In response to councillor Lance Grootboom (“ACDP councillor flies anti-gay flag”, July 4), he may belong to the ACDP, but when it comes to the Bible and its values, I’m afraid he still has a lot to learn.
I find it amazing that people, like Grootboom, make statements without thinking for themselves or studying to find out the truth for themselves.
Mr Grootboom, let’s look at Biblical fact.
The Bible does refer to men sleeping with men as an abomination, but generally the Bible is pretty quiet on homosexuality – there are six Scriptures regarding a man not to sleep with man out of the 44,000 verses in the Bible.
The story of Sodom has to be disregarded, as it has no reference to homosexuality.
The people wanted to rape angels. Rape is an obvious sin.
In the Bible there was a same sex love story conveniently ignored.
David and Jonathan’s love is way beyond brotherly friendship.
In any other context the statement, “My love for you exceeded that of all women”, would be clear, the handover of weapons also denoted a betrothal.
The bottom line is that we don’t know – but our statements out of ignorance do cause harm to those who already are feeling marginalised.
Why make it worse with hurtful, not-thought-out statements?
For example, your statements about man and woman being able to procreate and create a family? Really?
That is as stupid as God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.
It does show your prejudice.
There are many straight couples who choose to or cannot have children.
Based on your statement they are as sinful as gays as they chose to love but not have children.
So, procreation is the purpose of marriage? I thought it was love. I know of people who rather took their own lives than letting their parents find out that they were gay.
And you still think it is a choice?
May I ask you, Grootboom, and be honest with yourself, when did you make your choice to be straight? It is that life-changing.I can bet you on my soul, that you never woke up one day and said, “Oh, today’s the day that I need to decide straight or gay – which is it?” It is not a choice. How do I know? Because I live it. If a choice, how many would choose generally a harder life and possible ostracism?
I don’t base it on belief, but on the fact of life.
Remember we are gay, whether we act on our feelings about some sex partners or remain celibate.
It does not change our sexuality.
The bottom line is that Christ did not condemn homosexuality – he makes no comment on it.
If Christ was not condemning of gay people, what gives you the right to be?
To all those gay people out there, live with honour and live with pride.
You are wonderful.
- W van Niekerk Lorraine, Port Elizabeth