Gary DeMar's "Sexual Up-Side-Downism"
Carlos printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 11:38:29 PM EST
Gary DeMar, like Doug Phillips, is an influential leader in far right Christian homeschooling circles. Also, like Doug Phillips, DeMar's anti-gay rhetoric is deeply disturbing. How can these leaders have such a popular following given their extreme views?
From DeMar's most recent anti-gay rant, "The Effects of Sexual Cultism", where he tries to connect the Christian/sex cult of David Berg with gay Christians:

Homosexuals who claim to be Christians believe that they can practice homo-sex "in the name of Jesus." The arguments that Berg was using to justify his view of sex are identical to those used by advocates of homosexuality. The "20/20" report failed to make the connection. [   ]

Homosexuals are chained to a particular sin. Their consciences are seared. A steady diet of sexual themes has resulted in sexual saturation where they are now beyond the point of absorbing any contrary opinion. To give up homosexuality would mean giving up life itself. Homosexuals expound the "All Things" doctrine, like David Berg, perverting the words of the apostle Paul: "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Cor. 6:12).

Homosexuals often use Scripture to normalize what the Bible describes as an "abomination." The very activity which Paul describes as "impurity," "degrading passions," "unnatural function," "indecent acts" (Rom. 1), homosexuals embrace with indignant vigor. They go out of their way to debauch the testimony of the Bible and its clear condemnation of homosexuality. [   ]

Even if--and it's a big if--the relationship between David and Jonathan were homosexual, this would not legitimize homosexuality. It would only prove once again that David was a sinner. David also committed adultery and was an accomplice to murder in the death of Uriah the Hittite. So we add to these the sin of sodomy. Are homosexuals ready to acknowledge that adultery and murder are also normative behavior for Christians? Just because a Bible character--even one as great as David--does something, this does not mean the behavior is lawful.

Scripture is clear: Homosexuality is denounced as a horrible sin, an abomination. An entire civilization--Sodom--was destroyed because evil had mounted, finally showing itself in the degrading passions of homosexuality. Could the Bible be any clearer in its denouncement of those who traffic in "strange flesh"? (Jude 1:7)

Homosexuals have created a fantasy world where only their perverse presuppositions have meaning. Their goal is to bring the rest of America with them into their fabricated universe of sexual up-side-downism.




Display:
anti-gay rant, you can go here.

by Carlos on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 11:43:35 PM EST

What bothers me most about the anti-gay rhetoric of fellows like DeMar is the almost orgiastic hatred they display in their ranting. They remain objective while  discussing other areas of human imperfection, but when it comes to sex, everything changes: it's almost as if they view sexual sin, gay or straight, as a personal affront.

Now, I believe that homosexual *activity* (as distinguished from homosexual *orientation*) is a sin -period - but so are adultery, drunkenness, pride, lying,  envy, and avarice; and, Jesus had relatively little to say about sexual sin, but He had plenty to say about pride and greed, and He said that the love of money is the root of all evil.

These fellows will rave about sexual sin and the "gay agenda" until they are blue in the face, but you will seldom hear one of them question the "corporate agenda", or hear them preach that greed and personal selfishness are at the root of much of the evil in America today.

by Cynthia Gee on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 01:49:27 AM EST

As Cynthis Gee put it: "What bothers me most about the anti-gay rhetoric of fellows like DeMar is the almost orgiastic hatred they display in their ranting. They remain objective while  discussing other areas of human imperfection, but when it comes to sex, everything changes: it's almost as if they view sexual sin, gay or straight, as a personal affront."

Me thinks they doth protesteth too much! What are they hiding in their own closets???

Q.

by Quotefiend on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 11:51:45 AM EST

Good question, considering their fairly high profile. Don't they know that people who live in glass houses shouldn't stow bones?

by Cynthia Gee on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 12:59:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]


and perhaps somebody has some clarifying thoughts on this: the internet seems to have encouraged a big audience for the production and consumption of intolerant material, but, at the same time it also has encouraged the practice of grass roots criticism like what is happening on Wade Burleson's (SBC related) blog and websites/blogs like Ministry Watchman and Talk 2 Action. So what is the bottom line? Does it just even out in the end? The internet seems to be an excellent tool for the forces of pluralistic, engaged democracy, but, at the same time, it also seems to be an excellent tool for the forces of incipient fascisms of all sorts.

by Carlos on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 01:19:51 PM EST
The internet is what it is..... a tool, which allows people on both sides of an issue to reach a large audience with their views. It's a two edged sword -- the more the proponents on one side spread their views, the more their opponents must counter those views with views of their own. Sometimes truth falls victim to plain-old longwindedness, but, that's life in the big e-city.

by Cynthia Gee on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 01:31:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]
old idea of "the medium is the message"?

Speaking of the medium of the internet, what about the idea that the internet is evolving from static websites to community blogs to ever more interactive places like myspace and facebook?

Why are DeMar and Phillips still able to sell so many products and spread their message given that their internet presence is so outdated and non-interactive?

Would it be possible or desirable to take on the religious right from a platform like facebook?

by Carlos on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 02:10:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

sell their products primarily the old fashioned way.  Through preestablished markets to which they are providing products. In thier cases, educational and cultural products for a fairly circumscribed (but growing), home schooling market, and in conservative Christian schools and churches. DeMar and Phillips (and Barton) work the homeschooling conference circuit vigorously, and maintain active mail order businesses.

Their enterprises are businesses using internet tools in support of that effort. DeMar is more of a writer and public intelletual of sorts, and so he also uses his site for more assertive self publishing.

by Frederick Clarkson on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 02:23:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The question then is how much of a challenge could a merely virtual network (even if wired to be intensely interactive) be compared to the already pre-established network of churches, schools and homeschooling conferences.

It's like the talk about how amazing it was for Obama to sign up 200,000 + young people on facebook. But then again, what is the real value of these 200,000 if they don't vote? The Christian Right is so effective (as has been pointed out on numerous occasions) exactly because of these old fashioned networks. It remains to be seen how we can challenge all this from the comforts of our isolated computer offices.

by Carlos on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 02:49:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]



"Why are DeMar and Phillips still able to sell so many products and spread their message given that their internet presence is so outdated and non-interactive?"

Oudatedness is not always a bad thing, depending on demographics. VisionForum targets consumers who are apt to be somewhat behind the times, and quite deliberately so.



by Cynthia Gee on Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 03:36:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]





WWW Talk To Action


Adopting Bias: New Va. Rules Seek To Safeguard 'Faith-Based' Bigotry
Legislators and media pundits in Washington, D.C., continue to obsess over the birth control mandate in the new health care law and whether church-related......
By Rob Boston (4 comments)
GOP Candidates Embrace a Major Religious Right Narrative
Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney's demagogic claims that President Obama is engaged in a "war against religion" are as unsurprising as they are disturbing.......
By Frederick Clarkson (5 comments)
NAR Apostle Harold Caballeros Heads Guatemala Foreign Ministry
In January 2012, with the inauguration of former military general Otto Pérez Molina as Guatemala's president, NAR apostle Harold Caballeros took charge of Guatemala's......
By Bruce Wilson (2 comments)
As Eddie Long Controversy Grows, Video Emerges of 'Rabbi' Messer Wrapping Paula White in Torah
A Christian Post article dated February 5 is one of many reports of denials by televangelist Paula White and her attorney of any ties......
By Rachel Tabachnick (9 comments)
Garlow Introduced Gingrich, Called for Pastors Revolt Against IRS Rules at NAR Church in Nevada
On Friday night Newt Gingrich spoke at the "Prayer for America" event at the International Church of Las Vegas (ICLV) led by Apostle Paul......
By Rachel Tabachnick (3 comments)
A Must Read Book: "The Good News Club"
For anyone who wants to read a book that really goes inside the movement to indoctrinate children through our public schools, I highly recommend......
By Chris Rodda (3 comments)
More On Yale's Templeton-Funded "Spiritual Capital Initiative"
Should Chick-Fil-A be known for its extensive ties to, and funding of, some of the most aggressively anti-gay groups in America, as well as......
By Bruce Wilson (4 comments)
Gettting Well Versed
Michelle Boorstein at The Washington Post's "Under God" blog reports that Faithful America's petition calling for Kansas House Speaker Michael O'Neal to resign now......
By Frederick Clarkson (3 comments)
Alabama State Senator: Pay Increases for Teachers are Against 'Biblical Principle'
This is a new twist on "biblical economics" that I've not heard before.  According to Alabama State Sen. Shadrack McGill, a 62% pay increase......
By Rachel Tabachnick (5 comments)
Wagner Recognized by Delaware House for Commissioning Apostles (Copy of Tribute Included)
This morning I contacted the offices of Rep. Daniel B. Short and Chief Clerk of the House Richard Puffer and confirmed that C. Peter......
By Rachel Tabachnick (7 comments)
Trial Date Set for Bishop Finn
The trial date for Bishop Robert W. Finn,of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri will be September 24, 2012.  Finn and the diocese......
By Frank Cocozzelli (3 comments)
The Culture of Demonization and Imprecatory Prayer
We have written a great deal here at Talk to Action about the Religious Right culture of conspiracy theory, labeling and demonization as animating......
By Frederick Clarkson (3 comments)
To Bigotry No Sanction, to Persecution No Assistance
As the finale of our extended celebration of Religious Freedom Day, we are honored to welcome George Washington as a guest front pager.  ......
By George Washington (0 comments)
George Barna and the New Apostolic Reformation
Given the secretive nature of the movement, documenting the involvement of public figures in C. Peter Wagner's New Apostolic Reformation can be a time-consuming......
By Bruce Wilson (2 comments)
Gingrich, Alinsky, and the Christian Right Grand Conspiracy Narrative
Gingrich's claims about an Alinsky-Obama-socialist conspiracy against Christianity and freedom echo conspiracy theories from the Tea Parties, Glenn Beck, the John Birch Society, and......
By Chip Berlet (0 comments)

Harold Caballeros, October 5, 2006, #1
On October 5, 2006, Harold Cabballeros, founder and senior pastor of El Shaddai Church in Guatemala City, spoke at the "Spirit in the World: The Dynamics of Pentecostal Growth and Experience" symposium sponsored by......
Bruce Wilson (0 comments)
Truth Wins Out Reports on Exodus International's Attempt at Rebranding
An extensive report has been posted at Truth Wins Out (TWO) on the rebranding of Exodus International, the discredited and financially strapped pray-away-the-gay organization. The report is titled "The Exodus SmokeScreen" and subtitled, "Exodus......
Rachel Tabachnick (0 comments)
Breast cancer awareness T-shirt prompts dispute at skating rink
crossposted from The Clarion Ledger) http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012202040 349 ""I am offended as a mother; as the daughter of a cancer patient; as a Christian woman; as a fundraiser and donor of time and money to......
COinMS (0 comments)
Delaware state house Dems distance themselves from Wagner tribute
The Democrats in the Delaware state House of Representatives are in full damage control mode over a tribute given back in January to C. Peter Wagner, a prominent leader of the New Apostolic......
Christian Dem in NC (1 comment)
Is Peter Wagner lying about commendation from state of Delaware?
Those of us who have watched the New Apostolic Reformation have come to expect bizarre claims.  Well, today  C. Peter Wagner made one of the most bizarre claims yet.  He sent out an......
Christian Dem in NC (1 comment)
New dominionist effort to target Hollywood with prayer
In yet more proof that the New Apostolic Reformation is trying to make itself heard in a big way this year, late yesterday several leaders of that movement got together to announce a......
Christian Dem in NC (0 comments)
Santorum Accuses Colleges of Anti-Religious "Indoctrination" But Gingrich Said it First
CBS and other media outlets have pounced on a Rick Santorum claim, that America's colleges and universities are hotbeds of anti-religious "indoctrination", but Newt Gingrich has been saying that for years. As Santorum declared......
Bruce Wilson (2 comments)
Leader of NC gay marriage ban effort, in his own words
cross-posted at dKos One of the leaders of the effort to write a gay marriage ban into North Carolina's constitution is Patrick Wooden, the pastor of Upper Room Church of God in Christ in......
Christian Dem in NC (2 comments)
AFA endorses AIDS denialism
If Public Policy Polling's early numbers are accurate (and there's little reason to doubt they are) Newt Gingrich will likely take the lead in national polling this week.  In light of this, there's......
Christian Dem in NC (1 comment)
Family Research Council chaplain openly calls for non-Christians to be banned from public office
Anyone who's studied the religious right can't help but notice a pattern to how they've operated over the last three decades.  They get a little bit of power, only to overreach and get smacked......
Christian Dem in NC (4 comments)
Cindy Jacobs prophecies divine intervention unless we elect Repubs
Late last week, New Apostolic Reformation "prophetess" Cindy Jacobs announced the yearly "Word of the Lord" from the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders.  (h/t to PFAW's Right Wing Watch). This "Word" makes for......
Christian Dem in NC (3 comments)
Robert Jeffress: First Amendment protections invite wrath of God
We already knew that the religious right would like nothing better than to sweep away the First Amendment.  Well, one of its more prominent leaders just came out and said it in terms as......
Christian Dem in NC (3 comments)
Cindy Jacobs announces 2012 prayer initiative--and declares war on separation of church and state
Late last night, Cindy Jacobs announced the formation of a major prayer drive with the goal of influencing the election.  The campaign, called "FastForward," is sponsored by her newly formed United States Reformation Prayer......
Christian Dem in NC (2 comments)
Personhood returns
Having soundly been defeated at the ballot box, the Personhood initiative in Mississippi has been resurrected via the new governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant and his allies in the state government. For the first......
COinMS (0 comments)
Exposing The Dark Side Of Tupelo MS
It’s really ironic that the so-called Christian Religious Right (ie., AFA) are seemingly dedicated to the unnecessary bashing of Paganism when Pagans made such a well-documented historical contribution toward the rise of Christianity. For......
AlBratt (0 comments)

More Diaries...




All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments, posts, stories, and all other content are owned by the authors. Everything else © 2005 Talk to Action, LLC. Powered by Scoop