In response to J.T. Bridges’ letter of Oct. 19., I would like to commend you for a well-written defense. Your letter shows clearly that the Phinehas priests are misinterpreting the scripture. Personally, I find it no more acceptable to kill two humans because of differing religious views than for being of a different race, but that is another issue.

Unfortunately, you also mentioned certain unreferenced studies that indicate that homosexuality is genetic. You further say that because these studies are based on inconclusive data, “homosexuality is a product of human decision.”

Why should we believe you when you say that the studies are inconclusive?

You give us no evidence to support this assertion, and it is not clear to me how your studies in sport science make you an expert on genetics research.

Even if you are right, this is a grossly illogical statement. A true statement would be, “Because these studies are inconclusive, we cannot know if homosexuality is a product of human decision.”

How can a person reasonably conclude that homosexuality is a matter of choice? Why would anybody choose to live as a second-class citizen in a hostile society?

If you believe homosexuality is a choice, I offer you this challenge: say to yourself, “For the next five minutes, I will be attracted to men.” See what changes. Of course, the answer will be “nothing.” You will not lust for men any more than you do right now, and you will not lust for women any less than you do right now.

To believe that such an intrinsic part of your identity can be casually decided or changed is absurd.

Dave Stumpf

Senior

Computer science