Oliver “Buzz” Thomas, a Baptist minister, has written a great opinion piece for USA Today, warning Christians about losing their credibility over misguided interpretations of Leviticus and the Bible:
“As a former ‘the Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it' kind of guy, I am sympathetic with any Christian who accepts the Bible at face value. But here's the catch. Leviticus is filled with laws imposing the death penalty for everything from eating catfish to sassing your parents. If you accept one as the absolute, unequivocal word of God, you must accept them all.
For many of gay America's loudest critics, the results are unthinkable. First, no more football. At least not without gloves. Handling a pig skin is an abomination. Second, no more Saturday games even if you can get a new ball. Violating the Sabbath is a capital offense according to Leviticus. For the over-40 crowd, approaching the altar of God with a defect in your sight is taboo, but you'll have plenty of company because those menstruating or with disabilities are also barred.”
The piece is worth reading in its entirety. It's refreshing to hear a rational voice coming out of the Baptist church rather than a hateful one.
When religion loses its credibility [usa today]
