Why Can’t I Own Canadians ?

I had a conversation the other day with a member of a local fly fishing club who likes – no, loves – fly fishing for brown trout. He had his back up because an organization was doing some work on a local Great Lakes tributary to enhance opportunities to fly fish for steelhead and he thinks that that not only can these fish not co-exist, the work being done will destroy brown trout habitat. I listened intently as he made his case and as he slowly came to a boil he turned and asked what I thought… uh oh…

I have to admit this person’s passion for fly fishing is admirable and I respect and appreciate the fact that he cares. But what came to my mind was, “First, I’m not qualified to answer this question and, perhaps more importantly, I get the feeling neither are you because your passion for what you think is ‘right’ is clouding your ability to consider that you may be wrong.” I knew this wasn’t what he wanted to hear so I kept my mouth shut (and frankly, I do my best work that way). However, the other thought I had was, “Why is this such a big problem?” We’re all anglers who are interested in simply enjoying a day on the water. If perhaps we focussed more on what we have in common rather than what we do not, we would likely get a lot more done with a lot less heartburn. I guess what it all comes down to is we usually just need to lighten up.

Speaking of which… I have a nephew who I love and a long-time friend for whom I have the utmost respect – and both are gay. These men are not defined by their homosexuality nor am I defined by my heterosexuality. Both of these men are my friends because I appreciate and respect their intelligence, honesty, work ethic and family values. Frankly, I see attributes in them I wish more people had. Ignorance and judgment are unfortunately things they both are all too familiar with and I can’t help but think sexual discrimination reflects on a much more serious scale the discrimination I sometimes witness in my rather unimportant world. What is important is what we do in response to discrimination. I am firmly of the opinion that people who loudly express their opinions should instead be reminded to first practice humility – because they usually have much to be humble about. To that end, the following text is a quote from a January 16th posting on www.dailyatheist.net and I thought it worth sharing.

“Ever get tired of people throwing Bible verses at you, and using religion as an excuse for condemning homosexuality? Well, this is something I came across many years ago, and I still laugh every time I read it. On her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It’s funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination… End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination – Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle- room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan.

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus Dept. of Curriculum,
Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia

[Between you and me, I think it is an extremely good thing that there are James Kauffman's in the world who help us keep the Laura Schlesinger's in perspective. I also think it is a good thing that trout season opener is days away because my brown trout fishing friend is in serious need of a day on the water...].