Religion shouldn’t promote hate
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Editor,
I am writing in response to last week’s letter entitled “Same-sex marriage rewrites Bible.” First and foremost, I find it sadly ironic that the author poses the question, “Who told you to rewrite the Bible?” to the Democratic party. Same-sex marriage is not a political argument held primarily by the left-wing party, but by many American citizens who fall under both Republican and Democratic interest. Additionally, in no way have any U.S. politicians ever proposed a revision to a religious text.
As a Christian, growing up in a Lutheran church, attending private school, teaching Sunday School and being confirmed, I quickly learned that my God vowed his eternal love to me, if I vowed my life as a commitment to him. His disciple confirmed this in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God also warns us of our own judgments in Luke 6:37: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” He reminds us in Exodus to, “Love thy neighbor as you love yourself.” I believe this includes our homosexual neighbors, friends and colleagues. After all, the Bible says God sent his son to die on the cross to save each and every one of us from our sins, not just the heterosexuals.
Love and marriage are fundamental rights and should include both heterosexuals and their homosexual counterparts. Our nation stands on basic human rights, including the pursuit of happiness. Using religion as a way to promote hate and injustice disgusts me — and it only exacerbates the belief that Christians are judgmental and unloving. I hope my children are able to grow up in a world that celebrates diversity and love, and uses religion to spread the message of God’s love and acceptance, rather than his condemnation.
Kaley Radermacher
Polson
