Why anti-gay bullying is a theological issue

[zeborah]

"Anti-gay bullying is a theological issue because it has a theological base. I find it difficult to believe that even those among us with a vibrant imagination can muster the creative energy to picture a reality in which anti-gay violence and bullying exist without the anti-gay religious messages that support them."

Read more at Sexuality/Gender: Religion Dispatches

Comments

[kerravonsen]

The words "pluck the log out of your own eye" occur to me. Unlike many here, I do believe that homosexuality is a sin, but that in no way justifies violence against gays. No way. Which makes me think that there is something more to it than just a "theological" base. Because if it were just theological, then the "theological base" would be used to justify violence against other kinds of sinners, and yet that isn't happening. No lynching of suspected adulterers, no bashing of blasphemers... why?

[zeborah]

I think you're right that it's not just theological, but the theological is used to support the bashing to such a tremendous extent that it's irresponsible of churches to just keep their head in the sand about it. It's our teachings that are being perverted; we should take responsibility for being really active in fighting the effects of them. Even if we don't intend those effects -- especially if we don't intend those effects!