Biblical evidence is an oxymoron
Jonathan Diffley
sophomore
How dare Becket Gremmels call another student closed-minded when he is the very antithesis of understanding and tolerance. After reading Mr. Gremmels' letter from Feb. 28, I found myself disgusted with this condescending attitude. Who are you to say that homosexuality is evil? The definition of evil is an act intentionally done to harm or injure another person. Does this really describe sexual preference? If you want to talk about acting maliciously against others, let's look at your letter when you likened homosexuals to people who murder their parents, kidnappers, pedophiles and thieves. Please! If you want a quote from the Bible, how about this: "Let the ones without sin cast the first stone." You also may need to touch up on the Bible's teachings.
Which brings me to my next point. Biblical evidence is an oxymoron. When was the last time you heard Genesis being used as evidence in a courtroom? When has the Gospel of Mark been cited at a congressional hearing? Never. That's because these are not facts. You cannot mistake Church doctrine for indisputable truth. In the Torah, it is written that we should not eat certain species of hoofed animals. Does that make me evil? Orthodox sects of some faiths stone women for unveiling their faces in public. Do not fall into the trap of relying absolutely on the teachings of others without critically thinking for yourself. If I am not mistaken, about 20 devout Muslims took the lives of nearly 6,000 Americans all because their religion told them that they were justified. Whose book is right? Yours? Do not be so quick to answer yes.
The Pope and the Church are allowed to have their own opinion. However, it is your responsibility as a human being to question what you are told and decide for yourself what is worth believing. Right now you sound like nothing more than a mindless drone, ranting about what could have been a discussion full of relevant points and counter arguments. You, however, have completely failed to touch on any of them.
Mr. Gremmels' main point for hating homosexuals is the fact that "scripture makes it quite clear that homosexual acts are a moral evil." He talks about how the Catholic Church should take pride in its preservation of tradition. If you ask me, the Church taking pride in the tradition of social intolerance is about as great as South Africa celebrating apartheid. The Catholic Church has plenty of things to be proud of, but I would not think that the Pope will be writing you a letter of thanks for your contribution to canon law. It is ravings like yours that have caused so many people to leave the Church in utter disgust.
Jonathan Diffley
sophomore
Sorin College
February 28, 2002
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, March 1, 2002
