I am a 35-year-old male currently residing in a suburban town outside of Atlanta deep in the heart of the "Bible belt." I, who was born at Warsaw's Murphy Medical Center, am visiting my 77-year-old grandmother who loves me unconditionally.
I purchased a copy of the March 26 edition, and I became intrigued with what I read on the opinion pages. First I noticed an article from Ann Coulter who has referred to John Edwards as a "faggot," and has also claimed that a group of 9/11 spouses were happy that their family members died.
Secondly, the paper thought it proper to print a person's theological opinions and head the piece as "Bible Teachings." As a gay man visiting my precious hometown where my beloved family still lives, I felt it necessary to respond.
Even though the author does not say so, I am assuming that he wrote the e-mail in response to the article in Saturday's edition regarding the hate crimes legislation. The author may be happy to know that I am personally against stiffer penalties for murders against homosexuals. I agree that murderers need to be convicted to the full extent of the law regardless of whom they murder. With that said, I was troubled with the direction his e-mail took. It became an assault against homosexuals with his interpretation of his Bible.
As a Christian, I am troubled that he would use God and hate in the same sentence. My God does not hate, but he loves sinners who repent for their numerous sins, and He knows that no human on this vast Earth is free from sin. Also, the writer of this e-mail needs to understand that God did not establish the law, but humans just like he and I did.
And I'm very gracious to live in a free nation where our justice system does not put me to death as the author suggests. I'm equally thankful, as a Warsaw native, that I can come visit my family and have a sense of pride about our freedom of speech and freedom of press. God bless the author of the e-mail, the paper and the fine people of Kosciusko County.
