I think most progressive Christians would say that the authors of Leviticus and the letters attributed to Paul were products of their times - times when homosexuality and eating shellfish were considered abominable. We no longer consider shellfish an abomination, so maybe we shouldn't be so rigid in our thinking about homosexuality. On the other hand, it doesn't seem necessary to condemn all of Scripture because of some statements that no longer apply; or to condemn all Judeo-Christian religious groups because they have some members who are bigoted.

It's been frustrating to be a Catholic recently, though. It seems the fundamentalists are getting the upper hand. Mother Angelica and her minions took control of most American Catholic television and radio years ago so conservative Catholics have a powerful voice. If you've listened to talk radio lately, you might get the impression that it's not only Catholic media that has been taken over by the right-wingers. I think conservatives are still a minority in the Catholic Church - but they have a very loud voice.

I think history is going to make it difficult for most churches to bless homosexual unions, but I don't think I've heard many credible church leaders make strong statements against civil marriage for homosexuals. It will take the churches a few generations to develop reasonable theological and ethical thinking about homosexuality - but you will find few religious moderates or liberals who will make anti-homosexual statements in this day and age. I know very few Catholic priests who will speak against homosexuality - although I have to say I know fewer who will speak strongly in favor of it.

I think it's the far right that provides the strength of the movement against homosexual marriage. Please don't plame all of Judeo-Christian religion for it.

As for me, I don't think my marriage is threatened one iota by the thought of homosexuals getting married. I don't understand the logic in that contention at all.

-Joe Offer-