The Daily Cougar often prints letters from people who support homosexuals and those who object on religious grounds. Often people use scripture to support tolerance as well. I propose an alternative view that will certainly be in the minority. Instead of trying to bring Christianity and homosexuality to terms, perhaps it's time to turn away from the Christian view of homosexuality. Christianity is not commensurate with homosexuality, but so what? This religion advocates stoning disobedient children and wives, though I realize Christians will argue that the New Testament disavows these practices.
Instead of asking why you are homosexual or not, ask why you are Christian. I will argue that the reasons for both are basically the same. While I'm obviously not saying that religious preference is genetic, I am saying that people are born into religious traditions. Our language, our world view and our religion are based entirely on where we were born and what we were taught. People once believed cultures and languages were somehow superior to others, a belief that now seems antiquated. Think about religion in the same terms.
I'm not gay (not that there's anything wrong with that!), but I'm tired of people using a supposedly tolerant religion as a weapon against those who are different. Recognize that there is nothing universal about Christianity, despite what you have been taught. There are thousands of Hindus and Muslims on this campus who are not converting in droves, despite the fact that they are submerged in a predominantly Christian culture.
I used to be Christian. I even once spent six months doing missionary work in the Yucatan. Then I traveled the world and studied comparative religion and finally understood the reasons for religious diversity. Not all Christians are intolerant, but for those of you are: Please, keep your intolerance and self-righteousness to yourselves.
Wesley Cordova, senior anthropology major