Response to Johnson's "Biblical perspective"

I am writing in response to “A Biblical perspective” printed in the June 16th Pathfinder’s Letter to the Editor by Jim Johnson. 

First, the “letter to the editor” column may not be the most appropriate place to have a theological debate.  However, since my colleague has opened that door, I dutifully, though reluctantly, step through to respond to the unsubstantiated allegations and cultural assumptions portrayed as “a Biblical perspective.”    

 Second, the very notion that “pride culture” can be reduced to one thing is nonsense.    

 Third, contrary to Pastor Johnson’s assumptions, Pride month is not a celebration “by the sexually humanistic, anti-God culture of today,” nor does it “endorse and flaunt sinful behavior right in God’s face.”  These sorts of allegations are the typical gross mischaracterizations of a whole group of people by those whose hearts have become so hardened through weaponized readings of scripture.  I would challenge you to walk a mile (Jesus said maybe two) in another person’s shoes who has been vilified and demonized by the church for being true to who God created them to be. 

 Rather, Pride month is about recognizing the pain, ostracization, rejection and violence caused by mainstream society (and justified by some religious people) against sexual minorities.  Pride month is about standing up to the religious hubris and other forces that continue to dehumanize and blame a whole group of people for all sorts of social ills.  Pride month is about telling the truth.  

 Lastly, as I mentioned in the interview, having difficult conversations is what is necessary.   I would invite any of my colleagues or fellow siblings in the faith to sit down over coffee or a meal and have a genuine discussion.  The agreement would be that we both come prepared to listen, honestly listen, to one another – not arriving armed with assumption-based lectures nor assaulting one another with Biblical verses. 

Mountain Lakes Presbyterian Church Leadership:Carrie Benton, Pastor; Betsey Ellis, clerk of session; Steve Ellis, session member; and Eric Johnson, session member