"Going"
"IT'S THE LAST ARTICLE I'LL EVER WRITE ON THIS SUBJECT...."
In 1972, a trio from Canada, Edward Bear, released a song which went to number one in Canada, number two in Australia, and number three here in the United States. It's a simple song with a kind of mournful yet hopeful melody. The subject is a familiar one: The woman the singer's in love with has left him and is not coming back (so far it has been two years). The words of the chorus explain the situation.
It's the last song I'll ever write for you.
It's the last time that I'll tell you just how much I really care.
This is the last song I'll ever sing for you.
You'll come looking for the light, and it won't be there,
But I love you. Oh, yes, I do. Yes, I do.
These words came to mind when deciding to cover a topic that has been dealt with ad nauseum. Don't we all wish that this might be the last article that would ever be written on this subject. Of course, the reader knows that \indcase of the title of this article, the omitted words are "this year." Right. Saying that this is the last article I'll write this year on the subject of homosexuality is not much of a promise, is it. The problem is not, however, that preachers refuse to let this topic alone; it is that the world keeps bringing it to the forefront. So, bear with me for the last time this year.
New Illinois Law
The first item was posted on Townhall on August 13, 2019 by Timothy Meade. The article begins:
Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzger signed into law legislation that requires all state-recognized public schools to include in their curriculum the study of historic contributions that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community have made for the state and the country.
Private schools are not exempt, either. If they receive any government funding, they will be required to choose from an annual list whatever "approved textbooks" that find favor with the state. Of course, the purpose for this law would be obvious even if it was not explained, but it is. The purpose is "to promote acceptance of the LGBTQ community," a state senator acknowledged.
Hopefully, such actions as these will drive more parents to home school or find a private school that does not accept money from the government. One wonders how long it will be until there is a law saying that a citizen cannot receive a high school diploma until they have been "properly" educated on this subject. Will there be a statement of agreement to sign, also?
Anyone who thought that the Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex marriage would be the last thing that homosexuals could want had better think again. They will not be satisfied until acceptance of their perversion is full-blown and Christians are being persecuted. One does not need to be an inspired prophet to see where these matters are heading.
"Oh, don't be silly! We have laws in some states that protect churches—not to mention constitutional guarantees." Yes, we do—for now. But any law that has been passed can be repealed or modified by a new legislative body (one reared on these textbooks, for example) or declared unconstitutional by some court. Safeguards can be taken away by an amendment to the constitution. Don't be surprised if one is not introduced if LGBTQ leaders think they have enough groundswell of support.
In the meantime, however, fourth graders will learn about Charley Parkhurst (born Charlotte), who lived as a man and was a renowned stagecoach driver in the Gold Rush days of California. It was not until her death in 1879 that it was discovered that he was a she. How does this prove that she was an LGBTQ? She enjoyed living and competing as a man. Other women have done the same.
Charlotte gave birth to a child at some time in her life. What do we know about that? Was she at one point in love with a man? Or was she forced? What happened to the child? Did she give it up for adoption? Did it die when it was born due to complications? Or did she put her baby to death afterward, as the governor of Virginia thinks women should have the right to do today, in order to preserve her male persona? No one may ever be able to answer those questions.
But in any case, what makes this oddity worth a history lesson for the fourth grade? Would world history or even United States history be enhanced if everyone in the country were aware of Charlotte Parkhurst? Has the Revolutionary War ceased to be of interest? How about the Civil War? World War I? World War II? Viet Nam? Desert Storm? What about Industrialization and inventions? Is it too archaic to discuss freedom and morality? Youths today are already not being taught a whole host of information that they need.
And then there is the picture book about a family with two moms—for second graders! Well, sure, everyone knows a family like that, right? Would it be too much to ask that children might remain somewhat in a state of innocence—at least until they outgrow the tooth fairy? Obviously, it is too much, or such a picture book would not have even been thought of—let alone published. The school is wanting to indoctrinate as early as possible. They do not want to leave such subject matter to mere parents.
Conversion Therapy to be Banned?
According to an August 14, 2019 article in the Orlando Sentinel, more than 100 people gathered together at the Stonewall Bar (look up the historical significance of the name) to call for a ban on conversion therapy in Orange County. It has already been banned in 18 states and 21 Florida cities (B1).
The article states, rather vaguely, that "religious leaders" use it "to change the sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity of LGBTQ people" (B1). What? Against their will? How do "religious leaders" get such power? The answer to this question is not actually explained, but it is hinted at. The article does acknowledge that there are "licensed mental health providers" who use such therapy; they are briefly contrasted with those obscure "religious officials." The complaint is that the current bans don't go far enough to restrict those who are licensed.
The closest attempt to explain who these "religious leaders and officials" are resides in this one sentence: "A June report estimated 57,000 LGBTQ teens will receive conversion therapy from spiritual advisers before they turn 18, even in places where a ban exists" (B3). What, exactly, does this gobbledegook mean? If the writer of the article actually knew, he or she would probably have explained it, but the thrust of the article is to garner support for the ban and to prejudice the reader against those who would try to lead people out of their current frame of thinking.
Crucial questions are not answered. Who are these 57,000 teens? Are they committed homosexuals, and if so, for how long? Have they only been wondering if they might be homosexuals? Did they go to someone for advice? Did they feel that they needed some kind of therapy? Did they talk to a Bible class teacher? Did a friend suggest a Christian counselor? Not one of these questions is answered in this "news" article. (Whatever happened to good reporters?)
Exodus International
The organization, Exodus International, provided conversion therapy for LGBTQs, but the former president of the now-defunct group, Alan Chambers, said that the organization "was hurting others" (B3). Really? Did they never have any success at all? That aspect was not reported. He might have said, "We helped 30% of those who came to us but harmed 70%, and so we did not feel the effort was worth it. But, no, he gave no indication of positive results whatsoever. How is that possible? Did Exodus International never help even one person?
The fact is that people do change from homosexual to heterosexual and lead normal lives. Some have become Christians and are leaders—maybe even "religious officials." But this article does not want that kind of information made public because it is interested in only presenting one side.
The Liberty Counsel is correct when they argue that "bans go against the right to religious freedom" (B3). Furthermore, they go against the personal right every person has to find out more about what options are available to them. Not all homosexuals are happy with themselves; some want an alternative.
Bad Effects
When some have conversations about sexuality, might they feel ashamed and afraid, as Chambers said he was as a youth (B3)? Sure. How else ought someone to feel when confronted with the teachings of the Bible (Romans 1:24-28, for example)? Might not a heterosexual with 100 illicit liaisons to his discredit feel ashamed and fearful when he finds out that fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Heb. 13:4)? Unfaithful married partners might have the same reaction.
One would think that something was wrong with feeling ashamed or afraid—that it must be avoided at all costs. Didn't Adam and Eve feel that way after they sinned? If not, why did they try to hide from God? The thinking of Chambers and others is that sexuality is King, and however a person feels, he must express himself in that manner. Isn't that at the heart of NAMBLA? What Christians believe is that Truth is King (Veritas Rex). How we feel about something is irrelevant; the question must be, "What is the truth of the matter?"
Unfortunately, some do attempt suicide, which (of course) is not the solution. It solves the problem of having to deal with the matter in this life, but it does not eliminate having to stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). The solution is to be right with God. Most can only imagine the struggle some go through. Knowing that something is wrong and condemned in the Scriptures but yet having an intense desire to the contrary would create an emotional struggle within any soul who had a conscience. Maybe human beings with all of our limitations have not found the best way to lead people out of that bondage yet, but all need to come out.
Methodists, Chick-Fil-A, and Hallmark
Tommy Hicks reports that in February Methodists voted 53% to 47% in a "Special Session" to strengthen prohibitions against same-sex marriage and ordaining homosexuals "into its clergy" (Seek the Old Paths, Dec. 2019, page 89). Some in the religious group are outraged at the decision. In the title of the article, a pertinent question is asked: "Do Methodists Not Have a Bible?" Truth should settle the matter.
As newsman Paul Harvey used to say: "Just so you won't run out of things to worry about...." OneNewsNow reports: "The Chick-fil-A Foundation is now giving money to Covenant House—an organization that has hosted a local Drag Queen Story Hour and celebrates LGBTQ pride." They have also announced that the Hallmark Channel will reinstate commercials featuring same-sex couples, including one of two women kissing at the marriage altar. Sigh. This is the last article…this year.
Those who do not know what they are saying shouldn't be:
Furthermore, if God were conversing with them, shouldn't they record the wisdom they are receiving for all the rest of us who are not having these conversations? Actually, they ought to publish them in a book so that the church all over the world will have access to the wisdom that West End possesses. Or maybe they should just repent of their fanciful speculations and return to the Scriptures, which really do come from God.