why are we homophobic?

This is an editorial response written by my dad in a local newspaper:

Community columnist Sara Hoffman (Feb. 19) would do well to think a little more deeply on the subject of homosexual marriage. Like so many that supports legalizing such unions, she trivializes what is really at stake. What is being debated regarding homosexual marriage is not a personal, private issue, but is the very foundation of our culture and society. We do not simply play around with the foundation stones of our culture and society as if they really did not matter. You can decorate your home any way you like, but you cannot mess with the foundation without incurring serous consequences. Marriage and family are too important to be tinkered with or simply dismissed as matters of personal preference.

Moreover, Hoffman fails see that the real issue for those who practice homosexuality is not marriage. Having a marriage certificate is not going to make the difference they are pursuing. The goal is the normalization of homosexuality. If marriage is granted to those who practice homosexuality then homosexuality will be declared normal and it will become illegal to speak against it. Ms. Hoffman, it will enter our homes and our churches. One only needs to look north and see that once homosexuality is declared normal, then those who disagree are effectively and legally silenced. The very fundamental freedoms of speech and religion are at stake here.

The preservation of marriage between one man and one woman is fundamental to the survival of our culture.

Dan Gardinier,
city: Wellington
Originally published: Monday, March 1, 2004

Is this issue at the fundation of American society? More importantly, is the sociallogical norms held by the American government open to the critical judgment of the Christian Church? Overll, in what way should the Church responsed to sociological norms? (I think that will be the word for this entry)

Every election the Church has gathered together to voice its beliefs on the ballet (a right that should not be taken for granted or under-minded). However, I must say that the American government is not the Church. Even though the founding fathers were leaders within the Christian community, the government was not established under the authority of the Church, but as a separate authoritative body to be maintained by the people for the people. As a result, the religious freedom granted to the Church by the government must also be extended to those outside the Church body. Subsequently, it is the masses that dictate what is considered to be acceptable norms within society and the legislation of these norms.

what 'rights' does an illegal imigrant have?

To what extent should individuals ‘rights’ be addressed on the bases of nationality? Was not man created equal before ‘God’ according to the four-fathers of America. Then on what grounds do we have the ability to segregate the rights of fellow humans according to nationality?

On the grounds soaked with blood by those who have sacrificed much for their country and countrymen. The freedom that was claimed in the revolutionary war, protected during both World Wars, I dare say, is not at the liberty and disposal of individuals from foreign countries.

On the other hand, as a christian, I have an obligation to offer - either in service, or material wealth - to those who are not as fortunate as myself or those who are simply in need of my help. To what extent does this apply to those who are "illegal immagrants"?


Comment by Andrea Lunn:
It is important to allow all people from all nations the opportunity to come to our nation and reach for the Amercian dream as our founding fathers did and our own families have done. However, the United States does not have unlimited resources and has the right to know who is living and using its land and infrustructure. The problem the nation is experiencing today is that the legal procedures to be legally present in the U.S. are too cumbersome and take so long that many are discouraged and enter unlawfully. Even as a Christian who wants to love and serve all; the Bible tells us to give to Ceaser what is Ceaser. Therefore, I would argue for an overhall of the procedures to allow for legal prensence in the U.S. while remvoing those who are unwilling to follow the easier procedures and preventing them from returning for sometime. I don't believe it should take any less time to become a U.S. citizen, that is a different issue, but I do believe it should be easier to live, work, and contribute to our society legally and that there should be harsher reprocutions to those who want to cheat the system.

Make the system fair and then we can stand proud to be part of a nation that is open to all who desire to be free and who honor the law!

Comment by Bruce Cooke:
As a legal alien in this country i find myself emotionally torn on this issue of illegal immigrants. on the one side, here you have people (most of them) searching to make something of the one life they have, and pursuing it in the one place where there is some chance of success (as an aside, it is worth noting that the US has historically played a significant role in impoverishing her neighbours to the South and so contributing to the imbalance that now causes illegals to flood in). On the other side there is a need for law and order and working within the system not trying to get around it.

I agree with Andrea, that the laws need to be enforced but let us not assume that all the immigration laws are just and equitable. there is room for compassion in immigration laws.

Finally, what concerns me is a seeming rise of anti-others. there is this assumption that American culture must look and sound a certain way and fear of being 'influenced' by other cultures. this could give rise to increasing racism and xenophobia ... within the church, too.

1.5.06