Ron Sider (“Biblical and Better Way,” Oct. 27) reminds us that we humans are not the final authority. Should this not make us humble and teachable? Much of the discussion about sexuality does not reflect these traits of good character. When human relationships become more important than sound doctrine and practice, it reduces the matter to a human-relations issue. Why is the Old Testament record of God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah not prominent in our discussions? The record of their destruction has been preserved to help us better understand the character of our righteous and loving God. As to whether our sexual inclinations are natural or unnatural, Christian guidelines offer explicit instructions. Does it not seem strange that what is clear in our handbook has become debatable? This has surfaced in a permissive climate in which Christian principles of sexual conduct are largely disregarded. This includes divorce and remarriage, illicit cohabitation and any nonmarital sexual activity. To accept practices contrary to Christian principles dulls our sensitivity to other degrading issues. We are not helpless victims of our fallen nature. Every temptation is accompanied by enabling grace to resist.

David L. Miller
Partridge, Kan.