Build-a-Book Report # 6
Last Thursday morning I received a phone call informing me that my late husband's youngest brother--and the last surviving member of the Emory and Jeanne Houk clan--had died. It was not a complete surprise; he had been critically ill for some time. But for me it was the third time a sibling or sibling in-law had died in the past two months, the last two just twelve days apart. I guess it is common to have this happen at my age. Nevertheless it overwhelmed me. So much loss, in such a short time. There are not many family members left with whom I can share the happenings during my growing up and early marriage years. Laughs to share, and sorrows to bear together. Obviously this is one of the most painful parts of living long in years.
Not too surprisingly, again this week I haven't spent much time on my book. But I do get snippets (one of my favorite words; can't you tell?) of inspiration here and there. I do have one short gem for you this morning to digest on. Rabbi Marc Gellman in today's "God Squad" column revealed his view on gays and gay marriage, and I was pleased to find that his views closely resemble mine. There is so much misunderstanding in the Christian church about what the church's proper approach should be that I rejoice when I see the love of God for gays emphasized, as it rightly should be, while there also needs to be a respect for God's obvious objection to gay sexual relations.
Gellman attributes the Bible's position against gay relations to be based on the need for children to have a heterosexual family. He says, "All the texts and all the yelling on both sides must confront this simple spiritual and moral belief: that kids need both a mommy and a daddy." He suggests this may be an immoral position (I do not), but adds that "A strong case must be made that will justify throwing over a tradition that's never been overthrown before in the history of humankind." My concern, based on research, is that gay marriage not only collapses the basic social structure on which every society is built, it also creates greater chaos in this vitally important social structure. History reveals that a number of cultures have disappeared from the face of this earth. I can't help but wonder if this is the reason why. If you feel so inclined, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Signing off for this week,
A grief-burdened Margaret
Not too surprisingly, again this week I haven't spent much time on my book. But I do get snippets (one of my favorite words; can't you tell?) of inspiration here and there. I do have one short gem for you this morning to digest on. Rabbi Marc Gellman in today's "God Squad" column revealed his view on gays and gay marriage, and I was pleased to find that his views closely resemble mine. There is so much misunderstanding in the Christian church about what the church's proper approach should be that I rejoice when I see the love of God for gays emphasized, as it rightly should be, while there also needs to be a respect for God's obvious objection to gay sexual relations.
Gellman attributes the Bible's position against gay relations to be based on the need for children to have a heterosexual family. He says, "All the texts and all the yelling on both sides must confront this simple spiritual and moral belief: that kids need both a mommy and a daddy." He suggests this may be an immoral position (I do not), but adds that "A strong case must be made that will justify throwing over a tradition that's never been overthrown before in the history of humankind." My concern, based on research, is that gay marriage not only collapses the basic social structure on which every society is built, it also creates greater chaos in this vitally important social structure. History reveals that a number of cultures have disappeared from the face of this earth. I can't help but wonder if this is the reason why. If you feel so inclined, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Signing off for this week,
A grief-burdened Margaret
