Bishop Carlton Pearson Says "God Is Not A Christian"

Dexstarg
August 14 2006, 10:39AM

Its about time that people start combining common sense and religion.

jerry
August 14 2006, 10:51AM

I agree 100%. Finally a thinking pastor in the Christian Faith.

Wise&Young
August 14 2006, 10:55AM

Its sad that this is newsworthy when it should be the norm. But we have to start somewhere, so kuddos to him.

Just my thoughts

DDC
August 14 2006, 11:45AM

Well I myself believe that God's not intolerant but honestly, for a Christian minister to say that you don't have to believe in Christ to go to heaven is pretty shocking. That's like a monk saying one doesn't have to believe Buddha to obtain a state of nirvana. Now change the religion from the historically-peaceful Buddhism to the historically-bloody Christianity and its kind of scary. I hope he stays safe in a world of pshycho-religious fanatacs.

Jeff
August 14 2006, 12:13PM

Wow Keith! I can't believe it! I had no idea that he lost all of his "titles" so-to-speak. This is a big deal not only because he's black but because of his particular denomination, that being of the pentecostal/apostolic faith. I wish more of them would have that revelation.

pip
August 14 2006, 12:34PM

I've been following Bishop Pearson for years. I even heard him speak back in my "born again" days. He is very sincere and a truly loving individual. He wants nothing more than to spread God's love to any needing soul. I first heard his message of God's unconditional love and his subsequent excommunication on NPR's "This American Life." I was touched by his outreach to the LGBT community. I'm sorry I missed NBC's feature but thank you, Keith, for featuring him.

J
August 14 2006, 12:38PM

Wow before I left the church over ten years ago Pearson was one of my favorite preachers, when I left that church one of the reasons was because I did not agree with the doctrine of hell, I felt that if God exists and he created mankind it is not possible for him to loose any of his creations, I felt that everyone would eventually come back to him and on that note I left the church. Now to read Pearson saying the same thing is just mind-blowing!!! I was in the faith-movement and I remember Oral Roberts prophecy about Pearson being a key part of the next revival, interesting maybe Pearson is a key part of a new revival, Oral Roberts felt that God had a special calling for Pearson, mmmmm maybe this is his special calling, how very interesting and shocking. I am still speechless.

gs
August 14 2006, 12:48PM

I guess I'll remain a smallminded thinking, gay christian cause the boy's doctrine is out in left field. I do wish him the best though.

Troy
August 14 2006, 12:51PM

Religion always was the preferred drug of the mind.
Bonus round points given to the ones who see the correlation between penis and big white collars (hint; squint, squint)....

c chambers
August 14 2006, 2:24PM

Finally a form of truth is being told...aside from what has been so often preached. Hopefully this will catch on to others... but it's sad to see how those same peers/religious mates... and clergy have ostrocized him for really teaching and broadening knowlege about "love/inclusion/works of God"...

It's even saddening to think and wonder how many of those same clergy who aren't agreeing with Bishop Pearson... where they stand in terms of self-judgement with their own actions that are literal contradictions of their own teachings! Another reason you should self-search the truth and work on it on a personal and intimate basis.

SHAWNQT
August 14 2006, 2:47PM

THIS IS THE MORE SPIRITUALLY REFRESHING POST I HAVE READ!
ALL THE THINGS I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT FOR YEARS, SOMEONE HAD THE COURAGE TO SAY!

I have to check this guy out and see what he is all about. Thanks Keith, you really made my day for posting this!

Hopefully there will be more, maybe even me, who will continue this truth to everyone.

Yusef
August 14 2006, 3:16PM

Well its about time...I have attended Mr Pearson's church when i lived in Tulsa and i really enjoyed it. I absolutely agree with him...at least about the "hell" doctrine..i kinda always knew that was a bunch of crap mastermined by the roman empire to keep the "other" folks inline and pressed down. Its amazing to me how intelligent present day thinking folk dont research and find out the origins of "fables & myths"...instead they sit sunday after sunday and listen to "garbage" and "pagan traditions of men". You go Carlton. If interested to search out some of the misconceptions of modern day church doctrine here are a few sites.

http://www.christian-universalism.com/articles/hell.html
http://www.what-the-hell-is-hell.com/FromHellsEternalDeath.htm
http://www.hellbusters.8m.com
Great post, Thanks Keith

Marlon
August 14 2006, 3:42PM

Challenging is good, All the time; you awaken critical thinking abilities.

I came to Jesus a 5yr old Baptist choir boy; at 29 - still a choir boy - concluded I didn’t believe the lyrics to the songs. “…I turned it over to Jesus and he worked it out.” is a lie. At 29 I embarked upon a challenging journey that lead me to become a Humanist. And eleven years later, I'm still a Humanist. As James Bladwin states, “ the ability to look at the world for himself, to make his own decisions…to ask questions of the universe…”

Friends jokingly call me the Anti-Christ. I’m criticized more for being a humanist than a homosexual. However, I’m totally self-aware and set Free. I'm proud to be an individualist.

nat
August 14 2006, 4:21PM

LET ME GET THIS RIGHT ....THERE IS NO HELL ????? SO WE CAN ROB, RAPE, MURDER AND DO THE MOST HORRIBLE THINGS KNOWN TO MAN AND SILL GO TO HEAVEN....ACCORDING TO CALIE, WE GOT AN AUTOMACTIC GET INTO HEAVEN FREE CARD ??? SO THE LADY THAT GOT TO MY PARK FIRST LAST NITE, COULD HAVE WALKED OVER TO HER AFTER SHE CAME OU THE STORE AND SNAPPED HER NECK AND EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN OK ?.... CARLIE PAST LEFT FEILD. AND THEN TO DISCOUNT JESUS AS WELL, HE MUST HAVE CONVERTED TO JUDISIM.

I WILL LET HIM THINK WHAT HE THINKS, BECAUSE.... THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE CRAP PEOPLE WHO GROW WEED IN THEIR CLOSET SPIT OUT TO MAKE EVERYTHING THAT THEY DO OK....

Marlon
August 14 2006, 4:31PM

Religious conviction has too many of my young and old close friends subscribing to down-right self-hatred; they honestly believe their same gender loving is sinful, and to resist the temptation of sgl is the Lord’s command.

One gay friend recently married, another will soon wed, a third is only one anti-gay sermon away from snatching up a woman, and my main road dog self-hatred hinders his ability to sustain sgl relationships beyond the intimacy. It hurts me deely to watch Christianity force them into major life altering mistakes because their fear of hell; nevertheless, I smile and wish them well. But I’ll be there when they need me.

I’m tired of watching my gay brothas and sistas self-hate because some hypocrite pastor and his bible tells them so. Hell to da Naw!

Stuffed Animal
August 14 2006, 4:57PM

I agree with Bishop Pearson's message of inclusive faith, up to the point where he divorces human salvation from belief in Jesus Christ. I don't particularly care whether or not believing in the Christ will get you into Heaven. I think there are plenty of people who believe in Him whose place in Heaven is not assured (and I may even be among their number). The Messiah's message isn't about living in the afterlife. It's about living in the here and now. Following the Christ's example makes mortal life more livable and more fulfilling. Believing in Him and in his sacrifice is an essential part of following His example; it's not a step you can skip over. I think Bishop Pearson and many others have been hurt so much by mainstream Christianity that they reject it out of hand. That's understandable, and much of mainstream Christian teaching needs to be rejected, but we mustn't throw the baby out with the dirty bathwater.

Derrick from Philly
August 14 2006, 5:05PM

I think Reverend Pearson is saying that the 70% (or more) of the people on this earth who are not Christians are not going to hell. Christ aint that petty, is he? His message is beautiful.

David
August 14 2006, 6:32PM

Great post, Keith. Thanks!

j
August 14 2006, 6:43PM

AMEN Bishop Pearson! I don't know what happened to change his mind and his theology, but I'm grateful. This demonstrates that there is still hope.

Msingi
August 14 2006, 7:31PM

What do gay people want? To say that there is no standard of morality and that people can do what they want and Jesus look at it approvingly? Most mainstream Christians don't preach that Jesus hates gay people no more than they teach that Jesus hates liars. But the truth is the truth.

Steve
August 14 2006, 8:18PM

While his position is a VAST improvement over current church teachings, the fact is this: All religion is belief, belief is what we use to give us comfort when we can't determine what the facts are. As a result, all religion is suspect as far as being truth. He's still tossing out belief, albeit a much, much, improved version. I'd rather focus on the facts, and keep my beliefs to myself.

Shabaka
August 14 2006, 9:17PM

Ditto, Steve!
Although I appreciate his open mindedness and cultured intellect, I can't help but acknowledge that religion is indeed the opium of the people, to quote the words of Karl Marx. As I was watching the show last night, I kept thinking, what if all three abrahamic faiths switched to such views? What would the World be like? Though I am an atheist myself, I know that would be nothing but excellent news to all of us.

Jeff
August 14 2006, 9:25PM

Doesn't Christ say "Whosoever will, let him come". I never thought Christ was one to force people to believe in him. I see alot of these holier than thou right wing Christians with their arrogance trying to legislate morality to everyone. That is not our job. And black christians should know better particularly since Christianity wasn't even our religion. I'm not saying to give it up and I don't think Carlton is saying that either. I don't think he's telling people to sin. I think he's saying God is much bigger than the box that we Christians and other religions try to put him/her in. Saying Christianity is the only way is like saying that the King James english is the only way to speak or that the only way to study music is classical and so on and so forth. We've been subjected with that all our lives from the way we look, which we still haven't embraced fully, to the way we've been educated (eurocentric). We found out there are many ways. Why should religion be restricted to one way?

tdubbs
August 14 2006, 10:09PM

stuffed animal, i agree with you, i think what the pastor is teaching is great and will help alot of people, although i do believe that we need to believe in christ and that if we put our faith in him he will guide us to the right place, and that goes for everyone gay str8 whom ever that believes

Latisha
August 14 2006, 10:28PM

God DOES love EVERYBODY. But that doesn't mean EVERYBODY is going to Heaven. Even some "Christians" aren't going to make it to Heaven. "If the righteous barely make it in, where does the sinner stand."

God is a JUST God, yet scripture also states He's a jealous God.

But he does love EVERYONE. He made us. With free-will of course.

eric
August 14 2006, 10:31PM

I can't help but to wonder what does this really mean? So, If God the definition of a all loving means that what you do doesn't matter and there are no consequences. Then Hitler is cilling in Heaven with Ghandi?

And what does that mean for standards. Are there any universal standards that God has for us or do we each get to pick and choose. Or is it the shallow catch all of being a "good person" which has as many different definitions and people you ask. Or the even more popular "do what you want as long as it feels good and doesn't hurt andone" which also hits me as quite ambiguous considering how we define hurt is universal.

Just some thoughts....

gs
August 14 2006, 10:38PM

I think people are looking for a gospel of popularity rather than one of truth. Pearson has gone so far out there with false doctrine that it serves him well to be covered by prayer. Those that are familiar with his ministry know that his spiritual downfall started when he married his wife who was not a believer and a humanist.

What's ironic is that in this piece there's a link to a detailed teaching of what is wrong with this man's teaching. Click on the red highlighted "don't have to believe in Jesus" in the article to access it. Jesus never said that he hated the homosexual, but he did say that he came to redeem man's sin through repentance and acceptance of him. That sin is not believing in Jesus Christ. That will land your tail right in a burning hell. I'll take make chances on the bible and Christ's words and teachings....Pearson is merely a mortal man.

Nyah Molineaux
August 14 2006, 10:47PM

I watched the NBC Dateline special, and I found it interesting. I believe in Jesus Christ as the way to go and I will stick with the faith of believing in him. However, I pray and wish the best for Minister Pearson.

chris-leo
August 15 2006, 3:25AM

i guess pearson jazz-riffed off the key those other ministers were following, and they kicked him out of the band.

so, EVERYONE can get into heaven, and NO ONE is going to hell, 'cause there isn't one?? coooooool.

so, what happened to the unseen, omnipotent dude in the sky who throws fire at people he doesn't like and sees you when you're masturbating?? where's the magic? where's the fun??

love? acceptance? inclusion?? BOY!!! pearson really misunderstood the megachurch power structure, huh?? isn't the whole point of this game to keep the velvet rope intact - to exclude those who don't follow the party line and speak the talking points??

how the hell else is anyone supposed to get that warm, fuzzy feeling of being elitist without necessarily being accomplished, if not for the velvet rope???

OKAY, ya caught me. i can't keep a straight face. i'm so over this bullshit, i can't even pretend to take any of it seriously, anymore.

Derrick from Philly
August 15 2006, 9:37AM

What if you don't want to go to heaven? I aint done nothin' that wrong to nobody, and I don't deserve any more hell than gay bashing motha' f___ka's have already given me. Shit, I can stand to spend ten minutes with these church folks, why the hell would I want to spend an eternity with them? Just give me eternal nothingness, that's all I want when I croke.

Queer Texan
August 15 2006, 10:14AM

I admire his stance, but I really don't see the point. I followed the Bishop Pearson story when I used to volunteer on a site for ex-pentecostals -- it was as intriguing then as it is now. Back then, he was still in the midst of getting disfellowshipped by fellow pentecostals, evangelicals -- it was so bad, it ended his attempts to win the Republican nomination for mayor there in the city he preaches in.

Apparently, the guy had an existential crisis for whatever reason -- and "faith as usual" didn't provide the answers. I guess the political thing was an attempt to find another career path, I dunno. So, now, he's having to reinvent God to meet his needs. Still not a problem -- Christianity has always done when they've needed to.

When faith doesn't pan out, though, not all of us try to remold God into our image. Some of us dump it for the mythology that it is. Better for it.

G&D
August 15 2006, 12:36PM

Though I disagree with some of his points, I admire Bishop Pearson for having the courage of his convictions. I too believe that is physically impossible to comprehend the depths of God's grace and love. Thus who knows who is going to make it to that place of eternal rest, joy, and completion that we call heavan? I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be much more than we think.

Hell for me is a place where there is no God. Fire and brimstone have no bearing on a spiritual body, but for the believer, seperation from God would be as painful as burning alive. I believe that for those that do not wish relationship with God, God's love honors that request on the other side. God sends no one from God's presence (hell). All those that depart God's presence do so voluntarily. To force a relationship is violation.

Mark
August 15 2006, 6:52PM

WAIT A MINUTE, SO EVERYONE IN THIS WEBSITE IS INDULGING IN "MORAL RELATIVISM"? IF IT FEELS GOOD, DO IT???? AM I RIGHT???? AS A CATHOLIC, ANYONE WHO IS UNREPENTANT OF THEIR SINS, WELL OF COURSE CAN'T GET INTO HEAVEN!!! NOW IN MANY FUNDAMENTALIST PROTESTANT CHURCHES ESPECIALLY PENTECOSTALS/EVANGELICALS, SAY YOU HAVE TO BE CHRISTIAN TO GET INTO HEAVEN!!! AS A CATHOLIC, MY CHURCH TAUGHT ME TO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S BELIEFS!!! NOW I DON'T KNOW WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN!!!! BUT ARE MAIN JOBS IS TO BE HOLY AND BE ON FIRE FOR CHRIST!!! ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA SAID " IF WE ARE FILLED WITH CHRIST LOVE WE CAN SET THE WHOLE WORLD ON FIRE"!!!!
THIS MORAL RELATIVISM CRAP IS GETTING OLD, THERE HAS TO BE "ABSOLUTE TRUTH"!!!! ITS ALL ABOUT ME AND NOBODY ELSE, "I CAN SLEEP WITH ANYONE, STEAL AND DO DRUGS AND THINK I AM OKAY"!!! THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS!!!

I GUESS I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PRAY TO THE DIVINE MERCY OF JESUS AND THE EUCHARIST!!!!

Bishop KDJ
August 15 2006, 11:19PM

Greetings in Jesus name

Although I applaud Bishop Pearson for his embracing the LGBT community I cannot endorse a position that nullifies hell and says that "all are saved". One must first acknowledge the once for all time sacrifice of Christ and confess their sins for Christ to save them (Romans 10:9-10) It is a dangerous thing tro forsake the ideals and principles of living a saved life. This goes for gay and straight christians alike. We still must fight against sin and not cheapen the grace afforded to us from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:1)

chris-leo
August 16 2006, 1:24AM

really mark??

THAT is not how it works?? really? can you prove it? i'm afraid i just don't believe you, and in order to continue i'm going to have to insist that you play by the basic rules of public discourse. saying, "i know this is true because i know this is true," just isn't good enough, if you're going to try and advise people to run their lives by it. so you're gonna have to put all of your "crap" as you call it on the table. let's shine a light on IT, and show me how IT works. and by that, i don't mean, show me where it says so in "the bible," because that would be a little like proving that a man is innocent of a crime by asking him. i mean prove to me that there "has to be absolute truth." maybe there is. show me how you know this. show me what that truth is. if you believe it with all your might, you must have a pretty clear picture of it. right?? what's that, mark? you don't have to prove it? well then, i don't have to believe you either.

gs
August 16 2006, 8:49AM

Proviing absolute spiritual truth outside of the bible? Ok....somebody just wants an argument and a reason to stay in the state they are. Not absolute truth. Not even worth engaging in a discussion with.

Lana
August 16 2006, 9:25AM

I was shocked to hear Carlton Pearson on Dateline. Does he think everytime he asks a question to God - the answer is always from God. Satan can speak to us too. It is the Word of God that is our final authority. It is His word to us and it says: Jesus said: If you believe not I AM HE, you will die in your sins. No one can come to the Father but by ME(Jesus). There are many more scriptures that speak of hell and God does not want any to go there - that's why HE sent Jesus. He died for all and took the sins of the world on HIM but to them that received HIM to them gave HE the power to become sons of God. Jesus said go into the world and preach the Gospel - that Jesus paid the price but only those who receive the free gift of righteousness will be saved.

saint james
August 16 2006, 1:02PM

Good Point Latisha,

I guess Carlton hasn't read that verse you quoted from the New Testament book of Hebrews. I also suppose that he hasn't read the words of Peter the Apostle in the book of Acts: Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name (authority) of Jesus Christ....". So according to the scriptures, belief in Christ and turning from false gods and sin is necessary for salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God.

Carlton Pearson is right about the love of God being extended to ALL HUMAN BEINGS as expressed in Jesus Christ. This point is so often forgotten by the church in America. The American church is as bigoted and partisan as any political party. Even if the curch does not condone or approve certain behaviors they must still live by the Law of Love; Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and your neighbor as your self. That point Carlton Pearson has right.

Chago Wilson
August 16 2006, 1:57PM

Let go of Euro-centric brainwashing. The bible and the christian religion were specifically CREATED to accomplish in its day what televison and the white-controlled mass media do today... control the minds of the masses.
How long ago did our Divine Creator place man on this earth people?? Hundreds of thousands or even millions of years, right? Christianity has existed for only about 2,000 years. It is the YOUNGEST of all regligions! So, are we to believe that God, in His/Her infinite wisdom, would create and allow humans to exist on this earth for many, many centuries without ANY clue as to the existence of or relationship to a Supreme Being and allow ALL of his creations to be condemned to this "hell" because there was NO bible or christian religion? Get REAL peole.
A relationship with God is achieved by doing exactly what Jesus did. Jesus NEVER read the bible! Jesus NEVER went to "church". What Jesus DID was to tap into and MAXIMIZE the God Power WITHIN !!! We cAN do the same!

saint james
August 16 2006, 2:19PM

Chago Wilson,

Your ignorance is embarassing. Christianity is an outgrowth of Judaism which is the first religious expression that espouses a mono-theistic belief in God (One God). It is not at all the youngest of all religions. The early Christians were Jews who were of another sect of Judaism. Please do a little research before making such a uniformed statement. Jesus was WELL AQUAINTED with the Old Testament which are the Hebrews scriptures. He often quoted from it. So he MUST have read it. Jesus also regularly attended Jewish worship times, participated in the rituals of His day and challenged the hypocrisy of the leadership. What ARE you talking about?!?

Chago Wilson
August 16 2006, 3:04PM

Saint James, what is embarrassing is your futile attempt to twist and otherwise distort in order to make your point. The dominant culture has taught you well.
Judaism is Judaism. Judaism is NOT christianity! Christianity is a bastardized and twisted version of Judaism and other religions specifically designed by Constantine for the pupose of being a tool for European world dominance and control.
Yes, Jesus read the scrolls and "old testament" writings of his day IN THEIR ORIGINAL FORM, but he did NOT read the much-altered, re-written, mis-interpreted book called the bible that king james put together to coincide with a white supremist agenda of conquering the world. Once again, Jesus did NOT read anything called a "bible"!
Yes, Jesus particiapated in public gatherings and rituals. Those gatherings and rituals were NOT conducted in a building called a "church"! Again, Jesus did NOT go to church!
Search for the truth, don't be limited by generally accepted lies and distortions.

saint james
August 16 2006, 3:56PM

Chago,

YOU are the one who is twisiting information to make your point . Everything I wrote is substantiated in fact. You have injected your ethno-centric sensibilities into the factual history of the origins of Christianity. Constantine did NOT change the scriptures. He did have a lot to do with the inclusion of pagan practices into Roman Catholicsm. There is no proof at all that King James changed an iota of the texts from which he commisioned the Authorized Version of the Bible.
Your absurb comments about Jesus reading a "bible" or entering a "church" are really too stupid to be addressed but I will: Of course he could not enter a church. But he first spoke of the church in the gospel of Matthew and asserted that HE would establish it. You are INDEED uninformed and do not deserve another minute of my time. I wish you knowledge and a mind that desires information from reliable sources.

chris-leo
August 16 2006, 4:52PM

g.s., here's the thing.

my assertion that mark should explain to me what he means by "absolute truth," is simply that. explain it. prove it. it's not an attempt to shut down the conversation. it's a way of starting one. you are in some ways correct. i'm starting an argument, or at least a conversation. there is no conversation if someone asserts a belief in something they can't define, explain or even try and prove, yet wants others to believe. that's just not good enough. sorry. some people here are basically saying over and over, "not only do i not have to explain what i know, but i don't have to know it myself. but i believe in my belief."

that's not conversation. that's just typing. proclaiming knowledge of what "absolute truth" is or isn't is designed to be the ultimate conversation ender. especially if the only person who knows this absolute truth just happens to be invisible. HOW CONVENIENT, as the church lady says. and i'm just not playing that game anymore.

Carl
August 16 2006, 9:20PM

There is clear Biblical proof towards Mr. Pearson's view.
try sites like www.tentmaker.org or www.saviour-of-all.org
they provide visitors with the info.

musician267
August 17 2006, 12:25AM

While most of the comments are incredibly insghtful, the fact remains that there is a hell. We cannot live an immoral lifestyle , rob, cheat, steal, hate, lie, commit adultery, commit fornication, murder, counterfeit, defraud, beat our women or men, be racist, lustful.... and still make it to heaven...you get what I mean. By the way God created hell for the devil and every angel that followed after his prideful stupidity when he tried to exault himself as God... HELL WAS HERE BEFORE HE CREATED MAN!!! READ THE BIBLE, JESUS WAS A MANIFESTATION OF GOD IN THE FLESH WHO CAME TO SAVE US ALL. NOT EVERYONE WILL ACCEPT HIM, BUT THAT'S LIKE TELLING A FIREMAN WHO'S TRYING TO RESCUE YOU, NO THANKS.

Derrick from Philly
August 17 2006, 3:22PM

Y'all really wanna' get to heaven, hunh? You elect another Republican to the White House, you may get your chance sooner than you think. It's just that everybody talkin' 'bout gettin' to heaven seems either boring, awful, or crazy. Maybe I just got the devil in me. Hell, if ol' Lucifer is built like Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, I wouldn't mind him gettin' behind me.

And as far as the first to espouse monotheism--wasn't an Egyptian the first to believe in one god: Aknautan (probably mispelled).

saint james
August 17 2006, 8:55PM

No. The Egyptians believed in many gods. They believed that they themselves, in many cases were gods. Judaism regognized no other gods but Jehovah (YAWEH). It is the first commandment. Jewish Mono-theism is more than just a belief system that recognizes one supreme being that it worships; It is the belief that there is only one God alone. All other gods are false gods.

Mark Patino
August 18 2006, 1:24PM

HEY I AM NOT TRYING TO RUN NOBODY'S LIFE!!!! YOU GO AHEAD AND DO WANT YOU WANT TO DO!!!! BUT THERE HAS TO BE ABSOLUTE TRUTH!!! MORAL RELATIVISM AND THE DICTATORSHIP OF MORAL RELATIVISM IS DESTROYING THIS CULTURE AND SOCIETY!!!! THE CONCEPT OF EVERYONE DOING WHAT THEY WANT TO DO IS SELFISH AND UNGIVNG!!!! I CAN SLEEP WITH ANYONE, DO DRUGS AND RUIN MY LIFE AND THINK I AM OKAY!!!! TRUTH WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL!!!!

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, PRAY FOR Us!!!! MOST DIVINE MERCY OF JESUS HAVE MERCY ON US!!!!

Shabaka
August 19 2006, 3:23PM

Ummmh...Saint James....A quick history lesson for you...
Akhenaton was a King of Egypt (1375-1358 BC) who rejected the old gods and initiated a monotheistic worship of the sun-god Aton. At approximately the same time Hebrews are thought to have left Egypt for a free land.

Rev. John Garlington
August 20 2006, 7:44PM

Interesting you would bring up the monotheistic theme because there was a shift in consciousness again with human beings, as technology began to require a different view about God or gods. Shabaka is correct and these are the nuggets of knowledge that we all need to know adopting “our” slave master’s religion.

As I read the posts, I’m stuck at the level of codependency of a religious belief when it will liberate one’s mind and soul. One’s consciousness of God has been evolving for centuries and we’ve currently hit a new plateau of awareness, called the education of the laity.

If a God can be reduced to acts of jealousy and revenge, when His creation doesn’t respond correctly, appears to me a conceptualization of God that’s confined to one’s perceptions and experiences of one’s own life.

If standards or absolutes are necessary, then who supposed to make those judgments? Clearly, not God, but those who interpret God or who have been bestowed the right to have the mind of God. Who are these people,

Believer
August 21 2006, 1:05AM

I believe that God does love everyone, but HE HATES SIN.
Gays and Lesbians practice fornication. The bible says flee fornication. SIN is SIN and Christ died for all sin, but ONE you must confess your sins and believe that Christ died for your sins. You can't keep practicing it and think it's okay. If that's the case, you're better off robbing the wealthiest bank in the world. If you're going to keep practicing sin with no remorse, you might as well go for the gusto. TWO: Sex is not everything. Love is not sex and sex is not love. If you start looking for love, maybe you will have different views.

The bottom line is "You must be born again."

I wouldn't take a chance on life, when the bible (Revelation 21:8) says:
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Discordant
August 21 2006, 2:46AM

I can't say I agree with Pearson, either. The only way to get salvation is through belief that Jesus died for your sins and was raised from the dead.

It's true that religion has been used as a way to control the masses. It's also true that the church has a history of violence. But that's what happens when it's run by men. The Bible says to "study to show thyself approved." That doesn't just mean read the pages of the texts, but do more research. There are some things in the Bible that need to be taken into context. Like Leviticus, which is composed by Jewish laws imposed to keep them from blending in with the pagan nations they were always being enslaved by. Jesus's sacrifice made those rules unnecessary yet people still enforce them.

Christians are supposed to have 1 commandment which sums everything the prophets and ten commandments said and that's to love God with all your heart and love eachother like you love yourself. Everything else are just guidelines to make life/and those commandments easie

Harry Frazier
August 21 2006, 1:20PM

Mark: There does not have to be an absolute truth! stop yelling. Once you open your mind to other possibilities you'll see but thats a journey you'll have to make...alone. Morality is not centered on religious beliefs but communal actions and fairmindedness...too often people equate morality with religious thusly belive people that don't share their religious beliefs are immoral...WRONG!

I'm aetheist but have the utmost respect for those that choose to believe and I'm not in the business of "conversion" (spelling). It refreshing to hear about this inclusive teachings

saint james
August 21 2006, 2:13PM

Shabaka,

Thanks for the insight/history lesson. My point was and IS that the Hebrews were the first to worship one God, alone. The fact that Akhenaton instituted his belief in one God after the exodus does not at all change my initial premise; The Hebrews; decendants of Abraham, first instituted the worship of ONE God. That's what Derrick from Philly asked. Again, thanks for the info.

Harry Frazier
August 21 2006, 6:42PM

Saint James: If you are basing your argument on the Bible to support the Bible your argument is flawed. there is NO objective, imperical text/data to support the basic claims of the Bible...and I challenge ANYBODY to provide clear proof otherwise.

Truth is always self evident and does NOT require a leap of "Faith"

saint james
August 22 2006, 5:45PM

Mr. Frazier,

There is an abundance of archeological evidence to support many of the claims in the bible (who lived, dates died, events, Jesus' crucifixion etc.) Of course there is no "proof" that God exists, which is THE basic claim of the bible. Your comments seem a little ill-placed since this is indeed a discussion about faith and sexuality within the context of the Christian church. That is the reason for the article and the ensuing discussion or so I thought.

Mr. Frazier, "What is Truth?"

b. sanders
August 23 2006, 2:27AM

www.empowermentradio.net 24 hour gospel music ministry and more

Shabaka
August 23 2006, 3:45AM

You're welcome, Saint James!
Again,Hebrews did NOT introduce anything new by introducing the worship of one G_d. Actually up until Daniel's times, they still had a multitude of gods.
In other words they still had pagan gods to guide them.
All this monotheistic frenzy came about after Jesus' death. It would take a long time and forum of its own to get an in depth look into this, but you can research it if you like. Just open your eyes and mind.
Cheers!

Kevin
August 23 2006, 11:08AM

The word of God says that the only way to the father is through Jesus Christ. This article was interesting and I agree with Pearson about the fact that God's love is unconditional. But, Jesus Christ is the way. You nor me can get into heaven without believing in Christ's death and resurrection

saint james
August 23 2006, 12:42PM

Shabaka,

Your additional info to me is incorrect. You are incorrect about monotheism not being original to the Jews. You may be trying to make the point that they did not remain unique in that fact but it ORIGINATED with the Jewish people It is true that the Jews went back and forth to other gods, which were considered idols to the Jewish leadership. Their forays into "idolatry" did not destroy their foundational belief/concept of one God. Monotheism amongst the Jews existed long before Jesus' time. How could you have come to that conclusion? It is just historically inaccurate.

My eyes are wide open. I have certainly researched the subject matter thoroughly. I am satisfied and well informed. I guess we just disagree. It appears that you are as convinved as I.

Peace.

Shabaka
August 23 2006, 2:41PM

Okay,Saint James.
Just quickly before I head to work, and I'm hoping that I'm not swerving away from the topic at hand... Yahweh, for example was a sky god, often equated with thunder and lightnening and originated in the Indus Valley circa 2000 BC.You also encounter in ancient hebrew mythology, which was closely related to nearby canaanite belief systems, the god EL (or ELOHIM), whose "son" BAAL(fertility god)overshadowed him over time. The same BAAL we see in the Bible (circa 3rd millenium BC).Another clear example is of the queen Sophia of the Bible, to whom King Solomon was married (Wisdom 8:2, 16). Initially she had been the goddess of wisdom. In greek the very word Sophia means wisdom. Patriarchal christianity is responsible for putting a halt to the veneration of many goddesses, namely Sophia and Shekinah, the feminine alter ego of G_d. In jewish mythology, when Moses asked to see G_d, he wouldn't reveal himself, he rather revealed Shekinah. I hope this helps a bit.
Cheers!

Xavier Pickett of RBA
August 23 2006, 4:39PM

There is no question that I appreciate Carlton Pearson's concern and charity for the homosexual community, but one can only wonder how does he square his shaky theological positions with the history of the Christian church because if Pearson is right in regards to orthodox Christian doctrine, then the entire Christian church has been wrong for 2000 years, which is pretty absurd regardless of your view of (church) history. What is also troubling is the applause he has received, even though, he has been rejected by both "liberal" and "conservative" Christianity, which in my mind is really telling.

Reformed Blacks of America

saint james
August 23 2006, 5:52PM

Shabaka,

What is the source of what you call Jewish mythology? Further,
how does what you have added in your most recent post nullify what I previously asserted? Shekinah is the Hebrew word for "glory". God did not reveal a godness but his glory. Again, we clearly disagree but please do cite the source of Jewish mythology.

Thanks,

Shabaka
August 24 2006, 3:28AM

Alright...My post clearly states a few examples of pagan goddesses from that era and area. As far as jewish mythology goes, and biblical mythology for that matter, I could see why jews and christians would object to that very word.For it implies an invented tale, a falsehood, a myth. Whereas both books are believed to have been devinely inspired. Now, that being said I could refer you to John J Collins in "The Hebrew Bible and Its Interpreters". Which covers more or so the few centuries prior to the messianic era. I haven't finished the book though(gotta admit). The now infamous Dead Sea Scrolls are another example. Although they're not open for public viewing, numerous essays have been written ever since their discovery in some Jordanian desert. The word "Shekinah" itself translates into "glory" or "beauty and exalting effect" and is widely referred to in feminine terms in hebraic literature. That oughta tell you a bit.
Ciao for now.

Harry Frazier
August 24 2006, 10:30AM

Shabaka is my hero! Keep it coming!

Not sure what Kevin was trying to add by the overly simplistic comment

saint james
August 24 2006, 12:35PM

The work Shekinah having a feminine connotation ( a fact which is commonly known to old and new testament scholars) means nothing but just that. It does not mean that Yaweh revealed to Moses a godess. That is a stretch beyond reason. God also revealed to Israel a aspect of himself; a name that literaly means; "The Many Breasted One." Does that also mean that God has many breasts or mammary glands?
Yes, your post does give example od pagan deities. What relevance has that to the position of Isreal's belief in Jehovah/Yaweh/The Self Exisitng One? In any people's religious history there are and will continue to be those who embrace that which was not in the belief system of the majority (Carlton Pearson and others). That fact that some of the Jews, kings and others veered away from Yaweh does not mean that the official position was not real.

In the new testament the church is referred to as the bride of Christ though it should not be assumed that the church is a woman. It isn't logical.

Shabaka
August 24 2006, 1:15PM

Having a G_d "higher" than other gods implies one thing and one thing only, Saint James.A multitude of gods. And thank you for bringing up the "official religion/position" issue. Akhenaten, the king of Egypt I mentioned earlier had done the exact same thing. No veneration of any other gods but the one "higher" god. The sun-god Aten. Hence his very name.
The self naming divinity that YHWH was is nothing but another Hebraic tribal god. Jesus referred to him as Elohim prior to his passing on the cross. The word Elohim/Eloah derived from El, another ancient near eastern tribal god, whose wife Asherah was considered to be the mother goddess of all creation (Afro-asiatic mythology).There goes that word again.
Anyways, I definitely do not intend to have you believe anything that might get you sidetracked in your spiritual journey. I just thought you might want ask yourself some questions. Something I've come to appreciate. Questionning everything.
Thanks again.

saint james
August 24 2006, 2:52PM

Shabaka, I never used the term "higher god". You interjected that into our exchange, to be clear.
The best way to understand the cultural and religious history of a people is to seek out that people's historical perspective. The Hebrew understanding was not of a god above all others but one God alone. That is the definition of MONO-theism. I think that is where we disagree. The ancient hebrew thought is not to recognize one God above all others but that there was ONE True and Living God. For reference read the Old Testament prophets; the official writings of the religious leaders. They did not deny the existence of these deities they claimed that they were beings with ears that could not hear and eyes that could not see and mouths that could not speak; therefore not true True gods. A subtle but distinct difference. In fact the reforming Kings of Israel cut down the Asherah poles and burned them. To show honor for the One True and Living God. YHWH nothing but another tribal god. We'll never agree on that!

Harry Frazier
August 24 2006, 3:13PM

Some of the most interesting comments in a long time. You both are clearly well read BUT my humble opinion is (you can disregard if you wish) that:

St. James: you're well read but you seem to be trying to prove that you are Right

Shabaka: also well read seems to be trying dispell misconceptions and seek Truth

Therefore Shabaka seems more objective but keep it coming, keep it coming!

saint james
August 24 2006, 5:42PM

Harry Frazier, I am not trying to prove that I am right. I am defending a truth. So I am convinved that I am right. Shabaka is as convinved in his opinion as I. I respect his position or I would not continue the exchange. I find it exhilerating also. I am enjoying the dialogue. Difference of opinion without being sarcastic or nasty.
Perhaps you feel as if I am trying toprove that I am right because you lean towards Shabaka's viewpoint and his version of the Truth. Think so?

Shabaka
August 25 2006, 3:12AM

Saint James, the important thing is that we agree to disagree. The very definition of civilized behavior. Now, again I hope this isn't quickly swerving away from the original topic, but I apologize if it feels that way.
S.J (if you don't mind), being right or wrong really is of little relevance here. And I know that you at least agree with me on that one, however I can't help but ask, when you say, and I quote "...Jewish monotheism is...the belief that there is only one God alone. All other gods are false gods." I believe that was one of your responses to Latisha or Chago, not too sure. Would have to scroll up and down for hours. If that statement doesn't literally suggest a "higher/sole/exclusive" god, I really don't know what does. You also say, and I quote "...and mouths that could not speak...therefore not true True Gods." What in your opinion is a true God? If YHWH being a tribal god is illogical to you, please elaborate. To me historical facts are just that. FACTS!

saint james
August 25 2006, 1:20PM

Shabaka,
HIGHER is not the same as SOLE or EXCLUSIVE. HIGHER suggests being the premier of a group. Being the SOLE does not lend itself to recognition of other gods.Im sure yo cn see that distinction. That seems to be thepoint (as I have stated before) where we disagree on the historical, factual religious history of Jewish monotheism. I hold the same view.

saint james
August 25 2006, 5:44PM

Shabaka, I'm sorry, I forgot this point; I didn't say that YHWH being a tribal god wasn't logical. I said we'd never agree on that. I don't believe that your point is accurate, that's all. What I did say wasn't logical was your assumption that shekinah was a goddess simply because the word had a feminine connotation.
Peace

km
August 26 2006, 11:38AM

I saw dateline and I plan to read the book. I am a person that is considered to be a Christian, because I do believe in the work of Jesus Christ. I am not certain how I feel at this time, but I do feel a freedom with the idea that God intends to receive all of His creation to himself in the end. I am not comfortable with the idea of using/abusing His love; it makes me want to get closer to Him to find out what He wants. I don't want to take His love and just do what I want. Right now I am open to know the truth, but not for the purpose or excuse of self-indulgence of every imaginationable action. But to love as He loved and walked as He walked, and I know that is going to take the very same things that Carlton said he did, Prayer and Fasting, and treating others the way we want to be treated. I hope everyone who heard Carlton's heart will follow that example

Tony
August 27 2006, 3:01AM

It's ridiculous for people to think that 6 billion people; ALL with different personalities; life experiences; languages; perceptions, to come to the exact same truth about God (or lack thereof)... So for one group to swear that they have the absolute truth for everyone on the planet is arrogant and plain dangerous! Ultimately, my point is that one man's truth is another man's lie and we should respect this fact!

Personally, I don't give believe nor trust organized religions because they are all likened to rat poison; 99.9% of it tastes and feels good but that 1% arcine WILL KILL YOU ~ I speak of the death of your OWN infinite mind... that's "my truth" and I am sticking to it!

Shabaka
August 27 2006, 4:46PM

Okay, I'm back, Saint James. Below, I've just presented a list of some facts that I hope you agree with. Again you're entitled to your own views.
I -From Haran or Ur, Abraham migrated with his family into Canaan (circa 2000).
-Like similar pastoral communities from the ancient world, hebrews ( before they were called jews, a much later name, another historical fact) were tent dwellers who, like so many others, had a divinity for each event and element in nature (i.e storms, floods, famine, wars, death, fire, etc).
-Hebrews, like other ancient people, appear to have been, to say the least, familiar with sacrifices to the gods, sometimes including human sacrifices.
-Typical to other pastoral people, they had a sacred portable box to be carried into battle and help with devine intervention and eventually victory(ark of the covenant).
-We also have the land of Canaan, believed to have been the homeland of Phoenicians. The latter were an already settled, thinly populated, agricultural community.

Shabaka
August 27 2006, 6:50PM

II
The list goes on:
-At around 1100 BC, Egypt's domination of Canaan and it's sea peoples ends, that's almost a thousand years after Abraham is settled in Canaan. These so-called sea peoples were known later as Philistines (modern day palestinians)and archeological findings show that they were literate at a time when hebrews were still tent dwellers and had no written language.
-Philistines introduce the worship of El (the father of all gods and of humankind and supreme creator)and his son Ba'al.
-Pre-islamic and polytheistic arabia has a record of having ceremonies and rituals unto the supreme creator "Alaaha", however it also had a multitude of other gods, namely Hubal, Manah(goddess), etc.

Shabaka
August 27 2006, 9:38PM

III

And finally, the Bible being a heavily edited book, it cannot be taken at face value as a historical record by modern standards but "contains much history" nonetheless, writes archeologist and biblical theologist William G. Dever in his book "What did the Bible writers know and when did they know it?" A book that was influenced by the work of William W. Hallo, Professor of Assyriology and Babylonian Literature at Yale University. I have yet to read the book but have read some essays and reviews on it and it's not an easy read, for it contains technicalities that are not familiar to untrained readers like us.
To understand ancient near eastern mythology is something that requires an open mind, Saint James and cannot be grossed over in a nutshell, especially if one has preconcieved notions of that culture. I will no longer be discussing this issue as it appears that we would be headed to a dead end.
Cheers!

saint james
August 28 2006, 11:24AM

Shabaka, none of the addtional info you pile onto our initial point of disagreement adds anything to the disputation of my original point. I don't have much disagreement with what you have recently added. Much of which I was already aware. (I am in possesion of William Dever's book and have read it in a class I recently took). What you say about the Hebrews being familiar with other gods, human sacrifice and, etc. Is indeed correct.. What was Abraham before he forsook the gods of his fathers? A Chaldean. I agree. I notice that this is the second time you mention the need for an "open mind". Open to what? your view, I suppose. You make an assumption about how I have come to my beliefs and my conclusions which is unfortunate.
I am certainly alright with the dialogue discontinuing. I will wonder, though just where you thought this would go other than a dead end. Your view I suppose. I have enjoyed the discourse.
Cheers back at 'ya.

saint james
August 28 2006, 1:14PM

OOPS! I forgot;

The Torah (Old Testament bible; so to speak) should not be used as the sole tool for historical accuracy, on that we AGREE. It can and should be used to explore the religious practices and religious history of the people of the book; the beliefs, view of God/gods and the progression of their understanding in relation to such. It that sense it is the official historical document. Peace to you my brother, Shabaka

Disappointed member
September 1 2006, 10:54AM

I sat under Carlton Pearson ministry for 10 years and left before this new gospel was taught. I am totally hurt and all I can do is pray that God will divinely intervened and get him back on track. All believers in Jesus Christ should be doing the same thing.

Cerita
September 2 2006, 6:00PM

I'm appalled and terribly disappointed at Carlton Pearson's inclusion doctrine. God's stand of the scripture is a spiritual discernment and not on an emotional one. I'm sorry about Carlton's grandparents backsliding and getting involved in adultry and alcoholism. Both could have repented and given their hearts back to God. None the less, a person's love or lack there of for grandparents behavior isn't a reflection on God's goodness. Carlton made a statement in Charisma magazine years ago about Fred Price starting a riff in the church. I didn't agree with the
christian brother bashing and siding with the originator of the racism problem. However, Carlton, this is much worse. This is deadly to allude that all are going to heaven. I'm ashamed as a pastor's wife that your wife can't tell her husband the truth in love. Which is - you are dead wrong honey and God says so. If the righteous are going to barely make it, where will the ungodly or the sinner be? Also, all must receive Jesus (Rom.10:9-10)

Y. Carrington
September 3 2006, 1:46AM

Excellent article, Keith, and inspirational too. For too long, people have projected their own desires, biases, internal contradictions, and standpoints onto God and Jesus Christ. Strangely human notions such as God's wrath for homosexuals or His offical endorsement of male dominance pretty much speak for themselves. It's good to see a Protestant clergyman---Black no less!---who is clear about that.

Yolanda

disapointment
September 3 2006, 4:43PM

As stated earlier I am a former member and have listen to this man preach for ten years. His message for the last ten years has always been in position to love the sinner and hate the sin. Sin is sin and and we have all sin. What Carlton Pearson has done is just what Y Carrington has stated. He put an ideal, opinion not biblical fact, his desires what something or somebody spoke to him one day. Sorry but God word doesn't change like ours. How can you preached something and taste the goodness of God and then changed biblical doctrine and then present it to the rest of the world as a fact and nothing scriptual to base it on just your notion from a voice whispering in your already hurting spirit. This type of person is a prine candidate for Satan because Satan is subtle, slippery, sneaky and he will wait for the opportune time and he did with Carlton Pearson. Now he is using him to further divide the body of Christ. While at Higher Dimensions, Carlton Pearson church that he loss in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
constantly

Disappointment
September 3 2006, 6:00PM

continued
While at Higher Dimension, Carlton 's church that he lost in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carlton Pearson was under many attacks, but the church was always in constant prayer for him and the leadership. Over the years church attendents dropped and services were decreased from 4 services per week to one. People stopped coming . Pastor ran for mayor of the city of Tulsa and loss by a landslide. This is my opinion . it seems to be he wanted fame and wanted the recognition of it and the people were not as importnat not just to him but to the church. The prayer meetings stop, the people stopped praying and the focus changed. This is what happens when you take your eye off Jesus. Other Christians leader handled the message and rejected his message not him. They tried to admonish him by talking and pleading to him and tried to tell him that this is wrong and twisted. Once you try to
talk and it fail you have to let that person go. This is what. Carlton cause rejection. They did not slander him from the pulpit.

John Q. Adams
September 4 2006, 11:05AM

I don't know if God is a Christian or not; but "Bishop" John Shelby Spong certainly is NOT one.
Anyone who qotes him as an authority on anything Christian or biblical is without a clue--which is not suprising in the case of this blog.

Hey, you don't have to be a Christian. Do whatever you want. But don't be surpised if some laugh at you for attempting to "reform" Christianity as a secular humanist. That's hilarious.

Hysterical (as in "having much hysteria) screaming about "hate" aside (the perennial Po-Mo favorite), Christianity is not about "feelings" and "emotions". Some things are hard to accept, but we deal with it anyway (you know, like adults do?). You can't just "declare" something out of existence just because it makes you "feel" bad. It either is or isn't regardless of how it makes you "feel".

(I know that's a difficult concept for some people of certain socio-political persuasions, butI can assure you I'm not just trying to be "mean"--another favorite).

Richard Boggs
September 7 2006, 12:09PM

Sadly enough, those who do not understand what Bishop Pearson is trying to say, do not understand the message of the Kingdom of God and the very reason why Jesus Christ died on the cross! Bishop CP's is teaching that God so loved us ALL that His Son died for us. Surprisingly enough too many Christians do not understand this and it is simply easier to live in exclusionary lives and miss the big picture! Jesus never instructed us to convert the World to Christianity..but to go out and teach the Good News of the Gospel. We do NOT SAVE people...Its already done in His finished work! Why did our Lord say in dying, "It is finished".

Mildred Upsher
September 7 2006, 12:24PM

I am just so sorry to hear of this controversy, as Carlton Pearson has inspired me much in the past. Carlton, I would really like to know what you base your current information on. It sounds so anti-bible. Anyway, I have always thought highly of your leadership, and really hope that you will reconsider your stand. Just think of all the lives you have thouched along the way. Millie in Kannapolis.

Bishop Daniel R. Dry
September 7 2006, 6:58PM

You must look at the whole picture of God & religion. For centuries now we have seen that all religions have a god or god's, but how have we displayed the God of Christianity or the God of the Christians? Has he been one who loves us unconditionally or one who is ready to knock us over the head with a bat everytime we do something wrong? The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:14-19 (ASV)tells us about God reconciled or "brought to" the World to himself, NOT counting mans sins against them.
I strongly & will always believe the importance of the acceptance of Christ. I believe that when we dispel the myth the church has presented of an "angry" God and display God for who he truly is (A God of unconditional love, mercy & grace)that people in this World will be more inclined to accept him.

saint james
September 8 2006, 5:53PM

Jesus told the his followers to "go and make disciples". That certainly means that he expected that there would be converts. It is true that you cannot force anyone to be a convert or disciple against their will. What was "finished" was the redemptive work for ALL MANKIND when Jesus died on the cross. What is not finished and is ongoing is the process of making people aware of the finished work; preaching the gospel, making disciples and teaching disciples to obey what He commanded. Where the church makes its mistake is in representing God as an angry being who can't wait to punish people for their sins, failures, mistakes, orientations, etc. God poured His wrath out on Jesus Christ on the cross. Mankind has the responsibility to recieve and accept what was given in love and without condemnation. God was finished. Mankind is not.

Moma of 3
September 9 2006, 11:27AM

I am a Christian and totally disagree with what he is teaching. The bible clearly states in the end times many would depart from the faith. I truly believe he his being decieved.

d.
September 14 2006, 5:30PM

Church folk are often scared to think critically...we find it difficult to question the relativity of scripture and tradition...I think that Bishop Carlton is revising some christological ideas and theologies...not that his thoughts have to be totally accepted...but it is a welcome addition to an often one-sided conversation...this is definitely a relevant point of conversation for those of us who seek to talk about God and gays in the same sentence...

Arene
September 15 2006, 7:13AM

I am in my current "Christian belief" because of example and not verbal articulations that provide temporary convictions as opposed to permanent conversions. The same person who considers homosexuality a sin, justifies not honoring or glorifying God, a lie, stealing, adultery, not honoring their father or mother, coveting etc. Jesus did not come to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill. Too much lip service and no love service make a lot of noise and show a lot of nothing.
I am not a homosexual or homophobic, I am a sinner though and except for the grace of God, I would not enter into the kingdom.
The man who spends the majority of his time complaining about his fellow mans character has little time to improve on his own. God does not force His will on anyone-He said that HIS word will not return to Him void!
Thank you,
Arene of Arenestheme.com

Jessie Mae
September 26 2006, 8:58PM

Bishop Pearson has lost his mind!

Eric Devon Perry
September 28 2006, 12:17PM

I am so glad that this article was done. I've been wondering what in hell happened to Bishop. Because of my position in the second fastest growing church in America, I chose not to even listen to what he had to say. Besides, I was already going to hell if my pastors and leaders knew I was a leader in the church, who happens to be gay. After 3 and 1/2 years of abuse I left and moved back to Los Angeles. I broke up with my partner. I even left our children behind, all because I was trying to figure out what to do. I then ran across Bishop Pearsons name on MySpace. Finally, I had found what to me, revealed truth. Finally, I felt free from everything that bound me. Although I've lost great things...incuding a career, I'm putting my trust in God that all that come to me now...I must love it more and hold on to it. People are going to talk and even mock me but I know who I am in my self and I know who I am in Christ! I plan to spread this good news unprecedently and unapologetically.

Majestic
October 4 2006, 12:42PM

It is wonderful to see a man of his caliber transition in humanity. To be accepting of all people is Godly. As recorded in the scriptures the chosen people: Israel and or heterosexuals do not have a monopoly on God's attention. There were foriegn nations and Christ's statement on inclusiveness that must open the conciousness of humanity for all.

Point Zero
October 4 2006, 4:41PM

Where Is This God You Believe In?
What if a woman is the original creator of human life (and the planets), and the God you worship, as we know it today? What if the reason there’s so much adversity in the world and, why your prayers never get answered, is because you’ve been giving the power and the glory to the wrong God. What if you knew that the ‘stories’ in the bible are no more then tainted myths that insult your intellect?

Jaime Leal-Anaya (especially his Sept 19th, ‘When Truth Becomes Abstract Thought) uncovers the myth of Moses and how this Egyptian Royal Deity (Tuthmosis III) had been misinterpreted (in the bible) as leading Hebrews out of Egypt. http://beyondtheordinary.net/jaimeleal.shtml “You Shall Have No Other God,” and “I’m a Jealous God,” clearly indicates that in order for God to make such a commandment, does validate that there are (were) other Gods around, far greater then he. Why would God make such a commandment, if he were the ‘only’ God around?

saint james
October 4 2006, 6:19PM

Because the commandment speaks to the mentality of the people he was adressing NOT His view of Himself. The commandment came to the people after their Exodus from Egypt where they had experienced a culture that embraced many gods. Your point is not at all clear. Good try though.

JesusGirl
October 8 2006, 2:19AM

I AM APPAULED AT THE LACK OF CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO THIS ARTICLE. THE BIBLE, WHICH IS THE TRUTH, STATES THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO GET TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH THE SON, JESUS CHRIST AND WHOEVER SO BELEIVES IN HIM SHALL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. CHRISTIANS DIDN'T MAKE IT UP IT IS IN THE BIBLE WHICH WAS APPROVED BY GOD HIMSELF. YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED FOR YOU TO GO TO HEAVEN. EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT TO BELEIVE THEREFORE CHOOSING THEIR OWN SALVATION. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN. THIS "BISHOP" CAN THINK WHATEVER HE WANTS TO THINK, HOWEVER HE IS NOT GOD, GOD ID GOD, AND GOD'S INSTRUCTION MANUAL IS THE ONLY TRUE WORD. I THINK IT IS SAD THAT PEOPLE CAN JUST BELEIVE SOMETHING SOME GUY SAYS JUST BECAUSE IT SOUNDS "GOOD". THE BIBLE SPEAKES SPECIFICALLY ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY BEING A SIN, AND THIS GUY SHOULD NOT BE USING THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER OR THE SON TO SPREAD LIES ABOUT THE LORD.

Ken
October 8 2006, 3:08PM

I have no problem combining religion and common sense, but this is taking it way past too far. I want to meet the God that Pearson serves. I believe that he truly loves God, and its not my place to judge him, but the doctrine says other wise. I mean, the Affirmation of Fiath says that Jesus died, was buried, decended into hell, rose again and sat with God on his right hand, and from thence will he come to judge the living and the dead. I mean, if he wasn't going to do that, why would he say that he was? If God was all inclusive of everyone, it was pointless to send Jesus or have the New Testament. Jesus is our friend, but we have to acknowledge both sides of his face. He is loving, but he also requires our obedience. Jesus died for everyone, but I want to see in scripture where it says that religous extreemist Muslims, who kill for virgins in heaven are going to go to heaven regardless of whether they believe and Jesus Christ. That's all and contemplate on these things.

mezzo
October 13 2006, 11:00PM

May I interrupt? I was a part of Carlton's ministry for many years, prior to his marriage to Gina and after. "disappointed", we probably know each other and if so, I'm confused about how we heard the same teachings, followed the same man's ministry, and you're acting saddened and somehow surprised by his current articulations. Carlton has always shared his ongoing search for God's will. Most of you are spouting opinions formulated from what the 'conservatively-controlled' media has presented about Carlton's words. For one thing, if you wait and read the book "God Is Not A Christian", you will see page upon page of research and thought-provoking material. "Scripture" even tells us that God asks that we seek him with all of our mind, soul, and body. Christianity is an arrogant sort if it rests on the laurels that we are all-knowing and all-understanding of His word at this point, touting no need for us to continue studying and seeking deeper understanding. Continued......

mezzo
October 13 2006, 11:38PM

Just some thoughts/questions......are Noah, Abraham, and Jonah in heaven? If so, how did they get in without the 'code-word"? They didn't know Jesus, so how did they know God? And, didn't many people think Jesus was a heretic in His time? As well, how many of you ever sat in a Higher D service on a Wednesday night, when Carlton was 'teaching' instead of feeling his usual pressure to somehow "perform" for the people as on Sunday mornings. It was always comical to see how many in the congregation would fall all over themselves to be close to bishop. They literally wanted to cling to his coattails and be in the "in" crowd. If anything, CP's at fault for being so excited for everyone to know the true, limitless power of the cross, that he doesn't think before he speaks only 'half' of what his whole teachings entail. On one blog site I read where a writer wrote ".....God loves Carlton more than he knows..." Nope, I think that's the point Carlton's trying to make.....God loves us all more than we know.

mezzo
October 15 2006, 11:19AM

One more and I'm done for now. What ever happened to that scripture that instructs us to not judge, lest we be judged'? Consider this, it's your time to stand before God on the day HE announces is judgment day....he says, "So my child, were you one who thought I was an angry, vengeful spirit? Or were you one who taught My Existence as unconditionally loving and inclusive of all I have created?" If I'm going to be judged by God as wrong for what I teach, then let it be that I was teaching about the extreme power of the cross, instead of the watered-down, censored version. I'd rather be wrong for believing God is truly big enough to include all, then that He was petty enough to exclude most. You see, even voicing scripture is left to our limited, human perceptions and interpretations. That's why we must constantly study and grow, not be complacent and final about our understandings of that Word. The Cross' exonerating power motivates me to sin less, not more in some "goody, we have permission" mindset.

lor
October 30 2006, 11:53PM

loosers

SC
November 17 2006, 4:29PM

All I can say is Jesus is the way and no man/woman can go to the father but by him.... Still love ya, but that is truth...and inclusive to Buddhist, Muslims, Hindus, Baptist, Methodist, Non-Denomination, and the average Joe Blow on the street....

xoites
November 19 2006, 3:05AM

As an Athiest i can attest that what this man said in this video is what i believe. We need to realize ourselves as human beings and become what we were meant to be: loving and caring individuals of one another; seekers of justice, upholders of truth and defenders of those who are not presently capable of defending themselves. Is there any other way to be a Christain? Is there any other way to be an Athiest?

David
November 19 2006, 6:25PM

How do Christians reconcile the belief that people throughout history who have never heard of Christ,
are doomed to an eternity in hell? Or, is the amount of God's grace insufficient for all of His creation? I think not.
I believe in God's heaven. And perhaps there is a hell.
No doubt, there is a living hell that we ourselves have created, that results in the daily suffering of millions of God's children.

wale
November 20 2006, 7:11PM

It's amusing how we are gradually forming a belief that conforms to our intellectual capabilities. Mankind appears threatedned by the fact that he does not know everyhing and so must appraise everything according to his ability to understand it.

If this teaching is so wonderful i'd like to see how you commend a person that rapes your kid, kills your wife and wrecks your reputation and says you should love him cos God loves him too!!! It also means there is no boundary, limit, border, wall, or whathave you. We can do absolutely anything we like????? So let's open the prisons and the mental insitutes, afterall, it doesn't matter right???

Christ said narrow is the path and straight is the way. Never once did he give the notion that it was an all comers affair. If you choose Him fine, if not eternal damnation. Read Romans 1. Our conscience tells us what is right but we constantly deny it.

carol
November 22 2006, 12:32PM

This is proof the bible is real.
Weymouth's New Testament says in 2 Timothy 4:3
For a time is coming when they will NOT tolerate wholesome instruction,BUT,wanting to have their ears tickled, they WILL FIND a multitude of teachers to SATISFY their own fancies;
We are a nation that does not want to take responiblility for thier actions. We gorge ourselvs with fastfood and sue Mac Donalds for making us fat, blame the credit card companies for our buying spree debts,and want to SIN SIN SIN and expect GOD open the pearly gates and let us bop on in.
CHOOSE who you will serve,Choose life or death CHOOSE heaven or HELL our free will makes us seperate form every other living creature. THE TRUTH HURTS AND IF YOU LET IT IT CAN SET YOU FREE. JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY
Lets see if the powers that be are secure enough to print this one.

carol
November 24 2006, 9:25AM

People want choices and Satan knows that. We do'nt like someone to tell us it this way or nothing. Christ said I am THE way THE life THE TRUTH NO one will see God unless they follow ME(CHRIST). That statement alone PISSES people off and Satan knows that. If you were Satan what would you do? Satan knows the bible better than any person and can twist Gods word to make you feel all warm and fuzzy if that's what you want,he's willing to accomadate. Satan will not come at you in a big bad way. He was the most beautiful of God's angles he will come as a wolf in sheeps clothing ready to consume his prey. His gamble make many roads odds are they will choose the wrong road.THANK GOD for His plan of salvation trust in JESUS CHRIST. GOD's plan or Satan's plan it's YOUR CHOICE.

Marty
November 25 2006, 3:05PM

There is a great profile of Bishop Pearson's rise and transformation last week on the NPR radio show "This American Life". You can hear it free currently on the website www.thislife.org or download free on itunes.

harvey wayne
January 23 2007, 4:57AM

Any BORN-AGAIN christian who has read the New Testament knows Pearson is denying the Word of God, in many chapters and verses! Before Pearson came out of his closet (selah...) with his hearsy, I visited his tulsa church and it was really revealing just with, by, the wild antics and unpeaceful CHILDREN of different ages! I had at the tine a very sick child in a Tulsa hospital and happened to see Pearson in the hospital lobby and asked Pearson for, and received prayer for my child from him. The next day my child took a serious turn for the worse...hmmmm. Previously, I watched Pearson use the -5- steps HYPNOTIC method on a Tacoma church crowd, to hype them up beforwe passing the plate.Indeed,America is on track to being attacked while remain asleep....

moonspirit
January 25 2007, 11:07AM

I agree 100%. I live in Tulsa. Hurray to Bishop Pearson for his courage and conviction to follow his heart and spread his divine truth, for all to hear, and ponder.

This site is great, with all the bold, radical, spiritual light and wisdom ... coming through.

+Annie
January 25 2007, 8:11PM

All I can say is this proves the Bible is right.

He is truly soon to come. Bishop Pearson and some of you others need much prayer. I respect your right to say what you think. But thank God, I know in whom I believe. You are in my prayers.

Olumide Odewole
February 1 2007, 8:02AM

I know that our only basis for life as christians is the Word of God. Jesus Christ clearly stated in Matthew 24:35 that Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His words will never pass. May I remind all Christians that whatever revelation that is not in line with the ingrafted Word of God is not from God. I think a lot of Christians are happy with this revelation because of their desire to gratify the lusts of their eyes and flesh. This is not surprising though, because the bible says that in the end time, men will develope itching ears, no longer desiring the truth, but philosophies and vain deceits. Revelations 21:8 clearly states that "the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
I believe we should for Carlton Pearson, and that many will not be deceived.

Minster
February 6 2007, 4:06PM

Yes, Please Understand that We all have to love each other (Christians). Everyone is taught to hate or dislike those that we feel are not the same has we are. This shows us that Christians are very quick to disrespect each other. Where is the Love in the Black Church. I say love the man and pray for him. Being called to be a Minster is very hard.
No man is perfect. It's alot of people that feels the same way Carlton does they just dont want to lose their church, friends, Money! or family.
Please dont quote the Bible that men wrote. Just Pray! He listens to all!

crystal Geyser
March 12 2007, 6:12PM

He needs to pray. Because there is is a heaven and a hell and he better get his self together before its too late!!!!!!!

Disappointed
March 22 2007, 11:57PM

I believe this is all about an attack on a great man. I also believe it's about God turning it around for good. With all the distorted truth that has been said on this site , there have been comments that has come straight from the word of God, The Holy Bible. The only truth that God has given us to judge any man. The way I see all of the is Satan the deceiver, liar, killer, arthur of confusion, and the father of lies is trying to do his job which he has had since Adam and Eves is to sew seeds of the adjectives above in order to separate us from God.It has always been his reason for doing every sin that can be done. He will use anyone he can, so don't think it can not happen to you. I was at Higher Dimension under Carlton Pearson leadership in the late 80;s and early 90's. There was no way he could have went this direction. Pray without ceasing for your selves and one another Brothers and Sisters in Christ.