A comedian created “Was Jesus Gay?” as a comedy video, but most of it makes good sense to me as a lesbian Christian.
The popular video was made by Pat Condell, an English comedian and outspoken atheist. His online video monologues of what he calls “godless comedy” have gotten more than 15 million hits. “Was Jesus Gay?” has nearly half a million views.
I started watching Condell’s gay Jesus video without knowing that it was intended as comedy. I thought he was a serious church leader, and kept wondering, “Why haven’t I heard of this theologian before?!”
The video begins with some well-deserved barbs against the Church for mistreating gays. Then Condell states, “I’ve heard it suggested from some people that Christians are so irrationally obsessed with this subject because deep down they’re terrified that Jesus himself might have been gay.”
He talks about how Jesus spent the night with a naked youth in the Secret Gospel of Mark. He speculates about what John meant when he called himself “the one who Jesus especially loved.” He also discusses Jesus’ heterosexual marriage in some of the other Gnostic gospels. All these theories about Jesus’ relationships are common topics of serious study by queer scholars.
My favorite part of the video is when Condell asks, “If somebody could prove historically beyond all doubt that Jesus was in fact homosexual, would Christians then reject Jesus or would they reject the evidence -- as usual?”
Good question. _______ Cross-posted at the Jesus in Love Blog by Kittredge Cherry, lesbian Christian author and editor of the Jesus in Love Newsletter on GLBT spirituality and the arts.
On Sunday, June 28, Jeff Lutes (Executive Director of Soulforce) and
two of his three children met with John Hagee and his wife, Diane, after
the 11am worship service at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. Jodie
Eldridge (Executive Director of Atticus Circle) was also in attendance,
along with a few other members of the Hagee family and church staff.
In the roughly thirty minute meeting, Lutes shared his concerns
about the way in which Hagee and others falsely claim that LGBTQ people are
a danger to children, marriage, and society, and explained the damage such
rhetoric can cause to the lives of LGBTQ people and their families. Hagee
listened, said that he was moved by the gracious tone of Lutes's June 4
letter, and asked Lutes to serve as his point of contact to the LGBTQ
community in the future. Both sides listened respectfully as the other
shared stories and personal experiences.
Lutes asked Hagee to consider an
ongoing series of conversations about this topic within a
yet-to-be-determined framework. Hagee agreed to this possibility and asked
Lutes to email a proposed format for such continued dialogue. The
differences between us were clear and transparent; yet the courage to have
this conversation also produced a connection based on our common humanity.
Meanwhile, a delegation of approximately sixty LGBTQ people and their
straight allies conversed at a reception with dozens of Cornerstone pastors
and leaders in the church's chapel. Soulforce and Atticus Circle delegates
looked for common ground while letting Cornerstone leaders know why LGBTQ
equality is so important.
Cornerstone Church is one of the largest single congregrations in Texas
and John Hagee has been named one of the country's most influential
religious leaders. Coverage from the event included this San Antonio Express-News article, looking at both
parties' views on how the conversations went;
this WOAI-AM article, which called the meeting
"historic," and this Austin American-Statesman article from Saturday,
previewing the meeting.
This visit to Cornerstone marks the launch of Sundays of
Solidarity, a joint program of Soulforce and Atticus Circle that
encourages groups of LGBTQ and allied people around the country to train
themselves in nonviolent direct action and communication, and then attend
worship services and seek conversation with leaders at a church of their
choice - a church that is not welcoming and affirming of openly LGBTQ
members and guests.
BRIDGEPORT,
Conn. - The video shows the 16-year-old boy lying on the floor, his
body convulsing, as elders of a small Connecticut church cast a
"homosexual demon" from his body.
"Rip
it from his throat!" a woman yells. "Come on, you homosexual demon! You
homosexual spirit, we call you out right now! Loose your grip, Lucifer!"
The
20-minute video posted on YouTube by Manifested Glory Ministries is
being called abuse by gay and youth advocates, who are demanding an
investigation. But a church official this week denied that the teenager
was injured or that the church is prejudiced.
"We believe a man should be with a woman and a
woman should be with a man," the Rev. Patricia McKinney told The
Associated Press. "We have nothing against homosexuals. I just don't
agree with their lifestyle."
'Come out of his belly' The
church posted the video on YouTube but has since removed it; it is
still available on some Web sites that copied it. The church declined
to make the video available for distribution by The Associated Press.
It shows church members standing the youth on his feet by holding him under his arms, and people shouting as organ music plays.
"Come out of his belly," someone commands. "It's in the belly — push."
Later, the teenager is back on the floor, breathing heavily. Then he's coughing and apparently vomiting into a bag.
"Get another bag," a participant says. "Make sure you have your gloves."
As the youth lay back on the ground, limp, church members put a white sheet over him.
It's
nearly impossible to say how often similar exercises occur in churches
nationwide. But Kamora Herrington, who runs a mentoring program at True
Colors and has worked with the youth, said she believes it's fairly
common.
"This happens all the time," she said. "This is not isolated."
Robin
McHaelin, executive director of True Colors, an advocacy group for gay
youths, said her organization is aware of five cases in recent years in
which youths in her program were threatened with exorcism.
'I think it's horrifying' In
one case, she said, a child called to report that his caregiver had
called a priest who was throwing holy water on his bedroom door.
"I
think it's horrifying," McHaelin said of the video by Manifested Glory.
"What saddens me is the people that are doing this think they are doing
something in the kid's best interests, when in fact they're murdering
his spirit."
McHaelin
said she planned to report the situation to the Connecticut Department
of Children and Families. An agency spokesman said the agency does not
comment on complaints or investigations.
"They have this kid in a full nelson," she said. "That just seems abusive to me."
McKinney said the youth was 18. The boy confirmed he is 16 but otherwise declined to comment, citing the advice of his pastor.
McHaelin
said the boy told her staff that the church performed the ritual three
times at his request. She said the boy has been engaging in risky
behavior that she blames on the church's treatment.
McKinney said the youth went to the church last year and collapsed on the floor during a service.
"He was out of control in the church," she said. "This young man came to us. We didn't go to him."
'He didn't want to be like that' McKinney
denied the ritual was an exorcism, describing it instead as a casting
out of spirits. She said the church took care of the youth, providing
him clothes.
"He was dressing like a woman and everything. And he didn't want to be like that," McKinney said.
The
teen had been in reform school for stealing but was eager to get out
and go to the church to have what he thought were his demons driven
out, Herrington said.
Exodus
International, a Christian group that believes gays can become straight
through prayer and counseling, does not advocate the church's approach,
said Jeff Buchanan, director of church equipping.
The
Rev. Roland Stringfellow, a minister in Oakland, Calif., said he was
subject to demon casting in the 1990s when he was at a Baptist church
and was struggling with his sexuality. He said he was put in front of
the church as members shouted "demon of homosexuality come out of him."
"It caused nothing but shame and embarrassment," Stringfellow said.
McKinney
also has a weekly radio program. She talked on Wednesday's program
about being "persecuted" in recent days but did not mention the video
specifically.
"It's
been a hard time for me, but I'm looking good and I'm standing strong
because when you have a mandate like mine you're not going to say what
you want without the adversary coming after you," she said. "If you are
a true prophet you're not going to be popular with the people."
Together In Faith Collaborative - Registration Deadline Thursday 3pm!
Together In Faith Collaborative - BECOME A PEACE BUILDER!
Friday, May 15th 5pm - 9pm (Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House) &
Saturday, May 16th 9am - 5pm (Detroit Cobo Hall)
Become an Inclusive Justice Peace Builder!
Actions that lead to problem solving or resolution of longstanding
conflicts begin with constructive speech. Like any form of action,
speech can be non-violent or violent. Dialogue that builds common
ground is essential for peace and leads to healing, transformation and
beloved community. In potentially violent or difficult situations, we
are presented with an opportunity. We can give you the skills you need
to deescalate and connect. By building on the C-LARA Method, (Center,
Listen, Affirm, Respond and Add) utilized internationally in peace
building and conflict resolution, the Inclusive Justice Program can
assist your congregation, organization or school in building an
environment where all are valued and peace is promoted.
This year's Together In Faith Collaborative partners with Michigan
Policy Summit to bring you a groundbreaking keynote speaker, Dean
Baker, Co-Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research
followed by a dynamic panel of Michigan experts moderated by our very
own Charles Pugh, former anchor on Fox 2 News and radio host for FM 98
WJLB!
Registration Includes:
• Internationally recognized training that can be employed in schools,
congregations, organizations and our personal relationships.
• Friday Dinner & Saturday Lunch.
• Entrance to the Michigan Policy Summit Keynote & Panel.
• Updates on LGBT Legislative Initiatives state and nationa.l
• Opportunity to change your life, your community and the world with other amazing indviduals!
• People traveling over 30 miles will be provided shared housing. Registration Required.
Who Should Come :
• Clergy & Leaders
• Activists & Teachers
• Faith Action Network Participants & Leaders
• Anyone interested in making Michigan a more peaceful state & a beloved community!
Clergy Call for Justice and Equality -- two days of prayer and lobbying for GLBT rights -- begins tomorrow, May 4, in Washington, DC. May God be with them!
Clergy of all faith will gather from across the U.S. to worship together and get “tools for the journey,” including specific training on lobbying. Then Tuesday, May 5 is “Lobby Day,” when they make lobby visits to assigned politicians.
They will raise progressive religious voices in favor of important laws such as the Hate Crimes Bill and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. They will also support an end to the military’s Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.
This looks huge. My partner looked over my shoulder as I was browsing through the announcement on my computer. “Are those all the attendees?” she asked.
“No, that’s only the SPEAKERS!”
The Clergy Call is sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign. I’m thrilled that the HRC is doing so much about spirituality these days. They are also joining with MyOutSpirit.com to sponsor this year’s National Coming Out Day on the theme “Coming Out Spiritually.”
A touching video supports same-sex marriage -- at a time when group divorce is threatened for 18,000 same-sex marriages in California. I was moved by seeing images of real gay and lesbian couples set to the song “Fidelity” by Regina Spektor.
Courage Campaign made the music video to inspire people to sign a petition to the California Supreme Court to protect same-sex marriage. Petition deadline: Valentine’s Day!
News broke Tuesday (Feb. 3) that the state Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on March 5, then decide within 90 days about the validity of Prop 8 and the 18,000 marriages.
Ken Starr -- yes, the prosecutor who led the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton -- filed a legal brief for the "Yes on 8" campaign. It would forcibly divorce the 18,000 same-sex couples married in California last year before the passage of Prop 8.
When Starr's legal brief went public in December, the Courage Campaign immediately launched the "Don't Divorce..." campaign, asking members to send pictures with a simple message.
See those beautiful, powerful photos on the music video, and consider signing the petition at CourageCampaign.org.
Unfortunately, a misunderstanding of Warren’s
comments has been widely and loudly disseminated by my fellow progressives,
describing Warren as bigoted and
hateful, when, in fact, his comments reflect an unusual depth of understanding
about gay marriage as a civil rights issue.
Warren may be,
as The Task Force warns, an outspoken
opponent of reproductive choice and stem-cell research, and that should concern
us, but he has never equated marriage between same-sex couples with
incest and pedophilia.
In this video, posted on the Saddleback
website on December 22, the Sunday before Christmas, Warren says, flat-out, "I believe no such thing. I never have." In the video, Warren explains again that he has always firmly believed that gay couples
– and other non-traditional families – should have equal access to the rights
and responsibilities of marriage.He just
doesn’t think it should be called “Marriage.”
At the same time, framing
this passionate and unrelentingly civil Christian leader as a hateful bigot in
the style of Jerry Falwell is unacceptable and counter-productive.
I take that back.Attacking Warren is only
counter-productive if you value dignified and thoughtful coalition-building for
the long-term success of our movement for the equal rights and recognition of
LGBT families.
If your priority is increasing year-end fundraising, riling up
your base, or keeping your issues in the news, then attacking Warren makes perfect sense.
We should be better than that, especially as spiritual LGBT
people.We should educate our community
to have deep perspicacity about our issues, and to have the maturity to do the
long-term work of creating change.
LGBT activists from around the country will convene in
Denver, CO, at the end of January to train and network and get inspired at The Task Force’s Creating Change conference, and
I hope the messages that emerge will reflect the world as it is, and not the
twisted sound-bites and caricatures that too often define the discussion, as in
the case of Rick Warren.
Let's resolve to do better in 2009.
Love,
Clayton
P.S. Of course, these are MY views and do not neccessarily reflect the views of MyOutSpirit.com or its 1,000+ members and resources.
The following Thanksgiving thoughts are taken from a lesbian’s thank-you letter to her neighborhood association in California after the election.
“Thank you to all our straight neighbors, allies and friends who put up yard signs, made phone calls and supported the huge lesbian and gay civil rights movement to make marriage for our people legal in the State of California. I loved those NO ON 8 SIGNS!! “…I remember the days when there were no straight people at any of our events, and certainly for decades straight people wanted nothing to do with us. Now something amazing has changed, and I feel proud of our little neighborhood where people literally put signs in the yards that I felt personally supported me. I smile every time I drive by all your houses now because I remember where all the signs were.”
Thousands of people rallied for same-sex marriage in simultaneous protests held in every state today.
I was among the more than 500 protesters at the City Hall in Pasadena, California, who rallied to stop the hate behind Proposition 8, the law that just passed banning same-sex marriage.
There was a strong sense of unity, love, hope and creativity. I recorded the historic day with photos and videos. I’m posting a few here, with more great photos and videos at the Jesus in Love Blog. These are too good to miss, so I hope that you will visit the Jesus in Love Blog to see it all.
Join the Impact has more info on the protests and the movement to promote love and equality.
"Support Love! Stop H8" That says it all.
I love the rainbow signs held by these three black women: “I won’t
until you can.” “Separate is not equal” and Love is for all.”
“Mormons want 3 wives -- but I can’t have 1 husband! Get a grip!”
Clever jab at the Mormon Church, which funded much of the latest
campaign to ban same-sex marriage.
Thousands of same-sex marriage supporters stormed the Mormon Temple near Beverly Hills after the election. They targeted the Mormon Church because it raised most of the money for Proposition 8 campaign to ban same-sex marriage.
I was shocked at the protestors’ rage when I saw the protest on the local news here in L.A. I found the news video to post here because the written news reports fail to capture the deep rage of the glbt community. I’ve never seen a mob of queers storm a church before. This may be a turning point, like the Stonewall Rebellion that launched the gay rights movement in 1969. That historic moment was barely reported at the time. This may be a turning point.
This protest was not like the old days where we used to sing, “We are a gentle, angry people.” Now we are an angry, angry people.
P.S. For those who wage war with words, click here to visit WOW Report’s info on how to report the Mormons to the IRS to get their tax-exempt status revoked for violating the separation of church and state. ____ Kittredge Cherry is a lesbian Christian author who also blogs at the Jesus in Love Blog.
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