Distorted Damnation

Where do we go when we seek answers to challenging questions? Perhaps news broadcasts, websites, or textbooks hold these sought out solutions to modern dilemmas, but I decided to look elsewhere. I yearned to explore one of the most acclaimed and condemned manuscripts of the last two millennia and decipher its take on the controversial matter of homosexual monogamy. This sudden investigation was spurred by the inspirational preaching of Matthew Vines, founder of The Reformation Project which encourages Christians to support LGBT people. Presented below, his in-depth analysis of various scriptures concerning homosexuality offers a new perspective on monogamy that might cool the conflict between the church and committed gay couples.

Two condemning passages, Leviticus 19:22 and Romans 1:26-27, caught my attention long before Vines had the opportunity to explain his perspective and counter these negative statements. The command, "You shall not lie with a me as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination" (Leviticus 19:22) proved particularly troubling as I struggled to come up with rebuttal to it. Fortunately, Mathew Vines addresses the issue by stating that the old testament law code was fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth who "is the end of the law for the justification of everyone who has faith" (Romans 10:4). Furthermore, he presents an array of once ridiculed actions so commonly practiced today including charging interest on loans and eating pork to demonstrate the changing of practices through time. The second passage, Romans 1:26-27, as interpreted by Vines, condemns lustful and gluttonous homosexual actions but does not denounce faithful, committed, and loving gay relationships. Ultimately, Vines' context analysis and clarification demonstrates that the Bible neither damns the LGBT community nor supports attacks on them.

If we define sociology as the systematic study of human societies, examining possible shifts in norms and values within this social institution is our fundamental duty as socialists. Discrimination, prejudice, and intolerance against homosexuality has for so long been the institutionalized norm among many cultures. The Christian Church was no exception. "Born gay" and "sinful choice" dichotomy was once a widely adopted characterization of this religious view, and this belief still holds sway over a many people. But today, voices cry out for equality. They proclaim their God's love for all people regardless of sexual orientation, and one need not venture far to find these voices. The Reformation Project is but a single example of a diversity of groups and people fighting for homosexual monogamy within the United States. Even the Catholic Church, an institution once notorious for its anti-gay propaganda, has seen a change in its followers. 62% of American Catholics are in favor of legalizing marriage for same-sex couples according to a New York Times/CBS News Poll conducted February 23-27, 2013. This movement represents the process of resocialization for these preachers, lovers, and teachers. By promoting the legitimacy of gay union, these activists stand against the anti-gay crusade that spawned during the early 1970s, and the adoption of a new system of beliefs, norms, and values constitutes the process of resocialization.

Mathew Vines is not alone in his pursuit of marriage equality. A great deal of followers including members of the Catholic Church strive to make a change to help the persecuted and ridiculed. My title distorted damnation possess two sides. One ridicules the condemnation of other human beings and pleads for the loving acceptance of all people; the other seeks to dispel the idea that a leader's power does not dictate the beliefs of all followers. This blog post is nothing more nor less than a call to love and respect those around you. Neither condemn nor assume others condemn. Search for the goodness of humanity and pursue it.