequent letters-to-the-editor with interest. I am saddened every time the Bible is used as a weapon to discriminate against any group of people.

In the past, the Bible has been used to justify slavery and to maintain the second-class status of women. Currently, the Bible is being used to justify the oppression of homosexuals.

Biblical passages that can be read as condemning homosexuality need to be read in the context of the times in which they were written.

The Bible is open to different interpretations; many understand it as primarily the story of humanity's struggle against oppression. Using the Bible to justify existing prejudices does not give the Bible the respect it deserves. Using the Bible to condone discrimination discredits that sacred, beautiful text, ignoring the bigger picture the Bible presents: all people are precious; all love is valuable.

The Rev. William Sloan Coffin said that we must "quit using the Bible the way a drunk uses a lamp post - more for support than for illumination."

While my heart goes out to those who seem so afraid of homosexuality, I do not understand their fear. Gays and lesbians are not out to convert people to their lifestyle. when was the last time you had a homosexual knock on your door and try to convert you to the "homosexual lifestyle?"

Yet, most of us have had religious people come to our doors in hopes of converting us.

The only agenda the gay community has is to be protected against discrimination and oppression. Gays and lesbians want what we all want: the right to live safely, without fear of being judged because of whom we choose to love.

Today's world too often has a shortage of love. We should celebrate it wherever it is found.

Perhaps one day, humans will realize that love and compassion are stronger than fear.

Printed in The Derrick 7/29/04