Lord Given Lovers
by
Christopher Hubble
iUniverse, Oct 2003
Paper 96 pages
$12.95
ISBN 0-595-29869-9
Jonathan Loved David...and David exceeded [1 Samuel 20:41 KJV]
“We love with passion, and we love with great majesty. That is our
beauty and our magnificence.” What an exhilarating thought!
The Biblical account of Jonathan and David, related in 1, 2 Samuel in
the Old Testament, fires the imagination with drama and passion. It is
a story of intrigue, of loyalty and betrayal, of emotion and love—a
story of death and of loss. What stirs within the modern breast are
those same qualities—human needs and human desires. That the story of
Jonathan and David compels the human spirit in remarkable ways is
attested to by a wealth and variety of commentary widely available.
Christopher Hubble, in Lord Given Lovers, adds yet another plate onto
the table.
Lord Given Lovers
displays an “intimate Biblical relationship between two men that had a
sexual component and that is also described as a covenant relationship
involving the ‘binding’ of two souls.” Hubble observes, “Jonathan fell
in love with David. David and Jonathan were...joined in a marriage
covenant...holy union...same-sex coupling.” He uses the story as a
vehicle to show that “same-sex love is normal and acceptable,” and to
show “same-sex marriage as a spiritual, human, or civil right—and (to)
justify that argument theologically.”
Hubble contrasts the “intrinsic divinity of homosexuality [the “H”
word!]” with the widespread notion that “[the “H” word!]1 violates the
laws of God,” stating that the Bible specifically and affirmatively
addresses same-sex love. He asserts, “A redefined cultural and societal
understanding of [the “H” word!] derived from, and supported
theologically by the Bible, will have a profound impact...” He further
addresses, “The Bible is the primary weapon...to justify...continued
intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry.”
I admit I had to pluck from the cupboard a version or two of the O.T.
and refresh my memory. The story of Jonathan and David reflects from
childhood Sunday School lessons—one of those loving and lovely Bible
stories, almost-told, not-quite-deciphered, that touched the harp
strings of an innocent young boy, languishing on a path to distant gay
horizons. Jonathan and David, a tender story of great passion that
quickened the pulse of a late-teen’s awareness that men could love one
another; Jonathan and David, is a banner story of strength and
perseverance, that enlarged the vision of a young gay man moving beyond
liberation into a ripening gay sense of self. Jonathan and David has it
all—a story of our gay needs and strengths, our gay vision and
creativity, our gay losses, our gay triumphs.
Jonathan loved David. What more can I ask? That simple statement sang
to me in the sunny silence and wonder of childhood. Its lyric truth has
remained in my breast through many seasons. It is infallible, a
testament to God’s infinite love. “One who does not love does not know
God’s love, for God is love.” [1 John 4:8] Hubble writes of “our most
Godly instinct—the instinct to bond lovingly, and intimately with
another human being.” He asserts, “God loves us unconditionally,
immeasurably, and infinitely.”
To what larger purpose can be served by the assertion that Jonathan’s
and David’s love is proof of same-sex holy marriage? In view of
widespread evidence that most “marriages” today are anything but holy,
I for one would not impose a modern failure on the O.T. lovers.
Jonathan’s and David’s love encompassed loyalty and commitment—to one
another! Jonathan displays selfless giving, a wholesale act of devotion
leading to, in Hubble’s words, “collapse of boundaries and deflation of
the ego.” He states, “The need to care for and nurture those
individuals and communities that are important to us is one of the most
intrinsic human needs.” The real meat is brought out and placed on the
table: “Commitment is the bedrock that creates stability in
relationships.”
“Our real dilemma is a spiritual one. Coming out...is a spiritual
experience...we are reborn.” Hubble impresses on his reader that
dignity and self-respect come from full acceptance of oneself. Living
closeted is living a lie—in effect, a true sin. He points to our
separation from true human community. This writer will append to that
separation from the community of God’s loving embrace. We are a God
question, not a political one—God has answered that question!
Lord Given Lovers
is a short tract, designed for study sessions, although it can be read
as a single piece. Inclusion of some discussion, relative to societal
and cultural attitudes of the time with specific emphasis on same-sex
relationships, could have broadened Hubble’s scope. The work gives
pause for reflection. A reader is encouraged to approach the Bible with
fresh eyes. Bringing to bear on Scripture our special sensitivity and
awareness can only extend the Bible’s reach. Lord Given Lovers should find a
place in study groups, especially among youth-oriented groups and
organizations. Moreover, it should be required reading of all
mainstream religious and church study programs.
There are yet untapped riches in the story of Jonathan’s and David’s
love for one another. We as gay men and women with unique spirituality
must explore ways to seize as our own the Bible, ways that will cast it
from the hands of those who use it as a weapon against us. Surely, God
must say to them, Not in My Name! Jonathan and David is one such gay
resource. Hubble may continue to expand the story. I will anticipate
future feasts at such banquets.
Readers may find of additional interest, among other reading:
“Jonathan and David,” by The Rev. Harry Scott Coverston,
www.leeellis.com/jonathandavid.html
“The Gay 1090s B.C.–Were David and Jonathan Gay Lovers?” by James
Patrick Holding, www.tektonics.org/gaydavid.html
“David and Jonathan,” Rainbow Alliance, http://rainbowallianceopenfaith.homestead.com/GayLove3.html
and “King David 3–David and Jonathan,” by Robert Hamerton-Kelly, www.wvchurch.org/sermons01/07080123.htm
Larry Dean Hamilton
SigmaΣLogo™ Books
1 The “H” word is of medical/clinical construct,
used in the arsenal of homophobia. Historically, the word has been used
to denigrate persons of same-sex affection/attraction. It insinuates a
case history, an illness and a crime and has no redemptive value
connoting pride, integrity and worth. In this writer’s estimation, the
“H” word has no place in a queer-positive vocabulary.
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