From Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, April 30, 2012
We seminary students went to see
our liberal Prof destroy, annihilate,
the right-wing Prof from the seminary
across town in a Church-sponsored debate.
Our Hero showed the Bible could not be
interpreted literally without
becoming nonsense: John said, “Behold the
Lamb of God!” Baaa! (A raucous laugh rang out.)
The conservative said he trusted God
to help folks understand the types of tales
found in the Bible. He did not find odd
the miracles, healings, parables.
Our man was sarcastic, reasonable;
their guy was meek like one from the Bible…
Steve’s walk down memory lane arrived as I prepare to moderate a public meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday, May 1) that could repeat the history of religious arrogance. Pro and con positions will be offered on the proposed “marriage amendment” to the MN State Constitution that would define marriage as between one man and one woman. Lord, help the moderator…and the speakers…and all who attend to speak boldly and clearly, but also with some meekness. This is not a laughing matter.
Views from the Edge 
North Carolina has also placed a marriage amendment on the ballot even though it is already against the law for those of the same sex to marry. The irony of the amendment is that it will harm cohabitating heterosexual couples far more, but the ultra conservatives will feel they have done their duty to save us all! Beware of “feel good” laws.
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I think your father would have been at the legislature testifying about why you don’t amend a constitution in order to privlege or dis-privilege a specific group of people. Uncle Bob would have had a cow, just like his daughter.
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What a great reminder, that even when we are convinced that we can argue down the ‘other side’ we still need to listen with open hearts and minds.
God help you indeed. It is a very important debate and while I have a very definite view against this kind of restrictive legislation, I also realise how important it is for people to have their views heard.
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This is tough, isn’t it. Religious pride finds many places to make its home. The most hospitable of homes are those who are convinced that they are doing God’s will. How does a person “with definite views” stand for what one believes (“Here I stand. I can do no other”) AND do so kindly, graciously, respectfully, with at least a modicum of a possibility the one might be wrong by being right? God help us all. There is nothing more pernicious than righteousness.
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