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<h3>Indiana Daily Student - IDSnews.com
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<h4>I think you mistranslated : Open letters to Doug Wilson</h4>
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<b>By Katie Beasley</b> | IDS | April 09, 2012
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As Bloomington residents, we’re proud to be part of a
community known by many as a “liberal oasis” in a fairly conservative
state.<br><br>Open-mindedness toward a variety of philosophies and ways
of life is the norm, and respect for diversity is striven for. Contrary
to your archaic line of thinking, our attitudes are not disgraceful or
reprehensible.<br><br>Rather, they reflect the values of a modern and
progressive world in which the inherent dignity of every human being is
respected.<br><br>As IU students, we’re proud of the quality, innovative
research produced by our institution. The work of the late Alfred
Kinsey and of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and
Reproduction has shaped and continues to shape our understanding of
human sexual health and behavior — for the better. <br><br>The pursuit
of knowledge, free of bigotry and bias, is at the foundation of every
great university, and the field of human sexuality is of clear
importance to humanity as a whole. <br><br>Although you would prefer us
to restrict our understanding of sexuality and the human body to those
dictated by your own very narrow interpretation of an ancient religious
text, we would prefer you allow us to grow as students and exercise our
freedoms of thought and opinion, unfettered by your baseless and hateful
diatribes.<br><br>Furthermore, your claim to represent Jesus is
presumptuous and outlandish. As described in the New Testament to which
you adhere, Jesus associated with prostitutes, gamblers, lepers and
other social outcasts. <br><br>He harshly scolded those who cast
judgment upon them and elevated themselves on pedestals of
righteousness. He once said that it is easier for a camel to pass
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven.<br><br>So,
tell me, Mr. Wilson, where do you, as someone who has made his fortune
touring the country and publishing works about the merits of slavery and
the dirtiness of the GLBT community, fall under the philosophy that
Jesus preached? <br><br>Are you someone who is working to create a
better world, as Jesus did? Or are you simply a high priest, smirking
haughtily in the corner, satisfied with your own ill will and
condescension?<br><br>And before you claim your message is backed by the
Old Testament, I must ask: Do you eat shrimp and pork? Do you handle
money on the Sabbath? Do you eat grapes and drink wine made by Gentiles?
Have you ever touched a football? <br><br>Because if you choose to rail
against gays and lesbians with such spite and fervor, you must feel
just as passionately about those who break these restrictions as well.<br><br>Please,
do us all a favor and reexamine your own contradictory beliefs before
spreading your hate in our community. Consider the implications of your
words. Perhaps even take the time to ask yourself a simple question:
What would Jesus do?<br><br><em><br><br>— <a href="mailto:kabeasle@indiana.edu">kabeasle@indiana.edu</a></em>
<br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)<br><a href="mailto:art.deco.studios@gmail.com" target="_blank">art.deco.studios@gmail.com</a><br>