Daniel Helminiak discussed "What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" Tuesday night in the Student Center.
Helminiak, a former priest and author who now teaches psychology and theology at the University of West Georgia, came to campus through Campus Progress, the Auburn University Spectrum Alliance and the Office of Diversity and MultiCultural Affairs.
During his presentation, Helminiak said the Bible, when read in its own historical context, does not state an opinion about homosexuality.
He argued the Biblical texts are ambiguous. He said context is key to understanding the texts.
"You can understand the words, but miss the point," Helminiak said. "Why? Because the context has changed."
He said his issue is no longer homosexuality and the Bible, but he is way beyond that. His concern now is more about holding the world together by spirituality.
"That basis must be what I consider to be a spiritual basis," Helminiak said.
To defend his statement, Helminiak looked at specific Bible verses that are commonly used to refute homosexuality.
He argued the verse in Genesis about Sodom is not about sex, it is about hospitality.
"The Sodom story does not have to do with sexuality," Heliminiak said. "It's a much more important issue at stake than that, and it's the issue again of our world, how do we treat one another, are we willing to welcome one another, are we willing to be kind to the stranger, the person who's needy."
He argued that "lying with a male as with a woman" in Leviticus does not refer to same-sex acts, but only male-male sex and has more to do with religious taboo than sexual ethics.
He encouraged students not to witness during the presentation.
"The criteria for discussion here are evidence and reasoning," Heliminiak said.
This is just one of the many presentations the Office of Diversity and MultiCultural Affairs has brought to campus this year to broaden students' horizons.
"The Office of Diversity and MultiCultural Affairs aims to celebrate diversity -- embracing something or someone different from us," according to their Web site. "We work at creating an environment where you receive kindness and consideration out of respect and receive equal attention based on effort, knowledge, ability, talent and hard work."
Anyone interested in learning more about sexuality issues can attend the Spectrum Alliance's meetings.
"AGSA is an organization of students who happen to be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender," according to the Spectrum Alliance's Web site. "AGSA welcomes anyone interested in issues relating to sexuality and gender, with the caveat that meetings are confidential."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
