LETTERS: The Bible on same-sex marriage

To the Editor: Moreover, I am concerned for the homosexuals. It is hard for me to approach this subject without being offensive, and, please believe me, in no way is that my intention. Jesus is willing to forgive anyone and everyone no matter what their sin. It is my desire, as a Christian, to see people's eyes and hearts opened to the Light so that they may receive Jesus into their heart becoming born again. In order to do this we must realize that we are all sinners, it says so in the Bible, and have fallen short of the Glory of God. I say this because it is evident that many homosexuals as well as heterosexuals believe that homosexuality is not sin when, in fact, the Bible clearly teaches us that it is. Many have been deceived by the notion that it is purely medical and people cannot help if they are straight or gay. But that notion is completely false. When one accepts Jesus into their heart they are born again, anew. It is in Christ and only in Christ that we find true freedom, freedom from a lifestyle of sin. I will be praying for everyone involved in this homosexual agenda, not because it is easy to point a finger (I have enough in my life to point at!), but because I have a sincere love for all persons since the Holy Spirit dwells within my heart. For anyone who does not know Christ, I urge you to ask him to reveal Himself to you. Patrick Thomas Altman Wharton '00 u To the Editor: Woo-wee! Did you read the latest thing Beverly Dale said? She didn't think anyone had asked God about same-sex marriages. (This is Christian marriage, not civil, that I'm discussing) If Rev. Dale is truly a Christian minister, then she knows that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of all the rampant homosexuality that took place there. It's actually in the Bible, a book which details every time "someone talked to God." If He didn't like same-sex relationships, you can bet He doesn't want same-sex marriage. I suggest that Dale use the index of a Bible (she can find one in a church if she needs) and look up "marriage." Now, if you are homosexual, God doesn't want to destroy you. He sent Jesus, who already took the blame for all of us and our wickedness. And He will also release us from it if we seek Him sincerely. Know that Christians hate the sin and love the sinner (given that we are all sinners, right?) If you want acceptance from God, then you must accept Jesus. If you're curious but shy, just go to the Internet and do your own research. If you're not shy, there are many fellowships here that would love to tell you more. Marc Aneed College '99 Inhibiting development To the Editor: Wednesday's article on the grocery store and movie theater ("U. City may get cinema, food market," DP 2/18/98) suggests precisely the myopia of Penn's expansion plans. First, the Thriftway at 43rd and Walnut streets is not that far away, contrary to popular opinion. Since the majority of students living off campus live west of 40th street, this is actually fairly convenient. The owners of the Thriftway have worked to make it a modern grocery store. But a University-funded market on 40th Street would be detrimental to its survival. Thriftway would probably close down and become another boarded-up abandoned building, much like the old Acme supermarket at 43rd and Locust streets. The University should encourage development west of 40th Street, not inhibit it. It seems that what the powers-that-be refuse to acknowledge is that there is life west of 40th Street. And, although this life could be a great asset, Penn seems determined to make it a liability. What University officials don't realize is that nothing, short of a 25-foot wall, will separate Penn completely from the Spruce Hill Community. As much as the University might like to ignore its neighbors, it obviously can't. All the Sansom Commons in the world won't stop the poverty and crime that currently plague the area. And although the Spectaguards and blue-light phones have done a great job in decreasing crime, they wouldn't even be necessary if the University invested some time and money into making this a better neighborhood to begin with. Why not gentrify and revitalize the community, instead of slamming doors in its face? That seems like a better solution for all of us. Frank Chiachiere College and Engineering '00 Support No. 2 Quakers To the Editor: Thank you for saying, in your editorial ("Basketball's 'good old days'," DP, 2/18/98) exactly what I wanted to say about Tuesday night's basketball game at Princeton. We should all be proud of the accomplishments of this group of young men, and more people should come out to support their efforts each time they play. I was pleased to see all the Penn fans in Jadwin last night, but I can only hope we will show them what team spirit is really like in the Palestra on March 3. The Quakers deserve to know that their fellow students support them, even when they are No. 2 in the Ivy League. Harriet Joseph Director Alumni Council on Admissions