Dr. Talley responds to my Open Letter
Dr. Talley of Biola responded to my open letter:
Jos,
Greetings! I continue to be baffled by your characterization of Dr. Thoennes’ comments. He did not “compare” racism and homosexuality. He was attempting to display the ways the Christian community may want to treat these two distinctively when, according to his interpretation, the Bible clearly puts both in the same category. It is the different treatment, therefore, that he was seeking to underscore as absurd.
I think your concerns would receive a better platform if you would remove your concerns from the “emotive” arena and actually deal with what Dr. Thoennes was stating. It undermines all that you have to say when you do not adequately and accurately respond to someone’s words, words that are immediately accessible for all to hear. Anyone can see that you are misrepresenting him if they listen thoughtfully. You may gain a following, but the followers will also be perceived as those who simply battle in the emotional realm when they do not treat someone’s words accurately. You may have a platform of concern, but you need to be wise in the way you present your case. You have misrepresented Dr. Thoennes’ words.
The main issue between you and Dr. Thoennes, and really Biola’s commitments, is the belief that homosexuality is a sin. If you want to take on Dr. Thoennes, or Biola for that matter, that is your “battleground” but to characterize him as a bully is to misrepresent him.
Please consider this. Thanks,
dt
My response:
Dear David Talley,
My response:
Dear David Talley,
Thank you for your concern and timely response!
I admit, Dr. Thoennes was making an analogy. If you think a comparison and analogy are different, alright, fair enough, but an analogy implies the two terms are analogous. I don’t really see how that’s up for debate—it’s what he said.
To act as if the Bible is ‘clear’ on this is to erase the countless students who disagree with that. Aside from the obvious queer students who will disagree, a growing number of denominations disagree with that interpretation as well. I think you are entitled to think whatever you want about the Biblical texts in question but I also think it fair to give representation to differing interpretations of the text; I fail to see any reason against this call.
So what if I am reacting while acknowledging my emotions? I have been bullied and slurred by teachers, assaulted by self-professed Christians, and so on, all for the way I dress and present myself. Dr. Thoennes contributed to that hurt, not just for me, but for countless students. I think I’m entitled to be upset. I am not ashamed of my emotions. Also, was Thoennes reacting from an objective, emotionless state? Do emotions deter from the validity of the content of our words? Are you speaking from a place devoid of emotion? As much as I appreciate your intent to help me better strategize my call for change your words seem little more than condescending and patronizing.
I feel I have sufficiently shown in my open letter why Dr. Thoennes’ comments were bullying, erasing of trans* students and alumni, racist, and help enable and encourage institutionalized violence. If you would like to address the actual content of my letter rather than police my tone and “platform” I openly invite such a discussion.
It is not for bullies to define whether or not they are bullying. Privilege blinds the privileged. The victims define their victimization.
Thank you for your engagement,
Jos Charles
