It's Mines

I need to clarify a few things that pertain to the column I wrote about homosexual marriage earlier this month.

It has been brought to my attention that my thoughts were presented in a manner that could have been misunderstood. I did not at all mean to imply that Christians were the same as the KKK. I intended to use the Klan as an example of way some hate groups have misused the Bible – as well as Holy books from other religions –to justify their positions.

If my thoughts came across in any other way, I am sorry.

Contrary to what some may think I hold the Bible in high regard. I was raised, baptized, confirmed, and spent the majority of my life as a strict Lutheran, and during my studies there came to know the roots of the Christian canon.

I have to chuckle because anyone who honestly knows me, knows my deep spiritual roots and knows the importance of God to me.

However, I don’t have respect for any person or group who misuses their religion to spread both anger and hate.

Fortunately, over the centuries, harsh expressions of belief—the Spanish Inquisition is a famous example—have given way to a more accepting tone, for the most part.

I do understand that the controversial nature of homosexual marriage causes more people to act rashly than rationally, therefore, I can also understand how personal interpretation, based in emotion, can get in the way of understanding another’s point of view.

I stand by my intended meaning, in the April 12 column, which is essentially that equal rights for everyone is a valuable goal and that it often comes under attack by groups – not churches or religions – misusing the Bible.

Beyond the concerns of those who indeed study Biblical passages, I ask that if there is a factual argument in this world as to why homosexuals cannot be married. Please voice it, because at this time even science is proving that sexual preference can be an inescapable part of a person’s brain.

Contact Tina Mines at [email protected].