Love all our neighbors

To the editor:

I want to thank the Marion County Record, its writers, and editors for publishing a touchy subject when you told of the events surrounding the parking place painted in rainbow colors. Today these colors usually represent the LBGT symbol of minority groups who are supporting sexual preferences differing from the majority (regarded a sin to many).

When I was in college in the 50s, our psychology books listed homosexuality as mental illness. Recently mental health experts have been telling us its not something learned or of their own choice, but that persons are born with given sexual preferences.

What does it mean for a church to put up a sign of invitation saying “Everybody Welcome” or “You Are Welcome Here” if we do not accept the whole person? I think the example Our Lord Jesus the Christ gives us is to welcome the stranger without judging them. Jesus accepted persons who were unacceptable to the religious authorities of his day with love.

“Christians are called to be witnesses and not judges. We cannot be both a witness and judge in any court of law.”

In the last several years, I have become acquainted with several very gifted and talented persons who are homosexuals who say they are “christian.” A couple I know have written a very honest and moving book about their struggles with his sexuality, their divorce, and eventually his ordination as a minister in an accepting church. Here I say, unless you are well acquainted with any person, refrain from judgment.

Maybe 30 years ago I was asked about homosexuality and I recall I gave a very trite and unstudied answer quoting Genesis and saying “it is wrong because God created male and female.” I now realize that was not a good or sensitive answer. And it was not using the Bible in a scholarly manner.

I am well aware of what the Bible would teach us.

The story about Sodom and Gomorrah is told in Genesis 19. This speaks of God’s wrath against disobedient people and is about hospitality not homosexuality. The men did not want strangers staying in their village and came in force to abuse them. The sin was being inhospitable and mean. (Like undisciplined armies still do today by mistreating others.) Also read Ezekiel 16:48-50.

Let us remember we are to “Love our neighbors as we love ourselves.”

You are welcome to my house to talk with me anytime: regardless of race, color, language preference or other matters. I would love to tell you about the hospitality of Jesus.

Bob Priest
Marion County Lake