Debate On Jesus (Press, 5 November 1984)
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Summary: Debate On Jesus (Press, 5 November 1984)
In a series of letters to the editor published on 1 November 1984, several correspondents engaged in a debate regarding the nature of Jesus and his views on homosexuality, sparked by Paul Maling's earlier comments. Cyndy Cottam argued that Jesus, while embodying love, adhered to the moral laws of the Old Testament, which explicitly condemn homosexuality. She highlighted that Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures and called for repentance rather than condoning sin, referencing the apostle Paul’s condemnation of homosexuality in Romans. R. Sanson responded to Maling's claims, asserting that physical affection does not necessarily imply sexual connotations and emphasising that God's universal love cannot overlook sin. Citing instances from the Bible, including the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Levitical laws, he argued for a clear biblical stance against homosexuality, reiterating that Jesus did not nullify the existing laws. Stan Wood then entered the discussion, challenging the idea of "spurious Christians" and pointing out that true Christianity is distinct from counterfeit beliefs. He stated that regardless of the speculation about Jesus' nature, the evidence for his authenticity as a prophet remains unproven. Lastly, Arthur May critiqued Reverend Jim Gunn's perception of tolerance within the Christian Church, accusing him of hypocrisy for attacking Rinny Westra's views while claiming to champion equality. May asserted that all individuals should be valued equally within Christianity and invoked Matthew 7:1-5 to emphasise the principle of tolerance. He concluded with a reference to Victor Hugo, suggesting that tolerance should be viewed as a significant virtue in religion. The letters reflect a deep engagement with theological issues, offering various perspectives on Jesus’ teachings, sin, and the nature of Christian fellowship.
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