Bible passes taken out of context

Once again, we have someone ripping Bible passages out of context to “prove” that the Bible is outdated. Jon Fasselius (Oct. 17) brought in from Leviticus various rules that were meant only for the nation of Israel for a particular purpose, and then claims they should be followed by everyone if we consider homosexual behavior to be wrong.

The passages condemning homosexuality are for all people for all time; try reading the context with all the other forbidden sexual practices. Is the law against bestiality also outdated? How about incest? The passages about forbidden sexual behavior explains that these were the practices of the pagan nations for which they were destroyed.

To say homosexuality is OK because Jesus didn't mention it is arguing from silence; he also didn't mention rape, bestiality or incest. However, since Jesus is God and the Leviticus passages were from God, you can indeed say he mentioned it. Also, Paul was taught directly from Christ and he specifically condemns homosexual behavior in Romans.

The point is you can dismiss the Bible totally or else accept what it says. However, the idea of same-sex “marriage” is not limited to the Bible. Marriage is defined in one manner - between members of the opposite sex. Always has been.

Glenn E. Chatfield

North Liberty