How the Bible can be right and wrong at the same time

One of America’s most prominent black theologians has made an interesting point, although I suppose it’s been said before: the black churches are using literal interpretations of biblical scripture in their opposition to same-sex marriage, just as the oppressors of their ancestors did in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

“The literal approach to scripture was used to enslave black people,” says James Cone. “I’ve said many times in black churches that the black church is on the wrong side of history on this. It’s so sad because they were on the right side of history in their own struggle.”

The CNN source linked to above goes on to say: “Call it historical irony: Black church leaders arguing against same-sex marriage are making some of the same arguments that supporters of slavery made in the 18th and 19th centuries, some historians say. Both groups adopted a literal reading of the Bible to justify withholding basic rights from a particular group.”