DISCUSSING decline in members and congregations in the Church of Scotland, the Rev Bill Wallace (Letters, May 30) cites the acceptance of the Kirk of ministers in a same-sex marriage of relationship as one of the causes.
Given that the decline in numbers has been an ongoing malaise for a number of years, and the Kirk has only recently taken that decision, to suggest that the two are connected is disingenuous at the least.
More importantly however, I take issue with Mr Wallace's assertion that "marriage is between one man and one woman", which he claims is the Biblical position.
In fact, the most common form of marriage in the Bible is polygamous, with one man and several wives, and monogamous marriage is the exception rather than the rule. Most Christians against same-sex marriage quote Matthew 19:5, in which Jesus states "And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?" First, in the context of the chapter, Jesus was asked a question in the singular, and replied in the singular. Secondly, Jesus was replying to a question of divorce, stating it should never take place, yet plenty of churches will happily marry divorcees. Thirdly, Jesus was referring to the Levirate Law of the Old Testament. That of course would be the same law written down by Moses, who had at least two wives, possibly three.
At no point in the Bible is it stated that marriage is one man and one woman, and those who claim it is are stretching the point to the extreme.
If Mr Wallace is wondering why church attendance is in decline, he may wish to examine his own words and attitude. In a 307-word letter, he spoke of the Kirk, religion and theology. Not once did he mention God or Jesus. And whilst boasting that the Kirk has achieved "John Knox’s vision of providing a place of worship in every corner of Scotland", the only Bible passage he quotes is 1 Corinthians 14:8, "If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound who will rally for battle?”
If Kirk ministers have an attitude of confrontation, squaring up for fight, rather than the message of forgiveness and understanding which is supposed to be central to the Christian faith, can there really be any wonder why people are turning away from them?
Leslie John Thomson,
2 Moredunvale Green, Edinburgh.
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