Sigh, indeed.

I'm probably influenced in this comment by the fact that I just read an article in the Christian Post about a debate several prominent Christian leaders recently had about the "gifts" of prophecy and healing.

In other words, are Christians today healing the sick by "laying on of hands," and are they communicating with their god and passing on messages to Christians from their god.

What struck me about the debate is that even though the questions are empirical, not a single one of the leaders (on both the 'yes' and 'no' sides) appealed to data or other empirical evidence. It was all sandcastles in the air. As in, here's what the Bible says, and here's why my interpretation of the Bible is better than your interpretation.

Reality? Facts? Things that exist in the world that we can observe and measure? Irrelevant, apparently, or at least not important enough to introduce into the debate.

This is how we queer people feel when Christians ignore our actual existence and experiences, instead explaining us to themselves via their sacred texts.

It must be challenging to teach students with that sort of closed mindset. I remember when I was a student that it was very difficult to be around my peers who had attitudes like that. It's not any easier as an adult.

I'm glad you're able to teach what you choose and to share perspectives and experiences from literature, even when they contradict religious teachings.

We're in a position in the United States today where that sort of freedom is not taken for granted. Literature is being targeted for suppression, even at the university level, when religious people disagree with it.

There are signs that a wave of religiously inspired book bannings is easing off, but it's hard to know if the recent trend is actually fading.

In the meantime, professors of literature like you are in positions to be real heroes. Thank you for the work you do!