In a letter to The Northern Star on Dec. 9, Steve Brown stated that I had “cleverly avoided” discussing the “morality” of love in the context of homosexuality. He also imagined that I had “attacked society.” Both misunderstandings could not be further from the truth. Steve has read between the lines and made incorrect assumptions based on misconceptions just as he has in his fallible English-language translations and interpretations of the Judeo-Christian Bible.

Anyone who compares his letter to mine of Dec. 4 and 7 will see he misrepresented my letters in the same way he blatantly misrepresents the Bible and the “founder” of Christianity. Jesus, who had a great deal to say in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:7, about those who judge and discriminate, had nothing to say about homosexuality or the isolated verses which allegedly speak of some aspects of homosexuality (e.g., lust in the context of adultery of Romans!). You would think teachings such as “Love even your enemies,” “Do not judge or condemn” and “Do not kill” did not even exist.

I “challenge” Steve and all concerned to examine the following back-issues of the Star at the archives in Swen Parson Hall or in Lambda’s files: April 15, Nov. 18 and 20, 1986; May 30, Sept. 16 and 22, and Nov. 11, 1987. You’ll find that I’ve more than met Steve’s challenge. I’ve elaborated on three independent points:

.Discrimination and verbal or physical oppression of all kinds are immoral, un-Christian and un-American. Jesus realized that fallible and often malicious human beings are not fit to judge, condemn or punish. The vast majority of theologians and clergy agree.

2. When biblical translations and interpretations are examined in the original Hebrew and Greek, it becomes clear that both heterosexuality and homosexuality are described as immoral within specific contexts. An increasingly large percentage of theologians and clergy agree that love and the intimate expression thereof is not immoral in either case.

3. Until the 14th Century, when the oppression of Jews, Muslims, homosexuals and other groups in Europe became commonplace, gay relationships were commonly tolerated and even blessed by Christian communities.

Theoretically, in this great democratic republic of ours, no one has the right to impose their personal interpretations of “morality” regarding consenting adults on either Christians or non-Christians. Even fornicators and adulterers, or revilers (those who lie or falsely defame the names of others), should have basic human rights. Jesus sat and ate with those popularly labeled as “sinners” 2000 years ago. I’ve personally found the words and deeds of the “founder” of Christianity to be quite different from those of many fundamentalist Christians who attack society and who, by default, support social and economic injustice.

Jim McDermott

lambda christian fellowship

SA minority relations comm.