Who does God Love More, Republicans or Gays?

I thought the title would get your attention. It is a contraversial topic that I will try to deal with sensitively - but don't be surprised if you disagree with me. This argument is from the Christian point of view and makes some assumptions that are not here argued (primarily the rationale behind the right/wrongness of homosexuality).

While conducting a Bible discussion recently a brother professed his support for former President Bush. I was initially baffled because I very rarely met any non-American or Black person who supported Bush. His reasoning was faith-based; Bush opposed gay marriage and Republicans are statedly pro-life in the abortion debate.  The developments in California in particular have shown that many Christians (and Afro-Americans as the case may be) will support the conservative values espoused by the Republican party.

This was kind of a shock at first - I couldn't imagine supporting Bush under any circumstance. The fact that he may share a couple ideals that reflect the position of some faiths or individual religious adherents, just isn't enough for me to jump on his band wagon - I suppose I should tell you why.

Firstly, politics is not all about faith, and the brand of democracy and capitalism practiced by the Bush administration was about nothing more than money. In fact, money seemed to be so important that an unjust war was started to get more of it, or so it would seem. The lack of credibility and integrity of the Bush administration supersedes any moral stance he may take. It's like a accepting a rotten banana split with maggots and raw fish because it has fresh whipped cream on top...kinda.

If you asked me what I prefer - married gay people or the Iraq War - I say ring the wedding bells! Some Christians might have been happy about Bush's anti-gay position but consider which has done more harm - gays or the War? The gays in question are consenting adults - the Iraqis who have been killed had no say in the decision to invade their once sovereign nation. Oil companies have posted record profits (spurred on by the instability created through the Iraq war) and American contractors (Haliburton and Blackwater for example) have made millions through reconstruction projects in Iraq. And Bush went on to cut taxes for oil companies only increasing their profit margins.

In my opinion, to support Bush on two points is to ignore a great deal of very questionable decisions and positions that are distractingly un-Christian. Further, politics itself is not a happy partner for religion, and while I have my own personal convictions I have no right to force others to abide by them.

But more on gay marriage. I am not particulary opposed to it for a couple reasons. Gays marrying each other won't make them more gay or more wrong according to Christian doctrine. Christian doctrine teaches that homosexuality is wrong - that is the sin. If they marry each other they won't be comitting an extra or bonus sin, but they will have rights available to them that are now withheld. Gay marriage, in my mind, is not a moral battle but a social one about rights and equality under the law. The spiritual aspect would need be dealt with in the appropriate context. I don't believe I have a right to judge those who make no claim to my faith. The only point where I feel I have authority to challenge someone on their morality with regard to changing behaviour, is if they claim to adhere to Biblical teaching or wish to adhere to it.

This points to another issue: the dehumanization of homosexuals. I am not here challenging Biblical doctrine on homosexuality but the attitude toward homosexuals often demonstrated by the Church as a collective. This may shock some but here goes: homosexuals are human too! Angrily condeming a community from a distance is easy - but put a face, name and relationship to that community and the game changes, especially if said face has never uttered a negative word about your faith and beliefs and is a really generous and good natured person. Am I saying Christian doctrine should change? No. I am saying that attitude should.

I cannot relate to homosexual desire and that fact may colour my view of the sin as more repulsive than others. But does God grade sin the way we do? Does He struggle to love homosexuals but look at George Bush and say 'well he doesn't like gays so he can't be all that bad'? I don't think so. If we are to imitate God we have to deal with people impartially. The notion that all gays can be 'cured', for example, can be more harmful than helpful to those who may wish to convert. Doubtless some have left the behaviour and desire behind while others may find it a part of themselves for life. Either way, grace is offered to them in the same portions as any heterosexual with the according desires.

A note on the 'causes' of homosexuality. I believe to say that no homosexual is thusly oriented due to some biological disposition is as simplistic as saying all are. I don't consider the orientation natural - if it was it would be more common than 10% of the population - but I do think there are times when it is far more complex than we understand. I do think there are a variety of issues to consider (social, psychological, relational, biological etc.) and a combination thereof. To oversimplify the issue may also lead to oversimplifying the approach toward the people involved.

More can be said on the issue and while we may disagree it doesn't mean we have to be hostile about it. If my brothers and sisters wish to support Bush or a Republican stance it is their choice to do so - that should not divide a spiritual family. In the end, as surprising as it may seem, God loves us all unconditionally and equally; gays, straights and yes - W - which might be harder to believe than anything else. ;O)

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.