BIBLE IN PERSPECTIVE

BIBLE IN PERSPECTIVE

Tom Gross
Published: Monday, March 24, 1997
Section: COMMENTARY

I'm troubled by people who cite Scriptures to rashly attack contemporary social progress.

In his letter ("Not So Fast," Voice, March 15), Mark Galli warns of "social collapse" if domestic partner benefits are extended to gainfully employed, taxpaying gay and lesbian citizens in committed relationships. Mr. Galli claims his studies of history show the danger of abandoning the "great moral traditions" of the major Western religions.

In fact, history proves it can be more dangerous to adhere too strictly to the 2,000-year-old world view reflected by the writers of ancient texts. Interpretations of Scriptures have been used to defend slavery, deny women the right to vote, promote anti-Semitism, prevent mixed-race marriages, etc. The admonitions regarding homosexuality in our religious books should be viewed in the same context as the outmoded view of women as chattel and fellow humans as slaves.

Scriptures can provide invaluable insight into personal spiritual growth and moral conduct. But one must exercise great caution when applying them to legislation in a modern democracy. It's essential to sift through the biases of the cultures in which the writers lived, lest we unwisely uphold ancient prejudices. While it may serve as a reference for the tradition of lawmaking, the Bible is not a part of the U.S. Constitution--for very good reasons.

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