I feel destined to write this piece. You see, I graduated from BGSU four years ago with a degree in Fine Arts; and let’s face it, you just can’t major in Fine Arts without getting to know at least one or two gays and lesbians. Anyway, two months ago I got in touch with an old high school friend of mine who eventually confessed to me that she had been a lesbian. That is, until she went off to college and found Christ. Finally, I read this article in The Lantern the other day that tells of some study that shows gays can go straight and be happy, with the help of anti-gay views of some churches.
Today, my friend is a hardcore Christian who blasts homosexuality as the epitome of evil. Now, having been raised Catholic, I never had to find Christ because I never lost Him. J.C.’s been with me since day one. However, I find it strange that so many people who “find” Christ suddenly feel justified in spreading His word; albeit, either in bits and pieces or out of context. My friend was quick to quote good ole Genesis 19; the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
This led me to a most interesting realization: I don’t think people in general really read the Bible. They just think “hey, it must be true because so-and-so said so and they told me they read the Bible everyday.”
Anyone remember that fun childhood game called “Telephone?”
Just to be sure, I checked ten different versions of the Bible (yes, TEN), and sure enough, there were the group of men coming to take Lot’s guests and molest them (Genesis 19:9). Because they wanted homosexual booty? No. Because the men of Sodom and Gomorrah wanted to show these strangers who was boss.
But, I have to wonder. Why does no one discuss the fact that Lot offered his two virgin daughters for the mobs taking instead (Genesis 19:8)? Is THAT acceptable?? And why does noone mention that, after Lot’s wife is turned into the pillar of salt, his daughters get him drunk and have sex with him in order to “preserve” the family line (Genesis 19:32)? Surely that’s FAR from acceptable!
I have no problem with respecting and discussing religion and various interpretations of the Bible. On the other hand, I do have a problem with bias. And when someone represents their side of an argument with jigsawed quotes, then that’s a major bias. Jesus wasn’t about finding faults. He was about comfort and unconditional love. In finding Christ, my friend has found comfort and love, and I am thrilled for her. If nothing else, this has reinforced me belief that my son will grow with that same comfort and love, in it’s entirety.
Kimberly Gassner-Harkness[email protected]
