He's Our God Too!
Don't let the right-wing fanatics tell you different. They cannot take away our dignity and they cannot take away our God. I invite you to check out the following sites.Our Story Too...Lesbians And Gay Men In The Bible
Is it OK to own a Canadian?
In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.
The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a US man, and posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev.24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan.
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia
PS (It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian)
Buddhists Support Civil Unions
On April 8, 2010 Hawaii's Buddhist community celebrated the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment to become Shakyamuni Buddha over 2,500 years ago. In his time, the Buddha broke down social barriers by teaching that all people, without exception, are equally able to attain spiritual liberation. In February, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii passed a resolution supporting the rights of same-gender couples during our 98th Annual Legislative Assembly. The mission of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii is to share the living teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism so that all beings may enjoy lives of harmony, peace and gratitude. This resolution shares our perspective on the rights of same-gender couples in light of the Dharma (universal teachings). We believe that our society should be inclusive of all sentient beings and be free from all forms of discrimination.
We hope to share our values of universal compassion, equality and interdependence with the larger community. We believe the issue of same-gender unions to be a matter of civil rights. As the largest Buddhist denomination in Hawaii, we affirm the dignity and worth of all people and that everyone deserves to be treated equally within our society. Our resolution is a means to help promote a more peaceful and humane world.
Blayne Higa, Chair, Committee on Social Concerns, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i