Choose love over church bigotry

Jesus himself said absolutely nothing about homosexuality, but he said plenty about love.

Same-sex marriage. Picture: dolgachov

HOW admirable it is to see enlightened women choosing love over church bigotry while retaining their Christian faith.

The "A” word has been used as a tool of oppression for far too long.

Why are Christians not lathering up about some of the other so-called "abominations” listed in the Bible: eating pork or shellfish, for example? (Try telling that to Aussies as they throw another shrimp on the barbie or tuck into bacon and eggs!)

Other "abominations” that feature in the Scriptures are: dishonest business dealings, an arrogant heart, insincere worship, haughty eyes, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood.

Now surely these are worthy of the name.

They can do serious damage to people, unlike consensual sex between adults.

Christians are supposed to follow Jesus Christ, first and foremost.

Jesus himself said absolutely nothing about homosexuality, but he said plenty about love.

Interestingly, he only listed one "abomination”: self-justification and exaltation (Luke 16:15).

In addition, Jesus said that he had not come into the world to condemn it.

So why can't the evangelical churches let go of ancient cultural concepts that smack more of arrogance, self-justification and "haughty eyes” than they ever do of Jesus's message of love and acceptance?

WENDY ASHLEY-COOPER

Kings Beach