Saturday, July 04, 2009

TV gameshow offers atheists 'salvation' - CNN.com

This interesting - pretty topical and cutting edge I think.

What do you say?

TV gameshow offers atheists 'salvation' - CNN.com.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Exorcising Your Rights? Demons of Homosexuality

The Original Exorcist
Many may have already seen the frightening and  pitiful YouTube 'exorcism' of a 16 year old boy. This 'spiritual' approach of the Manifestation of Glory Ministries in Connecticut is not strange amongst Charismatic and Pentecostal movements. Perhaps a look at the thinking within the denominations in question can shed light on this dehumanising ritual.

Jesus encountered a few demons during his sojourn on Earth and the Bible does attribute illnesses and afflictions to demons (Matthew 9:31-33 & Matthew 12: 21-23) though it also distinguishes demon possession as an affliction separate from physical illness (Matthew 4:23-25). Some movements have extended this demonic association to many things even beyond illness, to sinful acts and attitudes (like arrogance or hatred), stubbed toes, acid reflux and now, homosexuality.

The thinking behind this is that everything in the physical world is affected by the spiritual world. Because one, according to Ephesians 6, is in a spiritual battle 'against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' then it must follow that demons are everywhere lying in wait to make you gay, arrogant, greedy or Republican.

The Devil Made Me Do...Everything
This view takes personal responsibility for one's own thoughts, actions and attitudes completely out of the picture, and advocates the 'devil made me do it' philosophy. Nothing is done out of will, intent or choice but we are under the control of some demon or other when we, for example, exceed the speed limit. This view also assumes that everything can be handled with a quick roll-on-the-ground exorcism (or some other spiritual rite) complete with projectile vomit. Everything including homosexuality or bad grades perhaps. This of course means one doesn't have to study to pass exams - just exorcise the 'demon of dunce'. This thinking also flies in the face of James (1 v 14&15) assertion that '...each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.' The obvious suggestion here is that we are responsible for our own actions - whatever they might be.

This obsession with the demonic is an easy way out of providing love, counselling, a listening ear, daily self-discipline or qualified care to those who need it. It's a quick fix that requires no thought, long suffering or effort on the part of the exorcist or the 'possessed'. It requires no depth of character or love. Anyone can roll on the ground without much practice, and shouting 'begone' into a microphone is easier than teaching someone the value of self-control and setting an example thereof. It wouldn't  be unreasonable to conclude that the desired results of this approach would last as long as the rite itself. But while people should be free to live according to what sexual orientation they find they have, there are those who wish to walk a path contrary to inner inclinations which, in this argument, happen to be homosexual desire. And make no mistake, there are those who have willingly made the move. Indeed, if Kinsey's  Scale is correct, then such a move will be easier for some than others.

The key element in this issue might be honesty. Even if a homosexual wishes not to live according to said desires, he will and should accept the reality of the desires as a part of who he is - so should his church family. Some folks have apparently converted their faith and sexual orientation with no looking back. But if a person is on the extreme right of the Kinsey Scale then this may not be possible. Though they may make a conscious choice based on their convictions, they might just have to accept that the desires are a permanent fixture (and to be sure there is a distinct difference between orientation and lifestyle - one need not act on desire whatever the orientation). Sexual issues can come with lots of baggage (even without sex involved we all have our carry-on luggage)  often being complicated by abuse, dysfunctional relationships, neglect, gender confusion, physical sexual ambiguity and so on. The view that every gay person is born thus oversimplifies the issue as much as thinking no one is born thus. It is one thing to undergo a religious conversion and quite another to resolve what might be deep psychological and emotional issues. Here, the suggestion may be that folks who are homosexual may not be so for identical reasons, and to formulate a rote response to a complex issue is a fast track to an assembly line of damaged goods.

The Right to Do or Not to Do
However, many are condemning this YouTube 'exorcism' because they think homosexuality isn't wrong in the first place - but haven't considered that the freedom for which we strive includes the freedom to deny our impulses as well - to choose another path. The Proposition 8 controversy in California, while seen as a dark day for democracy, is actually a victory for democracy as much as legalising gay marriage has been a victory in other states. In both cases the voice of the people was heard. The majority spoke and the majority won. That is democracy. The important and often overlooked element is attitude. It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. But the homosexual debate is taking a turn to extremes on either side. Disapprove of homosexuality and you are an inhuman, irrational Jesus freak - advocate for it and you are the devil's spawn. Even though the application and brand of 'help' offered to this young man may have been totally useless and indeed harmful, his desire to seek  help was and still is his own personal choice.

There is no doubt that the discussed approach to spiritual development in general, and homosexuality in particular, is profoundly destructive. It wasn't demons that were attacked at this church in Connecticut - but a young man's dignity and right to a confidential listening ear and learned answer. The kind, perhaps, that Jesus would have offered. What actions will be taken against the church, if any, remain to be seen, and while we all have a right to our opinion, I am willing to assert that this church was exorcising the wrong right.