Reader opinions
Compassion triumphs over judgment
The Episcopal Church is offering all Christians a true Bible lesson. The Bible is not a list of "do's" and "don'ts." As such, very few in the world today could comply.
What Southerners would stop eating barbecue? Are we prepared to stone those who work on the Sabbath? Many of those things listed as abominations or anathema, including the love of money, are commonplace today.
The Bible was written in a specific context and with cultural restrictions that no longer have purpose. Biblical scholars note that what the Bible teaches is compassion, not judgment. Reading the Bible for its spirit and overall meaning leads to love for others and respect for our fellow humans.
Jesus did not push "family values;" he made the outcasts of society his companions and saved those society would stone. Most of the New Testament is in fact liberal and progressive for its time. By elevating Rev. V. Gene Robinson to bishop, the Episcopal Church has shown it is more in touch with the Bible than all the pompous evangelists still trying to judge and condemn those who do not follow their arrogant orders.
JACK MILLER, Atlanta
Other letters may be found in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution Archive--
the most recent 20 being: June 30, Apr. 21, 2003; Dec. 18, Dec. 2, 2002;
Dec. 2, Nov. 8, Oct. 2,
Aug. 17, July 24, May 28, May 2, Feb. 26--2001;
Dec. 13, Oct. 16, Apr. 13, Mar. 27, Mar. 20, 2000; May 26, May 10, and
Apr. 27, 1999