Many of you know the story- the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their wickedness (Genesis 19.24-25). The most titillating offense- and therefore, probably the most memorable one, was sexual promiscuity, including, but not exclusively, the homosexual type.

For centuries, the word sodomy was used to denote sinful sexual acts and came to specifically reference homosexuality- especially in the 19th century. However, many Christian and Jewish biblical scholars have said (often to deaf ears) that this is not the Great Sin of Sodom. The ears stayed deaf. Even the Prophet Ezekiel was not to be heeded when it came to the subject. He said the great sin of Sodom wasn’t the promiscuity, it was that the citizens were “arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” (Ezekiel 16.49). In other words- they were narcissistic assholes.

Nikolas Kristoff has an excellent Op-Ed in the NYTimes today talking about the ways in which the understanding of the Sins of Sodom are changing- even (gasp) among evangelicals.

Worth a read.

Oh, and the next time you hear or read the words sodomy or sodomite, just think “asshole”….

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• http://menachemkuchar.com/Writings/145.htm

All right, I caved.

I’m writing from the Calgary kitchen of Nicole Pomeroy, Princess Extraordinaire and Friend of my Heart.
She’s still sleeping.

I had to write, because we were up till well after 3 catching up and I feel so excellent this morning (okay, I have a headache, but how could I NOT have a couple of Tangueray and Tonics- I’m on vacation). I feel excellent, because I spent last night talking to someone who gets me- and vice-versa- in a way nobody else does. We laughed and cried and talked and smiled and just basked in each other’s presence. No way I’m letting another year and a half pass before we see each other again.

I’m writing, because Nicole is important on a number of levels, but I think the most significant for me is this: despite all the shit I’ve been through and put people through, she never wavered. She always believed in me- when other friends didn’t, even when I couldn’t or wouldn’t believe in my self.  She showed me that it was not only possible to do so- even in the midst of excruciating emotional and physical pain , it was vitally important. She was the rock I tied my lifeline to- and last night I was reminded why.

Because I would do exactly the same thing for her.
And we both know that.

THE big fundraiser of the year for AIDS Outreach is a Mardi Gras Party Tuesday, February 16th with jazz, desserts and silent auction at The Nova Cafe, 312 E Main St, Bozeman. Delicious desserts donated by pastry artisans throughout Bozeman  will be well worth the suggested $3.00 admission donation. The swag includes original art (paintings, pottery, jewelry), merchandise donated by area businesses including Erotique, The Daily, 2 VIP Tickets to The Rail Jam, Spa Treatments, and many other items too numerous to mention….

I want to strongly encourage all my friends to come down, or, if you can’t attend, donate here.

We’re just starting out, and we could really use any help we can get in providing services for persons with HIV, community education, HIV testing and an HIV+ support group (which I facilitate).

Thanks in advance,

~G

…on that Hate Crime posting I had on Bilerico last week. Been talking to the attorneys, and it’s pretty reprehensible.

I’m going through some of the court documents and have calls in to the Blue Island PD and the Blue Island Mayor’s office, as well as the defense attorneys. So far, none returned.

I’ll write the story with or without ’em.