I noted recently that various Christian groups are issuing a new edition of Darwin's Origin of Species this fall, in "honor" of its 150th anniversary. Of course it is a "special" edition, with a "special" introduction lambasting Darwin and scientific progress generally.
This of course gave me an idea... why not put together a special issue of the Sermon on the Mount, with a "special" introduction, written by me, relating the message of the Sermon to the treatment of gay men and lesbians in civil society.
Further I decided to send the first hard copy to Bishop Malone in Portland. The Bishop has chosen to be the public face in seeking to overturn marriage equality in Maine (he's "Yes on 1"; we (the good guys and gals) are "No on 1"). I thought he would benefit from this new edition.
As would many of the Bishop's new friends.
If you'd like to see the full document you may find it online here.
Here is the letter of transmittal to the Bishop.
***
Richard Malone, Th.D.
Bishop of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue
PO Box 11559
Portland, ME 04104
Dear Bishop Malone:
You may be aware that some of your new friends are now busily distributing copies of Darwin’s Origin of Species on leading college and university campuses across America. This is a "special" edition, of course – with a special introduction lambasting Darwin and all scientific progress of the last 200 years.
Accordingly I thought it might be helpful if I did something similar. Enclosed herewith is a copy of the Sermon on the Mount. I have used the King James Version as that is what substantially all of your new friends prefer. The words of the Great Teacher have stood the test of time very well. Perhaps you would agree.
As an added feature, I have appended my own introduction to the Sermon. Based on my own research and personal experience, I have assessed how the Great Teacher’s words could be most appropriately applied to treatment of gay men and lesbians in today’s civil society.
I hope you will find this helpful.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
James R. Oaksun, MBA, CLU, ChFC
Chair, Liberty For Maine
President, Virtual Galt Corporation