Sunday You Learn How to Box
By Keith Boykin, in spirituality
Thursday, July 21 2005, 10:25AM
Meet little Ronnie Parris. This adorable 3-year-old boy (pictured here) was killed by his father because the father thought the boy might be a “sissy.” Let me repeat that. His own father murdered him because he thought the boy might be gay.
Now meet Rev. J. Grace Harley. Salon.com reporter Mark Benjamin calls her a “kindly, big-boned, middle-aged black woman with gentle eyes and an obvious wig.” She calls herself a voice crying in the wilderness, but she’s really a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Harley runs the special anti-gay ministry at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church in Washington, DC.
In Bil Wright's debut novel Sunday You Learn How to Box, Louis Bowman is a poor black gay kid growing up in urban Connecticut while his mother orchestrates Sunday boxing matches between her son and his violent stepfather. But for young Ronnie Paris, that story was no novel. It was the cause of his demise. While his parents studied Bible verses with friends from Deeper Life Ministries, little Ronnie (described as a skinny, underdeveloped 3-year-old) quietly slipped into a coma induced by his own father's relentless beatings. The father didn't want his son to grow up "soft."
Which brings me to Rev. Grace Harley at Mt. Calvary Holy Church. As far as I know, Grace Harley has never met Ronnie Paris, but these two stories are nonetheless connected by a seamless web of religious-based homophobia that permeates the black community. It's a story of how bigotry becomes intolerance and then becomes violence.
I’ve had my issues with Mt. Calvary in the past. I have friends who have gone through their ridiculous ex-gay ministry and emerged “free of sin” for a few months only to find themselves confused months later. In fact, of the two people I know who went through the church’s ex-gay conversion process and claimed to be straight afterwards, both of them are now openly gay.
Mt. Calvary is a sick church. The church is filled with gay men who regularly attend Sunday services to participate in their own oppression. The church believes “the Bible is the inspired Word of God and without error.” But that’s an outrageous claim that makes no sense. If you really believe the Bible is without error, how do you reconcile the numerous contradictions within the text? How do you explain the fact that the Bible has been changed and edited hundreds of times over the centuries? And how do you explain the fact that Catholics and Protestants don’t even use the same Bible?
Mt. Calvary also claims to believe that “homosexuality (whether in practice or identity) as well as other sexual addictions, is direct rebellion against God’s plan for mankind, and is therefore sin.” So says Rev. J. Grace Harley, on her website.
Harley, a self-described former lesbian, preaches on what she calls “sexual healing and restoration.” Harley believes “the Lord God is sending me to the Gay community and those who struggle with sexual sin” and she claims “I have a mandate from God to share with the world.” She calls herself “standing up on behalf of God[’s] families testifying against the gay agenda.”
I said this before about Donnie McClurkin, and I’ll say it again about Grace Harley. The greater the sinner, the greater the saint. The people who are the worst so-called sinners are almost always the ones who become the biggest preachers after they “convert.” They think, mistakenly, that everyone who is not “saved” is engaged in the same self-destructive lifestyle in which they were previously involved. As Harley admits, “For me to go from age 15 to age 40 and always have a person in my bed, or always have a person I am screwing, to suddenly not having anybody but a spirit -- it's hard,” she told Salon.com.
For Harley, her religious conversion began on August 19, 1992. On the same night when presidential candidate Bill Clinton was celebrating his 46th birthday at a party in Little Rock, Harley was receiving what she calls a “supernatural blessing” that set her “free without a trace” of lesbianism. Now she runs a church group called “Homosexuals Anonymous.”
Like so many religious hypocrites, Harley claims she’s doing her work for the kids. “It is for your children, your children’s children,” she claims. “Remember what Jesus said, ‘what you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.’ Together we can put a stop to the rape and brainwashing of innocent minds,” she says. If only that were true. In reality, the religious bigots don’t really care about our children. They talk about protecting children from homosexuality but they completely neglect to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered kids from homophobia. And so they are the ones who are raping and brainwashing innocent minds with their self-righteous rhetoric.
If the religious bigots cared about children, they would care about poor little Ronnie Paris Jr. in Tampa. They would care about 15-year-old Sakia Gunn, who was murdered by a grown man on the streets of Newark when she identified herself as a lesbian. And they would care about Jamal James and Rashawn Brazell and countless other young LGBT people whose lives have been taken away because they happened to be different.
But on a recent Wednesday night meeting, Rev. Harley told Salon.com reporter Mark Benjamin that gays should be banned from the Boy Scouts. “Birds of a feather flock together,” she said. “It's not in the Bible, but it's true. You can't have a homosexual buddy and think you are going to be buddy-buddy and nothing [will get] off on you. You will become tainted and corrupted.”
So much for the message of love. The real message—the message of homophobia—is what motivated Ronnie Paris’s father to murder his young son. And now it’s time for the religious hypocrites on the right to acknowledge the connection between their anti-gay religious bigotry and anti-gay acts of violence.
Maybe Harley and the other religious zealots should take their own advice. As Jesus said, “what you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.”
Jury Finds Father Guilty in Death of Little Boy (Tampa Tribune, 7/15/05)
Dad Boxed With Three-Year-Old (Tampa Tribune, 7/13/05)
To contact Rev. Harley:
Rev. J. Grace Harley
Jesus is the Answer
World Wide Healing Ministry International
P.O. Box 8157
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8157
(202) 388-3763
1(800) 670-WORD DC only
Website: http://www.graceharley.com/id54.htm
Email: RevGrace4U@aol.com
Comments conceal
Rhythm
July 21 2005, 12:08PM
this is too sad for words...
Andre
July 21 2005, 1:12PM
I concur Rhythm, How sad is it that a father would rather kill his son than to allow the son to grow up and possibly be gay?
Mel Smith
July 21 2005, 1:48PM
I'm am so sad right now. Why do people murder others in the name of God? Hitler, the Hutu army who murdered Tutis in Rwanda, The people who created 911, and countless others always believe that God is on their side.
Cody
July 21 2005, 1:52PM
Keith, I am so absolutely sick and tired of you and today, I've reached my limit.
First, the story about the Iranians executing 4,000 people for being gay and them hanging those two boys for being gay. Then the three-year-old beat to death. Then talking about what's going on in these ex-gay churches.
DAMNIT!!!! DO SOMETHING!!!!
You write this shit, then have all these mixed up folks give their opinions on how horrible it is that gays are treated so bad, BUT NOBODY EVER DOES SHIT.
Do you think for one second that what's happening in Iran can't happen here? Don't fool yourself. Look at Jamaica.
Make something happen, man. You can. I will be there to support you. You have the soapbox. No one knows me from a house cat. What ever help you may need I will do my best to get you.
BUT DO SOMETHING!
It don't take much man, but a rally, a meeting, a gathering to show support, a march.
Cody Williams
www.codywilliams.com
Andre Bush
July 21 2005, 2:00PM
This story shows us all how dangerous religion can be. The interpretation of the Bible has given so many people power and the sad thing is, people dont read it for themselves, they listen to what others tell them and believe what it said. I grew up in a Baptist Church. One thing I remember my minister preaching was to read the Bible for yourself, and that everyone does not know what they are talking about....this is something I think we all need to "preach".
To be 21 years old and having so much hatred (especially towards your own child) is really sad. I would like to know who abused the father in this story? Better yet, did the father see something in the child that he had been dealing with himself? Stranger things have happened.
Mel Smith
July 21 2005, 2:06PM
Cody, Keith does something everyday of his life. He is our most outspoken person. I know you may not mean everything you write, but you are a little careless with your writing. We are not you enemies. You and the rest of us must use our energy to attack oppression. The way to attack prejudice against homosexuals is not to remain silent. It's perfectly normal and ok for us to express our feelings on this website.
Cody
July 21 2005, 2:20PM
Mel, While you sit up and express your opinions young folks are being hanged in Iran. While you sit up and express your opinion people are being taught that God hates gays. While you sit up and express your opinion someone somewhere is contemplating suicide because his/her family wont accept him/her. It goes on, and on, and on.
But, praise the lawd, you got to express your opinion.
My writing is not reckless. It's by design. Intentional. As long as the image of those two young boys being hanged is burned on my brain, I don't care who I piss off. I'm doing something. You can be with me, or get the f*&% out of my way!
Jeff
July 21 2005, 2:28PM
I like to know anybody here who does more than Keith on a daily basis to fight sexual bigotry. Keeping people informed is a first step.
mel smith
July 21 2005, 2:38PM
See, that's what I'm talking about. Brother, you're attacking me. We as black or gay people can sometimes be our own worse enemies. There's no need for you to get offended by what I just wrote. Change will not occur overnight. But dialogue is helpful and this will encourage people to challenge oppression. I'm 25 and I donate to social causes which help our community. The more money I make, the more I will donate.
Cody
July 21 2005, 2:58PM
Again, this ain't about you. Repeat that.
It ain't about me either. Those of you who feel attacked, I make no apologies for it. It ain't about you. Get over yourself.
It's easy as hell to write a cute post on a website. Hell, I do that.
But these folks are hanging people. Action!
They are beating up little children. Action!
They are preaching hate in church pulpits. Action!
They are bashing gay teenagers. Action!
They are cutting up gays in Brooklyn. Action!
Words are cheap. Anonymous posts are cowardly.
Hitting the streets, campaigning, marching, confronting these demons face to face is action.
My email address is posted. Anyone who wants to do something other that just 'be concerned' please contact me.
Those who don’t agree, don’t even bother about responding. IT AIN’T ABOUT YOU!!
JIMMY WILLIAMS
July 21 2005, 2:59PM
ITS SAD THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WANTS CHILDREN AND CAN'T HAVE THEM AND DAMN PEOPLE LIKE THIS WHO KILL THERE CHILDREN FOR BEING MIXED UP AND CONFUSED CULT RELIGIOUS CHURCHES I GOT CAUGHT UP BEHIND A PREACHER HERE IN DC HE PREACHED ABOUT BEING GAY AND SIN COME TO FIND OUT HE WAS ON CRACK COCAIN AND WAS SLEEPING WITH MEN ALSO I BELIVE IN GOD BUT I FEEL A LOT OF SO CALLED PREACHERS OUT THERE ARE NOT CALLED BY GOD KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK KEITH PEACE OUT JIMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
edwin greene
July 21 2005, 3:16PM
I think that keeping us informed is a good first step, but then what? I recommend this: we black gay men/women need to have our own Black gay/lesbian march on Washington, dc. I know that this will not solve the problem of black homophobia (i realize that other racial groups are homophobic, but i'm concerned here about black homophobia) but it will serve notice that we are here and not going away (or back into the closet). I think a good first step is letting the black community know, once and for all, that we've here politicized and angry. I also think that participating in Farrakan's Millions More March is self-defeating: he and his Muslims (as well as Muslims around the world) believe that gays should be put to death. Why participate in our own destuction: let's organize and plot our own course separate and apart from the straight black community. Let's face it, they don't want us. I feel that the straight black community is a lost cause. Let's abandon it and go for ourselves like sane, rational people. Ed
Mel Smith
July 21 2005, 3:35PM
Everything you are writing is correct. But, it is actually about me and you too because, we are also attacked. But I think marching is only one effective way to handle a situation. Although, it's perhaps the strongest way. Right now, I think MONEY(something I donate on a monthly basis) is the most important thing we need. That money could be used to get our ministers and other professionals more television time. Thus, we can influence some of the brainwash people. I recently sent a respectful email to that church in Washington D.C. on behalf of their homophobic rhetoric. Trust me, that is also an effective way to produce change. Doing someting is better than doing nothing. I think people could get your message online too. Some folks don't want to march and that should be thier right. I always leave my name when I post messages on this site. But Keith definitely is a visible voice in the community and that can't be debated. Believe me, those brothers who go on websites such as blackplanet.com to educate other brothers about homophobia also is contributed to our rights. Now, everyting takes time. We must also speak out on behalf of women in those countries too. Bayard Rustin and other activists would also have dialogues. We now have computers. We need money for these meetings and I will donate more as soon as possible.
edwin greene
July 21 2005, 3:47PM
I think that your keeping us informed about these atrocities is good, but then what? I recommend this: that we black gay men/women should march on Washington and assert our concerns (as white gays have done). I know this will not solve the problem of black homophobia (i realize that other racial groups are homophobic, but i'm concerned here about black homophobia) but it will serve notice to the larger black community that we black gays and lesbians are here, we're politicized and we're angry.
I also think that participating in Farrakan's Millions More March is self-defeating. Why participate in our own destuction (many Muslim spokesman say that gays should be put to death when the subject of our humanity comes up). Let's organize and plot our own course separate and apart from the straight black community. They don't want us. I believe, based on my personal experiences, that most of them despise us. I feel that the straight black community is a lost cause. Let's abandon it and go for ourselves.
I would make sure that all my friends go to "our" march. Our march could be scheduled for next October, 2006. I would like to see your response on this.
a brotha named Sharif
July 21 2005, 3:54PM
Keith,
Once again, thank you for bringing these stories to all of us that come and view your website. I think it is very important to let all of us know what goes on around the world and in our own country also. Keith, you have done alot to help the GLBT community and I applaud you. I am really proud that you came out with your latest book that addresses the DL issue because alot of the straight people needed to be educated on the issue of the DL after J.L. King spreaded the wrong message on the issue. I think you should start a rally, meeting, gathering and especially a march because you need to use your influence to get it started, I would like to start something in that nature but no one knows me from jack and I don't think they would support me or take me serious as you. We have so many issues in our own country especially after that Presidental election, it seems like our country hate toward gays and lesibans increased seven times more, it is sad that gays and lesibans can't have at least civil unions and even protect each other if something goes wrong, it is sad that so many straight churches do not support gay and lesiban issues or want them as priest, reverends, bishops, etc. but I guess that is why there is gay churches and liberal churches where you can truely come to praise god without drama and hate, it is sad that so many gays and lesiban get bashed for hate crimes, it is sad that so many black gays and lesibans have hate toward one another and feel that they are superior than the other because that is what goes on here in Toledo, Ohio where I live. So as you can see there are alot of issues that can be address with a rally, meeting, gathering, and especially a march but will other GLBT support it like me?
Keith Boykin
July 21 2005, 4:22PM
Dear Friends:
For those of you who are looking for a way to help, please write a letter, send an email or call the people involved when you read these stories. I usually provide contact information at the end of these articles so you can take action on your own.
Next, if you want to support an organization, please consider supporting the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). I am the president of the board of NBJC. Although it's a new organization (only a year and a half old), we already have a fulltime executive director (Alexander Robinson), communications director (Ray Daniels), religious affairs coordinator (Sylvia Rhue) and administrative assistant (Delvin James) in our office in DC.
Just this month, NBJC organized an historic reconciliation meeting between straight and gay African Americans at the NAACP convention. We have also organized rallies and town hall meetings from New York to Los Angeles to North Carolina. And we have been working closely with LGBT organizers in Washington and with national civil rights leaders to register our concerns about the Millions More Movement march.
In fact, NBJC has been working on many of the issues I discuss on this site. For more information, visit our website, where you can stay informed, sign up to volunteer, contact your legislators, or make a donation. The web address is:
http://www.nbjcoalition.org
Thanks for your support.
DB
July 21 2005, 5:26PM
As I greive for the loss of an innocent lamb...I take time to thank God for those fathers who at least took the time to understand. We all know that it's time to take a stand, but I agree with Mel, you've got to rally the support then take action. Otherwise, you get a few folks that purport to represent a body; however, those they claim to represent haven't a clue of what the reps are doing. We will know when the season is right.
Robert
July 21 2005, 6:19PM
I just came here for some relief - I've been sparring with an 'ex-gay' minister on his blog, and had to scrape some of the muck off my brain.
Thank you, all of you, for caring about what happened to this poor boy. When I think about my own son (now eight), and think what could have befallen him before my husband and I adopted him, it tears at my heart like claws. The more we spread the word that doing as Mr. Parris did is wrong and evil, the less likely it is that things like this will happen again. They will, over and over, but slowly, it will become rarer and rarer.
I do believe that. I have to believe that, or it would be too much to bear.
kelly variste
July 21 2005, 6:30PM
first i would like to say keith thank you for keeping us well informed on the issues of the day, especially issues that concern the blgbt community. i must say that i am truly outraged by these tragic turn of events.there's no words that can properly articulate my grief and anger,its sad that a fathers hate and lack of understanding drove him to such fury.
anthony davis
July 21 2005, 8:51PM
Cody although I empathize with you and clearly understand your frustration,I also am a bit disturbed by your hypocritical posturing.First up,the anger that you're feeling is misdirected.Why such anger and outrage towards Keith? Here is a man who has been a champion for the rights of gay people and a tireless advocate in doing what he can to promote a positive image of self love and self acceptance.So for you to even suggest that he needs to do something is misguided and way off the mark.Instead of finger pointing Cody my question to you is what are you doing or what have you done to promote awareness about these types of atrocities? Many of us who read Keith's website know of the work that he has done so again my question to you is what are you doing about this or what have you even done?It's always so easy to attack amd point the finger at what one views as someone else's shortcomings but just remember that change first begins with the man in the mirror.You take him to task for putting out these type of stories and then say that he's not doing anything about it, well I applaud him for doing so because how else then would some people know about what is going on.Before one can begin to take action you first need to be informed and educated about what is going on.In some ways you have a very relevant measure however the way that you chose to deliver it reduces it to rhetoric. Now my brother what I say to you here is in no way meant to attack you but you need to see that your anger is misdirected and you need to channel that anger elsewhere.
Cody
July 21 2005, 10:22PM
Thanks Keith, for responding as you did.
I'll join your organization and do what ever is necessary to help bring about change. That's what's important. I encourage everyone to do the same.
Anybody else who feels the need to put me in my place for any of my post, again I say, it ain't about you. You wouldn't even come close to understanding if I need to explain myself any further.
Just go back and look at the pictures of the boys being led to their hanging. Go back and look at the picture of the baby beat to death. (My son is that age) It's about them. It's about others like them who because they are different won't make it to see the holidays. Or, won't make it to see tomorrow.
This is not a joke. These crazies are serious. They will take you, and me, outta here and say God told them to do it.
I make no apologies. I'm sure Keith, of all people, understands. Some things just move people differently, for different reasons, to say and do different things.
I'm proud to be so moved.
Kola Boof
July 21 2005, 10:44PM
I not only agree with Keith about the bible....
...but I would also like to point out that people USE THE BIBLE...as a "whip".
For their own insecure aims and hatefulness.
I do, however, read the bible A LOT--and I think it's the greatest book of wisdom ever written. But still, Keith is right...it was assembled by HUMANS, and with regard to women and sex, it completely goes against MY CULTURE (for instance, claiming that a woman is "unclean" and should be put away during her menstral cycle----when in my culture-----the woman's menstral cycle is CELEBRATED as a message from GOD).
Guess Who
July 21 2005, 11:45PM
I must say these incidents are tragic and unfortunate about Iranians being murdered due their sexual orientation or the father who killed his son. Please keep in mind, our government is different from Iran and we must remember that when we compare the differences. Not to sound harsh or cold-hearted, the incident with the father killing his son can be treated as an isolated incident.
Cody
July 22 2005, 11:09AM
The following letter was sent to the NBJ Coalition today. I truly hope this starts something.
July 22, 2005
Dear NBJ Coalition;
Recently it has been brought to light in the Western World that two young men were hanged to death in Iran. Their crime was to be caught in homosexual activity.
They were murdered.
Where’s the outrage? Where are the calls for justice?
When a young woman was sentenced in Nigeria to be stoned to death for committing adultery the entire western world mobilized in her defense. Her life was spared.
Your organization, expeditiously, has to call for nothing less to be done concerning the execution of 4,000 believed to be gay individuals since Islamic rule has taken over Iran.
It’s time for the civilized world to step up to bigotry and barbarism where ever it happens.
“A threat to liberty and justice anywhere, is a threat to liberty and justice everywhere.”
Those who applaud the hatred preached against homosexuals in churches here in America are only one fiery sermon away from what’s going on in Iran. If religious zealotry and oppressive tyranny can happen anywhere in the world, it can happen here as well.
Something must be said. Now!
Something must be done. Now!
It’s important that we get each and every religious leader here in American to denounce what is going on in Iran. They have to do it publicly. They have to do it without equivocation.
Religious leaders of the world gathered recently to show their solidarity against same sex marriages and a world gay pride event to be held in Israel. Well, before it’s too late, we need to get them together and denounce the hatred against homosexuals that starts with their pulpit teachings.
Bklynbro
July 22 2005, 11:37AM
Cody, I agree with you 100%. Talking about the situation is never as effective as "doing" something about it. Why we celebrate "pride" is beyond me. And it truly boggles my mind when it comes to Black gays and the church.
There have been countless stories like these but when it comes to stories about what Black gays are doing about it you are hard pressed to find anything beyond a few denouncements via press releases.
However, we should be appreciative for the information we get considering that it's the 21st Century and Black gays can't get it together enough to have a strong national organization, magazine or newspaper, or other forms of effective community empowerment.
We've got some serious work to do.
Mel Smith
July 22 2005, 11:51AM
Cody and others are right. Change must occur now. But, change can only occur when WE ARE NOT DIVIDED. We must donate to and attend meetings of the NBJ Coalition. Now, Bayard Rustin and others did not quickly get into something. They communicated with each other and gathered information and ideas. I will donate money as soon as I start my new position at my job. Actually, I will donate something right now with my credit card.
Bklynbro
July 22 2005, 12:08PM
Keith - the efforts of the NBJ Coalition are appreciated. However, I don't always agree with the old school methods in which you guys go about doing some things.
In regrads to the NAACP - have they ever given an humanitarian or image award to an openly gay person or organization? Have they ever given an Image Award to a homophobic emtertainer? Have they ever given one of their notorious grade cards to businesses for the amount of or the lack thereof of gay employees? Have they ever or will ever publicly denounce Black churches who preach homosexual hatred? Take a closer look.
Also, was there a problem putting the words gay and lesbian in the NBJC's title?
Mel Smith
July 22 2005, 3:45PM
Guess who, did that little boy represent the "homosexual agenda?" I believe that the incident is one too much and should have never happended period! Now, you know what people will do to me or you, if they will kill a baby!
Kyon
July 22 2005, 7:42PM
Tragic all of it but perhaps it gives us all a chance to really start trying to change the way our people feel about us. Keith and others like him are doing a great job but there is only so much they can do. We need to stop being silent in the face of when it comes from our people. All of us need to.
Guess Who??
July 22 2005, 7:53PM
Dear Mel,
The child was innocent and therefore suffered a tragic demise. I can say the father is questionable of being homophobic and paranoid- even schizophrenic. I am not persuaded this toddler represent the “homosexual agenda.”
Blacklatina
July 23 2005, 5:09AM
Oh my goodness. I had not heard the story about the 3 year old probably b/c I am so tired of the negativity reported. Children are God's little gifts to all of us and it's our job protect and take care of them because they did not ask to be here. He should not have taken Ronnie Parris' life. No matter what sentence he receives here on earth, he's going to have to answer to God for that. (I'm trying hard not to cry here b/c this story is so sad)...Thanks Keith for posting this on your site.
Regarding church, religion and homosexuality. I am saved, attend church regularly and just happen to be a LESBIAN. I love God and am not ashamed to profess it. I've been through a lot in my life--never tried drugs and dont drink but my coming out process was painful and not met with open arms but God placed people in my life (straight and gay) who re-affirmed what I already know about God which is that he loves me just as I am. I try to be an example to all that I come in contact with by operating in love 24/7 and not being judgemental of others just as God does....so when I hear Carnal Christians judging others, just know that God holds them accountable for that SIN because they should know better. How can you say that you're born again, sanctified and set apart with this new found knowledge and understanding of who God is and you cant love your own bretheren---stop making real Christians look like hypocrites!!!! ...and don't get me started on those so called holy families that ship their gay relatives down south like a FED EX package....we need to do better!
Just as J.L. King misrepresents (I'm not sure who he thinks that he's representing) but I guess the down-low brother, there are carnal christians that make us look bad. Carnal Christians zoom in on one or two scriptures that speak to their situation and blank out the rest. The bible tells us not to JUDGE ok, let me be exact for the ones who memorize scripture but don't apply it to their own lives. (Remember SATAN knows scripture backward and foward too b/c he used to be an angel!!!!) Here's the scripture.....Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. (NRSV, Matthew 7:1-5)
In closing, Self-righteousness is one of the hardest sins to avoid because it is so much easier to see other people's faults than to see our own faults but judgment of a person's character must be left to God (Romans 2:1-4, James 4:11-12). Rather than look for faults in others, we should look for the good in others and try to correct the faults within ourselves. Rather than criticizing other people, we should concentrate on living holy lives, ourselves. Jesus' comical parable of a person with a log in his eye trying to see to remove a speck from another's eye reminds us that we probably have bigger faults within ourselves (including self-righteousness) than the faults we like to criticize in others.
Peace y'all :-)
Concerned
July 26 2005, 7:38PM
Keith,
I am completely shocked that the intensity of your words. Please note that although The Bible is filled with a plethora of cultural contradictions, it does inform us that we will be judged with the same measure with which we have judged. Having never spoken to Rev. Harley, you have somehow deemed her a bigot, self-righteous, and a hypocrite. I sincerely hope that you have read more articles than you quoted for you to defame her character in such manner. We must recognize that the church is an institution like all others, and it is not, nor has it ever claimed to be, perfect. Although I'm gay, I am strenghtened that Mt. Calvary has done something more than simply tell homosexuals that they are going to hell. They have a ministry that tries to help them. When families have dimissed and disregarded you, when your own community defiles you, and you feel that there is something wrong with you, I'm encouraged the the church tries to help. Just because you may not feel it's sin doesn't mean that others shouldn't. Churches have alcoholics minstries, which doesn't mean that everyone who goes through one comes out sober. The thing is, there is no induction into homosexuality. When a young man has feelings that he assumes to be peculiar, who is there to tell him about dating, that he's not strange, sexual practices, condom use, etc.? Hopefully he won't end up like me, a few years back, chatting online, clubbing amongst predators. The church is a resource, and if you feel that young people not being properly educated, EDUCATE THEM. Don't just sit back and bitch. If you do, you're becoming with you so obviously loathe--a self-righteous bigot. Jesus wants a church without blemish, obviously, you won't find one. So stop expecting it.
Concerned
July 26 2005, 7:48PM
I found some typographical erros with my previous posts. I found my message in MS Word, but it did not have the errors. The website must be having difficulties. Nevertheless.....
KEITH,
I am completely shocked by the intensity of your words. Please note that although The Bible is filled with a plethora of cultural contradictions, it does inform us that we will be judged with the same measure with which we have judged. Having seemingly never spoken to Rev. Harley, you have somehow deemed her a bigot, self-righteous, and a hypocrite. I sincerely hope that you have read more articles than you quoted for you to defame her character in such manner. We must recognize that the church is an institution like all others, and it is not, nor has it ever claimed to be, perfect. Although I'm gay, I am strenghtened that Mt. Calvary has done something more than simply tell homosexuals that they are going to hell. They have a ministry that tries to help them. When families have dimissed and disregarded you, when your own community defiles you, and when you feel that there is something wrong with you, I'm encouraged the the church tries to help. Where do you go? Young people in high school aren't aware of resources. Where do they go for advice? Just because you may not feel it's sin doesn't mean that others shouldn't. Churches have alcoholics minstries, which doesn't mean that everyone who goes through one comes out sober. The thing is, there is no induction into homosexuality. When a young man has feelings that he assumes to be peculiar, who is there to tell him about dating, that he's not strange, sexual practices, condom use, etc.? Hopefully he won't end up like me, a few years back, chatting online, clubbing amongst predators. This church is attempting to help. And, even if the church were to encourage homosexuality, I hope they would still encourage morality--not sleeping with every attractive man that you meet, not sleeping with a married man just because he says he'll leave his wife. Pride should show humanity, not mere sexuality. Some people actually don't like strangers grabbing on you as you pass them. The church is a resource, and if you feel that young people not being properly educated, EDUCATE THEM. Don't just sit back and bitch. If you do, you're becoming what you so obviously loathe--a self-righteous bigot. Jesus wants a church without blemish, obviously, you won't find one. So stop expecting it.
Mel Smith
July 26 2005, 8:42PM
Low self-esteem, self-hating, brainwash homosexuals help contribute to our oppression. The young kids have more of a backbone than the older homosexuals who self hate.