"The sinfulness of homosexuality is up for debate!" by Ken Tew

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The sinfulness of homosexuality is up for debate!

In his article in the November issue of the “Pittsburgh Standard” titled “Homosexual activity is sinful in God’s eyes”, Dave Auger claims he will give an “honest opinion” about gays. What he is really giving is a bigoted and ignorant opinion.

In support of his arguments he misrepresents Romans 1:32 “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” NIV.

Auger would have the reader believe that the “they” in that passage refers to gays. However, if you read the entire chapter, you’ll see that the “they” refers to: gossips, slanderers, and God-Haters. The “things” that they do include murder, deceit, and disobeying their parents. The chapter certainly isn’t as clear as Auger would have the reader believe.

In general, the Christian bible’s stance on gays isn’t very clear. There are many instances of Christian clergy blessing same-gender unions.

In Ontario, same-gender couples that were married by the church are currently waging a legal battle to have that marriage recognized by the government.

Several churches have dealt with the issue of ordaining gay ministers involved in monogamous same-gender relationships. This issue of whether being gay is or isn’t a sin has been debated throughout various Christian church hierarchies. There are those who don’t believe it to be a sin (and those who do) at all levels of faith and knowledge. Hardly an indication that the matter is as simple as Auger represents it to be.

Additionally, Auger claims that homosexuality is “unnatural” this is also incorrect.

“Natural” refers to things that occur in nature. Same-gender pairings do indeed occur in many species, not just humans. Auger attempts to trivialize being gay as nothing more than people who are only interested in having sex with others of the same gender.

If Auger bothered to talk to people who are gay he would learn that many want love, commitment, and relationships involving more than just sex, just as many straights do.

He would also find some that are only interested in sex, just as many straights are. Auger claims to have heard opposing opinions, but based on his writing; he obviously never listened to them. While he is entitled to his opinion, when that opinion is based on bigotry and ignorance, it should never be allowed to simply “let stand.”

By Ken Tew

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MARCH ONLINE IMPRESSIONS EDITION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

The sinfulness of homosexuality is up for debate!