Certainly I have a problem with the way some of my fundamentalist brethren distort other religions. Brit Hume goes on television to proclaim that Buddhism has no path to forgiveness or redemption. Slant Right's John Houk periodically directs Muslims on what it takes to be a true follower of Islam. Short version: become a terrorist. Houk protests that he is not a bigot, just because he hates all things Islamic. I am struck most by how fundamentalists manage to miss Christianity itself.

Bigotry against gays comes from many directions. Fundamentalists are especially fond of quoting Leviticus. Those passages contain a lot of shalt nots. Lobster is an abomination, as is crop rotation. Wearing two interwoven fabrics in the same shirt is a violation of God's will. But fundamentalists zero in on Leviticus 18:22 which prohibits homosexuality.

I find wisdom in Leviticus. It was written by men who were captives of the wisdom of their times, but it was inspired by God. Amid the outdated health instruction and ritual is an underlying theme that will always apply. Love God with everything you have. Love and take care of yourself. Love others. I read each chapter, and remember to take the various medications that keep me alive. I go to worship and try to keep in mind why I am there. My love for others is far from perfect, but I am growing. And I find this in Leviticus:

You see, the Bible, God's word, instructs me to devote time for prayer, witness for Jesus when I can, give blood, and always wear my seat belt.

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