I, too, feel compelled to respond to the various letters regarding Coming Out Day on campus, particularly the letter written by Joshua Grooms.

I read the chalk writings that day as I walked from class to class, as well. I do agree that some of them were crass and/or ineffective at making a point. I was not so bothered that I felt the need to use words like “disgust” to describe my feelings. I thought some of them were unnecessary because they lacked intellect and didn’t offer insight. Grooms’ response, however, seems to come from being “disgusted” by the group of people who wrote the messages because he disagrees with their lifestyle.

I have read passages in the Bible. The passage that sticks out to me and people often cite as condemning homosexuality is 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” If these sins are all considered equal, then why is homosexuality paid special attention?

Why aren’t there outcries against the man who is getting married for the third time, as his first two marriages ended as a result of his adultery? Why aren’t people who have pre-marital sex prohibited from entering into matrimony?

It seems to me that some are using only the parts of the Bible that benefit their political agendas (which is disrespectful). Perhaps those who speak righteously should learn to be consistent first.

The most important teachings of the Bible are never given the proper attention. Care for others. Be compassionate. Be kind. Don’t judge. And what’s sad is not very many people of faith can be bothered to follow them. I will end this letter by saying I am not religious, but I am a very spiritual person. I love God and as a person who has a personal relationship with Him, I am offended that Grooms is haughty enough to think he can speak for Him. If it seems to you a person isn’t living a moral life, it isn’t your place to tell them what God thinks of them. That is a private matter between Him and that person.

Brandi Dalhover

Freshmen

Undeclared/Pre-Nursing