Note the punctuation: ...protest the "immorality" of the Gay Games... -- ...a Christian argument against the "destructive and highly dangerous" lives of gays and lesbians... When Karen Matteson calls IFI "anti-gay" the quotation marks mysteriously disappear. The implication is that our claims (that homosexuality is immoral, destructive, dangerous) are outlandish and her claim (that IFI is anti-gay) is valid.
Leaders of churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship will gather in the Loop Sunday to discuss the religious grounding for tolerance and celebration of gays and lesbians.Hmmm... there was no mention in the Daily Southtown of the IFI press conference on Saturday...no mention of Professor Rob Gagnon's speaking engagements at Uptown Baptist or at College Church or at the Crystal Lake Public Library. Why then the free promotion for the pro-homosexual discussion? (Would the paper announce a celebration of gossiping or adultery?)
Note the language used:
But not all faith communities will be so welcoming. The Illinois Family Institute plans to hand out water bottles emblazoned with Gospel messages to spectators.Emblazoned? I saw a fairly plain blue label with John 3:16 printed in small type - "For God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten Son..." How is that message unwelcoming? (Such a reaction to a simple bottle of water gives new appreciation for the idea that Christ is an offense and a stumblingblock!)
To be accurate, it's Uptown Baptist Church and Pastor Michael Allen leading those efforts. But maybe Dan Lavoie didn't want to criticize a black pastor from an economically challenged neighborhood - it's much easier to take a shot at IFI and Peter LaBarbera.
An anti-gay religious message has come to dominate political discourse in America and gives the impression that all Christians disapprove of gays and lesbians, said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign's Religion & Faith Program and the moderator of Sunday's forum.No one associated with the "Thirsty?" campaign relayed an "anti-gay" message. In fact, Greg Quinlan said, "I'm not anti-gay. I'm pro-ex-gay!" Greg himself left the homosexual lifestyle behind 15 yrs ago and is now married to a woman who had been lesbian.
Contrary to claims in the article, no one implied that those with same-sex attraction are not interested in faith...in fact, the whole point of engaging the Gay Games participants is to recognize their deep spiritual need (like everyone's need) for restored relationship with God.
Contrary to Larry Yang's claim, Christians have an obligation not to accept, but to confront open sin and to encourage all sinners to place their faith in Jesus Christ and obey His moral law. Christians take JOY! in welcoming ALL who will follow Him.
Regarding these "welcoming churches" we certainly have an obligation to rebuke their false teaching of a false Christ (Gal 1:8-9). Don't be deceived by them:
The man who says "I know Him" but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the Truth is not in him. - I John 2:4A "pastor" cannot claim to know Christ and also embrace and celebrate homosexuality - if he does, the Apostle John says he is a liar.
Heterosexuals and homosexuals have the same problem before God... Jesus did not teach "Come and do as you please" but "Come, take up your cross, and follow Me." All who determine to please God have to bring our lusts and desires under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Recommended Action: E-mail Dan Lavoie (DLavoie@DailySouthtown.Com) with your reaction.
A closing thought: Note how the true purpose of Gay Games is revealed by Traci Baim. "The whole week of the Gay Games is about affirming people for who they are," she said. Therein lies the problem. God does not affirm us as we are. Instead, he loves us enough to provide a means for forgiveness, redemption, and transformation.
