Madam, - Heidi Good ( August 29th) criticises Susan Philipsfor distinguishing between the Bible's condemnation of homosexuality and church teaching about other practices, also condemned by Scripture.
However, Scripture clearly makes an absolute moral statement about homosexuality since the Torah uses the strongest form of censure in condemning it, referring to it as an "abomination" (toevah). Whenever this term is used in Hebrew, it conveys a sense of great moral repugnance, of total incompatibility with the law of God.
Idolatry is also referred to as an "abomination" along with cult prostitution and divination.
The language of Scripture is therefore wholly clear and unambiguous, however uncomfortable it may make us, and consequently Ms Philips is entirely justified in making a qualitative distinction between what is an absolute moral norm and what isn't.
Ms Good also admirably emphasises the importance of loving our neighbours. However truly loving our neighbours involves assisting them along the road to their eternal destiny by equipping them with the truth, rather than conforming to the values of this world. It also involves deeply unfashionable and outdated notions such as repentance and chastity. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O' RISCOLL,
Blackrock,
Cork.