From: bivalve (bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com)
Date: Mon Jul 14 2003 - 11:52:46 EDT
While agreeing that the point of the passage is to characterize gentiles in general, I was reminded of a suggestion that the passage could have a very specific inspiration. Someone proposed, probably not entirely seriously, that Paul composed the list of sins by looking out the window while staying in Corinth. This idea does more to illustrate the reputation of Corinth than to provide insight into Paul's intentions in Romans.
Romans 1 also illustrates some of the problems of the claim that innate tendencies must be morally OK. One innate tendency is to sin, though not every innate tendency is wrong, either. The issue of genetic basis for homosexuality is so politically polarized that I am hesitant to trust any claim, but it does seem highly likely that mutations in the genes relating to sex determination would affect one's inclinations. However, this does not tell us whether we should view this as a genetic disease to be treated, an innate weakness requiring extra vigilance, or just an individual variation to be condoned. Also, the role of anthropogenic chemical contamination and other sin-related factors in promoting mutation becomes an issue.
Scientific evidence cannot tell us what is good or progressive. Remember that evolution and the Peter principle may both be true.
Dr. David Campbell
Old Seashells
University of Alabama
Biodiversity & Systematics
Dept. Biological Sciences
Box 870345
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0345 USA
bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com
That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa
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