The main problem with this argument is that it cuts both ways. If my ethic shapes my interpretation, then your ethic shapes your interpretation, and we might as well go home and each do our own thing. This list of questions presuppose that you are interested in engaging in discussion.

"Revulsion" did not describe my attitude toward homosexuality, "intense fascination" did. It was my behavior more than my culture that shaped my belief. My behavior shaped my belief more than my belief shaped my behavior -- but that is true for gays as well.

The Bible shaped our culture. If you find a revulsion for homosexuality in our culture, it came from the Bible, even if possibly a misunderstanding of the Bible.

The Bible says that sin prevents understanding (Dan 12:10), yet sin has its own internal logic (Prov 14:12), or more properly logics of competing truths. (Judges 21:25) I would be cautious about claiming objectivity. Let's start by telling our stories and listening to each other.

21 August 1996. Copyright information is available.