This is regarding Jeff Belcher's May 17 letter titled "Gay marriage? Leviticus clear on that, much else."

I am so "over the top" with commentaries from people who clearly have no idea what the Bible states regarding this topic that I couldn't let this go unanswered.

People need to understand the truth about Leviticus 18 regarding homosexuality and other various laws set forth--which, by the way, mirrors dialogue from an early episode of "West Wing."

The Levitical laws were given to the nation of Israel at a time just prior to their entry into the land promised to them by God. They offered moral direction and a means to help them maintain their identity and purity as they settled among an immoral and depraved society.

And the New Testament didn't come about because "people's beliefs and feelings changed as they became wiser," as was stated in his letter. It came about by the death and resurrection of Jesus, allowing believers today to live under the grace offered by His shed blood.

That means the law of the Old Testament doesn't apply to us today.

It appears Mr. Belcher simply stopped reading too soon. Had he continued through the Scripture, he would have found numerous New Testament verses that discuss the sin of immoral sexual behavior (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 18 and Ephesians 4:19 to name a few). And what exactly defines immoral behavior? Romans 1:26-27 clearly defines it as homosexuality.

While I refuse to get into religious debates with those who would take Holy Scripture out of context, I will close by simply cautioning against careless blasphemy against a Holy God who gives you the air you breathe. Think what you will; believe what you will; but know this: There will be a judgment for all mankind. This isn't up for a vote.

Joy Nieves

Stafford