cjh@petsd.UUCP (Chris Henrich) (02/15/85)
[] Many thanks to Chuck Hedrick for his article on the uses of Scripture (and on the issue of how to behave toward gay people). I do not fully agree that "this issue about how literally to apply Scripture is *the* issue between liberals and conservatives." There are other systematic issues that divide liberals from conservatives. One is the weight of tradition or precedent: e.g. there have (almost surely) never been wome priests; does this imply that there never should be? To some this goes without saying; others can't believe it is a serious argument. Another issue, particularly important in the Catholic Church, is the right attitude to authority. Is the Bishop's word, on church-related matters, absolute law? Is unanimity of opinion, or at least the appearance of unanimity, a binding requirement on all Catholics? The position that an individual takes on an issue like this almost is a consequence of his whole personality. I think that disputes on these issues become flame-throwing contests unless everyone tries hard to be charitable. Chuck mentioned a campaign against "homophobia" in the Presbyterian Church. It occurs to me that "phobia" means not hatred but fear. Will that campaign address itself to the sources of this fear? Peace, Chris -- Full-Name: Christopher J. Henrich UUCP: ..!(cornell | ariel | ukc | houxz)!vax135!petsd!cjh US Mail: MS 313; Perkin-Elmer; 106 Apple St; Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 Phone: (201) 870-5853