Robert Lowery

Note: I wrote the following as a “letter to the editor” to Newsweek on the article mentioned below–Bob.

As I read Jon Meacham’s editorial remarks and Lisa Miller’s analysis of Scripture on “The Religious Case for Gay Marriage,” (December 15, 2008), I thought: What a hatchet job on the use of Scripture! I know full well that people approaching any subject that Scripture addresses often distort various passages, and the article and editorial demonstrate one more illustration. Where do I begin?

First, there is a cherry picking of Scriptures while ignoring countless passages that speak about husband-wife relationships, stories about married couples, and instructions about marriage, from the opening chapters of Genesis to Proverbs to the Song of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5 and 19) to the instructions of Paul (Ephesians 5 and Colossians 4).

Second, descriptions of certain actions of biblical characters (Abraham, Jacob, and David) do not automatically mean affirmation or commendation of their behavior either by God or by God’s people.

Third, nowhere is a biblical definition of love offered. Like others who distort Scripture to oppose gay marriage, the editorial and the article represent the worst kind of liberalism when it comes to the interpretation of Scripture. They show a lack of respect for historical context, authorial intention in telling stories or providing teachings, and a failure to define important words. Indeed, using the logic of the article, is there any reason whatsoever to forbid the sanctioning of incestuous relationships between consenting adults by granting marriage rights?

I wonder if Newsweek will publish a counterpoint article, ”The Religious Case Against Gay Marriage.”

Related posts:

1. Letter to the Editor: Gay Marriage