Oubaas

Welcome to South Africa, home of the afrikaner god, where Laurie Gaum, gay theologian, writes an open letter to Coenie Burger, moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, after the good doctor confirmed that homosexuality remains a sin in God’s eyes, and Joan Hambidge, gay poet, writes a letter to Zamar, the Stellenbosch girl band, whose leader Veronica Bell expelled a member for being (openly) gay.

And the Christian response? “We should love the sinner, but hate the sin”. Never mind that Jesus never said this. It’s like saying: “You should love the cake, but hate the ingredients”. Nonsense.

This is not love, it’s hypocrisy. Worst of all, it displays a total lack of manners. And not to forget: What they are really saying is that this cake is going to burn in hell. For ever.

But this we have come to expect from those who believe that they have a clear understanding of right and wrong, who have always had a well deserved reputation for being judgmental and moralistic, and who have always stood firmly for biblical standards. Just a pity that they have always been on the wrong side of every major social issue, and have lost their place in society as a moral authority.

Christians should note that Jesus was silent on sexual matters. And yet, ever since the fifth-century it has been the Christian view that Jesus was “truly God” and “truly man”, meaning that Jesus shared human needs and desires. As Paul said: He was born “according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:4), and “in all things like his brethren” (Heb. 2:17). But most of todays faithful would cringe at the thought of a sexually active Jesus, experiencing erotic desire.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a US radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show, recently stated that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance (she is an observant Orthodox Jew). The following response is an open letter, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the internet:

Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination… end of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s law and how to follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the alter as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1-9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I’m allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev.15: 19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.
4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating a shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you help settle this? Are there “degrees” of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the alter of God if I have a defect in my sight. I admit that I have to wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room there?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we get the whole town together to stone them? (Lev. 24: 10-16). Couldn’t we just get together at a private family affair and burn them, like we would do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev. 20:14)?

I know that you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident that you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,

Jim