As Bloomington residents, we’re proud to be part of a community known by many as a “liberal oasis” in a fairly conservative state.
Open-mindedness toward a variety of philosophies and ways of life is the norm, and respect for diversity is striven for. Contrary to your archaic line of thinking, our attitudes are not disgraceful or reprehensible.
Rather, they reflect the values of a modern and progressive world in which the inherent dignity of every human being is respected.
As IU students, we’re proud of the quality, innovative research produced by our institution. The work of the late Alfred Kinsey and of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction has shaped and continues to shape our understanding of human sexual health and behavior — for the better.
The pursuit of knowledge, free of bigotry and bias, is at the foundation of every great university, and the field of human sexuality is of clear importance to humanity as a whole.
Although you would prefer us to restrict our understanding of sexuality and the human body to those dictated by your own very narrow interpretation of an ancient religious text, we would prefer you allow us to grow as students and exercise our freedoms of thought and opinion, unfettered by your baseless and hateful diatribes.
Furthermore, your claim to represent Jesus is presumptuous and outlandish. As described in the New Testament to which you adhere, Jesus associated with prostitutes, gamblers, lepers and other social outcasts.
He harshly scolded those who cast judgment upon them and elevated themselves on pedestals of righteousness. He once said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven.
So, tell me, Mr. Wilson, where do you, as someone who has made his fortune touring the country and publishing works about the merits of slavery and the dirtiness of the GLBT community, fall under the philosophy that Jesus preached?
Are you someone who is working to create a better world, as Jesus did? Or are you simply a high priest, smirking haughtily in the corner, satisfied with your own ill will and condescension?
And before you claim your message is backed by the Old Testament, I must ask: Do you eat shrimp and pork? Do you handle money on the Sabbath? Do you eat grapes and drink wine made by Gentiles? Have you ever touched a football?
Because if you choose to rail against gays and lesbians with such spite and fervor, you must feel just as passionately about those who break these restrictions as well.
Please, do us all a favor and reexamine your own contradictory beliefs before spreading your hate in our community. Consider the implications of your words. Perhaps even take the time to ask yourself a simple question: What would Jesus do?
— kabeasle@indiana.edu
