In a recent letter, the writer worries about the apparent desire to "totally abandon the biblical moorings of our great nation." Most of the letter doesn't deserve a response, as a response would give the ideas undeserved dignity. I will, however, address his statement that "When citizens choose to follow a way that is contrary to scriptural righteousness[,] the whole nation suffers because of it." I find it hard to believe that God finds it necessary to send hurricanes to kill individuals in an attempt to convert them to righteousness. The Bible taught me that I should come to Christ of my free will and comprehension of his teachings and God's love, not because I'm frightened of punishment.
Religious interpretations aside, what righteousness is present in a country that institutionalizes discrimination against individuals based upon their sexual orientation? I couldn't care less if the letter writer decides to believe gay marriage an immoral association; what I care about is his disgusting presumption that the government can promote righteousness by treating specific individuals as second-class citizens.
Individuals cannot be forced to be moral; without the freedom to choose, morality cannot develop, but an unthinking obedience to authority can. The letter writer should remember that fact.
The alleged "harm" that happens between consenting adults in private doesn't compare to the untold misery that results from the moral paternalism the letter writer promotes. Lest we forget, government action to protect the morality of the people was (and is) employed to persecute individuals like the letter writer. I believe that Jesus persuades individuals in a better and more loving way than a powerful state that limits the liberty of minorities in society.
Anthony Hennen
Little Hocking
