THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 4, 1994 TAG: 9408040011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Dawn Robin Rankin-Phelps (letter, July 30) compares the ``nativity'' of the present gay movement to other times when the Holy Spirit dramatically broke into the human world.
Homosexuality has been with us since Old Testament times. Numerous biblical passages deal with homosexuality, and not once does God's word affirm this lifestyle. God's word does not change to suit any contemporary historical setting.
Characterizing the present gay movement as a ``nativity of the Spirit'' is an attempt to make God's word stand against itself. Call it whatever we want, but the fact remains that any homosexual action is adultery.
To suggest that the Holy Spirit would break into our world in a manner placing it squarely in opposition to God's unchangeable word is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
DOUGLAS D. GESTWICK
Portsmouth, July 30, 1994
I was deeply saddened to read the letter from Dawn Robin Rankin-Phelps (``Heed the counsel of Gamaliel,'' July 30).
God loves us unconditionally, but he loves us too much to let us continue in ignorance and sin. The message of his son, Jesus Christ, and his Holy Spirit is redemption, a ``nativity'' of righteousness, if you will. It is impossible for the approval of something that is clearly labeled unrighteous in God's word (homosexuality) to be a ``nativity of the Spirit.''
God calls each of us to rebirth, to participation in his wonderful plan of redemption, love and reconciliation. This is never accomplished by condoning sin, but rather by accepting God's way of salvation from that sin.
KATHY BERGEY SILSLEY
Chesapeake, July 30, 1994 by CNB