Good afternoon,

In June of 2008 and 2009, egalitarian and author, LaShawn Fowler, filed a civil complaint against three of the leading Bible publishing company’s in North America; for misleading American’s to discriminate against homosexuals, when they agreed to allow the Bible to reflect a negative connotation that homosexuals would not inherit the kingdom of God. Sadly, shortly after, the District Court Judge dismissed the case as being frivolous. However, the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals discovered the District Court Judge failed to follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as required.

And although the case is presently pending further review, LaShawn felt compelled to compose a fiction novel based on the facts. Interestingly, his new book titled Love Is the Ultimate Message, ISBN 13: 978-0-557-43287-5; provides an exclusive look at scriptural interpretation and why Bible Committee’s shouldn’t be allowed to revise the Bible.

Excerpt

After lunch, everyone returned to the courtroom. The Professor was lucky enough to talk with his friends and mother, but still hadn’t been able to find Michael. While in the hall, he was interviewed by a few of the reporters from local news networks, as well as a few reporters from such networks as the BBF and CBD News; two of the most respected international news networks.

Meanwhile, back in the court room when the Judge returned, he asked both attorney’s to approach the bench. Doing so evoked the spectator’s to begin chit-chatting softly, as if they were anxiously debating the verdict. Then, the Professor’s mother was called to the stand. Shocked, Mother Tanley stood in the audience and proceeded up front and over to the witness stand, where she took her seat.

Then suddenly, the Defendant’s attorney approached her.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Tanley, is that correct?”

She stated it was correct.

“Mrs. Tanley, how old was your son when you he told you he was a homosexual?”

Mother Tanley looked away from the grey haired man and pondering the question momentarily, and answered, “Eleven or twelve.”

“And how did you react? Did you scold him or chastise him afterwards?”

“No more or no less than I’d done any time before. Bastian was my only son, so I had great expectations of him” She shared.

“And what expectations did you have?”

“Well, for one, I expected him to raise a family of his own, have children and get married.”

“And if he didn’t what would be the consequences?”

“I didn’t think of it like that. I was taught that a man belongs with woman, and that homosexuality was a sin. I never wanted to place such a burden on my son; I just thought it was socially normal for him to have children and get married.”

The Judge interrupted, “What is your point?”

“Your Honor, I’m done.” He stepped away and returned to the table.

The Judge then asked, “Are there any more questions for the witness?”

Neither attorney spoke up, so he excused Mother Tanley.

Then, the Defendants attorney called someone from the Bible Committee to the stand. Immediately, a short, stubby lady rose from the chair, wearing a black pin-striped suit and a huge black hat, with a white band and feathers. She walked from behind the table and eased her way towards the witness stand and sat down.

Then, the Professor’s attorney approached her.

“Good afternoon, would you state your name please?”

The lady complied and answered the question.

“Sure, my name is Mrs. Juanita Clarson, Sir.”

“And what is your position on the Bible Committee?”

The older woman cleared her throat and responded, “”I’m a board member, who helps make the decision on what revisions should be made to the scriptures.”

“And how is that decision made?”

“What decision?”

“The decision to revise the scriptures; how often is that done?”

“The scriptures are revised several times throughout the year. Each Bible is different. So it depends on what Bible we are working on at the time.”

“So several times a year the Bible Committee sits around and decides what scriptures need to be changed and which ones don’t; correct?”

“Yes, that’s pretty much the process, Sir.”

“And who decides if the terminology included fits the text? I mean to classify one particular group of people as being unworthy of acceptance into the kingdom of heaven over another, especially from book-to-book, that must create some type of challenge for you all?”

“Yes, Sir it does. We often follow the standard procedures. With so many changes being added to the text during each publishing period, it’s sort of challenging to decide if one word is suitable over another. But, since you’re referring to the issue about homosexuality, I can only say that, our committee members each have a conservative view on human sexuality. And since two people of the same sex can’t make children, we go with tradition. Now, I understand the Professor’s position, but he must also understand the dilemma we are faced with when trying to convey the same ethical message as our ancestry.”

“But how can you even convey the same message as those who previously compiled the text when you weren’t on that committee?”

“We follow strict guidelines, and stay within those restrictions.”

The attorney walked back over to his desk and grabbed the Bible. He then opened the book to Second Peter and asked the lady to read aloud verse twenty and twenty-one; of Chapter One.

“Sure; knowing this first that no part of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

He then asked her to read the next scripture, which he found in Revelation Twenty-two verse eighteen and nineteen.

“For I testify unto everyone man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book, and if any man shall take away from the words of this book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

He then asked her to read several other scriptures, which included Romans Four verse twenty-eight, which states, therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. And, Romans Three verse twenty, which states, Therefore by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. He then had her read Romans Ten verse six and seven, which states, But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on the wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? That is, to bring down Christ from above, or, who shall descend into the earth below, that is to bring up Christ from the dead.

Then, he asked her to read I Corinthians Two verse fourteen, which instructs, But the natural man receive not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. And finally, he pointed out Luke Seventeen verse twenty-one which states; neither shall they say Lo here! Or, lo there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

“Your Honor, I have no further questions.” The attorney stated, as he closed the Bible and turned away.

The Judge asked the Defendants attorney if he had anything else to say, and he answered, “No, Your Honor.”

Then, the Judge made his final analyst, before asking both attorney’s to follow him into his chambers. The two gentlemen complied and stood; immediately following the Bailiff and walking beyond the doors leading to the back of the court, and into the Judges chambers.

Meanwhile, the courtroom filled with loud out burst of conversations. People were debating how the final judgment would be in favor of the Plaintiff’s, and how it would change the way the Bible was revised from now on.

In the Judges Chambers, the two attorney’s couldn’t help but conclude that the final decision was unanimous…the Plaintiff’s were correct in their assessment.

“Your Honor, this is going to change the way society embraces the Bible.” The Defendant’s attorney proclaimed. While, the Plaintiffs attorney was concerned for his clients well being.

“Gentlemen, I’ve reviewed the facts in this case. Even looking at the First Amendment, I cannot exclude the fact that everyone has a right to their religious beliefs. Moreover, each person has a right to assemble, as long as that assembly doesn’t infringe on the rights of another. Contrary to historical events, I must admit, we are facing the most challenging issue this country has ever seen. But, the law must remain in order. I have no other way of looking at this; the judgment is in fact on behalf of the Plaintiffs.” The Judge stated regrettably.

“Then it’s settled; the case will be finalized by the jury.” The Defendant’s Attorney insisted.

“That’s fine with us.” The Plaintiffs attorney agreed.

Minutes after the gentlemen returned to the court room, the Judge instructed the jury to weigh their decision and make a decision that was fair and unbiased, and then scheduled that they return within twenty-four hours with a decision. Seconds after, the jury was escorted out of the court room.

“I’m going to call a recess in this case. Court will rejoin in one hour.” The Judge insisted.

One hour later, the jury was escorted back into the court room. Everyone seated in the room was on pins and needles, awaiting the judgment of a life time. The Bailiff walked over and stood next to the Judges bench and waited for the Judge to enter the room.

“All rise.”

Everyone stood, filled with excitement. Meanwhile, the Professor was examining the letter he’d received from Michael, which Janet handed him outside in the hall during recess. So instead of paying attention to the jury’s decision, he was too busy reading what the letter said.

Dear Bastian, It was a pleasure meeting you. I know you’re wondering why I’m writing you like this, but my time is up here on earth, I must return to my duties with our Creator. It was an honor to have been assigned to you and see you stand firm in your quest for justice here in such a troubled world. But, I know God was true in asking you to take this position. After you walk out of the court room, you won’t remember much of what has happened; after all, things will become anew. The sun will shine through all darkness and people will begin to smile once again.

I hope when we meet again, you will have that same joyful attitude you had when we first met. People have been so mistreated here on earth that they’ve forgotten what it was like to know love, but my dear brother, I love you, and so does our Heavenly Father. You take care and remember one important thing, God is always with you.

The Professor turned back and looked at Janet and smiled. He then looked at Pastor Manchez, who was smiling from ear-to-ear. Then, he looked over at his mother, who was twiddling her thumbs with her eyes closed.

“Has the Jury made their decision?”

“Yes, your Honor, we have.”

“And how do you favor?”

“In the case, the Jury finds for the Plaintiffs.”

The courtroom erupted into a loud burst of confusion. People were yelling and screaming, Thank you, Jesus; while others weren’t as happy with the outcome.

“Would the attorney’s in this case please stand with your clients?” The Judge ordered.

Each of them stood, and the Judge repeated the Jury’s decision, and hammered his gavel. He then awarded the Professor a settlement in the amount of one million dollars, and awarded each Plaintiff, one million dollars, as well.

The following day, back at the safe house, as Dr. Tanley and his mother was busy packing their belongings preparing to leave; each of them decided it was best to return home. They felt doing so would allow the Professor a great opportunity to begin teaching additional courses on homosexuality and religious ethics. He also decided to donate all but one hundred thousand dollars of the money to the United States Air Force. After all, he had been informed by his attorney that he was going to be followed by a GPS system, and would be under surveillance for a very long time, so there was no need to worry about anyone hurting him.

Meanwhile, weeks after their return home, the Professor stopped over to visit Wendy, who had gotten engaged and was expecting her first child. She was so excited; she could barely wait to begin decorating the baby’s room.

“So what are you expecting?” Bastian asked.

“I’m having a little boy.” She replied, with a smile.

“Congratulations! Have you decided on a name yet?”

“Yes. I’m going to name him Michael Tanley Justice.”

“Have you heard from Melody?” He asked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, she’s on campus registering for her Master’s Degree in Theology, today. She said it was time she made a difference in the world, and decided to begin doing so by teaching the wisdom of God.”

To order a copy of Love Is The Ultimate Message click the following link
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback-bo…

LaShawn is available for interviews. You can contact him at 734-478-1653