Jay Bakker, the son of PTL founders Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, is still stirring up controversy. This time back in his home state of North Carolina. Yesterday, he participated in the Pride festival and parade at Duke University and was the honored guest at a reception last night in Raleigh. Bakker established Revolution Church in 1994 in Arizona in an attempt to reach people that have basically been snubbed by “the church.” Much like he was at the height of his parents collapse. The question is, was participating in the Pride march helpful or harmful to Christianity?
I say helpful.
In saying so, I would like to establish where I think Bakker is wrong. I read an interview with him where he stated that he does NOT believe homosexuality is a sin. I cannot disagree more. Not because I think it is a sin, but because that is what the Bible says. I didn’t write it, and I’m not going to choose what I think was divine intervention or just “bigoted” human-speak. Once you start doing so you destroy all of it’s credibility. But rust me, there is plenty in there that blankets me as a sinner.
On the other hand we still need to take what ALL of the Bible says. And correctly interpret it. The argument of whether homosexuality is a sin or not is irrelevant. Let’s assume that it is NOT, as Bakker says. If you believe, as the Bible says, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, then homosexuals are still sinners. And they need the Gospel just as much as all other sinners. And the last I checked, the Gospel says the Jesus Christ died for ALL who have sinned.
I defend Jay Bakker from this standpoint. The church has done one heck of a job welcoming everyone in to its arms, as long as they aren’t gay. The new unpardonable sin. I must have missed that verse. I think this is the core of all the contraversy. Bakker is reaching people “the church” doesn’t want reached. It’s as if homosexuals have to “cleanse” themselves before they go before God, instead of, like everyone else, going before God and letting Him cleanse them however he chooses. That’s His call, not ours. Plank in your eye ring a bell.
I think what Bakker is doing is great. He is reaching people who need love, with love. Jesus’ love. Not with picket signs that read, “God hates fags!” I cannot think of anything LESS like Jesus’ teachings than that. Even if Bakker is sharing the Gospel with a filtered lense, and I think he is, he is bringing people to Christ. That’s the job we have been given. God is big enough to mold them, use them and if he chooses, change them, however He wishes. And that is the job He takes upon Himself.
Again, all comments welcome. I know this will bring an opinion or two. Be nice.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I certainly think he’s helping Christianity more than the protesters on the sidelines.
HOWEVER, (and leaving his view out of it) - I think it’s harmful in that people might see him marching, and think - ‘Oh, you can be gay and Christian’.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a “God hates Fags” follower - as a trainee actor (and artist) I have a few gay classmates and friends. I treat them with as much respect as guy or girl, who satisfies their fancies out of wedlock.
What I’m basically saying is that we should love the sinner, but hate the sin.
Thus, by marching in a gay-pride march it can be seen as saying that he loves the “sin”. (there are already enough people out there who claim God made them gay - and it’s how they should stay).
He would do much better to make personal connections with them, and lead them to Christ in that way (if they’re still gay when they choose Christ, fine. That’s for God to sort out - but encouraging it doesn’t help).
The only problem with making personal connections is, how does he reach the larger gay community, who do feel, and (quite wrongly) are rejected by the Religious Reich.
It’s a very thin like to be tread (or in this case, marched).
well, that’s my humble opinion.
Godspeed,
-th3o
November 10th, 2008 at 10:28 am
God was clear in Leviticus 18:22, there was no room for misinterpretation. It does say “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it IS an abomination.” It doesn’t say “Thou should not” The lines are clear cut and easy to understand, as a Christian it is my responsibility to obey that law!
When referred to 1 Timothy 1:10 ( you see where a preachers responsibility is charged to him by God) ” For the whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; (again this is clearly defined as contrary) 1 Timothy 1:11 “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust”.
Very strong verse! We must understand that the role of a preacher, pastor, priest, or any representatives of the word of God, are bound by the word of God, not at liberty to challenge it!
It is a preachers job to spread the word of God not to dilute its meaning, I see no accommodations for sinning at, or in the church, but there’s always room for more sinners, gays, drunkards, fornicators, addicts, etc, all need the word of God.
Christianity doesn’t need help, sinners do!
So after calling himself a preacher, and going against the word of God, by saying ” Homosexuality is not a sin ” he places the credibility of Gods word in a questionable position. This sounds harmful. Participating in a march that condones sin would be as bad as using church funds to rebuild the local “crack house” Once you step out of Gods boundaries there are no limits to the extent of your sin,( if God can’t keep you morally straight who will? ) What’s next a
Man to Sheep marriage at St. Paul’s Cathedral? (lol) A bit off path, but if a pastor dismisses one law, it becomes a back door for tolerance, deformation of the scriptures, and an endless problem. Yes, reach out to sinners, no, don’t tell them sinning is o.k. What happened to Soddom & Gomorrah ?
Finally, who in the world would take any member of the crusading false prophets also known as the Bakkers seriously? This is my opinion, and I know I’m going out on a limb here, but prostitutes, pride marches, and money embezzlement? What part of that did God say belonged within the church, and how does that help Christianity? Remember what happened to Lot’s wife? That was just for looking! I’m not at liberty to judge, nor is anyone else, (we’re all sinners) but according to Jesus, Mr. Bakker’s going to get a millstone necklace to swim with!
That’s what God says. God didn’t dance around egg shells. God didn’t worry about offending anyone, neither did Jesus for that matter. When God decides to destroy another city of sin I want to be a safe distance away, so no pride marches for me, I have enough to worry about.
Tom.