Updated Aug. 27 to include reaction by the ex-gay network Exodus.
John Aravosis first pulled together the news Aug. 26 that an antigay ideologue will provide entertainment at the GOP convention:
“I’m not in the mood to play with those who are trying to kill our children.” — Donnie McClurkin, GOP Convention entertainer speaking about gays.
Donnie McClurkin, one of the just-announced entertainers to be performing at the GOP Convention in NYC, thinks homosexuality is a “curse,” that it’s caused by men raping small children, that being gay is a choice, that it can be cured, and most explosively, that gays are trying to “kill our children.”
Aravosis provides quotations by and about McClurkin from numerous sources. They make McClurkin sound like a loose cannon ready to blow.
Keith Boykin’s analysis of McClurkin is excellent — thoughtful, sensitive, and fair. Go read it.
While Boykin’s appeals to a mix of compassion and skepticism over McClurkin’s troubled life and unsound ideology, exgay-activism expert Wayne Besen quickly cuts to political ramifications.
In his press release (copied below), Besen calls McClurkin’s accusations “patently false” and says the GOP’s selection of McClurkin places a man opposing “respect, fairness and inclusion” on the convention stage.
But in its own press release (also copied below), Exodus defends McClurkin’s rhetoric without daring to actually quote it. Exodus says simply that “Donnie is not shy about his testimony.” Finding no reason to place conditions on its praise of McClurkin, Exodus instead takes time to gratuitously wag a finger at “sexually permissive Hollywood elitists” — citing Ben Affleck, a former working-class Bostonian, as a prime example.
In apparent contrast to Affleck, Exodus says, “Donnie represents freedom of speech, freedom of religious expression, freedom to rise above adversity and the freedom of self-determination”; Exodus thanks the Republican Party for celebrating this “true freedom.”
McClurkin’s incendiary speeches are, presumably, constitutionally protected. McClurkin’s participation in the convention probably will not receive due media attention — neither political convention has received adequate coverage. If it does gain notice, then we shall see whether Exodus and their political allies equate criticism of McClurkin with “intolerance.”
Here are the press releases issued by Wayne Besen and by Exodus:
Activist Calls on GOP to Drop Homophobic ‘Ex-Gay’ Singer Donnie McClurkin as Convention Performer
Voice of Hate Betrays GOP Convention’s Face of Moderation, Says Wayne Besen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2004
Contact: Wayne Besen
Mobile: 917-691-5118
Office: 954-525-0321
E-Mail: Wbesen@aol.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Activist Wayne Besen today called on Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie and CEO Bill Harris to cancel a scheduled convention performance by anti-gay singer Donnie McClurkin.
“If the GOP wants to present the face of moderation, they can’t have the voice of hate performing at the New York convention,” said Wayne Besen, author of Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth. “I call on the leaders of the Republican National Committee to cancel McClurkin’s performance and replace him with a performer who stands for the values of respect, fairness and inclusion.”
McClurkin, who won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, says he is a former homosexual who became gay after being molested by an uncle. The singer has made several inflammatory statements in mainstream and right wing media.
“Love is pulling you one way and lust is pulling you another and your relationship with Jesus is tearing you,” McClurkin told the media. According to the New York Times, McClurkin “counsels adolescent boys that homosexuality is a choice they can overcome.”
In an interview with www.FamilyChristian.com McClurkin said, “Homosexuality has really ravished our children. It started in my generation. I was touched by it and I struggled with it and all that for years and there was nobody to deal with it. I started dealing with it in my sermons and even when we do our concerts.”
McClurkin, currently a senior pastor at Perfecting Faith in Freeport, N.Y., was particularly outspoken against New York’s funding of Harvey Milk, a gay high school in New York, suggesting that the school will lead to molestation of children.
“The gloves are off,” he said on the Sept. 23, 2003 episode of Rev. Pat Robertson’s 700 Club. “And if there’s going to be a war, there’s going to be a war. But it will be a war with a purpose. This is not a privately funded school. It is a public school funded by taxpayers’ money. Why isn’t anyone else speaking out? Everyone knows that everyone at the high school is homosexual. That makes for an easy target.”
“I hope the GOP takes a stand and says that there is no place for outrageously slanderous and patently false hate speech,” said Besen. “While McClurkin has the right to his religious beliefs, he also has the responsibility to be truthful and not intentionally disparage the lives of millions of hard working, honest, respectable citizens.”
Exodus press release:
Donnie McClurkin: Grammy Winner (African American and Ex-Gay) to Perform at Republican National Convention
Exodus applauds the Republican National Committee for extending an invitation to one of the world’s greatest gospel singers.
Exodus Spotlights Report for August 27, 2004
*** For Immediate Release ***
Dated: August 27, 2004
For Further Information contact Randy Thomas.
Phone: (407) 599-6872
Orlando, FL –
In a day and age when other candidates are using Ben Affleck and other sexually permissive Hollywood elitists to garner votes, it seems that the Republican party is sticking with the wholesome unsung heroes like McClurkin, a man that has battled against culture, popular opinion and extreme adversity–not to mention spiritual warfare, to promote something higher than being elected to office. Alan Chambers, President of Exodus remarks, “It will be refreshing to see a positive role model, like McClurkin, representing our Lord and country as the world watches him sing.”
McClurkin has been very public about his battle to overcome unwanted homosexuality. His voice is a powerful one in the Christian music industry and especially the black church. He is truly a hero for risking everything to be so transparent with his testimony of transformation. Donnie is a brave example for many seeking to live life beyond homosexuality and flourish in Christ.
While Donnie is not shy about his testimony, he draws strength from and lives out his passion for Christ first. Randy Thomas states, “What I like about Donnie is that you don’t see ‘gay’ or ‘ex-gay’; you see a man of God seeking to love Jesus with his whole heart.”
Pastor McClurkin states on his website, “I pray that the anointing will permeate throughout my recordings and bless (not impress) all that listen. Entertainment is not my goal, but that God be pleased and someone who hears experiences Jesus in a greater way.”
Tune in August 30 through September 2 and support Donnie McClurkin as he stands for Christ at the Republican National Convention in New York City. The entertainment lineup has yet to be announced. Also, take a moment to email the RNC Chairman, Ed Gillespie at Chairman@gop.com and their communications department at RNCommunications@gop.com to thank them for inviting an African American; formerly same sex attracted Christian to represent an important voice in the American populace. Donnie represents freedom of speech, freedom of religious expression, freedom to rise above adversity and the freedom of self-determination. We thank the RNC for celebrating true freedom and encourage the DNC to do the same.
Please also email Pastor McClurkin at contactdonnie@donniemcclurkin.com to thank him for representing Christ and his country well.
PR Newswire announcement of Republican National Convention entertainers
If the GOP wants to add some real diversity to their lineup of entertainers, might I suggest … BEENIE MAN?
https://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/08/25/mtvawards.beenieman.ap/index.html
Seems like a match made in Heaven.
IN PASTOR DONNIE MCCLURKIN’S DEFENSE
I am so glad that there is someone out there like Pastor Donnie McClurkin, speaking out and speaking the truth. I don’t think that his intention is to condemn or judge anybody. His heart is crying out for the children who are not given a choice about sex or their sexual orientation. He is crying out for the souls who don’t even stop to think and question whether having sex with the same sex is the right thing to do. He is crying out because he wants souls to be delivered. I am a Christian myself, and I have questioned the Bible many times and asked God why He does things the way He does, but He is sovereign and one thing I have learned is that no matter what questions I might have, no matter what my sins are or what I have done in the past, I need God in my life, I need His salvation, and I definitely don’t want to die and find out that what people like Pastor Donnie McClurkin are saying is true and that I should have listened to him. After you die it is too late! You only die once! Think about it. He is not saying that he hates homosexuals, (I do not hate homosexuals/lesbians myself) I think he understands the struggles of being a homosexual, whether one was raped, whether it was their sexual orientation from childhood, whether it is a chromosome; and because he is familiar with it he is the one person that can speak out against it, not to cry anyone down but for homosexuals/lesbians to know that like every bad habit, if you are willing and ready to conquer it, you can conquer homosexuality.
Think about this. It is natural for one to crave for children. But there is only one natural way to conceive a child and that is a man and a woman having sex, not a woman and a woman and certainly not by a man and a man. We all believe that God created us in His image; do you really think that He would make such a mistake? I think then He would be contradicting Himself and none of us would acknowledge Him as God. Infact He would not be God period. Think about it again. There’s only one natural way to create children and the fact that you are craving to have children means that there is a part of you that is inbuilt to give you that natural instinct, which means that there must be an inbuilt mechanism inside you to create children, and how are children created, during sex between a man and a woman. For the desire to kick in the mechanism has to be in place. Children are created through a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg. Your body knows that why don’t you?
And for those of us who will quickly say “well I don’t believe in God anyway, the fact that you don’t believe makes Him exist, because something or someone must exist for you to believe or not believe in it. You might not want to agree with His ways but don’t lie to yourself that He does not exist. He is real and following His ways is the most challenging and courageous thing one can ever do. So I thank God for men like Donnie McClurkin, who is not afraid to speak up, at least one day he will be able to stand before God, maker of Heaven and Earth, and God will say to him, “well done my good and faithful servant”.
What folks don’t understand is that Donnie is doing his part; he is fulfilling his calling, whether you like him or not I personally don’t think he cares anymore. After one has been badgered so much by family, media, public, trusted friends, even church members you get to a place where you still love them but you don’t allow their thoughts and criticism to block what you have been put on this earth to accomplish. Infact you make them serve as stepping stones, propelling you to be bolder and stronger in fulfilling your calling. The more people speak out against him, the stronger he will become because he has nothing to lose, but everything to gain in Christ Jesus. People criticize what they don’t understand spiritually, emotionally and mentally. People want to stay in their comfort zone, fitting in with the crowd, and not daring to be different. They never stop to ask themselves is this the right way? The Bible says that “there is a way that seemeth right to man but it leads to destruction.” These people who are criticizing Pastor McClurkin have they sat down and truthfully questioned their lifestyle?
The first reaction to Donnie might be negative, rebellious, but do homosexuals and lesbians ever sit down to ask themselves “could this preacher be right? Is what he is saying true? God did you create me this way or did something go wrong somewhere? If so can You show me who I really am?” Instead of lashing out at the man, try to find out for yourself. Don’t just accept that you are gay, at least question it and find out the truth for yourself. And if something did go wrong it can be fixed! Don’t just label the man out of defiance, but honestly search deep within you and you might just find out that you are not a homosexual/lesbian, you don’t like being a homosexual/lesbian, but it is what you know, it is what you are used to, and you are afraid that if you change you will become a target. Well that’s what truth will do, it will make you a target but your mind, your conscience, your spirit, soul and body will be set free. “For he that the Son (Jesus Christ) sets free is free indeed.”
I must say that as a Black woman, I am very proud of Donnie McClurkin, because so many times, I wonder when our men will rise up like Martin Luther King did, like Nelson Mandela did. No they were not perfect men, neither I am sure is Pastor McClurkin, but in their imperfections they dared to stand up and speak the truth out of love and compassion. I believe that there is a difference between men of God and God fearing men. Donnie McClurkin is a God fearing man. Don’t just kick against what he is preaching, but dare to seek out the truth, confront God and ask Him whether what the man is preaching is true, and that if it is you want proof. Somehow, some way, some where, God will find a way to answer you, He will reach into your understanding, and you will know what the truth is. I know that there are books and documentaries on how the Bible has been translated over and over again, misinterpreted and misused by clergy etc… Even I have questioned Him, but my friend God is real and His ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts our thoughts. His ways are simple, difficult to understand but safe to follow. His ways are beyond searching but there is no variableness in Him. Be slow to anger, be slow to speak and be quick to listen. Pastor Donnie McClurkin might be the best thing that ever happened to you.
He has been the world of homosexuality, back and forth in it several times; I think the man knows what he is talking about. Be slow to speak and quick to listen. If he sounds militant and aggressive it is because he is passionate about your life and the lives of our future generations, the children. I pray that one day you will understand, and I pray that that day will not be too late. Some of these people who are crying out against Pastor McClurkin will walk away from homosexuality and turn to God. And then where will you be? Sin, lust, bring great pleasure; we all know that, but the end leads to destruction.
God is full of love and mercy, it’s never to late to turn to Him. After all he sent His Son Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. There is no sin, no habit that can conquer that sacrifice and make God hate you. He loves you!
Be wise my friend, be slow to speak and quick listen.
Sonia Bangura
Tender Sentiments
tendersentiments@yahoo.com
Hi Sonia,
You said-
“The first reaction to Donnie might be negative, rebellious, but do homosexuals and lesbians ever sit down to ask themselves “could this preacher be right? Is what he is saying true? God did you create me this way or did something go wrong somewhere? If so can You show me who I really am?” Instead of lashing out at the man, try to find out for yourself. Don’t just accept that you are gay, at least question it and find out the truth for yourself. And if something did go wrong it can be fixed! ”
Unfortunately, I have spent years of my life thinking about these questions, as have millions of other gays, I would imagine. Coming out to me was having to deal with this issue personally, not having to tell others.
As for being able to “fix” this problem, I’d argue that it isnt quite as easy as you claim to be. Most ex-gay ministries won’t even release numbers pertaining to their success rates, but the studies that have come out are abysmally low.
You know, if I hadn’t thought of all the questions you ask in your email, and if I hadn’t pondered them for years, I probably would be a lot less able to address my own homosexuality and how it fits or doesn’t fit with Christianity. It wasn’t until I thought about these issues deeply that I realized that my being gay isn’t something changeable, and it is not something that is going to send me to hell. I think if more right wing Christians would sit down with gay people and actually talk about their issues/struggles, they may see homosexuality in a different light.
Rather than telling gays that they haven’t thought things through, maybe you should ask what they have thought about, what their learning process has been, etc. Its mutual understanding, not “preaching about the sin of others” that really helps people see the truth.
Sonia:
I am glad that you, and Mr. McClurkin in fact, have found a religion, a set of spiritual beliefs that you find comfort and joy in. Unfortunately, based on my own experience, my own moral and spiritual upbringing, and my understanding of God and His creation, I must reject your religious beliefs and the people who “preach” them. There are simply too many mistakes, too many inaccuracies, to many beliefs in your religion that are demonstrably false that it is impossible for me to accept them as valid. Therefore, any alleged salvation I would receive by adopting them would be tainted by my own knowledge that they are wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, you and Mr. McClurkin have every right to express your beliefs, and to attempt convincing others to follow them. That is not what we protest against here. What we protest are the slanders, the stereotypes, the myths and the outright lies about gay people that are spread by Mr. McClurkin and so many others who claim to speak for God. Tell me, can a man of God base his “preaching” on a lie? If not, then how can one trust a “preacher” like Mr. McClurkin, who claims that gay people want to kill children? That is demonstrably untrue (if you doubt me, check out crime statistic comparisons of straight and gay men) and is a grevious insult to all of us who are gay or lesbian.
You see, Sonia, you operate under the incorrect assumption that those of us who are gay have somehow rejected God and morality in general. In fact, what we have done, often after years of heartbreaking doubts about our faith, is to accept the truth that the morality taught to us by certain sects of “Christianity” are false. Namely, gay people are not immoral, we are simply a different type of human being. We have not reject all morality, simply your definition of morality.
And we do not come to that conclusion lightly. You ask do homosexuals and lesbians ever sit down to ask themselves “could this preacher be right? Is what he is saying true? God did you create me this way or did something go wrong somewhere? If so can You show me who I really am?” Anyone who knows gay people, who loves us and acknowledges our value and worth would not need to ask such a question. My friends and family know very well of the 2 decades of hell I went through questioning my sexuality, my character, my very existence. I have prayed to be “cured” more often than I care to remember. Sadly enough, when it was clear a cure was not an option, I also prayed for death. It took years of soul-searching, of questioning, of trying different paths (including some 6 years following the “ex-gay” system) before I accepted my own value and worth as a human being. Yes, Sonia, we have asked those questions, we have struggled with those questions, and thank God we have found the answers that were true.
You say But there is only one natural way to conceive a child and that is a man and a woman having sex, not a woman and a woman and certainly not by a man and a man. We all believe that God created us in His image; do you really think that He would make such a mistake? Not only do I think that God has created humans with fertility “mistakes,” I know for a fact he has. The question is whether we consider these people mistakes or humans.
There exist among us hermaphodites, the intersexed, who often have cells that are male and cells that are female; they are born with the genitals and organs of both genders. Others are born with the chromosones of one gender, but because of genetic deficiencies, appear to be the other gender. These people exist Sonia, and they most certainly cannot be considered “male” or “female,” and they most often cannot have children. Are they mistakes, or part of God’s plan?
According to estimates I have seen, 1/3 of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage. The most common reason for these abortions are genetic mutations, problems in the fetus. My own friends recently found out their most-wanted child was hideously deformed because of spina bifida, and would never survive out of the womb. Was that child a mistake by God or part of his plan, Sonia?
You are correct that many gay and lesbian people have a desire for children. Have you ever thought, Sonia, that such a desire, even when coupled with a homosexual orientation, may be also part of God’s plan? Haver you ever considered that gay people may in fact be here to adopt the unwanted, the abandoned, the orphaned of humanity? Is that not a reason for God to create gay people, and others who cannot conceive, to take care of the surplus of children?
You say must say that as a Black woman, I am very proud of Donnie McClurkin, because so many times, I wonder when our men will rise up like Martin Luther King did, like Nelson Mandela did. No they were not perfect men, neither I am sure is Pastor McClurkin, but in their imperfections they dared to stand up and speak the truth out of love and compassion. But only one of the men you mention is against gay rights. Mr. Mandela, who is truly a 20th century saint, has spoken out in favor of gay rights, the constitution adopted by his country, under his initial leadership, explicitly states the equality of gay people. And Rev. King, who was a truly great leader, if a flawed human being, not only did not denounce homosexuals, he chose as a friend and mentor an openly gay man, Bayard Rustin, despite pleas and threats from the government and other members of the SCLC. Dr. King, in fact, put his beliefs in action and based his assessment of Rustin’s character not on others’ stereotypes, but on his own assessment of the man’s worth and value.
If Mr. McClurkin and others who preach against gays want to really help the family, particularly the African-American family, why are they not focussing on the known problems? Why are they not turning their attention to the straight men who feel no compunction about fathering children and abandoning them? Why have they not denounced the teenage girls who allow themselves to become pregnant? Why have they not spoken out against the child abuse and abandonment that is known to create criminals amongst us?
It is difficult, believe me, to examine one’s religious and moral views in light of contradictory information and evidence. It is the most difficult undertaking one can embark upon, but it is a vital one. Unless and until we can question our beliefs, and they stand up, we can never be sure of their accuracy.
Tell me Sonia, have you ever considered you might be wrong, that your idea of God might be wrong? When you have done so, really done so, walking a mile in a gay person’s shoes, in fact, you cannot say that you know anything about us.
TA and CPT Doom:
I am a Christian and I do not believe in condemning people. Christ did not come to condemn but to set people free. Not every Christian hates gay people, not every Christian looks down on gay people. Every person on this earth wants to be loved and has something about him/her that is unlovable, but they still want to be loved. The Biblel says that not one is righteous, that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. I have come short in many ways, before I was a Christian and as a Christian. I think that Pastor McClurkin knows that he has come short too, but even in coming short he realized that there is a way out, whether you and I agree with that way or not. Because so many people are defiant about the Bible it is a tough thing for them to begin to understand something that they are kicking against.
Donnie McClurkin’s mission is not to spread hate. If a person does not love you he will not tell you the truth. He will watch you walk right into a ditch full of vipers and not say word. Most people who are prejudiced about the Bible have not even read the Book, they have not searched the Scriptures. They have picked out one or two scriptures for their own convenience to argue against the Bible.
Personally I do not like to argue about the Bible because I have learned that in everything in life, one is at a level that they can understand what is going on around them and in their life, or not. It is a journey and some things that I know now about God, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit, I used to laugh about and tell people that they were crazy or something! Now I know differently, because of experience and because I chose to try to understand what I did not understand. I am the kind of person that will hug a prostitute in church and be her friend while everybody else is looking at her funny. So you are not writing to a religious bigot. I have had my ‘challenges’ too. That is why I will not ask you to believe me, because your truth, your belief can only come from you; but I am asking you to be slow to anger, be slow to saying that Pastor McClurkin is wrong, and trying to push his religion down your throats. Many times while growing up I kicked against my mother but today I look back and I thank God for her disciplining me. I gave her a tough time and thought that she hated me, and loved my brother and sister more than she loved me. Nowadays, I call her and say, “thank you!” She did not hate me, she simply saw and understood what I did not see and it was her love for me that instructed and chastized me so that I can have a brighter tomorrow. That’s what Donnie McClurkin is doing. He is concerned. It is a tough place to be when you know the truth and people don’t agree and the words are hard to find to express that truth because it is so deep.
He’s words might be tough but they are not to destroy, condemn or hate you. Don’t you think that after being there he would be the last person to judge you? He has no reason to, otherwise he would be a hypocrite, forgetting where he came from before he got delivered from homosexuality. Why don’t you all meet with the man, with open minds, with questions and just talk and not get all worked up about he said this, he said that.
I am not gay, I don’t know what it feels like to be gay, but I have had sex and I KNOW what it feels like to try to, or to give up something like that, and keep myself until I get married to a man. The Bible requires that we all discipline ourselves from our sinful nature; it says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, (whether it is fornication, homosexuality, lies, stealing, slander etc…)I remember I used to say, nobody, no book can tell me how to run my life. Actually I did not even give God the light of day. I was about my own business.
Understand that when we talk about God’s truth, changing and becoming who He wants us to be is not aimed at just you. It is all of us, with all our habits. We all need to conform to how we were originally meant to be, created in and for God’s glory and good pleasure. So stop feeling so hated and so angry about Donnie McClurkin and find out from God whether you are on the right track or not. Donnie McClurkin or no Donnie McClurkin this is about your soul my friend; your precious soul!
You say too many mistakes, too many inaccuracies. I have been down that road too. But the truth is what it is, whether you and I like it or not, and the sad or happy thing is that one day we will find out.
I truly appreciate the info that you have given me and I am definitely going to look into them. God does not make mistakes. Sinful nature has entered our genes and has produced deformities. Again, how I do I begin to explain spiritual matters to you when you are bent on believing just science? There is so much more to you than science but you appear to refuse to see that. Spiritual things are not understood by the intelligence or carnal nature of man.
Speaking for myself, I am not trying to convince anyone about anything. Whether I convince you or not, the Bible says that, ‘forever oh LORD, thy word is settled in Heaven’. What I am saying to you is that if this book is true then we all better straighten up, homosexual, lesbian, bisexual etc…because then it means that Heaven and hell exist and while you are here on earth, this is where you ‘choose whom you will serve’. God is not looking for robots, we all have our freewill and what we do with it will determine our eternal end. I don’t want to die finding out that it is true. Why take such a gamble? You are too precious for that.
Thanks for correcting my ignorance on King and Mandela. I appreciate that truly but what I was truly comparing and applauding is the fact that they have the guts to stand up and speak out, and thatit was all done out of love, not hate. But let me lay emphasis again on the fact that I don’t think Pastor McClurkin is stereotyping gays. I have a cousin and friends who are gay! And they have been the kindest, most gentle people to me but I don’t accept the fact that they are gay. I don’t hate them, I have a good relationship with them. I had a friend who was a lesbian. She is now married with a child. I have done a lot of volunteer work for Africa with gay people on HIV/AIDS and some have asked me, “Sonia, how come you come around us? We thought you Christians hate gay people?” Right there they judged me and stereotyped me. But I looked up gently and smiled and said, “I am here aren’t I? Jesus did not come for the righteous He came for the unrighteous. If a man is not sick he does not need a doctor. He came for all of us,not just you!I need Him too because there are things that I need to ge rid of in my life; there are things that I need forgiveness for”.
A religious, self righteous spirit is one that comes to kill and destroy. It is hypocritical, it exposes other people’s faults and covers/hides its own. Donnie McClurkin has not hidden his past, he has not claimed to be the holiest man on the planet, he has exposed his life, telling you that he was like you (and I am sure he had all his theories, philosophies and arguments set in place), but he found that there is power to change. And that Power is God!Wouldn’t it be wrong of him to keep that to himself, especially knowing the pain that gay people experience just for being gay? At the end of the day if you do not accept this that has become truth to him, not out of science, but out of spiritual experience, then you take responsibility for your decision. In the Bible, Ezekiel says that, ‘if you know the truth and you don’t tell your brother his blood will be on your hands.’
The responsibility of being a Christian is no joke and McClurkin takes it seriously because whether you have experienced it or not, whether you know it or not, whether you believe it or not, the power of God worked and still works for him so he must tell the gospel truth, even when others will label him and kick against him. People always kick against a paradigm shift. I have experimented other religions, even denounced Christianity, but in all of that I found that there is something about JESUS CHRIST and the truth that He came with.
The church does talk to its youth against pregnancies, sexual immorality etc… it is not just homosexuality, but it seems like gay people have become so aggressive and forceful, which I understand because of the pain and heartache that they have experienced and are experiencing, that they refuse to listen (it appears) to anything or anyone else if things don’t go the way they want it to go.
There was a time when I had sex with someone and I decided to go and confess to my pastor then, do you know the hell that I went through? It was enough to turn me away from Jesus, but only for a while, because I understood that He is above that. I could have used that terrible experience to hate all Christians, hate the Bible and not follow Jesus. But today I can look at someone in the face and say I have been there, under man’s condemnation, gossip and slander. I was treated like dirt and my heart was shattered.
Why am I saying this to you? It is Jesus who matters in all this. When you find Him and know Him, with all the scientific questions that you and I have, you will find out what God’s ways are, and you and I will do best to conform to them. The Bible says that there are those who believe in Him but do not acknowledge the power thereof. You have to acknowledge God’s power and let Him work in every area of your life. What you believe in is what you’ll benefit from. Donnie McClurkin believed that God could change him, he was willing to change, and it happened.
I have read materials on gay people, I have spoken out loud that you are human beings just like we are, I don’t agree with the condemnation but I do not accept that you love God too and you want to continue as you are because, I will not lie to you, that is not the truth of the Bible, that it is o.k. to be gay. It is not o.k. to fornicate, it is not o.k. for fathers to abandon their children (my father abandoned me when I was 8 years old) it is not o.k to have children outside wedlock, so many things are not o.k. not just homosexuality, that is why we all have to go back and ask God about His truth, ‘for all have come short of the glory of God’. When the self-righteous wanted to stone the adultress to death, ‘Jesus said, the one of you has has never sinned throw the first stone’. Donnie McClurkin knows that he can’t throw the first stone, but I tell you he can reach out in love to you and me (never mind I am not gay), but we can acknowledge God and His principles and standards and know that He has set them the way He has because like the Bible says, he wishes that none should perish.
We cannot point fingers at each other, but we can tell the truth whether people accept it or not, it’s their choice. One day we’ll all find out. A lot of people go to church, and have formed their own churches, but how do you worship God and build churches but not accept His ways, whether it is Donnie McClurkin voicing the scriptures out and speaking up and speaking out, or whether you are in your home reading the Bible.
Why don’t you ask God today that if His transforming power true, is real, then you would like that power to change you and kill your desire for other men, and change that desire to desire for women. Will it be an overnight change, maybe not, but if you are sincere and persistent about it, you might just become another Donnie McClurkin crying out, “this power is real! You can change!”
And then you’ll understand his passion
Sonia-
There is a bit much in your post for me to address at present. I do applaud you for admitting that all are sinners, and that according to a conservative reading of the bible, even divorce and remarriage (participated by nearly 50% of married Christians is the same sin as homosexuality). I just wonder why homosexuality gets so much more press.
As for McClurkin, things like this “”I’m not in the mood to play with those who are trying to kill our children.” — Donnie McClurkin, GOP Convention entertainer speaking about gays.
Donnie McClurkin, one of the just-announced entertainers to be performing at the GOP Convention in NYC, thinks homosexuality is a “curse,” that it’s caused by men raping small children, that being gay is a choice, that it can be cured, and most explosively, that gays are trying to “kill our children.”” Really make me wonder if he is in this to save souls or really to gain personal publicity. I would think an honest former gay person with no agenda would be less vitriolic with his accusations. It doesnt seem too successful to me to have someone be so disparaging to gay people. That makes me want to back off further away from McClurkin than it does want me to come closer to him and his ministry. There are ways to tell people the are sinning. One is to go with love and compassion and to work with them. The other is to throw out slander and hurtful words. One way is successful, the other way is not.
On a side note- I am a Christian. You may not agree with that, but it is true. Thanks for your postings.
The bible speaks for itself. I am not about to argue over the bible in which I believe is nothing but truth. In order for one to believe if not convinced already one must live by it. If you are not willing to follow the bible by living by it then you must not argue that you don’t believe. I guarantee that if you live by the bible God will do just what he said he would do. The bible is being fulfilled everyday. Have you noticed. Read the word. Live by the word. Non-believers will definately have a difference of opinion. The word = the Bible..
God bless..
Rebecca,
I appreciate that you are looking for a source of authority in how to live your life. And, as a Christian, I appreciate that you have selected the Bible as your source.
However, I caution you to be careful in how you view “the Bible”. I remind you that the books that make up the Bible were not written in English, did not use language currently in use (just as old English is different than modern English, so too is old Hebrew and Greek different than any language currently in use).
Also, the literary style of certain writers in the Bible is not completely understood. For example, some people believe Jesus’ story of Lazarus to be a parable (because it is included in a bunch of Jesus’ parables) while others believe it is a literal event (because Lazarus’ name is used). Both camps have excellent reasons to believe what they believe.
Also, some words currently used to condemn gay people were never used in any other concurrent writings, and translators had to actually guess at their meaning. These slang words probably made sense at the time, but it’s hard to be certain what they meant. For example someone centuries from now reading the non-word “strategerie” might guess as to it’s meaning without knowing that it’s a gentle mockery of George Bush’s speaking style.
Add to that the various beliefs on the origin of Scripture. Some believe that the Bible is the transcribed word of God (for example, Paul simply wrote down word for word what God spoke to him audibly). Others believe it is the inspired word of God (for example, Paul wrote down in his own words what God said to his heart).
Then there are instances where various Scriptures seem to contradict each other. In those cases, scholars try to get at the underlying message as opposed to the small variance.
So, considering all the various possibilities for disagreement, it’s very difficult to know exactly what the Bible “says” on any subject.
Because there are so few reference in the Bible that could be about gay acts and none that refer to gay people, it’s easy to see why there are so very many different beliefs about homosexuality in the religious community.
However, nearly all Christian churches (Southern Baptist and pentecostal denominations are the only exceptions I know of) do not believe that simply having a gay orientation is sin. The Catholic church and nearly all mainline protestant denominations have clear positions on that.
The variances come in whether living in a committed same-sex relationship is outside God’s will. Nearly every mainline denomination is in debate on this right now. And everyone’s position is based on their understanding of Scripture. They are ALL trying to live in accordance with God’s will as directed by Scripture.
So, Rebecca, I encourage you to continue your belief in God and the authority of Scripture. However, be aware that a good many scholars of the Bible (people who know a great deal more than either of us) do not share your interpretation.
Bravo Timothy!
Pastor McClrukin, I really wanted to let you know that I appaud and commend you for what you have been led by God to do, It was him and him alone that is your guide, your strength and your redemer. I could not image what you went through and are going through now. I do know that every one of us should look into our mirrors at our own selves and admit to ourselves that thing that we do in the dark that nobody see but God. Then we should tell God what we have done and admit to him that we need help then and only then can God start to help us walk in he perfect will. I pray that God will continue be the light onto your path and guide your destiny. Your songs have lifted me in my darkest hours. THANK YOU !!!
I have read many of the comments in this forum and must say for people who resent or disagree with Pastor Mcclurkin’s out spokeness, you are pretty outspoken yourself. Could it be the fact that you really believe what you are saying? Of course it is and you don’t understand where he’s coming from? He’s coming from the same place you are coming from Human experience. You have experienced sex with the same sex and you defend it with your life, because if you do not change that is the price you will pay. He(Pastor Mcclurkin) has experienced the delivering power of Jesus Christ and defends it with his life. However your disagreement is not with him it is with God. His word is true and weather you believe it or not doesn’t make it of non-effect.Our very next breath comes from God and that’s the truth.Our feelings can lie to us, we live in bodies of sin.The Bible says flesh is an enemy to God. That’s why he doesn’t deal with our flesh but with our spirit. Jesus spoke in parables because he didn’t want to enlighten or open the spiritual eyes of the Pharasees. Because their hearts where hardened against truth. Unfortunately there are people today that are the same way. They reject truth and try to find fault in it so they can feel more comfortable living in sin.Some one said they prayed to not be homosexual. The Bible says “Faith without works is dead.” Pastor Mcclurkin didn’t just pray and say Lord take it away.He began to search the scriptures to seek God in prayer to surround himself with faith filled people who God used to help & minister to him. And he had to fight and struggle until that unclean spirit was broken off his life.The Bible say’s “God is not a man that he should lie.” When he says come to me I’ll make you whole he does just that. What you need to be questioning is the sincerity of your heart to be delivered from this lust of the flesh. It’s the same as an alcoholic or drug addict. As long as you are not willing to admitt you have a problem call it what it is and deal with it accordingly truth will not come to you nor will freedom from it. I am heterosexual (straight)I’m not a virgin, do you actually think that in my christian walk that I have not been tempted to have a man? Which is totally exceptable in todays society. It would be against the word of God concerning fornication, but people wouldn’t say anything about it, it’s “normal” . Do you think I haven’t struggled with remaining chaise before marriage? And yes it is a choice. I choose to pray seek God more be at every church service,read my Bible more and do what is spiritually necessary to maintain that stand. Jesus said, “If any man come after (or follow) me let him first deny himself. So I don’t care what my flesh tells me I need or it desires I have power over my flesh through Jesus Christ to say “NO” I will not do that. I may suffer I may burn, but I won’t bow to sin. That is the stand that Pastor Mcclurkin sings and preaches about. And if you are not willing to take that stand you can not follow Jesus and to follow him is to be his disciple. The truth is very simple, when we like what we are doing and it feels good to us,too good to give up. We usually continue to do it. God does not nor do Christians hate homosexuals.But he does hate the spirit of perversion that inhabits their bodies and uses them to infiltrate innocent children.And even if uou consent it’s still perversion. I pray that God would open your eyes so you may see what sin is doing to you. Once you really see it for what it is you can then hate what it has made you become. And yes it is a choice we want to make it deeper than that so we don’t have to be truthfull about the fact that, it is indeed our choice. We are doing what we want to do. God said, “choose you this day whom you will serve.” Sounds like he gave us the ablility to choose to me.
My God why are fundies so rambly?
Sherridon:
You obviously have not read the comments on this site very carefully.
1. We are not opposed to McClurkin’s outspokenness; many of us are opposed to his sweeping, false claims about the values and actions of very different same-sex-attracted persons. We oppose his prejudgment of people as a class, and his threats against people who remain same-sex-attracted. McClurkin’s background is very different from that of many same-sex-attracted people; his experiences are not shared by others. Your belief to the contrary indicates that you have failed to familiarize yourself with different people’s experiences.
2. Our disagreement is not with God, some of us love God very much. Our disagreement is with arrogant and ignorant people who mistakenly believe they speak for God, and who try to separate others from God.
3. I don’t know of anyone here who is defined by, or preoccupied by sex. You seem to be projecting your own preoccupation, or that of McClurkin, onto people like us who have better things to think about, most of the time.
4. Much of your message consists of self-accusation projected (without a trace of substantiation) onto people whom you have not taken the time to know. Specifically, please consider that the hardened heart may be yours; the faith without works may be yours; and clearly you and McClurkin oppose free choice if the choice is not one that you agree with. (Ex-Gay Watch supports free choice.)
Sherridon, Jesus warned you in the Bible not to judge the speck in others’ eyes when there is a plank in your own eye. In order to participate further at Ex-Gay Watch, you must obey Jesus: You must endeavor to remove the plank.
In future posts, please document each of your claims with a specific, quoted example from this site. Do not put words in the mouths of other participants of this web site, and do not assume you understand people or their intentions and actions. You will treat each commenter as a unique individual, and you will engage each commenter’s opinions one-by-one.
Should any commenters ask you specific questions, Sherridon, you are required to answer the questions.
Thanks for writing. I hope you are able to respect these simple guidelines.
Sherridon:
Just to add to what Mike Airhart wrote, there is another big issue for some of us on this board – the legitimacy of Mr. McClurkin’s religious beliefs. You see, Sherridon, you assume that Mr. McClurkin has some special insight into the mind of God because of his interpretation of “scripture.” To accept this, one first must accept that the “bible” he uses is, in fact, the Word of God. Having been raised as a Roman Catholic, I was taught the pastors like Mr. McClurkin, no matter what their attitudes on homosexuality, were heretics and blasphemers, because they did not follow the Roman Catholic religion. Of course, I am not a Catholic any longer, but you can see the problem I would have ever accepting the words of a man who preaches what I truly believe is NOT the Word of God.
You see, Sherridon, whatever the specific religiuos views of the contributors to this board, we have basically rejected the religious views, at least on homosexuality, of people like Mr. McClurkin, yet none of us expect Mr. McClurkin to give up his beliefs and start following ours. What we want is for him to stop slandering gay and lesbian people and making assumptions about our life (much as you have done) based on as irrelevant a fact as our sexual orientation. We would be very wrong to judge any aspect of Mr. McClurkin’s life based on his denunciation of homosexuality, why does he (or you) believe it is right to make assumptions about us based on such a miniscule aspect of our personalities?
Under the First Amendment to the Constitution, we all have the right to choose our own religious beliefs and to live by them. I am glad you find comfort in yours. However, as American citizens, and specifically as Christians (for those of us who identify that way), we must have the humility to understand we cannot know the realities of God, much less His mind, with any certainty. We are all struggling with the same issues, why cannot we not respect our differences in religion?