Interpreting Biblical teachings requires
historical perspective
Source: PFLAG Midland-BayCity-Saginaw - Letter to the editor by Dale Merkle
Mr. Adamcik and Sister Oard read the Bible and interpret the Word according to their experiences. When they read the prohibitions in Leviticus, they do not appear to have studied the history of that time to help them understand what the words mean. Then, they pick and choose those passages that fit their isconceptions while ignoring others. Would they kill their children for using their parent's names in vain? Do they shave? Do they eat pork?
Father Daniel Helminiak, in his book WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SAYS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY, uses an appropriate comparison. If it said in tomorrow's paper that "Yankees purchase southpaw," those who were sports-minded would immediately believe that the New York baseball team had signed another left-handed pitcher. But such a headline 100 years ago would confuse the wisest of Americans. Yankees were Northerners from states above New York or, worse, they were people from onrth of teh Mason-Dixon line. And a southpaw? No one would kow, the word had not yet been invented.
The terms "homosexual" or "homosexuality" had not been invented when the Bible was written. References to men having sexual relations with other males refers to pederasty and pedophilia. When one tribe conquered another it was general practice for the soldiers to rape the women of the losers. It put the seed of the victor in the body of the defeated and extended the tribe's influence. Then they raped the men. Not to impregnate them, but to humble them, to treat them like lowly women. Sexual abuse of children by overpowering masters was not uncommon in Biblical times. It is these immoral practices that are addressed in the Bible times. It is these immoral practices that are addressed in the Bible. These same practices are considered immoral today.
The Bible says little about loving, caring same-sex relationships. The relationship of David and Jonathon may be an exception.
Ten percent of our world population is left-handed and about the same percentage is gay. Historians tell us that, in the past, left-handers were thought to be evil. Centuries ago many left handers were put to death because they displayed the characteristic. Today gays and lesbians are branded in the same way. I believe this is wrong.
Those who God gifted with same-sex attraction are children of their creator as surely as any of us. They are differenet than the majority, but being different is not a sufficient reason for branding them sinners or evil.
The overriding theme of the bible is love. More love, more study, and greater understanding may help us see through the mirrors of our misconceptions. I prayerfuly hope so!
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