I have watched people continue to talk down to Madison Flaa for the two letters she wrote concerning her views on gays and lesbians in the church. How sad. I was born and raised in Albert Lea, in the Baptist Church. I was a Methodist youth director for years in the Twin Cities. I would like one direct quote from Jesus about homosexuality.

There is none. He didn’t speak of it.

One of the places homosexuality is spoke of is in the Old Testament is where it also talks about having slaves and stoning people. This was used for YEARS by slave holders in the South to continue to keep the African-Americans in chains. In the New Testament the translation does not mean gay. If Paul wanted to refer to homosexual behavior, he would have used the word “paiderasste.” That was the standard Greek term at the time for sexual behavior between males. In the King James version the translation is “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” Boy, honestly, that is about 95 percent of the world — anyone who covets or is jealous of another, anyone who is drunk, anyone who cheats on their taxes and steals from the government, anyone who has had sex before marriage.

So, those of you who decide to be on your high and mighty horse, pointing fingers and condemn others, remember when you point a finger, there are three pointing back at you.

Charlotte R. Olson

Farmington