Civility is good; morality is better

Thank you Sholeh Patrick for the excellent article on civility. I am sure there are lots of people who could benefit by putting into practice your suggestions both for speaking and writing (myself included).

I think civility is what God was speaking about when He said we were to, “Speak the truth in love.” Having said that, sometimes speaking the truth comes out of frustration and may not sound as civil as intended.

While in Southern Idaho I picked up a copy of the Idaho Press Tribune. The headline on the sports page read, “Amanda Nunes Becomes UFC’s First Gay Champion With Upset Win.” She won the women’s Bantam Weight Championship Mixed Martial Arts bout.

The article also said the UFC started an initiative to benefit the LGBT community. To make a point they wore T-shirts with rainbow lettering. The article said due to her sexual orientation Nunes is likely to embark on the rounds of talk shows and other public appearances. Why is it that heterosexual celebrities do not get invited to make special appearances based on their sexual orientation? Imagine a headline that reads, “Jane Doe (heterosexual) is the 26th middle weight wrestling champion; or John Doe is the 73rd male to pitch a no-hitter in the American League.

Suppose heterosexual accomplishments were reported regularly by referencing their sexual orientation (or more accurately sexual preference). I can hear it now as those who embrace unnatural sexual choice say, “Don’t be ridiculous,” or perhaps a stronger statement such as, “That’s hate speech.” Are heterosexuals not allowed to speak the truth civilly even when they cannot accept homosexuality as being normal?

Webster defines normal as: A standard, model, or pattern; a rule or standard of behavior expected to be followed by each member of a social group. You be the judge which is natural and normal: marriage and sex the way God, the Creator, intended or same-sex unions that are a deviation from the norm? Also Webster defines deviant as: Deviating or departing from the norm; a person whose sexual behavior departs from the norm in a socially or morally unacceptable way.

We are not supposed to use the word pervert when speaking of deviant behavior, as that would not be civil. I guess Webster was not civil when he defined the word pervert. His definition is: To lead astray morally; to turn to an improper use; any of various sexual practices that are commonly regarded as being abnormal.

Our conscience tells us right from wrong. God has given us the knowledge and power to choose. May I suggest we turn away from that which is unnatural, abnormal, deviant, perverted and choose that which is right, natural, and normal.

God blesses right behavior!

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Ron Vieselmeyer is a Coeur d’Alene resident.