Breaking Silence: Toward an in-the-Life Theology*

In Leviticus, Chapter 20, the Lord tells us: “If a man lieth with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death, their blood shall be upon them.” There’s no cause to wonder why medical science could not find a cure for this man’s illness. How could medicine cure temptation? What drug can exorcise Satan from a young man’s soul? The only cure is to be found in the Lord. The only cure is repentance, for Leviticus clearly tells us, ... “Whoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.” Shall be cut off from among their people: The words echoed in Jeff ’s head. His mind flashed back to scenes in the hospital: dingy, hospital green walls of an isolated room ... He remembered sitting quietly during visiting hours, not knowing what words of support to offer ... Shall be but off from their people, indeed.