Sadly, I debated with myself about posting this blog. It seems risky. Will I be perceived as pro-Chick-fil-a or against Chick-fil-a (assuming you know about the recent hoopla over Chick-fil-a versus the homosexuals). I have many Christian friends, some pro some con and some simply understanding when it comes to the gay issue. Some want them kicked out of church, some want them cured and taught better, some are simply tolerant, and a few Christians, I've heard, believe that God sanctions loving, monogamous, gay couples. I am glad to say that I no longer associate with anyone who would like them stoned.

All homo-debate aside, it is risky business to lift scriptures out, isolate them, and promote things Jesus taught against, i.e. hatred, prejudice, cruelty. Jesus' message is kindness, grace, understanding, and above all, love. So is Paul's. The greater point I find in this article is not about gays, but about how scripture is used, or abused.

Maybe its the scripture that's risky. I'm reading Deuteronomy right now, and more than once Moses has told the people that God told him to tell them to kill every foreigner, women and children included, if they continued to serve false gods. How is this not a kill the infidel plan? It rattles me. I'm against war and death. Jesus, however, disagreed with his own Torah. He said, "You've heard it said an eye for an eye, a life for a life, but I'm telling you a new thing - love your enemies." (Matthew 5:38-48). He was quoting and disagreeing with Deuteronomy, by the way.

Of course, Dr. Laura speaks from her Jewish perspective, and I am speaking from my Christian one. Any respectable protestant Christian would cross-reference the New Testament, right?

So, the reason I say it is sad that I debated posting this, is my fear that many in my devout Christian community, a community that I truly love, will not allow honest open-minded dialogue on this topic. It saddens me that a community that teaches me about Christ's love, often slams the door shut without really thinking things through.

Wherever you stand on the issue of homosexuality, I hope you appreciate the humor in this piece, and the real point, that we need to be careful how we throw around scripture like a grenade.

Here's the article:

 In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant. Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.  The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a US man, and posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

 Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and 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 them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

  1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both maleand female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations.  A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadian?

  2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctionedin Exodus 21:7.  In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

  3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she isin 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.

 4. 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.  Should I smite them?

  5. 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, or should I ask the police to do it?

 6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality.  I don't agree.  Can you settle this?  Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

 7. Lev. 21:20 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 reading glasses.  Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

 8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27.  How should they die?

 9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

 10. My uncle has a farm.  He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend).  He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot.  Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

 Your adoring fan.
James M. Kauffman,
Ed.D. Professor Emeritus,
Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education
University of Virginia

 PS (It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian)