Speak Out A 08/08/03

Masking the truth

AS A left-winger, I find myself offended by the definitions of political correctness that derogate right-wingers. I'm an old-fashioned liberal who, as was once the liberal tradition, supports free speech. When people are allowed to speak freely, the content of their hearts are revealed. Political correctness has not changed people. It simply has made it much more difficult to read what is really in their hearts and minds.

Need to repent

REGARDING THE approval by the Episcopal Church of an openly gay bishop: Church leaders who are teaching heresy that the Bible speaks so clearly about is an issue that should be dealt with. What's next? Child molesters? Rapists? Murderers? Read your Bible. I know I'm not perfect, but Jesus forgives only when I repent of my sinful behavior.

Brave leadership

AS A straight, non-Episcopalian Christian, I thank and have much respect for the Episcopal Church for its enlightened, Christ-like stance regarding homosexuality. Humans don't choose their sexual orientation. God does. Humans simply choose the degree of disclosure they'll risk in communicating their truth. Kudos to the bravery and honesty of all in our human family who are openly gay and to spiritual leaders like those in the Episcopal Church.

Emperor's clothes

ALL THIS talk of political correctness has reminded me of a story I read in grade school. It was called "The Emperor's New Clothes." In the story it took a child to break through the political correctness of society to announce that the emperor wasn't wearing anything at all. If you haven't read it lately, do so.