Homosexual Man Sues Bible Publishers for Emotional Distress!
Written by: Kim Sawyer
Let me start this post off by saying that what I’m about to write proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that America has become a litigious country. I know this has been said before and the court TV shows (e.g. People’s Court, Judge Mathis, Judge Judy, Divorce Court, etc.) only add credence to this statement. But the content of this post takes the grand prize for — well, I’ll let you decide what the grand prize is. Okay, here goes:
According to the Grand Rapids Press, Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, of Michigan, is seeking $60 million from Zondervan Publishers and another $10 million from Thomas Nelson Publishing in lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan. Fowler is suing these two major Christian publishers because he believes they are violating his constitutional rights, in addition to causing him emotional pain, by publishing Bible versions that refer to homosexuality as a sin. Fowler states that both Zondervan and Thomas Nelson manipulated their King James Bibles, without informing the public, by using the term ‘homosexuals’ in the scripture 1 Corinthians 6:9.
Fowler alleges that because of these publisher’s Bibles references to homosexuality as a sin, he has become an outcast to his family. In addition, Fowler believes these Bible references have contributed to physical discomfort and periods of “demoralization, chaos and bewilderment.”
What’s interesting about this lawsuit is that in some versions of the King James Bible, the word ‘homosexual’ is not used, but sexual immorality is. So, what this lawsuit may result in is the Supreme Court having to step in to translate the bible to decide what the phrase “sexual immorality” actually means. If this happens, we’re in a lot of trouble. A lot of trouble!
Something else that’s interesting about this case is that the Judge refuses to appoint an attorney to represent Fowler because the Judge feels that the Court “has some very genuine concerns about the nature of efficacy of these claims.” Fowler is looking to be compensated for the past 20 years of emotional duress and mental instability. Here’s the USAToday article that reports on the lawsuit: http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-07-09-gay-bible_N.htm
Other than hoping that Fowler screws up his defense while defending himself, I’m really at a loss here for words. What are your thoughts on this lawsuit?
Tags: King James Bible, lawsuit, Supreme Court
July 21st, 2008 at 1:41 am
Wow.. even Bible is wrong about homosexuals? I dare not to speak anything here. But, something is obviously wrong here.
Atnizs last blog post..Can you write using a pen or prefer a keyboard
July 21st, 2008 at 7:50 am
Well, well. Wasn’t it only a matter of time until something like this happened? I’m not sure if this is just restricted to America, but our society as a whole is kind of screwed up. There are so many lawsuits about ignorant things and it seems to lower our morals even more. If there is something we need right now it is morals. For America, I know where we could start with morals, but I’m going to leave him alone right now.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:54 am
Hi Atniz. Welcome to 7daybuzz.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:30 am
Being raised as a bible believer and continuing my beliefs as an adult, I can only say with sincerity, I feel sorry for this man The bible is a road map for life. Unfortunately, for some, the bible is the road not taken. (a little Robert Frost poetry)
I understand the bible can be hard to understand in some versions, I guess the most complicated is the King James but, it is not up for debate, especially when so many versions have been painstakingly produced in a variety of translations to give clarity. If we concur with a judge or any mere man, without the proper credentials, coming along and dissecting this book, as you said Kim, we are in alot of trouble. I realize as I write this comment, this post has really made me sad
July 21st, 2008 at 10:28 am
If I understand correctly, the Moslem Kuran also forbids homosexuality, so I don’t believe that it’s a case of something being lost in translation in the Bible.
Some of our attitudes, though, as individual Christians, may need some reviewing. While we may not condone certain actions or lifestyles, we should still love the people. We don’t always know what caused behavioural deviations in people – for all we know, our own actions and attitudes may have played a part in their sufferings and rebellions. If someone has a problem, we should see it as such, as something with which they may need loving help, and not merely condemnation. Sel-righteousness chases away more people than it attracts.
However, though we may understand, help and support a healing process, I do not feel that we can support their initiatives of actively promoting behavioural deviations as an acceptable, alternative life-style.
In parenthesis, I must add that I feel that one of the most destructive habits Christians (among others, of course) are prone to is that of gossip. Gossip is the cold-blooded murder of other people’s characters. Conquer that habit in ourselves, and we may be able to see our paths and functions a little more clearly.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:54 am
Are we now to have our freedom of the press rights trampled upon because a book (albeit a very important book) has offended someone? If this judge seriously considers this man’s case, I’ll have to wonder about his understanding of the Constitution. This is sad, yes, and its moral implications are worse, but we are talking about a basic constitutional right that Zondervan has chosen to exercise by publishing a book. They have done absolutely nothing wrong!
July 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am
Here’s the question. Does the bible refer to sexual immorality or does it refer to homosexuality? Sexual immorality is a term open to interpretation. Homosexuality is not. If Zondervan or any other publisher changed the terms sexual immorality–even if in context we all know what the Bible is referring to –to the specific term of homosexuality and this has caused harm to members of the gay and lesbian communities, than Zondervan may be held accountable. It’s not up for me to decide, but I don’t recall the bible referring to homosexuals by that term.
I think if this goes to court, however, the consequences will be diasterous. It’s bad enough that the Supreme Court can’t define what pornography is, but they “know it when they see it”, which is their obscenity standard.
I think the last thing anyone wants is for the US Supreme Court to rule on what they believe sexual immorality to entail.
Cheers!
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July 21st, 2008 at 11:19 am
Hi Mike. Your comments brought this question to my mind: If the issue is something you disagree with wholeheartedly, how do you contain the condemnation or self-righteousness?
July 21st, 2008 at 11:31 am
Hi Nathan. Welcome to 7daybuzz. I, too, believe that the Bible publishers have done nothing wrong. But with the Court system, you never know what you’re gonna get simply because the Judge’s interpretation is what determines the outcome of the case.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hi Matt. Welcome to 7daybuzz.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hi Kim,
I think that one can judge an issue without necessarily condemning the person.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues where the person would have to suffer consequences, such as where crimes have been commited. There are also issues where a person’s anti-social behaviour would necessitate his or her being expelled from, or isolated from, a group or congregation.
However, as Christians, I just feel that we should recognize that people do have problems, many stemming an accumulation of the sins of mankind and societies over time, and spiritually, within ourselves, we should be able to seperate the action from the person. It’s an internal attitude that hopes for healing rather than condemnation.
I don’t know if I’m expressing this well enough – but it’s the kind of attitude a qualified and caring Child and Youth Care Worker , for example, would feel about the kids in his or her care.
Mikes last blog post.."Furore over plan to take sex work in hand"
July 21st, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Hi Mike. I understand what you’re saying and I make every attempt to put this into practice. But, sometimes it’s easier said than done – especially when you read about stuff like this.
July 21st, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Deuteronomy 23:17 (King James Version) – “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.”
I got that from the Internet. If someone would be so kind as to look this up for accuracy I would appreciate it. I’m not going to paste the definition of sodomy, but it should be obvious when talking about a “son.”
July 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I couldn’t agree more, Kim. Saying the words and practising them can be very different things. Personally, I fall way short of the mark. My heroes in life are the people who get it right – especially those who work with troubled children.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Maybe he shudda just sued God and got it over with………..
July 21st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
This thing is crazy………..
July 21st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Where was all the chuch folks when this was getting started? Praying? Playing church booty call with the chior members? The church people never harldy said a word when the people in the streets was fighting this stuff. We tried to get church people to help us mark and they wouldn’t lift a finger……
July 21st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I used to be an attorney (until I got sick of it) and this type of case still baffles me. I read that article, too, and I can’t imagine how that idiot would win his suit.
But, then again, we are overlawyered here in the U.S.
I wonder about the “Constitutional rights” issue — are we now saying that the Bill of Rights, a shield to protect private citizens from the government — can now be wielded willy-nilly against private corporations?
That’s just insane.
Ethan Nobless last blog post..My office is a wreck and I like it that way
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:41 am
The lawsuit is crazy, but that scripture does speak against homosexuals. Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.
Namelesss last blog post..Do You Understand English?
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:51 am
This is just crazy. If the Bible did not officially state “homosexuality” he could have still been caused emotional distress. The Bible is not meant to be taken word for word so there is a chance he’s still be suing the publishers for damages.
This is all a stunt to get rich and famous.
Bcarters last blog post..Webhost transfer is now complete
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:59 am
I’m going to risk leaving what I think will be an unpopular response here, but I think the other side of the argument needs to have some voice.
Whenever religion -or the Bible – is used to in any way judge or hurt others, for whatever reason, I believe it does a disservice to all religious communities. This interpretation of such a great book is what needless wars, killings and pillage are bred from.
This lawsuit, no matter how ridiculous it sounds to some, represents the tip of an iceberg of needless pain and suffering brought on by religions around the world.
Self righteous Bible “experts” who use Bible interpretations to condemn others, should themselves be condemned.
I think, if we are truly Christians, we need to stop following “Christian bullies”, and start standing up for what the Bible truly represents. We have talked out of two sides of our mouths for too long.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
Hi Ethan. Welcome to 7daybuzz. It’s scary isn’t it?
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Hi Nameless. Welcome to 7daybuzz.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 am
Hi Bcarter. Welcome to 7daybuzz.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
Hi Greener Pastures. Welcome to 7daybuzz. I agree that some Bible “experts” use certain scriptures in a way that’s not constructive. However, I also believe a lot of people want to only look at or focus on the “good” in the Bible and not the “bad.” I am of the opinion that the Bible does condemn homosexuality. And I don’t agree with that lifestyle. But that does not mean I am condemning the person who engages in this activity – just the act itself. Does that make sense?
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
I don’t think your comments are unpopular, just your point of view which is always welcomed here. Some churches have over-comers ministries/groups aimed at embracing the homosexuality community instead of condemning them.
A question I have for you is what should bible believers do when faced with something that goes against the bible? Should the deciding factor to speak out or keep quiet be the interpretation? If so, we could leave many things in life up to interpretation – someone has to be the experts and tell us what things mean and in this case those experts would be preachers.
Can you explain/define what you mean by Christian bullies? I kind of know what you are saying, but I don’t want to assume.
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