Well, it was about a year ago that I wrote an editorial on the subject of Biblical references to homosexuality, and it seems now that I need to reiterate my aforementioned views.

If there is one absolute “no-no” in public debate it is that one is never to quote the Bible in order to prove their side.

Rhetorical procedure set aside, quoting the Bible is just a cheap escape from having to actually THINK about what one believes is “right” or “wrong.”

I understand that it is really easy to open a book and believe the words on the pages. That approach is just fine if it’s a physics book or a history book, but when one broaches the subject of how they are going to treat other human beings based on others’ behavior and values, then simply saying “The Bible says they’re sinners,” or conversely, “The Bible says that’s okay,” is not a good tactic.

So, how SHOULD one consider their own personal views on homosexuality? How should anyone consider any alternative lifestyle of someone else?

The answer is so simple that I think many of you will be surprised. Don’t.

Concern yourself with your own happiness and your soul. Not someone else’s. The only time that the lifestyle of someone else should EVER be a concern to you is if it directly affects the lives and happiness of you and the ones you love.

If being a homosexual involved walking up to people on the street and slapping them, then I would say “No, I don’t like homosexuals because they hit people in the face.”

But since homosexuality involves people’s private, personal lives that don’t directly affect me, then I don’t really care one way or another.

The bottom line is, it’s not for us to decide what’s morally right and wrong for others. We live in a society where everyone has been given an equal opportunity to achieve happiness and fulfillment.

No one should be denied this right as long as my, and my loved ones’, ability to achieve happiness isn’t hampered by the actions of someone else.

I’m not going to waste my time pouring through the pages of some outdated book looking for enlightenment and answers and then try to push them on someone else, when all I really need to do is concentrate on living my life the way that makes me happiest.

I suggest we all do the same.

Jayson Wittrup

Junior

Electrical engineering