Slavery and Homosexuality

I sat in the darkened theater and watched the credits for Lincoln. "Congress must never declare equal those whom God created unequal," echoed in my thoughts. How could the citizens of our country be blind to the evils of the possession and suppression of another human being? Slavery was an accepted practice throughout the cultures of the ancient world, too. In the time of Jesus, slavery was the primary source of the economy of the Roman Empire. Of the entire population, 75 percent was slave class.

The system of slavery was such a common part of the Greco-Roman culture that even the New Testament had no direct prohibition against it. Unfortunately, people still live in fear of homosexuality, as people lived in fear of giving slaves their basic rights. Pope Benedict XVI, during his annual peace message for World Day of Peace called gay marriage a "threat to justice and peace," revealing his own biased fears.

Justice is a central theme that is pervasive throughout the Bible. The scriptural idea of justice is based in the truth that all human beings have dignity and worth and are children of God. Justice in scripture calls for the fair and equitable distribution of life's necessities. Gay men and lesbian women are often denied the fair and equitable distribution of life's necessities because of their sexuality. They experiences housing, employment and health care discrimination to name a few.

The Federal Fair Housing Act does not protect gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of homes. In 34 states, it is still perfectly legal for lesbian and gay employees to be fired simply because their employers discover, and disapprove of, their sexual orientation. According to the American Medical Association denying civil marriage based on sexual orientation contributes to health care, health insurance and survivor benefits disparities.  How are lesbians, gay men and their families to experience "Justice" if they are denied life's necessities?

The Hebrew word for "peace," shalom, is a blessing of God that provides wholeness, balance, completeness, health and happiness (Lev 26:6). Peace also means the absence of hostilities and war (Josh 10:1-4; Rev 6:4). The widespread prejudice, discrimination, and violence to which lesbians and gay men are subjected are significant mental health concerns and life stressors.  According to the American Psychological Association:  How are lesbians, gay men and their families to experience "peace" if they are subjected to violence, discrimination and prejudice?

The only threat to "Justice and Peace" is the misguided fear created by the Church's hierarchy towards the homosexual community. The homosexual community becomes the "Other" and then feared by good people.   

In 1852, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published, which helped laid the groundwork for the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves. The novel depicted the realities of slavery while also asserting that Christian love could overcome something as destructive as enslavement of human beings.  As gay men and women, we too must tell our stories, while asserting that Christian love will one day overcome the prejudice, discrimination and violence we experience.

To my heterosexual brothers and sisters, studies of prejudice, including prejudice against gay people, consistently show that prejudice declines when members of the majority group interact with members of a minority group.  We need you, to come together with us, so as to share our stories.  And hopefully, in the sharing of our stories, "my" story will become "your" story and the "Other" will become "Us."  In journeying together, we'll be one step closer to "Justice and Peace" for all.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Visit the IMDb Website for more information on the Oscar nominated best picture Lincoln.

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever experienced prejudice, discrimination and/or violence?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.