The exclusionist in religion does not see that he shuts the door of heaven on himself in striving to shut out others. Treat men as pawns and nine-pins and you shall suffer as well as they. If you leave out their heart, you shall lose your own.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Compensation

[From The Portable Emerson]

I have been accused of being an exclusionist. A letter writer tells me that I exclude him from the kingdom of heaven by not allowing him his opinion that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible. He says I am insisting that he must agree with me that it is not sinful or else I am judging him, effectively shutting him out of heaven.

Am I? It's a serious question the reader poses. Am I truly insisting that everyone be in agreement about the issue of homosexuality or else give up your hope of entering the kingdom of heaven? If this is the impression I have left on people, I apologize and sincerely repent.

I do not seek to shut the gates of heaven on anyone. I know many people who disagree with me on the issue of homosexuality, but I hope to meet them in heaven one day. There are plenty of wonderful, God-filled people who disagree with me on this issue.

What makes us compatible? We agree on the message Christ came to spread. We agree that the two greatest commandments are to love neighbor as we love ourselves, and to love God with all our heart, mind and strength. All other distinctions are unimportant.

Do you believe homosexuality is sinful? That's fine, continue to believe that. But if you also agree with the two greatest commandments spelled out by Jesus, then we are in complete agreement on what is important. If we agree in that area, then we can strive together in love for the greater good of this world.

All I ask is that you leave the issue of personal sin to me and God. I leave you to deal with your sin as you and God see fit.

You must understand that by preaching against homosexuality and, in particular, the homosexual, you shut the gates of heaven on me and others like me. We must be careful to find the common ground and work together. I renew my dedication to keep the gates of heaven open, even to those who disagree with me.

I ask my critics, can you do the same?

Blessings,
Candace