Don't use Bible to blast homosexuals
This one is for all the people who fall on their religion as the woman from Lowville did in a recent letter to the editor. I have seen in the Bible the references used by so many to condemn homosexuals. I've heard the church leaders preach this condemnation venomously, as though homosexuals were not worthy to live among other human beings. If those who rely on religion to provide the reason to treat homosexuals poorly also followed other outdated passages from the Bible, we would be in big trouble.
There are passages in the Bible that require a woman to cover her head when praying, to be silent in church, to submit to her husband's authority, to leave her hair unbraided, to dress modestly without gold and pearls or costly apparel. Also she should not debate publicly (1 Timothy 2:9-12; 1 Corinthians 11:5,6 & 14:34,35). There are also passages that say men and women should not divorce (Matthew 5:32). Neither should we mix breeds of cattle, sow mixed seed in our fields or wear fabrics of mixed materials (Leviticus 19:19). Did you plant a garden this year? Any cotton or polyester blends in your closet? When was the last time you left the house without your jewelry (wedding band)? Did you cover your head when last you prayed? Any public debate in your recent past? Maybe you have slaves. The Bible seems to imply that's OK (Ephesians 6:5-9). More than one wife? Many examples in Genesis.
Have you read your Bible cover to cover or have you simply listened to what others have told you is in there? If you will use religion to condemn a human being for being homosexual, should you not also use religion to condemn women who debate in public? There are many "rules" in the Bible that we would never imagine following today. They simply don't make sense. So why fuss about homosexual couples marrying? They simply wish to express love and enjoy the rights every other married couple does. They harm no one.
The woman from Lowville states that she and those like her are "people who love one another as we have been asked." Then prove it. When asked, Jesus said the greatest commandments were to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and might, and to love your neighbor as yourself. If we all do that, we can end this debate right here.
Tammy Hall
Carthage
