Although I thank David Larson for his frank, heartfelt opinion from March 25, I take issue with his assumptions. First, Mr. Larson’s article is full of unfortunate innaccuracies about Old Testment religion. Statements that Jesus shows a much more inclusive and loving God before Christ and that the God of the Old Testament was one of punishment and judgment are very unfortunate characterizations of Old Testament religion and modern-day Judaism. Many Jews I know have come to similar conclusions to Mr. Larson, not based on Jesus but the Talmud! Early Christians councils condemned this teachings as inaccurate. They affirmed they same loving and passionate God is the Lord of both testaments. This love was especially seen in the rescue of Israel from Egypt.

This leads to my second issue with Mr. Larson’s article. Judgment and love are not contrasts but belong together. Granted, some Christians believe and judge that they know the mind of God on all matters.

However, our life is about making judgments about these matters. As a pastor, I try to make the best judgment about the texts I preach. While this process may lead us in the wrong direction, I still have to carry on in the process of discernment and yes judging. I believe all of us judge right and wrong on a regular basis — it’s part of living! For me, the Bible and Jesus do not just affirm and reinforce my preconceived ideas on matters. They challenge me to see things differently. in other words, sometimes the Bible and Jesus judge me. They do this not to condemn for all eternity — but for love. Hebrews 12:10 states that children of God are both disciplined and loved.

The question about homosexual practices in the church should not be characterized as an Old verses New Testament debate or a love verses judgment debate. It should be about the will of God who both loves and judges yesterday, today and forever.

Matt Griggs

Albert Lea