Pissing off the religious right has long been a given in my life. But I have to admit to being a little rattled by the following retweet on Twitter of my novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret gender (Adelaide Books – New York/Lisbon) :
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” Revelation 22:18. (I know you don’t believe any of it but you’re in for a big shock. Enjoy your diseases!”
I have to admit that I don’t understand all of it – but it does sound unmistakably right wing. I didn’t check the accuracy of the “prophecy” so I don’t know if it actually exists or if someone made it up.
But I do understand the phrase “enjoy your diseases.”
This is one of the times, I remember the words of my long-time friend the poet Jim Cory, who wrote in a poem, “It’s not me, it’s you.”
Think about it.
What is it about LGBTQ rights that makes you uncomfortable? Really think about it.
I wonder why I received this message today. THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders was published in 2018. It has been out for a while. But why today – is it because the “United” Methodist Church decided to strengthen its bigotry against the LGBTQ community?
I wasn’t surprised to learn that its membership has been declining for some time now. I’ve known more than a few Methodists over the years. They are good people who are praying for the fate of the LGBTQ people in their church. I’m not faulting individual Methodists. At the same time, I’ve never been able to figure out how they can support such a rigid and bigoted hierarchy. I remember the 2005 inhumane treatment and defrocking of Beth Stroud, a former lesbian Methodist minister and neighbor. I remember the televised Methodist trial. It was truly abhorrent.
It’s true that time will change everything, but in the meantime many children will suffer in thinking they are sub-standard human beings.
I will continue to lobby for the rights of those in my LGBTQ community. I will continue to be on the right side of history. I am a Unitarian and Unitarians don’t believe in hell. I can’t be threatened with it.
I’ll pray for you.
Here’s my tweet that was retweeted with the message.
Pleased to announce that my novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders (Adelaide Books NY/Lisbon)(print & e-Book) is now available online & @ bookstores!
#Pushcartnominee
A #queer bible story, #UU inspired
Janet Mason, author 