Letter to Editor
Religion Page
Daily Press
Victorville, Ca.
Letter in response to regular column of Dr. Kaplan. Column in qestion appeared in the February 14, 2009 issue of the Daily Press.
Contrary to the opinion of Dr. Kaplan, (Daily Press, February 14, 2009, p. B4) the Bible may not be that clear about the sin of homosexuality. His opinion as expressed gives lip service to a biblically balanced theology.
Some of us are familiar enough with the Word that we aren’t so sure God singles out this sin for any special condemnation amongst all of human frailties. The author deals in deception when he states, “ The Bible specifically calls homosexual behavior sin.” The question may be asked, where is the specificity? We can make the Bible say any number of contrary conclusions by piecing together just the right snippets as most pulpits are prone to do.
In totality the Bible does not single out this sin to a degree that pleases our homophobia. “ The sin ” is a very rare occurrence, not even being mentioned in the Ten Commandments. Biblical references are few and far between all the other stuff like faith, patience, hope and kindness. It must be comforting to sling arrows of condemnation at such a slow moving target ( only 10% of society) as homosexuality.
What about Sodom and Gomorrah? This ancient story from the life of Abraham seems to be the proof the author requires. Take the time to read the story, when God rained fire down on these towns it may have been for any number of reasons. Their inhabitants were living in a very selfish left ditch of excess, a violently selfish ditch. Is it “ the sin ” that upsets God or the selfishness of their society? Since the Ten Commandments have a great deal to say about selfishness, personally the condemnation belongs to a much greater degree in this area.
Let’s talk about God’s condemnation. It’s stark reality is raining down upon our good old American country. Our aberrant selfish economic and political systems are being condemned by God as we speak. Look around and you will see how He feels about the sin, “greed” ! The church shares in God’s condemnation for its emphasis on money, the corporate model of ministry and the prosperity gospel. Let’s all get out of the rain! Oh Lord, forgive us our trespasses.
The good news of the gospel is that with faith in His abiding presence,we can be lead out of the ditches of selfishness to a more balanced life. When Jesus appeared the religious hierarchy became very upset, attacking Him at every turn. Why? Because this ordinary looking man, this carpenter was in balance, to a degree that threatened their authority, it made them angry. The religionists lived out of balance in the right ditch of self righteousness. The only persons that Jesus ever rebuked were these religionists who ignored God’s Love priority.
Possibly that is why Jesus said, “ the way (road) is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” ( Matt. 7:14 ) A biblically balanced lifestyle in this selfish world is exceedingly narrow and difficult. When the road runs along the ridgeline, there is danger to be avoided on the selfish right and the selfish left. Let us all take inventory, how is our balance?
G.Goslaw
(This letter has not been acknowledged by the paper or Dr. Kaplan)
