‘Abomination’ Doesn’t Mean What They Think It Means
How one word became ammunition for selective moral outrage under the guise of Christianity
“Homosexuality is an abomination! It is an abomination before God! Repent now, or burn in eternal damnation!”
Such were the sentiments bellowed by the Christian street preacher before his crowd — a thin crowd, but a hungry one. The unanimous cheering in return echoed against the few city buildings, reverberating proof that Rev. Jim was preaching to the choir.
Growing up in the ‘80s, it wasn’t unusual to hear feverish pulpiters posturing like this. Condemning whatever they saw as “abominations” seemed to be the specialty of Christian preachers and their televangelist cohorts alike. Especially in the south, where ‘fire and brimstone’ messages were notably effective.
The coupling of frightening imagery with warnings of eternal damnation — when delivered with just the right balance of zeal and ire — adequately scared many people into submission. Public proclamation of faith and baptism by water would soon follow, symbolic gestures of “washing away” one’s sins and being “reborn” in the Christian faith.
