Clear as Mud?

Pastor Tom is certain that the Bible is crystal clear on the issue of homosexuality, calling it an abomination. Well there are a number of things that the Bible calls abomination and until we starting giving them all equal weight I don't see how we can cherry-pick the ones we care to enforce.

Let's take kosher laws as an example. Christians have long rejected those restrictions, primarily based on Peter's vision recorded in the book of Acts in which he saw unclean animals but heard from God that all things were clean. OK then, pork is back on the menu, right? Sure, ALL things are clean...like the Gentiles that Peter was sent to visit. Let's stop talking about people as abominations shall we then? Perhaps we can talk more about how we are to be responsible in love to one another. If two people can experience the grace of God and commit themselves to each other in the presence of God and honor that commitment, who am I to say that they are hearing God incorrectly?

I'm not so sure that the Bible is as clear on this subject as Tom would have us believe. There are precious few verses on the topic and there is the cultural context to consider (such as homosexual pagan temple prostitution) before we pass judgment on faithful couples committed in loving relationships that harm no one.

On the other hand, I've never heard anyone argue that the Bible supports exploitation and oppression of the poor or sanctions neglecting those who can't care for themselves. And the last time I checked there was more than enough suffering in the world for us Christians to be concerned about, so I have a simple proposal for a truce on this subject: let's take care of every widow, orphan, sick person, homeless person, hungry person, prisoner, and stranger first, THEN we can talk about homosexuality (I won't even demand peace first, I'll settle for justice).

Blog you later,
Pastor Ian