Rev. Turner:

I do not see how in this world you can call your selves CHRISTIANS, the BIBLE states very clearly that homosexuality is wrong. Try and read the Bible some time, in there around the story about Sodum and Gamora, it is an abomination to my Lord Jesus Christ. And absolutely makes me plain SICK!!!!!

Devin

Dear Devin,

Grace and Peace to you through the one who sustains us in all things; Jesus the Christ!

I wanted to respond to your letter because I can see from its tone you are hurting and a victim of severe "biblical abuse".

First, we call ourselves Christians because "whosoever believes in me shall not perish but have life ever lasting." You, me or anyone else who believes is a whosoever. We claim that scriptural promise just as you do.

I am curious which of the 27 different English translations of the Bible states that homosexuality is wrong and more to the point which might be the word of God? Considering that the original text of scripture was written in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic and later Greek and Latin, we must consider the culture of the time which is vastly different than now. I wonder how anything is stated that clearly.

I must tell you, Devin, that not only have I read the Bible "sometime" But I read it on a daily basis. I have been a student of the Bible for over 20 years. Funny thing in all that study time I discovered that the spelling for those two cities you mention are as follows: Sodom and Gomor'rah. I only point this out because when you attack someone from a point of scholarship you should make sure of your spelling or your intent might be misunderstood. I would also invite you to quote stories in context as to proof-texting. Read the entire story in Genesis starting with chapter 18. I believe you will find that these two cities are not an expression of God's opinion of homosexuality as we know it today.

I am also curious how you have taken ownership of the Lord and even for a moment can know his mind. But that is not as important as the fact that you confess you are sick. I am sorry that you are and will pray for God's healing hand to cast this sickness from your mind and soul.

Let me leave you with some words of Jesus that might smother your anger and soothe your soul:

For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whosoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to be judge of the world; he sent him so that the world might have salvation through him.
--John 3:16-17

And he said to him, Get up, and go on your way; your faith has made you well.
--Luke 17:19

And Jesus said, See again: your faith has made you well.
--Luke 18:42

Happy are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Happy are those who are sad: for they will be comforted.
Happy are the gentle: for the earth will be their heritage.
Happy are those whose heart's desire is for righteousness: for they will have their desire.
Happy are those who have mercy: for they will be given mercy.
Happy are the clean in heart: for they will see God.
Happy are the peacemakers: for they will be named sons of God.
Happy are those who are attacked on account of righteousness: for the kingdom of heaven will be theirs.
Happy are you when men give you a bad name, and are cruel to you, and say all evil things against you falsely, because of me.
--Matthew 5:3-11

Pastor Paul