Dear editor,

I read Teri Bednarz’s opinion column, “Biblical misinterpretation confuses moral teaching.” I was disappointed that the point she may have been making in general was restricted to only one particular example (homosexuality), which didn’t validate her message. Bednarz explained scripture 1 Cor. 6:9 but did not elaborate on the other verses she referred to and neglected to mention Matthew 19:4-6, “He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'”

Consider deviant behavior, for instance. By nature, men and women together propagate, so marriage is the norm. Of course, Bednarz has much knowledge of Biblical history, just as many others who disagree with her do; but that doesn’t mean all of her or their interpretations are correct either. My intent is not to disparage her knowledge. In fact, I wish to commend her, but also to remind her and others that as in Corinthians 1:20, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” and Cor. 1:25, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men.” Men can try to interpret the Bible in all of their scholarly efforts, but it is only with and through the Spirit of God (as when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles so that they could understand the message of God) that we can truly understand, as Christ said he is in us.

 I don’t think that there is anything wrong with having an innate or nurtured orientation to homosexuality, as long as one doesn’t act on it. Sex isn’t necessary in relationships (unless we are propagating) and we don’t have to depend solely on that for pleasure. If same-sex couples want to spend time together for companionship without any sexual aspects, then it is as moral as any other relationship.

 I hope you aren’t offended in any way by what I have said. I just think that caution should be taken as to public interpretations of the Bible and as to which verses are quoted and which are omitted.

Sincerely,

Marie Tupper