"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5: 27-28
We read Matthew chapter 5 in Bible Study on Monday night so this verse was fresh on my heart as I caught some of the reaction to the repeal of "don't ask don't tell." In particular, I have been reflecting on the concern that is being raised about gay and straight men showering together.
The concern is a noble one that I take very seriously. We should all be concerned about the objectification and sexualization of others. Jesus understood the violation caused by the gaze.
But my eyes have really been opened by the comparison that has been made to women and men showering together. I've heard it expressed like this (and it shocks me) - if gay men get to watch straight men shower, shouldn't straight men get to watch women shower? This objection makes very clear to me the violation of women's bodies that is constantly happening all around us. This violence against women is a sin that Jesus took very seriously. I don't blame straight men for it, I don't persecute them for it. But I try to take Jesus' warning seriously.
Once again I am reminded that the mistreatment and marginalization of gay and lesbian people is grounded in sexism. When I hear straight men express the fear of being treated by other men the very way they treat women, it becomes perfectly clear to me. Homosexuality is a threat to patriarchy.
Homosexuality is not a risk to the cohesion, unity, effectiveness or readiness of the military. But the discussion around "don't ask don't tell" does reveal some real threats to all of us: inequality, sexism, and relationships based in fear, dominance and oppression.
I thank God for the witness and teaching of Jesus regarding this behavior.
