At the expense of repeating myself, I would like to correct a common misconception that world religions universally condemn homosexuality and homosexuals as inferred by Zulqarnain Lukman in his letter 'Gays, Islam and the Constitution (July 16).

In fact, there is a range of views among Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim scholars on sexual orientation. Although it may not be the majority view in these religions, there are many who believe that it is not against God's will to live an honest life, and that includes being honest to our own sexual orientation.

I must thank the women in my life who have helped me open my mind. Many times we had discussions about the truth or reality of a situation. Although what they were saying was not my own experience, since I was not in their shoes, I could not deny their experience. Every person experiences the world differently, and that is the reality.

And how do we judge if something is or is not God's way?

Erich Fromm, I believe, gives a good framework. Actions that enhance biophilia (the love of life) are to be supported, and those that exhibit necrophilia (the love of death) are to be avoided.

It is necessary for heterosexuals to listen to the experience of homosexuals. It is only in this way that we can increase our understanding of the way God works in this world.