News & Events : Happenings : Would Jesus Discriminate?
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Introduction |
Would Jesus Discriminate?Ask this question on any street corner or in any house of worship across the state of Minnesota and the answer is always a resounding, "No!"
Why then does it seem so many religious people -- conservative Christians, in particular -- come to such a different conclusion when this question includes the place of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBTQ) people in the family of God? Why is it OK to prevent GLBTQ families from having the same legal protections and privileges that other families enjoy?
In Minnesota today whenever there is a debate about the legal status of GLBTQ people or providing equal access for GLBTQ people to all levels of citizenship, it is often religious people who raise their voices the loudest in favor of discrimination, often invoking the name of Jesus in the process. The Bible shows a very different Jesus than the one portrayed by conservative Christianity.
When given the choice of grace or discrimination, Jesus chose to stand with:
- The Samaritan, considered a half-breed and impure by religious people
- The sick, even though religious people thought illness was a sign of God's punishment
- Women, who were deemed unworthy of full humanity
- Tax collectors and Roman soldiers, who were seen as the enemy
- The poor, who were thought to deserve their place in life by the religious elite
- The leper, whom most good religious people would shun
Sound familiar?
We invite people of faith and people of conscience everywhere to consider how we treat each other from a new point of view:
What would Jesus do? Would Jesus discriminate?
For the last several years the Minnesota legislature has considered legislation that would forever make GLBTQ families vulnerable without legal recourse. Luckily these efforts have been thwarted. Minnesota has a long history of honoring diversity and insuring that all of its citizens receive equal protection and access under the law. Whether it is welcoming refugees from Africa and Southeast Asia, pushing for greater access to health care, offering quality educational opportunities or helping its most vulnerable citizens claim the American dream, Minnesota has often led the way. These are the same kinds of family values we believe Jesus shared.
History Reveals an Ugly Lesson
The institutional church has often chosen the wrong answer when faced with social questions and equality. We now look back at these times and shake our heads in shame. Consider these examples of how God was invoked to support discrimination:
Slavery
"Slavery was established by decree of Almighty God... It is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation... It has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and nations of the highest proficiency in the arts." (Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America)
Women's Right to Vote
"Who demands the ballot for woman? They are not the lovers of God, nor are they believers in Christ, as a class. There may be exceptions, but the majority prefer an infidel's cheer to the favor of God and the love of the Christian community. It is because of this tendency that the majority of those who contend for the ballot for woman cut loose from the legislation of Heaven, from the enjoyments of home, and drift to infidelity and ruin." (Justin Fulton, 1869)
Interracial Marriage
Almighty God created the races, white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents. All but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriage." (Virginia judge, 1959)
There are many more such historical examples. To learn more visit www.faithinamerica.com
How can we use the name of God or the standard of our religion to justify such shameful discrimination? It should make us all pause today whenever we feel the urge to condemn or demean other human beings simply because there is something different about them. Will Minnesota make the same mistake with GLBTQ people's request for equal access and responsibility as citizens of this great state?
Our Call to Action
We ask you to join us in calling Christians of goodwill to have the courage to speak out against the misuse of the example of Jesus as a justification for discrimination against GLBTQ Minnesotans. Here are four steps that Christians can take that will keep Minnesota a safer place for its GLBTQ citizens:
1. Stay committed to honesty.
It is too easy for church leaders and politicians to make vast sweeping statements about GLBTQ people without ever taking the time to know the truth. We must hold ourselves and our leaders to the high standard of truthfulness. When we hear someone say, "GLBTQ people choose to be that way" or "all gay men are promiscuous" or "homosexuality is an illness", challenge the truth of those beliefs. There is no scientific evidence or scriptural evidence to suggest any of these are true. Exodus 20:16 tells us, "Thou shalt not bear false witness." Religious people are called to stand for truth.
2. Risk getting to know a GLBTQ person.
History has shown us that those whom we don't know are the ones we fear the most. Building bridges across the chasms that separate us from other human beings was a clear message in Jesus' teaching. Have coffee, visit a GLBTQ church like All God's Children MCC, take a class at the local university or community college, or ask your friends to introduce you to their GLBTQ friends. Educating ourselves with first-hand experience is an important step in this process. If you are a GLBTQ person, make your next step in coming out to others with whom you can build bridges of understanding.
3. Study the Bible with an open mind.
Just because lots of Christians may say something about what the Bible says doesn't mean it is true. Look for yourself. Ask God to guide you in your study. We know how powerful cultural prejudice can be. It can color everything we see and read. Some good study sources include:
Miner, Jeff & Connoley, John Tyler, "The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships. (2002)
West, Dr. Mona, "The Bible and Homosexuality"
White, Dr. Mel, "Religion Gone Bad"
4. Stop using the law to harm GLBTQ people
Whether it is equal marriage protection, domestic partnership benefits, adoption of children or equal access to the legal benefits other citizens enjoy, GLBTQ people don't deserve the mean-spirited legislation that is often championed by sincere (but sincerely wrong) Christian organizations to limit rights. Our state and nation is about "freedom and liberty for all" not just for those who look, think, act and go to the same church as I do.
All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church stands with Jesus in defense of those people who are being unfairly treated by religious leaders and legislators. We ask you to stand with us.
2009 WJD Events Across the Globe
Metropolitan Community Churches around the world are hosting local portions of the Would Jesus Discriminate? campaign. To learn the latest, please click here to visit the denominational website and learn about events in your area.