Foiled Again!

Ed Young, pastor of Fellowship Christian Church, and noted for the “Sex-periment” he proposed for members his six-location ministry, was on TV news again last night. Ever the master of media coverage for his ultraconservative views on everything from religion, politics and social issues, Rev. Young has stated a passionate case for traditional (between one man and one woman) marriage.

During the short video clip which was broadcast on WFAA Channel 8 news last evening, he declared that marriage was the foundation of all human enterprise and stressed the need for children to grow up with both masculine and feminine influences. He went on with the familiar biblical interpretations used by those who share his views.

Just as familiar to me as those familiar interpretations were the well-rehearsed reactions fighting inside my brain longing for a way out to be heard and drown out the intolerance that gets all the media attention. Auhhgggg!

How do those with opposing understandings get the word out that such Christians exist? That is one of the few frustrations I have in retiring; I failed on this one. I rest a little more easily, however, in the knowledge that this congregation is still at work, and there is still much work to be done.

To lighten the load of this angst-ridden situation, I offer to you some humorous fodder shared with me by one of our members, as your journey continues ~

Owning A Canadian

On her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.

The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a U.S. man, and posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

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 Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are 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?

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 am 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 offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar 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?

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 obligatedto kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

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 go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16) I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus,
Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special
Education, University of Virginia

P.S. It would be a darn shame if we couldn't
own a Canadian.

And I hope I didnʼt offend anyone,

Terry