Comments on: Death Penalty, Life in Prison Dropped from Uganda Anti Homosexuality Bill

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:58:22 +0000

I think of it as going both ways, William. Just get ‘em aligned.

By: William

William — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:32:31 +0000

personal and spiritual growth that aligns one’s faith with one’s sexuality

Excellent! I’m glad that you put it like that rather than the other way around.

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:03:15 +0000

Debbie, I think that some clarification is needed here,

You seem to be saying that reparative therapy and ex-gay ministry are two different and separate things, but each directed towards the same goal. So if you prefer a secular approach you can choose reparative therapy, but if you prefer a religious approach then you can opt for ex-gay ministry. Have I understood you correctly?

They are two separate things, in my view, but not necessarily directed toward the same goal. While some in ministry may give credence to a reparative approach (that’s not my thing), the goal for any ministry-based approach for someone who does not wish to be gay-affirmed ought to be personal and spiritual growth that aligns one’s faith with one’s sexuality, or allows them to practice celibacy if that what they choose. “Success” will not look the same for everyone. It doesn’t have to. Why would we try to stuff everyone in the same box? Reparative therapy seems to be a one-size-fits-all approach. I don’t buy that.

By: David Roberts

David Roberts — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:04 +0000

To you, maybe. Not to everyone.

I think it is what you call an “inconvenient truth.” With that I am going to bow out of verbal ping pong with you.

By: William

William — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:52:43 +0000

Debbie, I think that some clarification is needed here,

You seem to be saying that reparative therapy and ex-gay ministry are two different and separate things, but each directed towards the same goal. So if you prefer a secular approach you can choose reparative therapy, but if you prefer a religious approach then you can opt for ex-gay ministry. Have I understood you correctly?

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:47:56 +0000

The two subjects are inseparable.

To you, maybe. Not to everyone.

By: David Roberts

David Roberts — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:43:38 +0000

This discussion is about Uganda and a horrendous anti-gay bill. Not about reparative therapy, which David somehow managed to slip in. I am on your side here.

The two subjects are inseparable.

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:21:05 +0000

Did you catch Rick Warren’s statement denouncing the bill and address to Uganda pastors yet? Check the main Speak Out Facebook group.

I wish I could teach all leaders that saying nothing will not make a problem or a misperception go away. It only makes it worse. Rip that bandaid off quickly.

By: Jay Jonson

Jay Jonson — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:38:24 +0000

Debbie Thurman is a destructive and dishonest woman. I don’t understand why anyone would credit anything she says.

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:07:20 +0000

Wayne, I said I am not aware of any reparative-based ministries. Mentioning reparative theories in a book is a far cry from pushing such therapy in a group setting. The ministry approach is largely discipling based more on Scripture than anything. If a ministry is basing its approach on reparative drive therapy, it is off-base.

This discussion is about Uganda and a horrendous anti-gay bill. Not about reparative therapy, which David somehow managed to slip in. I am on your side here.