thursday, november 16, 1978
daily nebraskan
page 5
letters
I think the idea of doing a depth report on sexuality in
last week's Fathom was an excellent one. Certainly it is a
topic that needs serious attention and discussion. Our
sexuality is a beautiful and precious gift.
I am disappointed, however, that my two-hour discus
sion with the reporter summarized in a few short para
graphs which misrepresents my views.
I was quoted as saying premarital sex doesn't bother
me if it is between two people with a good basic relation
ship -that casual sex does bother me.
In fact, all pre-marital sex is of extreme concern to me.
But the very most inhuman and damaging kind is the
casual variety. Something so potentially beautiful and
fulfilling and so potentially destructive must have some
boundaries to protect it, like the public ratification
of marriage.
I also believe that marriage does not automatically
make sex fulfilling and beautiful-that happens only when
two people share mutual trust and genuinely respect and
seek each others' good. Hopefully, by the time two people
marry, they will have established the kind of good, basic
relationship to which the fulfillment of sexual union will
give added meaning.
On the matter of ordaining admitted homosexuals I
believe my church will someday face that decision. It will
be decided, like all other policy of the church, in our
representative form of governance. If I have an opport
unity to vote on that decision, it will be against the ordi
nation of homosexuals. Unfortunately, the reporter made
it sound the other way. The article also said that the
United Methodist Church is opposed to contraceptives.
This is not the case and I did not state it to be the ease.
Mel Luetchens
Editor's note: Due to a typographical error Fathom in
accurately stated that the Lutheran and Methodist Chur
ches are opposed to birth control. The article should have
read, "Neither the Lutheran or Methodist Churches are
opposed to contraceptives." The Daily Nebraskan
apologizes for the error.
Further explanation
I am the doctor mentioned on Page 8 of the Friday,
November 10th issue, who does not wish to prescribe
contraception for unmarried students. The statement
that I wish to remain anonymous is not correct.
I do not prescribe contraception for the unmarried
for one simple and compelling reason: it is in my judg
ment that it is harmful for the person. Apart from the
physical problems of the pill, which may be in fact tol
erable, it jeopardizes the very kind of relationship and ful
fillment which is sought. Sex, isolated from the total
commitment of marriage is pleasurable for a time, but is
likely to turn to ashes over the long haul and in the exper
ience of patients with whom I have dealt, rarely achieves
the permance and oneness of a relationship which is the
ultimate joy of sexuality.
I believe that we are created with a purpose by a wise,
just and loving God. His purpose includes our fulfillment
and enjoyment in sexuality. If this is true then obviously
the surest and quickest route to fulfillment must be to
follow His directions which are very clear as revealed in
the Bible.
This does not imply that 1 am trying to force my view
of morality on any patient. Everyone is perfectly free to
choose, and indeed must choose for him or herself.
However, because I believe sincerely that the extra-marital
sex route does eventuate in less than the best, it does
make it necessary for me as a doctor to warn of what I see
ahead, just as it is often necessary for me to advise a
patient with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
to stop smoking.
Nor does this mean that I am trying to make Christians
in this way. This is not the way to make Christians. In
fact, I have no doubt that chastity for self-righteous
reasons or in prudery is very likely to become a hind
rance to a relationship with God. A vital relationship with
Him does not depend on our moral action, but on His
grace alone. It is true, however, that they way we view
sexuality reveals something of what we think of God.
I commend the Daily A'cbraskan for honestly re
porting the hypocracy of a majority of the fraternity men
interviewed with regard to their reported and actual sex
ual exploits and their feelings toward their partners in
sex. This strikingly contrasts with the reported attitudes
of sorority women . If these attitudes are indeed truly the
usual attitudes of college men and women, how can a
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Lome E. Brown, M.D.
Game proved exceptional
Since moving to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
about 15 months ago, I have been most impressed by the
character and quality of the student body, the faculty,
and the staff of this university.
Unfortunately, last Saturday's game against the
Sooners proved to be an exception to my earlier impres
sions. The integrity and character demonstrated by Coach
Osborne, the Athletic Department, the football players,
and the University of Oklahoma team and coaches were
in sharp contrast to the behavior exhibited by a number
of students and guests at the football game. It is truly a
shame that the people who threw oranges and heaped
verbal abuse on the Oklahoma team could not demon
strate, in victory, the graciousness and character that the
Oklahoma team so amply demonstrated in defeat.
Continued on Page 6
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