Book of faith, not facts

Is it any wonder that so many LGBT teenagers commit suicide when Bible thumpers convince their parents that anything other than heterosexuality is a sin and must be forbidden? (See “Transgenderism neither normal nor acceptable” by pastor Steve Massey, Aug. 12.) Instead of encouraging parents to understand and accept the youths’ sexuality orientation with love and support, selections from the Bible are used to bring down the wrath of God on presumed sinners.

What is not realized is that the Bible is a book of faith, not necessarily a book of facts. It was written in times when heterosexuals were the only socially acceptable people, and only recently have LGBT people have been receiving legal and social acceptance.

A fascinating insight into the writing of the Bible is the recent book, “Zealot: the Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” by Reza Aslan. A CD of an interview with the author is available from the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco.

Joseph H. Wythe

Sandpoint