To the editor:

Just when I had about composed my letter regarding Mr. Burkhead’s views on homosexuality, along comes a letter from Ms. Phelps. I can’t understand the mean-spirited and venomous attitudes these people have cultivated. Quoting Bible Scripture to defend their views, they and people of like views seem to have completely forgotten the main message of Jesus: “to love your neighbor as you love yourself.” This seems like a pretty simple philosophy and a worthy goal, not just for Christians, but for all religious groups, agnostics and atheists as well.

Attacking others for how they live their lives, placing blame on them for things not of their doing, proclaiming that anyone that doesn’t believe as they do will go to hell; where does the insanity end? And, to add the further insult of invading the funeral service of a beloved and honored soldier to further some questionable agenda just really makes a person wonder what Bible they are reading.

Scientific evidence is increasingly showing that homosexuality has a genetic, hormonal and birth order basis. Overwhelmingly, respected groups say this is not a disease or disorder to be “cured.” It is certainly not something that is a threat to anyone else.

It’s not news that many have used the Bible Scriptures to promote or defend their actions. The current attitudes seen in the other letters should not be a surprise, I suppose, but are certainly a cause for despair and worry that some people never learn that “loving your neighbor” is a good way to live your life.