Ex-Gay Watch

Exodus wrote:

Since the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior was not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression, the Christian church must remain a safe, compassionate and confidential place

Am I the only one that finds this statement at odds with the supposed intent of the letter. The most commonly cited verse that anti-gay Christians and ex-gays like Exodus cite to condemn homosexuality comes from Leviticus. That verse calls for the death penalty.

I don’t live by Leviticus, and I know that Alan and the rest of these folks don’t either, though they often seem to want to demand it of others.

This letter is a mess unless Alan and company want to spell out that they don’t think that Leviticus condemns homosexuality, or they don’t agree with the death penalty (though it is in the Bible).

While on the one hand, I guess it is a good thing that they are finally, after all this time, after all the cajoling, and only after mainstream media criticism, condemning the legislation. On the other hand, they are speaking out of both sides of their mouth, and anyone who has heard the sort of “Biblical innerrancy” BS from these guys would read this letter and just shake their heads.

“If homosexual behavior and knowledge of such behavior is criminalized and prosecuted, as proposed in this bill, church and ministry leaders will be unable to assist hurting men, women and youth who might otherwise seek help in addressing this personal issue. The Christian church must be permitted to extend the love and compassion of Christ to all, regardless of an individual’s adherence to scripture. We believe that such legislation would make this mission a difficult, if not impossible, task to carry out.”

Gee, I feel sorry for the “Kristian Church” will be deprived of working its mojo on homos. My goodness, their mission would be difficult.
antonio

“Since the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior was not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression, the Christian church must remain a safe, compassionate and confidential place”

Gee, I googled “clobber passages” and couldn’t find that statement ANYWHERE in the bible.

Ya think they might be making it all up?

Are they hand delivering it?

Why would the Ugandan parliament care what anyone from Exodus thinks?
And they won’t learn any lesson from their message and anti gay hot spots either.
The United States still has hot spots, and much of what are civil and Constitutional rights have been contingent on the assumption AND expectation that gays and lesbians can change.

Exodus’s own assertions by individuals in their ranks constantly contradict anything that comes from gay people, creating a burden for gays and lesbians.

There is chronic need for proof of value yet to be fully acknowledged, let alone accepted about and FOR gay people.

What happened what that Exodus seized on an opportunity they sought for themselves, and once the Draconian dangers were revealed, took their sweet time before drafting THIS piece of CYA.

And that’s what it is. C. Y. A.

Why trust anyone from Exodus as far as you can throw them?

Too little too late. Had they not ben caught red handed for contributing to this legistlation and hatred behind it, they would have done nothing. Absolutely nothing. Without the public outcry Exodus and Chambers would have happily remained silent about this. Exodus and Chambers have dedicated their lives to hurting gays. This statement means nothing and shows no true repentance. As usual they take no resposibility aboit their role n all this and how they are part of anti-gay hate industry.

They made this happen. Pontius Pilate comes to mind.

Since the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior was not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression . . .

If I believed in God I’d have to say: Whether God intended it or not, the end result of His creative intent included homosexuals. So if God is perfect then the creation of homosexuals must have been intended. If they were unintended, then God is not perfect. So which is it?

And the implied notion that “homosexual behavior” exists, but not homosexuals, is only believable by those living in the Fairyland of Magic Truth.

Richard– that one’s too easy. Original sin? The fall? In Adam’s fall/we sinned all? Sinful and broken world?

That one’s already been answered, albeit in a totally non-falsifiable proposition.

since you have chose not to publish my comment, I am terminating my subscription. Thank you
antonio

homosexual behavior was not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression

One of the great things about statements of this sort are that they require no substantiation. They are as valid as

Cantaloupe is God’s greatest achievement

or

God helps those who help themselves

Of course, they also are as valid as

interracial relationships were not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression

and

marriage between the elderly was not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression

gussying up a statement of opinion with quasi-official sounding phrases doesn’t elevate them above the level of opinion. And appealing to the Bible and what it “clearly states” while ignoring what it actually says is both arrogant and (if you believe in God) dangerous territory.

{aka Emproph}

John: “Am I the only one that finds this statement at odds with the supposed intent of the letter.”

Regan: “What happened what that Exodus seized on an opportunity they sought for themselves, and once the Draconian dangers were revealed, took their sweet time before drafting THIS piece of CYA.”

Boris: “Too little too late. Had they not ben caught red handed for contributing to this legistlation and hatred behind it, they would have done nothing.”

Agreed.
—
(From here on out, Bold & italics mine)

Exodus International believes that every human life, regardless of an individual’s sexual behavior, is of inestimable worth to God…

Note to Exodus: It would have actually worked if not for the word sexual. Next time you may want to relay a more accurate sentiment: “God considers every human life, regardless of an individual’s behavior, of inestimable worth.”

Now let’s listen to that the way it was meant to be dehumanizing:

“Exodus International believes that every human life, regardless of an individual’s homosexual behavior, is of inestimable worth to God…”

Much better, but who’s counting?

2) The legislation would render some homosexual practices crimes…
3) we consider same-sex behavior…
4) Since the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior…
5) If homosexual behavior and knowledge…

They literally define us as what they consider to be the ugliest thing about us.

But when it comes to themselves…

Many of us, and those we know and work with, have personally struggled with same-sex attractions and some have lived as gay-identified individuals

Note that the word “struggle” is in the past tense, implying that their “struggles” with SSA are over and done with.

And now for my interpretation of the quote as I imagine it without the pretense:

Many of us, and those we know and work with, continue to struggle with the temptation to engage in homosexual behavior, and some of us even used to live the homosexual lifestyle.

But we wouldn’t want anyone to think of anyone at Exodus as a homoSEXUAL nowwwouldwe? Because all that anti-gay propaganda on the Exodus website would then be true of all of you. Clever.

We believe that sexual crimes against children, whether committed by someone of the same or opposite sex, are the most serious of offenses and should be punished; we consider same-sex behavior in consensual adult relationships another matter.

“Another matter?” Sounds somewhat pressing. What say you, Sarkastica?

Sarkastica: So remember that, you, you, you homosexual behaviorists! We’re not done with the lot of you yet–nor with your not-sinful-looking consensual adult relationships! Oh, and btw, we weren’t trying to establish any kind of connection between adult same-sex behavior and crimes against children just because we put the phrases as close together as we possibly could. We would never do anything to stigmatize non-child molesting gays.

…Exodus International has not and will not support any legislation that deprives others of life and dignity…

I’m assuming that’s a package deal since depriving others of dignity is one of your strongest suits, Exodus.

And finally, the climactic conclusion, the seismic clincher, the jump on board sweetener, ETCETERA, ETCETERA!:

If homosexual behavior and knowledge of such behavior is criminalized and prosecuted, as proposed in this bill, church and ministry leaders will be unable to assist hurting men, women and youth who might otherwise seek help in addressing this personal issue. The Christian church must be permitted to extend the love and compassion of Christ to all…

You go over there and support (silence = consent) the teaching that gay people are child-molesting sexomaniacs responsible for the Holocaust, and the best backtrack you can come up with is to suggest not locking them up because you might be able to save a few of their souls?

Sorry, Exodus, actions speak louder than words. Until the signatories of that statement are flying over to Uganda in rotating shifts for the entirety of the time this bill is on the legislative floor, to meet with President Museveni—face to face—as much and as many times as possible to PLEAD for this bill to be removed from consideration, then this statement of yours, as well as the support of its signatories, means WORSE than nothing.

Note to those signatories who have the capacity to understand the meaning of guilt: Comprehend things before signing them. Well intentioned or not, by signing onto this Exodus-inspired veiled verbal gay-bashing fiesta of C-Y-A tripe, you put your stamp of approval on it, and by extension, encourage and enable those in favor of passing this genocidal legislation.

From the Christian Post, 3-26-10

Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, recently expressed regret for participating in the conference and hoped to clarify the organization’s position through ABC News, which produced an investigative piece on the issue earlier this month.

“I am disappointed that Exodus won’t be heard in this piece,” Chambers wrote on the blog of Warren Throckmorton, who started a grassroots movement to oppose the bill. “Sadly, Don Schmierer declined the interview and our request to go on record with ABC was denied. I would have loved nothing better than to share our disdain for this bill and apologize for going anywhere near such a horrible conference.” [bold mine]

What’s next, Chambers, disdain for the Bible?

Your literature is littered with usage of Leviticus 20:13:

‘If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

One would think such a “horrible conference” would be a Biblical dream come true for Exodus.

Most death penalty cases don’t have statutes of limitations. Therefore, ex-gays who may (or may not) be celibate now, might easily face the death penalty for their past indiscretions that they so loudly proclaim in their testimonies. In fact, under these sorts of laws, a flowing testimony of drugs, booze, wanton sex and other misbehavior would be as good as a death warrant. This would completely throttle their business model, and we’d never hear another version of Randy Thomas’ testimony.

Didn’t Chambers first deny Exodus had a clear-cut role in the conference, instead saying Don was a “mere board member” or something to that effect? Of course, we called him on that and he’s framing his apologies as though Exodus DID participate and WAS fully aware. Just thought I’d mention that thought.

“Just thought I’d mention that thought”
—
Exodus President Speaks, Proud of Uganda Conference Participation
Ex-Gay Watch
March 13th, 2009

We applaud our board member’s attempt to convey these truths to a country in need.

Backup:
Sexuality Expert: Uganda Anti-Gay Seminar Takes Wrong Approach.
Christian Post
Mar. 13, 2009

In response, Exodus International said it applauds its board member Don Schmierer…for his effort to convey an “alternative message that encompasses a compassionate, biblical view of homosexuality,”

Uganda and Beyond
Alan Chambers’ blog
Thursday, April 23, 2009

And while others jump on the bandwagon of the United Nations and government sanctions I cannot support going in to a country and forcing them to deal with this issue as the gay activist community would suggest.

Just thought I’d elaborate on that thought.