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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

I'm sorry sir, but you're wrong

Adam Newman wrote an article ('Striking down a bad argument,' Sept. 11) that I believe misrepresented the role of biblical exegesis in society. Now before I begin, there is a precept that must be stated, I believe the Bible is the word of God and is meant to be interpreted. This is my belief and this is the frame for which I will be arguing. Now, Geronimo!
Newman cites Leviticus 18:22 as the reason what he calls "anti-gay groups" take the positions they do. But this is not true. The Catholic Church's opposition of gay marriage is linked to beliefs on sexuality. It's in the act of sexual intercourse that we as human beings are allowed into the creative work of God. As such the Church believes sex should be sacred and the act itself be treated with respect. Thus the Church teaches that this act should only occur between two people who have reached a certain level of connection with one another and who are ready to give themselves to each other represent through the act of sex. The Church condemns any sex outside of marriage and even condemns sex within marriage that is not open to this creative act.
I agree with Newman's statement of the main message of the Bible, God's love for creation, but not his understanding of it. It seems to me, the basis of Mr. Newman's understanding is that God approves gay marriage because God loves us. And it's true that God loves all of us. But this love does not lead to license. We all do immoral things, things that harm each other and even ourselves, but God still loves us. This love though does not condone our misbehavior. A mother does not hurt us when we do something wrong, but she also doesn't tell us to just keep doing what we're doing. She stops, intervenes and most importantly loves us. She loves the child, but rejects the wrongdoing.
As to the statement that the Bible is just a collection of stories. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?