We began a conversation yesterday about recently departed religion scholar Walter Brueggemann. He was unique in that he was almost equal parts bible scholar, theologian, and homilist. He was also an LGBTQ+ ally. In his biblical defense of LGBTQ+ persons, Brueggemann pointed out that there are biblical texts that are tilted toward the inclusion of all persons without asking about their purity, or their acceptability to those in control. Jesus issues a welcoming summons to all who are tired, oppressed, forgotten, despised, afraid. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus is quoted as saying:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
No exclusion. Jesus is on the side of those who are, in Brueggemann’s words, “worn out.” They may be worn out by harsh living conditions, or by the heavy demands of strict religion, imposed by those who make the scriptures seem as if they are filled with judgment and exclusion.
Jesus, Brueggemann points out, mentions his light yoke in contrast to the heavy demands that are imposed by those in power. Jesus’ contemporaries had made scripture exhausting and trivial while ignoring accents of justice and mercy.
Isn’t that how people weaponize religion against the LGBTQ+ community even today? And wouldn’t, according to Brueggemann’s thinking, Jesus be far more open and accepting and understanding than those who use religion to justify hardness of heart?
