Few things irk me as much as people using the Bible to promote hatred. There are a number of people opposed to same-sex marriages because it violates God's law. These people will use the Bible as a their proof and refer you to passages in Leviticus that refer to men lying with men.
A major news story of late is that Dubya endorses an amendment to the Constitution banning gay marriages. That's right, Dubya wants a change made to the Constitution of the United States of America that discriminates against homosexuals. Dubya is all about satisfying the conservative Christian right and it's frightning. The Bible, a book written hundreds and hundreds of years ago, contains homophobic text and now there is a groundswell of support to reserve the sanction of marriage for those who were born heterosexual. This guy is a sick hate-monger but the majority of voters south of the border seem to like him. That's just as scary.
I just came across a site entitled God Hates Shrimp. This site refers to a passage in Leviticus and a passage in Deuteronomy that claim shrimp, crab, lobster, clams and mussels are all an abomination before the Lord. The point is well made. If we're to take the passages that condemn homosexuality as a violation of God's law, shouldn't Christians join the crusade against establishments that serve such foods. Those who protest gay marriages should also protest Red Lobster.
Those who take the Bible literally and use it to promote hatred are dangerous. James is being taught that we are all equals, regardless of race, religion or sexual preference. If James himself happens to be gay, I will be proud and honoured to support him at his wedding. It would make zero difference in my eyes.
