Holy
Sex Part 2
Lively
Discussion about Religion and Sex
By
RICHARD CLARK
Staff
Writer
clarkrj@ius.edu
Issues of morality and human sexuality in
regards to religion were discussed in part two of Holy Sex at the
Kimberly Pelle, Non-Traditional Student
Program Coordinator, began the forum by reading a letter written to “Dear Abby”
to the more than 40 gathered to hear the discussion.
The letter was written by a gay man who has
kept his sexual orientation hidden. He feared his church would reject him, if
they knew he was gay. He also was afraid of being rejected by his family. He
had recently been diagnosed as HIV-positive. Recently he had met a man who was
willing to accept him as a partner. The question was posed to the audience,
what should he do?
One response was that he change
his church membership to a congregation that is more inclusive and accepting,
like the Unitarian-Universalist denomination.
“But sometimes switching churches isn’t that
easy,” Jen Crompton, staff member at IU Southeast,
said. “Especially if you had grown up in a particular
church.”
Crompton mentioned
that homosexuality is not a choice and something should be said to people who
use trite clichés like, that’s so gay.
“What do people mean, when they say that?” Crompton asked.
Someone else in the audience said more
moderate and liberal Christians need to speak out for more tolerance for gay
rights, because all that’s being heard now are the fundamentalists.
Tracey Taylor, IUS sophomore, said some people
might have to be pioneers in their churches to change attitudes about
homosexuality.
“My father was a minister and I know some of
that most hurtful divides come from religion,”
Pelle mentioned that sex outside of marriage is
considered a sin by many religions, including Christianity. She also mentioned
the sometimes double-standards used with dealing with sons and daughters.
“When my son wanted to get married, I told him
he might want to live with his girlfriend first,” Pelle said. “But later I
thought, I would never say that to my daughter.”
Other participants thought it was important
for people to speak out to challenge the traditional stereotypes.
“We have to change attitudes,” Linda Morton,
general studies sophomore, said. “I’m tired of hearing about unmarried mothers.
What about unmarried fathers?”
Pelle mentioned the movie “Kinky Boots” and
how the main character in that book faced ostracism from his family because of
his sexuality.
Some conservative Christians in the audience
voiced their opinions. One said she would still love anyone, regardless of
their sexual orientation.
“It’s true that religion has exploited people
for power,” Derek Miller,
“But rules are in the Bible for
our betterment,” Miller said.
Miller asked the audience, what they thought
the statement, hate the sin but love the sinner, meant to them.
One member of the audience thought a statement
like that meant, that total acceptance is conditional.
“The feelings are still there for any
relationship, straight or gay,” Crompton said.
Crompton mentioned
someone she knew was kicked out of
“The message of Christianity is love,” Crompton said. “But all we hear is the wrath of the Old
Testament deity.”
One member of the audience asked about the
possibility of being born gay.
The idea of a gay gene disturbed Kimberley
Clemens, director of Campus Life, for fear that
scientists might want to tamper with it.
“I’m really afraid they might want to isolate
the gene,” Clemens said. “That is something the Nazis tried to do to create the
perfect race.”
Miller admits some conservative Christians
seem to have elevated homosexuality to a major sin above all others. He quoted
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians which listed a host of sins that were
unacceptable to God. Lust, sloth,
drunkenness, lying, envy and gluttony were but a few of the sins listed.
“Any sex outside of marriage is as wrong as
homosexuality,” Miller said.” The Bible guides my life, but people should be
free to have their opinions.”
Crompton said she
identifies herself as a Christian.
“But that is something that can hurt you if
you’re in the gay community,” Crompton said. “My
problem is not Christianity, but with some Bible interpreters who push verses
to fit their agenda.”
Others in the audience
cautioned against bibliolatry, or worshiping the Bible. One participant
mentioned there are verses in the New Testament which prohibit women speaking
in church, but nearly all mainline Protestant denominations have women
ministers now.
Josh Boswell, campus minister for Christian
Student Fellowship, warned against moral anarchy if people are allowed to do
what they want.
“What about murder,” Boswell said. “Should
people be given that freedom?”
Sarrah Logsdon, fine
arts senior, said she saw a distinction here.
“There is a difference about personal choice
here,” Logsdon said. “What I do to myself should be my own business. Officials
should be more concerned about how we can better ourselves.”
Summer Hammond, special education sophomore,
mentioned the type of freedom she appreciates within the context of marriage.
“I really think someone’s relationship with
the Creator does affect your sexuality and what to do with it.”
-30-