Letters on same-sex marriage, Confederate flag, WSU coach

Court’s marriage ruling long overdue

The U.S. Supreme Court decision saying bans on homosexual unions (marriage or civil unions) are unconstitutional is long overdue. Neither heterosexuals, homosexuals nor transgender individuals have chosen their sexual orientation. That has been known for a long time. Exodus International, whose business was to cause homosexuals to become straight by a variety of “therapies” that were inhumane, closed shop two years ago and offered an apology to all those it had “treated.”

We all need love and compassion for each other. If we take one verse out of Leviticus, we should read them all – not just the one that supports our cause. Is marriage as we know it today mentioned in the Bible?

God is love and we are to treat the other as we want to be treated: same benefits, no discrimination.

How does someone else’s marriage affect mine? Both homosexual and heterosexual couples can be loving parents.

Happiness and healthy lifestyles are found in individuals – regardless of sexual orientation.

Extending bond

Now we hear a demand that our governor defend his approach to gay marriage. Most likely he, like everyone from time eternal, learned that marriage is when a man and woman bond together to bring the next generation into life. They plan to extend this bond to their child, raise him or her to participate in the family, tribe or nation, and thereby perpetuate the common culture.

Homosexual relationships have also been around from time eternal, but unlike marriage are transient, self-serving and contribute little to the culture. Over time, many financial and emotional benefits have been developed to facilitate the growth of the child born into a successful marriage. Understandably, those participating in gay marriage are seeking to gain these benefits for themselves.

Lost in this discussion is the carefully concealed fact that the birthrate in every country in Europe is way below replacement, and their populations are falling. Finding young workers to support retirees is increasingly difficult. Our birthrate is also below replacement, which may be why our president is welcoming undocumented immigrants.

Symbol of hate

I am strongly opposed to the display of the Confederate flag anywhere but a museum.

I was born and grew up in a little town in the former Confederacy where a 12-hour-long Civil War battle occurred. Four generations of my family are buried there. Two generations were present for the battle, and survived it. I’ve heard many personal stories.

For years I denied the Civil War was about slavery. I preferred to believe it was about states’ rights and money. I now understand those two things made it about slavery.

However, all Confederate soldiers did not enlist to maintain slavery. Civil War historian Shelby Foote quoted a captured Confederate private who was asked why he was fighting when he owned no slaves. His response: “Because you’re down here.” On another occasion, Foote was asked how the flag came to be such a symbol of hate and racism. He said Southerners let it happen.

Great addition

The recent addition of Kyle Lindsted to the Wichita State University men’s basketball coaching staff was a wonderful thing (June 27 Sports). He will be a huge asset to the team.

Lindsted knows how to recruit, and he is a man of integrity and values. He loves the kids he teaches and gives them values and a standard by which to live. He helps produce all-around players who can be role models for younger kids.

Lindsted has a humble heart and lives for God. He knows how to uplift his players, and he knows how to help them live a life worthy of God and themselves. Wichita State is better because it added this man to its team.

I wish Lindsted and his family every blessing and success that God has prepared for them.

This story was originally published July 12, 2015 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Letters on same-sex marriage, Confederate flag, WSU coach."