"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will
inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Co 6:9-10)
|
Bailo
Thank you for your thoughts.
Your "religious and cultural convictions as a Moslem" are not in doubt, and I applaud your faith in the context of the Islamic religion.
As to "shunning" the "abomination" that, in your view, is homosexuality, I concede you share that perspective with "millions of peoples (Jews, Christians, Bahaians, Hindus, Rastafarians, Atheists, etc) from all over the world".
Referring to your original reaction therefore, there appears to be some contextual difficult in your explicit equation of homosexuality with "Western ... moral decadence ...". Here again, I concede the widely held, if erroneous view, that homosexuality is a "Western" phenomenon. Your difficulty is that for practical purposes, Africa is not the natural home of "Jews, Bahaians, or Hindus". In that regard, is it not more plausible to view homosexuality as of universal prevalence, as a human issue? Islamic teaching on the subject appears to support the contention that as a failing, homosexuality is a universal failing.
For example, the universalism argument appears to be supported by the fundamental precept that Mohammed (PBUH) is the last of God’s prophets, and Islam, the perfection of religions. A careful analysis of this central doctrinal tenet suggests that notwithstanding its geographic delimitations at birth, the Islamic message is for people the world over. The logic of this position is that pronouncements on homosexuality, like the Quranic message in its totality, addresses people in all corners of the world. Again, a demonstration that as a failing, homosexuality is a universal human failing in so far as it inheres - even if among a
tiny number - in societies the world over.
On homosexuality, the views of Christianity, and Judaism, are no different to those of Islam, giving us a complete picture of the Abrahamic progeny of religions on this divisive issue. I take no issue with the views per se, but if their practical effect is to discriminate against equal stakeholders in Gambian public space, I reject any assault on homosexuality, and, on homosexuals.
The foregoing is merely illustrative of the universal prevalence of homosexuality, and not a state of affairs that exemplifies "Western ... moral decadence ...".
For me, the thrust of any dispute regarding homosexuality lies in the indefensibility of a differential application of a state’s police power to similarly situated citizens. If YJ is permitted to stroll our beautiful beaches with his female significant other, I see no cogent reason why ATT Jr., and yourself, should be prohibited from holding hands, and kissing, in broad daylight, if you so chose, along Kairaba Avenue.
As preliminaries, I remind you that notwithstanding the population's overwhelming adherence to the Islamic faith, The Gambia remains a secular state. In consequence of that basic reality, no citizen must suffer for reasons rooted in religious outrage.
Additionally, the Constitution, at section 33, guarantees equal protection under the law.
Overall, my query is limited to whether fallible humans, in public life, should sit in moral judgement on matters that are ultimately between a person and God, especially when other vices, clearly more common (see opening quotation), and yet accepted as lifestyle choices, attract similar views from our triology of Abrahamic religions. Would you terminate, or alter, the dynamics of a significant relationship upon discovering a friend, or family member, to be homosexual, if you all along accepted his propensity for adultery and fornication?
Please refer to material below on what "The Epistle To The Hebrews" has to say on the punishment for fornicators, adulterers, and yes, homosexuals, and decide whether we are justified in utilising public power to ostracise people for what they do, behind closed doors, and against God.
Needless to say, I reject all public attempts at policing homosexuality.
Our conflicting views on this needlessly divisive issue notwithstanding, I see nothing to diminish my respect and admiration for your courage on key questions of our public life.
LJDarbo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS"
Fornicators And Adulterers God Will Judge (13:4)
INTRODUCTION
1. In today's society, the honor and sanctity of marriage is under
constant attack...
a. Divorce is acceptable, made easy through "no-fault" laws
b. Adultery is considered normal, faithfulness to one's spouse as
unrealistic
c. Among religious and political leaders, many say that standards
against sexual immorality are antiquated
2. Even in the church, sexual immorality is a major problem evidenced
by...
a. The high number of divorces among Christians
b. The frequent reports sexual failings among preachers, elders, and
other Christians
3. This is not to say there are not those who still hold marriage in
high esteem...
a. Many people still believe sex is for marriage, and marriage is
for life
b. I've been blessed to have:
1) The example of my wife's grandparents, married 77 years
2) The example of my grandmother, widowed with six children when
only 30 years old, remaining single for over fifty
years
3) Parents and in-laws who both were married over 50 years each
4) Three brothers, who along with myself are still married to our
first wives
4. In truth, our culture today is not that much different from the
society of the first century...
a. Where divorce and remarriage was rampant (women were known to
date events by their husbands; e.g., "Yes, that happened during
husband #5.")
b. Fornication was acceptable, adultery barely frowned upon
5. But Christianity offers a true contrast of standards regarding
morality...
a. Through clear and unequivocal teaching - 1 Co 6:9-10; Ga 5:19-21;
Ep 5:3-5
b. The same
sort of teaching is needed today, which is why we need
to carefully heed the text of today's lesson:
"Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but
fornicators and adulterers God will judge." (He 13:4)
6. The verb "is" is not in the Greek, leading some to translate the
first phrase as:
a. "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage
bed be undefiled;" (NASV)
b. "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept
pure" (NIV),
[Why should we honor marriage, and keep the "marriage bed" (a euphemism
for marital relations) pure? Because God will judge those who violate
it!
To see how, let's first define the terms used in the last half of
this
verse...]
I. DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. "FORNICATORS"...
1. The Greek word is pornos {por'-nos}, from which we get
"pornography"
2. It is a general word for unlawful and immoral sexual
relationships (Barclay)
3. It includes any kind sex outside of marriage: pre-marital,
extra-marital (adultery), homosexual, etc.
B. "ADULTERERS"...
1. The Greek word is moichos {moy-khos'}
2. It means to have unlawful intercourse with another's wife or
husband
(Thayer)
a. This may be while they are still married...
b. Or even AFTER they are divorced if not for the right reason
- cf. Mt 5:32; 19:9
3 So a person can be guilty of adultery either:
a. By having relations with another's spouse
b. By marrying someone who either:
1) Did not put their first spouse away for fornication
2) Or was put away by their spouse for ANY reason
C. "GOD"...
1. The Supreme Being, eternal and holy - Re
4:8
2. Omniscient and Omnipresent - Ps 139:1-12
3. Loving, yet just - cf. Jn 3:16; He 10:30-31; 12:29
D. "WILL JUDGE"...
1. The Greek word is krino {kree'-no}
2. "the act of condemning and decreeing (or inflicting) penalty
on one" (Thayer)
[Marriage should be held in honor, because the Bible makes it clear
that God will condemn and somehow inflict penalty on those who are
fornicators and adulterers who do not repent!
But why will God judge fornicators and adulterers?]
II. WHY GOD WILL JUDGE FORNICATORS AND ADULTERERS
A. BECAUSE THEY DESTROY THE LIVES OF OTHERS...
1. They destroy
marriages
a. Either their own, by their infidelity (trust is often
destroyed)
b. Or others, by committing adultery with another's spouse
c. Sexual immorality is a major cause of divorce, which God
hates - Mal 2:16
2. They destroy families
a. Where divorce occurs, families are shattered
b. The children usually suffer the most, often with severe
emotional problems throughout their lives
c. Jesus
warned about despising the needs of children - Mt 18:
5-7,10-11,14
3. They destroy friendships
a. Read carefully Pro 6:30-35
b. It is difficult, if not impossible, to restore good
friendships after one has violated another's spouse
B. BECAUSE THEY DESTROY THEIR OWN LIVES...
1. Read carefully Pro 5:1-14
a. You lose your honor (your reputation is destroyed)
b. You lose your wealth (ever hear of alimony?)
c. You lose your health (via STDs, perhaps
even AIDS)
2. Adultery and fornication is indeed a sin against your own body
- cf. 1 Co 6:18
a. There is emotional damage (wracking guilt)
b. There is social damage (ostracized by others)
c. There is physical damage (venereal disease)
C. BECAUSE THOSE WHO ARE CHRISTIANS ARE ESPECIALLY GUILTY...
1. They have taken members of the body of Christ and made them
members of a harlot - 1 Co 6:15-16
2. They have taken their body, a temple of the Holy Spirit, and
given it to a child of the devil - 1 Co
6:19-20
3. As Christians, who have been...
a. Made in the image of God
b. Redeemed by the blood of Jesus
c. Made a temple of the Holy Spirit
...they have allowed their lusts to bring them as low as
animals!
[When God's HIGHEST CREATION, because of purely selfish reasons,
destroys marriages, families, friendship, even their own selves, we can
understand why God WILL JUDGE such, and why Paul wrote what he did to
the Corinthians:
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers,
nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will
inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Co 6:9-10)
But HOW will God judge fornicators and adulterers?]
III. HOW GOD WILL JUDGE FORNICATORS AND ADULTERERS
A. HE WILL JUDGE IN THE FUTURE...
1. They will not inherit the kingdom of God - 1 Co 6:9-10; Ep 5:
5-7
2. They will suffer eternal torment - Re 21:8
B. BUT HE ALSO JUDGES IN THE PRESENT...
1. They become God's enemies - cf. Ja 4:4
a. While this passage likely speaks of spiritual adultery, it
would apply to literal adultery as well
b. Adulterers are estranged of God's fellowship, care and love
c. True peace and joy cannot be theirs
2. They receive in their own bodies what they rightfully deserve
- cf. Ro 1:24-27
a. Those who engage in such immorality do indeed "receive in
themselves the penalty of their error" (e.g., syphilis,
gonorrhea, herpes, AIDS)
b. But such is only a FORETASTE of the torment fornicators and
adulterers will receive,
if they do not repent!
CONCLUSION
1. There are many good reasons to honor marriage and keep the "marriage
bed" undefiled...
a. The bond between a man and a woman whose relationship is built
upon trust and love
b. The joy, peace, and love that children in a strong family enjoy,
and deserve
c. The value of strong families in shaping our communities in which
we live
2. But we have focused on God's judgment on those who destroy this
important fabric of our society, and how it gives new meaning to the
phrase "be sure your sin will find you out" (Num 32:23)
a. It is almost impossible to keep immorality secret
1) Physical infirmities will more than likely bring it to
the
surface eventually
2) Or loose lips will!
b. Even if one succeeds in hiding their immorality in this life, not
so in the life to come!
3. To close on a more positive note, let's offer some hope for those
who have been guilty of adultery and fornication...
a. You may not be able to escape the physical consequences of your
actions
b. But you can be forgiven, and escape the eternal consequences!
As we consider once again what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, a
city known for it loose morals...
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor
sodomites, nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will
inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Co 6:9-10)
We now notice the next verse...
"And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were
sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus
and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Co 6:11)
The gospel of Christ promises wonderful blessings to all sinners who
will come to Jesus in faith and obedience!
Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified" in the name of
the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God? (Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ti 3:5)
|
--- On Tue, 2/3/10, bailo jallow <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: bailo jallow <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: The first recorded Lesbian marriage in Mangambougou, Mali. I say happy gammy!
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Tuesday, 2 March, 2010, 16:22
|
LJD,
Your usual gentlemanly approach of discussing issues of interest to you is inspiring.
Before answering the question that you posed me, I would like to state that my position on homosexuality is foremost guided by my religious and cultural convictions as a Moslem. As such, I believe that homosexuality is an abomination to be shunned and not to be encouraged. However, I also believe that the type of sexual activities that consenting adults engage in within the confines of their bedrooms or private domains should not fall within the purview of any person or authority. What ought to concern someone else is what is practiced or displayed in the public arena.
I am please to have similar sentiments on this issue with hundreds of millions of peoples (Jews, Christians, Bahaians, Hindus, Rastafarians, Atheists, etc) from all over the world.
Now regarding your question, I would firmly discourage any local or external attempt towards influencing Gambian laws to have homosexuality or same-sex marriage recognised as perfectly legal. I do not however think that anyone found guilty of such a vice should be ‘beheaded’. Re-orientation in a correctional facility might be the best solution.
In conclusion, I do not support the legalisation of same sex marriages or homosexuality from a moral, cultural and natural perspective.
Cheers
Bailo
--- On Mon, 1/3/10, Lamin Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Lamin Darbo <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: The first recorded Lesbian marriage in Mangambougou, Mali. I say happy gammy!
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Monday, 1 March, 2010, 1:44
|
Bailo
Assuming your position is accepted, what manner of conversation would you recommend between The Republic of The Gambia, and its homosexual community?
I am proceeding on the basis that like in the Malian example, some members of homosexual Gambia may insist on living with their significant others in a marriage, or in relationships akin to a marriage.
Is your concern, and, or rejection of homosexuality restricted to moral condemnation, or do you consider it proper for the law to punitively intervene?
LJDarbo
From: bailo jallow <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: The first recorded Lesbian marriage in Mangambougou, Mali. I say happy gammy!
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Sunday, 28 February, 2010, 16:53
Haruna,
We cannot avoid discussing the global context under which the Lesbian union in Mali took place. Since our World is categorised in terms of Westerners, Easterners, Southerners and Northerners, then what is the classification of those countries that are spearheading the promotion of homesexuality as universal human value/rights?
All I am saying based on real life experiences is that the Africans in particular should not accept the imposition of such vices such as homosexuality upon us as human rights values.
Bailo
--- On Sat, 27/2/10, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: The first recorded Lesbian marriage in Mangambougou, Mali. I say happy gammy!
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Saturday, 27 February, 2010, 2:57
Okho Bailo! Why are you bringing western countries into this? I agree with your sentiment as far as decadence but it is about time we place blame or glory where it belongs. Only Mangambougou community and Mali are involved in this. Let us speak about the rights or decadence of the two individuals within the context of their community. No western country encouraged or discouraged this one Bailo. You were on the roll for a minute and I was with you. The problem is when we Africans commute our problems and blames on other, we will never be inspired to solve them or at least harness them for any extraneous value.
Okho. You had me going for a while. Like the energizer bunny. Until I saw western. Human Rights is not the domain of western countries again. You will come to realize all men are the same and have similar desires, particularly carnal and romantic. The reason why we haven't entertained as much decadence as you see in the west is simply because we have other more mundane considerations for now...like breakfast, lunch, dinner, hesal, firewood, Ramadan, Lailatul Qadri, etcetera. Wait till we don't have those worries anymore. You'll see decadence like you've never seen before. Ghana and Mali will be our test site for west africa
I feel for Oko. The one man army. Haruna.
-----Original Message----- From: bailo jallow < [log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask]Sent: Fri, Feb 26, 2010 6:52 pm Subject: Re: The first recorded Lesbian marriage in Mangambougou, Mali. I say happy gammy!
Most Western countries have laws banning polygamy yet these same governments lead in condemning other countries that legislate against pervasions such as homosexuality. Talking about spreading moral decadence in the world in the guise of human rights!
Bailo
--- On Fri, 26/2/10, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: The first recorded Lesbian marriage in Mangambougou, Mali. I say happy gammy!
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Friday, 26 February, 2010, 3:45
Culled from AFRIBONE-CN / The AURORA newspaper. Haruna. You know what comes next don't you? These are some of the growing pains of democracy. But total commitment to democracy requires you let folk be as long as they do not infringe on the rights of their fellows. I am sad however. But I will accept it because they have the right. I'd rather they do it out in the open than have to hide their consciences.
Mariage homosexuel à la mairie de Magnambougou
Deux femmes officiellement unies pour le meilleur et le pire
Ce que les gardiens du temple redoutaient le plus est déjà arrivé au Mali : L’union des homosexuel(le)s. Quand bien même les textes aujourd’hui en vigueur dans notre pays interdisent la pratique, ce couple a trouvé la parade infaillible en célébrant son union par le centre d’État Civil de Magnamboubou.
Le mariage homosexuel par définition, est une union célébrée entre deux personnes (homme et femme) ayant la même tendance sexuelle. Il s’agit, en clair, de l’union d’un homme d’avec une femme (et non de deux hommes ou de deux femmes eux ou elles) ayant les mêmes penchants sexuels.
La nuance est de taille. Mais aujourd’hui, force est d’admettre que le concept a profondément évolué. Dans l’imaginaire populaire, un mariage homo concerne deux personnes de même sexe. C’est le cas à l’ordre du jour ici.
 L’une se fait appeler « B » et l’autre « F.C ». Selon toute évidence, c’est « F.C » qui joue le rôle d’époux. Elle réside en Suède, pays de tolérance sexuelle par excellence. Quant à « B », elle vit dans la capitale malienne à Magnambougou, dans une villa que lui a généreusement offerte son « mari » depuis la Suède.Cette dernière, « F.C », ne lésine pas sur les moyens. Elle est très riche et a entrepris de faire expatrier son « épouse ».
Le couple s’est connu à travers Internet, sur un site de rencontres. Depuis, elles n’ont jamais arrêté de se fréquenter. C’est F.C qui effectue régulièrement le déplacement sur Bamako. Sur place, elle partage la même villa et la même chambre que « B ». Un secret de polichinelle pour les voisins du quartier Magnambougou !
Mais comment pareille union a pu être célébrée dans un pays où la pratique est prohibée et, de surcroit, par une autorité légitime, à savoir le maire du quartier ?
C’est au mois de d’Octobre-Novembre que le drôle mariage a été consacré, non au centre d’État civil, mais à domicile. De source bien au fait de l’histoire, un homme a pris la place de « F.C » et les papiers d’identité des deux époux ont été délibérément falsifiés. Le choix du domicile avait pour but de limiter la présence des curieux.
Dans la législation malienne, rien n’interdit la consécration d’une union civile à domicile par un officier d’État civil. La pratique se trouve cependant en porte-à-faux avec le principe de la publicité du mariage lequel constitue un acte public par excellence.
En somme, le domicile est une propriété privée dont l’accès peut être limité alors que le mariage reste un acte public ouvert à tous. En célébrant donc une union à domicile, les époux peuvent restreindre l’accès de cette cérémonie à caractère public. La stratégie s’est avérée payante pour « B » et « F.C ». Seul(es) les intimes, et quel(les) intimes, ont pu accéder ce jour, à l’autel.
Le maire dont la bonne foi n’est pas en cause, en tout cas, jusqu’à la preuve du contraire, a tout simplement usé d’une prérogative et a cautionné le fait.
Aujourd’hui, l’épouse « B », sur incitation de son « mari » FC cherche à s’expatrier en Suède où la pratique des unions libres est reconnue. Au Mali, elle n’a aucune valeur juridique puisque le code du mariage précise bien que l’union est célébrée entre homme et femme.
Un concept qui, malheureusement, connaît aujourd’hui ses limites dans la mesure où la science parvient dorénavant à faire changer le sexe biologique d’une personne.
En somme, une femme peut désormais s’octroyer les caractères secondaires mâles et un homme de même par rapport aux attributs femelles. Toute chose qui met à défaut le principe malien selon lequel le mariage n’est célébré qu’entre homme et femme… « De naissance » n’aurait pas été de trop… Et si l’on revoyait sérieusement ce fameux code du mariage, sans passion, s’il vous plaît !
B.S. Diarra
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