Hubby Hubby: Why Ben & Jerry’s was wrong to take a stand on gay marriage


Ben & Jerry's renames Chubby Hubby
Hubby Hubby during September to celebrate
the legalization of gay marriage in Vermont.
 


Friday, as I was wrapping up my work week, I got an innocuous looking e-blast from Ben & Jerry’s.

I love Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, so I’m on their opt-in mailing list, Chunkmail.

It was entitled simply, “Introducing… Hubby Hubby.”
For some reason, the title did not make me pause.

I guess I was too busy thinking of pints of Ben & Jerry’s dancing in my head.

Intrigued, I scrolled down to read the message in the newsletter.
I read the brief paragraph that the message contained, and then I looked to my right.

I finally understood what “Hubby Hubby” meant: An ice cream confection celebrating the legalization of gay marriage in Vermont.

According to a press release, Ben & Jerry’s is renaming its well-known ice cream flavor Chubby Hubby to Hubby Hubby to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality.

“Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of commitment to social justice, including gay rights. Its partnership with Freedom to Marry, a national leader in the movement for marriage equality, aims to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and to encourage other states to follow the blazing trails of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Maine. Freedom to Marry promotes the national conversation about why marriage equality matters and brings together partner organizations into a larger whole – a shared civil rights campaign.”

The company will also serve Hubby Hubby sundaes in its Vermont ice cream shops throughout September.

To be honest, I was taken aback by it all. I really couldn’t believe that Ben & Jerry’s decided to take up the cause in this way.

I’m not sure why “Chubby Hubby” was chosen to be re-christened Hubby Hubby, but I’ll never be able to think of it in the same way.

Chubby Hubby contains fudge-covered, peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets in a sea of fudge and peanut butter swirled vanilla ice cream.


For peanut butter and chocolate fans, this is a win-win flavor.

However, when paired with gay marriage, Chubby Hubby can seem unapetizing to some due to the sexual imagery the contents of the pints can elicit.

One blogger at Friction and Harmony wrote, "Silly activist advertising folks — you may as well call it what it is. In this new context, even the flavor description elicits a visual that’s so fittingly disturbing I won’t be able to pass the B&J section without throwing up a little…So I have to ask, what about the lesbians? Don’t they get a flavor too? Maybe call it something like “Strawberry Red Wings“?"

I know Ben & Jerry’s was just trying to be clever about things, but in all honesty, whether hetero or homosexual, I don't think people necessarily want to think about sex when eating ice cream.

While I don't agree with the way the blogger at Friction and Harmony made his point, I do understand what he's getting at.

If he is correct, then the imagery and description associated with the ice cream is actually offensive to homosexuals--many of whom who are trying to move people away from the idea that their sexuality is somehow abberant.

Then there’s the issue of actually commemorating a socially-charged cause like this.

How could a company even try to distill the struggle of a group of people into an ice cream flavor? A potentially offensive one at that?

As an African –American, my first thought was, “What’s next? Chocolate ice cream with black jelly beans to celebrate the Civil Rights Act of 1965 or to protest slavery in Darfur?”

I hate to say it but, this may go down in history as a blunder for Ben & Jerry’s, because the company really just told a large segment of its customers, that it doesn’t share their values.

Through countless referendums and, more importantly, their votes, people from all walks of life in the United States have shown that they are not for gay marriage. Some may be for civil unions, but they aren't ready for a radical redefinition of marriage.

To many in the United States, marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman. It’s as simple as that.

The problem with Ben & Jerry’s supporting this issue on the grounds of social injustice is that most people in the United States don’t believe that homosexual marriage is an issue of social justice.

While it seems as if homosexuals are being denied a fundamental right by not being allowed to marry someone of the same sex, most people don’t believe they are.

Depending on the side of the law that you are on, all laws are discriminatory in that they prevent someone from doing something.

One commenter on Issue Clash, a PBS discussion on gay marriage raised an interesting point with regards to this.

He said, “Personally, I don’t see how you can “change” the definition of marriage for homosexuals without changing it for any alternative group that wants to be married. In Islam, a man can “marry” four wives… and when three men want to “marry” nine women, what grounds will the state have to regulate them once the precedent has been set? Homosexuals call this a civil rights issue because marriage laws are (in their view) discriminatory.”

I understand companies having causes, but many people enjoy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

By choosing this highly controversial cause, stand by it Ben & Jerry’s may, the company is alienating part of its customer base to placate another segment. It's just not right... even if it is only for a month.

 

Leave a comment: What do you think about Ben& Jerry's stance on gay marriage?

Originally here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/hubby-hubby-why-ben-jerrys-was-wrong-to-take-a-stand-on-gay-marriage/

 

 

 

 

25 Year Old NIV Translation will be New Again

25 Year Old NIV Translation will be New Again

Posted: 07 Sep 2009 01:09 PM PDT


Revision Plans already Underway say Sources

The widely known and published New International Version of the Holy Bible will soon be undergoing a scholarly revision process for the first time in over 25 years, according to NIV copyright owner Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society).  As one of the most popular Bible translations of the 20th Century, the NIV has set the standard for countless subsequent translations and Biblical commentaries and is even included in dozens of PC Study Bible computer software programs. Its impact is one that exists on a global scale via print and digital media.

The popular NIV translation of the Bible is scheduled for a revision.

The popular NIV translation of the Bible is scheduled for a revision.

Evangelical book and Bible publishing giant Zondervan, along with the CBT (Committee on Bible Translations) have additionally announced their plans to completely cut all sales of the TNIV (Today’s New International Version) translation—a translation which several conservative Christians had qualms about during its debut nearly seven years ago. Apparently, controversy surrounding the use of “gender-neutral language” caused a stir among certain large sects of conservative believers (Source: The Christian Post). According to Biblica’s official website, the goal of the TNIV was to offer “clarity in contemporary English.” When referring to people, the TNIV employs the use of gender-inclusive language, but does not refer to God with such language.

Although the original NIV was first published and marketed to the general populace in 1978, it underwent a heavy revision process in 1984. Now again, in 2009, Biblical scholars and Greek/Hebrew translators plan to revisit the ancient texts in an attempt to remain faithful to their desire for contemporariness and cultural relevancy.

Members of the NIV revision team and the CBT have not yet released any official statements revealing how they plan to handle the controversial gender language issues that will no doubt arise over the coming months.

CBT Chairman Professor Douglas Moo told The Christian Post, “The new 2011 NIV is all about maintaining and enhancing the original values of the NIV for today’s readers.”

Together, the CBT and Biblica are certainly striving for one goal above all else: accuracy. Remaining true and faithful to the words and intentions of the original authors should indeed be the goal of any and every Bible translation. Biblica and Zondervan have officially announced that the new and revised NIV translation will be published in 2011, a year that will also mark the historic 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible.

You can read more about this new revision process of the NIV at Biblica’s official website: www.biblica.com. You can learn more about the products offered by Zondervan Publishing at their official website: www.zondervan.com.

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4Real Weekend for Teen Girls offers good times and encouragement

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/4real-weekend-for-teen-girls-offers-good-times-and-encouragement/

Posted: 08 Sep 2009 11:09 AM PDT


Attention Teen Girls – Help Yourselves to a Serving of Encouragement! Moms – Take Your Daughter and Her Friends!

The Revolve Tour, a relatively new offshoot of the popular Women of Faith Conferences, is presenting 4Real for Teen Girls. It’s a weekend of encouragement to let teen girls know that they can have a sense of self-worth and fun without giving in to sex and immodesty.

And just in time. Representatives from Women of Faith announced the following statistics at a recent Conference in Tampa, Florida:

-500,000 teen girls have had plastic surgery or something like liposuction in the past year. This can include anything from chemical peels to ear reductions to breast implants. Although teen girls are not yet fully developed, they’re often unhappy with their bodies according to two standards: (1) desiring the voluptuousness of oversized breasts on actresses, porn stars and major league sports team cheerleaders, or (2) wanting to appear thinner and prettier in order to match the air-brushed photos of reef-thin supermodels.

-25% of teen girls have an eating disorder due to reasons as stated above.

-79% of teen girls have had “some form” of sex. Our culture today says that nothing is “sex” unless it is penetration of the vagina. This is untrue. Acts of sex can be petting, oral sex, mutual masturbation and any other acts of arousal that may lead to actual intercourse.

-39% of teens have sent nude or semi-nude photos over their cell phones. “Reality TV shows” has made girls feel this is a normal way to show themselves to others. It may be “the norm” in our society today, but it’s not healthy, and in the end girls can lose their self-respect and pride.

-“Hooking Up” – sometimes called “Friends with Benefits” has never been more popular from middle school through college. These are casual sexual relationships taking place amongst circles of friends with no further relational commitment. In time, young people who indulge in this practice end up heartbroken and unable to form future loving intimate relationships. See more about “Hooking Up” here.

-Suicide is the second highest cause of death among teens, right behind traffic accidents.

At the 4Real Weekend, there will be contemporary Christian music, drama, and real-life stories starring real teens – guys too! By gathering teen girls together in great numbers, it will also let them know: “I’m not the only one told ‘No’ to certain things by my parents!”

The Tour is hitting cities all over the country from Baltimore, MD on Sept. 25-26, to Norman, OK on Dec. 11-12 (This article will probably be published too late to register for Sept. 11-12 in Columbus, OH). See all the Calendar Dates and Cities here  and ticket details here, or call 1-877-9-REVOLVE .

That’s Not All! Visit the Revolve Tour Website for articles like “What’s it Like to be a Teen Girl in 2009?” And “Tweet.Tweet. Do you Twitter?” or the “Ask Chad” Q&A column, giving girls advice from a responsible guy’s perspective. And girls can also see the smokin’ hot Entertainment line-up. There’s a section for Youth Leaders and Parents, too.

Hurry – Check it out today.


Are You an E-mail or Twitter Alarmist?


Are you an e-mail or Twitter alarmist? You know what I’m talking about…you get an e-mail or Tweet about all the questionable stuff going on in the government, or how crooks have found some new way to steal identities. The subject line looks something like this…

LOOK WHAT PRESIDENT SO-AND-SO IS DOING NOW!
Or…
ALERT! THIS IS SCARY! BE ON THE LOOKOUT!

So you frantically put all your friends’ and co-workers’ e-mail addresses (and anyone else you can possibly think of) in the “TO” Field and hit “Send.” You put it on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and all your other avenues of connecting with people. Never mind that the e-mail’s been going around since the last President was in office or since e-mail was first invented.

Yes, it’s true – some e-mail tales have circulated through the computer since the word “apple” just meant a fruit. There’s the one about giving a little boy money for a kidney, the hero gas station attendant who sees a criminal hiding under a lady’s car seat, and of course the ever-popular Madelyn Murray O’Hare is working from the grave to take “Touched by an Angel” off TV. And when you get them, it looks like they just happened yesterday.

Then you feel like an idiot when someone you don’t know, whom your message got forwarded to, writes you back: “Hey buddy, this thing’s ancient history.”

To be sure, there is some pretty unsavory and confusing stuff making the rounds now, especially about health care. And just the other day, there was one about all our cell phones being bugged by criminals. But how can we discern whether it’s anything to get upset about, or to scare others about?

Well, since there’s no E-Mail Alarmists Anonymous, here are several suggestions.

-Don’t circulate anything that doesn’t come from a well-known, reliable organization or company.

-Don’t circulate anything on which you can’t find an original date, sender or source.

-Don’t circulate anything that has hundreds of e-mail addresses or Twitter friends attached with the original going back more than several weeks ago.

-Separate the Truth from Fiction. You’d be surprised how fast the websites truthorfiction.com and Snopes.com get hold of stuff, and how far back their archives go. It’s worth taking a look to see if your questionable e-mail was originally dated 1990, or if the President really said that the other day. Just put in a few key words from the subject line you received. For a while, it was rumored that Snopes was taken over by one party in Congress, but that also turned out false!

-If it’s a government thing, wait a few days and see what else falls into place. Or do other research. Go to at least two media websites that you trust. Don’t base your evidence on someone’s private opinion blog. Everyone’s a journalist today.

-If it turns out true and you can take any constructive action, like calling Congress people to object to a bill, do so.

Keep these things in mind:
-There are people out there who start rumors on purpose to see if they can make “the other side” look like Chicken Little saying the sky is falling. They want us to get upset and run around like chickens without heads. They start rumors for the fun of it. The Christian community seems to fall victim to consistently becoming alarmed and circulating misinformation too quickly.

-For Christians reading this, there is no cause for alarm. Cause for prayer, yes – always. But not for alarm. And if you are not a Christian, you can still take comfort in the following verses when you yield your life to God’s amazing grace and Jesus as Lord:

Psalm 27:1: The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

LATEST NEWS: (This is not a fake e-mail) CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION COMES TO AMERICA
For the last decade, we have seen a rising of Christian persecution in America, like the true case of two teachers now going on trial for praying in public on their own time. Christians in other countries have bravely dealt with this for years. We can remember this when standing for truth:

Mark 13:11 – But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Christians have nothing to fear but fear itself, as the old saying goes. Man can take our physical body, but not our soul.

Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

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Underground Friday: C.O.G. – A ‘Child of God’ on a mission

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/underground-friday-c-o-g-a-child-of-god-on-a-mission/



Underground Friday: C.O.G. – A ‘Child of God’ on a mission

Posted: 04 Sep 2009 01:22 PM PDT


C.O.G. (Child of God) Samad Bilal grew up in a Muslim household in Raleigh, N.C. He prayed five times a day facing Mecca, abstained from pork and shunned the Christianity the culture tried to foist on him.

When Bilal came of age, he joined the Navy.

During his stint in the armed forces, he served his country faithfully, but realized he wasn’t a “lifer,” so he got out.

He was 23 years old, the world was in front of him, but he didn’t know whether to turn to the right or to the left.

“After getting out of the Navy, I was really lost and confused as to what direction my life was to go in,” he said.

Then a coworker became a minister and teacher to Bilal.

“A friend at work began to minister to me about Christ, and I accepted Christ on the job in a restroom.”

“The fact that Jesus Christ died for my sins…In Islam, I was taught to ‘atone’ for my wrong doings, yet, no matter how much I could atone, I would STILL fall short of God’s glory and be unworthy,” he said.

“When I heard that JESUS died for all of that? WOW!”

As Bilal grew in his Christianity, he realized that he wanted to give back; he wanted to affect change within his community.

Blessed with musical ability, Bilal decided that the best medium to reach the most was hip-hop, so C.O.G. (Child of God), his rap alter ego was born.

Recently, I spoke with the National Independent Gospel award-winning rapper to discuss his music, life and everything else.

—-

Tiff: Did you expect your life to radically change after accepting Christ?

C.O.G.: I did expect a radical change in the beginning. I had always heard or seen part of what ‘traditional’ church would do. You know, the tongues, the dancing, the shouting. I never felt that, so I never felt I could have that unless I did those things.

Tiff: A lot of Christians think people will reject the simplicity of the Gospel or think it’s foolish, but you heard it and it made sense.

C.O.G.: When it was taught the actual simplicity of the Gospel, it really was and is easy. When a man or woman is down, with nowhere else to turn, the Gospel is very simplistic, necessary and welcomed.

Tiff: So going back to your story post-Navy, and post-conversion…was it easy for you to find a church or Christian community in which you could learn about Christ or were you still put off from "church folk?"

C.O.G.: It was very difficult. Having not been a part of the church community, the things that I had always heard, seen or read about in church were the first things that I witnessed. It wasn’t until I met Pastor Leroy Staley in Forest City, N.C. that I saw different.

Tiff: How did Pastor Leroy change the way you viewed things?

C.O.G.: He didn’t come across as pushy or arrogant. He was truly concerned for my salvation. He always taught me to keep the Gospel elementary. “Just love people,” he would say. That’s all I’ve ever known him to do. He didn’t come at me with too much theology. For a new convert, that can be too much too soon.

Tiff: Is he still your pastor today?

C.O.G.: He will always be “my pastor.” I’m in Raleigh now and Rodney Finch is my pastor; but there will always be a very special place in my heart for Pastor Staley and New Bethel.

Just like Pastor Staley, Pastor Rodney doesn’t push. He teaches the Bible verse by verse, allowing us all to grow. That’s the most important key to becoming a better Christian: Growth.

Tiff: It’s interesting that you say that. At what point did you grow enough in the faith that you decided to become a musician?

C.O.G.: Well, that was a part of me before becoming a believer. I sang in night clubs, was in a couple of groups, etc. When I got saved, I took time to learn the Word and grow. There was no point of growth, when the Holy Spirit said to go back to music, I just did. At first, it was very difficult. I was not accustomed to the type of music the group I was with was singing at the time. We were a quartet group, and that was something a bit new and very different for me.

Tiff: How did you come up with your rap persona?

C.O.G.: By that time, I was a Sunday school teacher and a youth pastor. I was singing and teaching, but it didn’t feel right. It seemed like I was just going through the motions, not really making a difference. The very children in my youth ministry were still turning to the music of the street, hip hop. I wanted to do something to win them back.

I believe that turning point came when I heard my daughter listening to some rap that I didn’t approve of. I told her that I didn’t want to hear that music in my house, and she said, “Daddy, make something I can listen to then.” I started that day.

Tiff: You just started writing raps, just like that?

C.O.G.: Just like that. Went in the studio and wrote my first CD in two weeks. That’s how I know it was God, not me!

Tiff: When did you first step out as C.O.G.?

C.O.G.: My daughter started sharing the music with her friends and the local paper heard about it and wanted to do a story on me. This little old lady asked me what my rapper name was, and I told her I didn’t have one, I’m just a child of God. She said, “That’s it! Your name should be Child of God.” And that’s how C.O.G. came about.

Tiff: How did people receive you?

C.O.G.: People at first did not like what I was doing. People would say, “God don’t need no hip hop music to save souls.” And I would agree and say, “He don’t need no quartet music, choirs, organs either!”

I’ve been doing this now for almost six years. I’ve been extremely blessed that no matter where I’ve been, people have LOVED my music. I believe the music should remain fun, only the message should change.

There’s a way to deliver the Word without it being boring, docile or too dark. So many young people think serving God is a drag, but that’s just because of the way tradition has caused it to be delivered. For way too many years, preachers have preached, hell, fire and brimstone and that’s not a very pretty picture.

If you’re already in a bad situation, why would you want to join something that seems so grim? Being a Christian is fun! You have the freedom to just be you. No peer pressure, no pressure to do drugs, drink alcohol, curse, etc.

Tiff: So what kind of message would you say you "preach" through your lyrics?

C.O.G.: I keep it very simple. I truly believe why my music has been so well received. Little children to grandparents all seem to appreciate what I do. That’s a true blessing.

I try to reach a broad range of subjects in my music, but the most consistent message I try to deliver is that Jesus Christ died for your sins; forgiveness of sins is yours if you’d just believe, repent and turn away from sin.

Tiff: Okay, so tell me about your latest album. What’s the name of it?

C.O.G.: The latest CD is entitled Ghetto Hymnbook. The CD is a very easy listen. The songs are fun, the hooks are catchy and the Word is evident. Oh, and the beats-oh my goodness! I have the very best producer in Gospel music on this project His name is Spec (www.spechousemedia.com), and he used to be a big producer in the secular realm.

Tiff: So it’s music that young people won’t be ashamed to bump in front of their friends?

C.O.G.: Actually, they will want to bump this in front of their friends. I know a lot of people say that type of thing, but listen for yourself and see.

 

Buy C.O.G.’s music here:

· http://www.pdsoulwebsite.com (Digital download only)

· Send $7 to Ghetto Hymnbook, 1225 Delham Road Knightdale, NC 27545 (Hardcopy)

 

Check out C.OG.’s music and get in touch with him at the following sites:

· http://www.pdsoulwebsite.com

· http://www.myspace.com/pdsoul

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Let’s Talk About Change: Can a Person Change Sexual Orientation?

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/lets-talk-about-change-can-a-person-change-sexual-orientation/



Regaining a Perspective on one of Christianity’s Most Debated Topics

These days the word “change” has been thrown around a lot. If you spent any time listening to our new President Barack Obama during his campaign speeches across the country, you likely heard phrases such as these: “change we can believe in” or “change will not come if we wait…” But the issue of change is not just being hotly debated in political realms. In countless Christian circles and church communities worldwide, the issues of homosexuality and change continue to be controversial and often dividing. Is a person born gay? Can a person choose to change their orientation and adopt a different sexual lifestyle? Can a person be a Christian and gay at the same time?

Brian Peterson, 45, has been gay from the womb. Ask him and that’s what he will tell you. “Yes, that’s right. I believe I was born gay,” he says. “And do I think my sexual orientation can change? No, not really. And I may be wrong. But again, I don’t think it’s a critical issue except for arguing with gay people and thus building barriers to the Gospel.”

You see, Brian isn’t your typical gay male, in that he does not fit the statistical stereotypes placed on him by so many organizations. Although he officially declared his sexuality at the age of 31, he is a born-again believer, the son of a longtime assistant church pastor, and was raised in a strong, Christian household and spiritual community environment from day one. This is where many popular theories surrounding the origins of homosexual tendencies fall short in Brian’s case.

HoldingHandsGay-main_Full

"It just seems we spend way too much time trying to figure out the gay issue and not enough time loving the gay people."-Brian, 45

Countless researchers, both on the conservative Christian and secular sides alike, tend to postulate a “father-deficit theory”, citing that the lack of involvement on the father’s part may increase the potential for these behavioral and lifestyle developments. During a speech at the London-based Anglican Mainstream Conference, American psychologist Dr. Joseph Nicolosi stated, “…the fact remains that if you traumatize a child in a particular way, you will create a homosexual condition. If you do not traumatize a child, he will be heterosexual. If you do not traumatize a child in a particular way, he will be heterosexual. The nature of that trauma is an early attachment break during the bonding phase with the father.”

Brian disagrees wholeheartedly. “I think there are a lot of people who are desperate to make homosexuality a choice, so they grasp at anything they can find. I am very blessed to have two wonderful, godly parents who were actively involved in my life…I never had a deficit in the presence of my father.” He went on to note, “I have many gay and straight friends who grew up with both parents active in their lives…And I have many gay and straight friends from broken homes. You know, I can get a psychologist to tell me anything I need him to tell me.”

Try typing the phrase changing homosexuality into your favorite Internet search engine and see how many interesting results you receive. You may be shocked at the number of “professional” and even “psychological” organizations in existence, each attempting to “cure” homosexuality through radical therapy methods. From PeopleCanChange.com to articles featured in Scientific American magazine, it seems everyone is looking for that “miracle cure.” And perhaps worse, these curing strategies are typically promoted as scientifically sound and medically professional.

A British survey published in March 2009 discovered that one in 25 therapists would agree to assist a homosexual person convert to heterosexuality. Although recent medical evidence suggests that such “curing treatments” have been proven harmful, unsuccessful, and even potentially damaging to an individual’s psyche, countless psychologists continue to promote and employ them.

However, it is not only scientific and psychological organizations that have missed the mark on dissecting and addressing the homosexuality conundrum. What about the ministry efforts of the church? It certainly doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that, globally, the church has not had the best effects in terms of reaching the unsaved or un-churched gay demographic.

Brian doesn’t believe the church is failing, however.

“I would say grossly ineffective is a better term to use,” he cautioned. “The problem as I see it is that the church has been more interested in having a gay ministry than reaching gay people. You see, Jesus never intended for churches to have gay ministries or support organizations to reach gay people. So they don’t have to. Let’s just call it what it is…The problem is: “How did we get to the point that we are so concerned about everything under the sun but the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?” Without question, the church is more interested in dealing with men having sex with men than men having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything I ever saw and continue to see is a pre-occupation with the sin rather than the Gospel that sets us free from sin.”

For Christians ministering to homosexuals, grace is the kicker. The Gospel of grace sets us free from sin. In Romans 6, Paul writes, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?…Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:1-2, 12-14, New American Standard-updated, emphases added).

Churches, Christian communities, leaders, pastors, and congregates desperately need to re-embrace the grace found in the life-transforming power of the cross of Jesus Christ and His work in people’s lives. It is time to lay aside the hellfire and brimstone sermons and attitudes and instead pick up the methodology of truth and love. Radical, undeniable lifestyle change is more than possible for “whoever will call on the name of the Lord” (Romans 10:13), and that includes all of mankind, gays and straights alike.

And, as Brian expressed: “It just seems we spend way too much time trying to figure out the gay issue and not enough time loving the gay people.”

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Pop Culture Moments by Mo: Hollywood, Please Stop hatin’ on Tyler Perry

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/pop-culture-moments-by-mo-hollywood-please-stop-hatin-on-tyler-perry/



tyler_perry

Heleer!I just wrapped another movie. Cha-Ching!

Tyler Perry has the Midas-touch. I believe he’s anointed regardless of what his critics say.

Those in Hollywood just won’t allow themselves to believe it.

While Hollywood spends hundreds of millions of dollars making movies, Tyler makes them on half of that budget and in less time.

The man is a spiritual, refined and meticulous person who is able to rally his cast and crew and make them be of “one accord,” so that they are comfortable with each other.

His formula has always been like this, since he was producing his plays on the “Chitlin Circuit.”

That is why he continues going to the bank.

“Cha-ching.”

Tyler Perry’s next movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself comes out Friday (Sept. 11).


How Much do You Know about the Jewish People? Part Two

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/how-much-do-you-know-about-the-jewish-people-part-two/

How Much do You Know about the Jewish People? Part Two

Posted: 04 Sep 2009 08:48 AM PDT


When we left George in Part 1, he needed answers to ten questions as a way to improve his friendship with Simon. It’s just the tip of a huge iceberg of information, but it would be so helpful if Christians could know these things before springing the gospel message on their Jewish friends. 

How good is my knowledge of the Old Testament compared to the New? I can relate a helpful story. My friend Betsy was raised in a “New Testament Christian” family. They believed the New Testament “overcame” the Old. But when she met and married a pastor, she discovered many Old Testament prophecies by comparing them to New Testament scriptures. The New Covenant between God and his people doesn’t overcome the Old; it enhances it.

By studying the Jewish portion of the Bible (“Torah”), Betsy learned more about who Jesus was, the relationship between Judaism and the first “Christ followers,” Jesus as the reason for an end to animal sacrifices, and Jesus’ own Jewish upbringing as part of our Christian heritage.

In what New Testament book and chapter does Paul concentrate on explaining God’s special place for the Jews to new Gentile believers? In Romans 10 and 11, Paul explains why many Jewish people are blinded to who Jesus really is. But he also warns Christians not to boast about being believers, comparing both Jews and Christians as branches being grafted on to an olive tree for salvation.      

Am I aware of how sensitive most Jewish people are to the mention of Jesus and the Gospel message? This goes with another question: Am I aware that Jewish people feel The Church in general supported Hitler’s actions? 

“Al S.” is a Jewish believer who accepted Jesus after being invited to a Christian church several times.  He described his initial feelings to me:

“I thought, how could I sit here listening to things about Jesus, a man who inspired the Christian faith that has caused so much persecution and pain among my own people?”

You see, Al had to learn about true Christianity to understand that not all “gentiles” are Christians—a common Jewish misconception. When I was growing up as a young Jewish girl, I thought anyone who wasn’t Jewish was a Christian. Even today, many Jewish people feel if someone doesn’t identify themselves as a Muslim, Buddhist or something else, they are a gentile and therefore a Christian!

This associates all Christians with heinous acts against Jews throughout the ages, especially the Holocaust. Was Hitler a Christian? Did all Protestants and Catholics ignore or take part in the crimes committed? This is in the back of every Jewish person’s mind when approached by a Christian with the gospel. They find it intrusive and frightening.

What’s another name for Jesus that I can use when speaking with Jewish people? It is better to just say “my Messiah” or “The Messiah” in initial conversations. Later, you can refer to Jesus as “Yeshua.”

Why is the phrase “Jewish person” more polite than the term “Jew”? The word “Jew” is offensive when referring to a single Jewish person because of the yellow stars and other labels forced onto Holocaust-era Jews in Hitler’s targeted countries. When talking about “Christians, Muslims and Jews,” the word “Jew” is alright. But one should never call a Jewish person “Jew.” Younger Jewish generations are not as sensitive to this as their baby boomer parents and grandparents.   

Am I aware of the significance of other Jewish holidays: Passover, Hanukkah and Purim – and their importance to Christians? Every Jewish holiday can have significance for Christians. Jesus celebrated them as was commanded by God. The Jewish High Holidays can be found in Leviticus 16 and 23; Passover in Exodus 12 and Luke 22; Purim in Esther 4, and also Sukkot (the “Festival of Booths” in October) in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16. Hanukkah didn’t make it into canonized Scripture, but the story of the Maccabees* and one day’s worth of oil that burned eight nights (circa 160 B.C.) is where the Bible derives being anointed with oil.

Is Judaism a nationality, a religion or a culture? Judaism is a religion and a cultural way of life, but it’s not a nationality. A Jewish person’s nationality is wherever they come from. Being Jewish by religion makes them American Jews, Russian Jews, Spanish Jews, African Jews, etc. All Jewish people don’t come from Israel, and all Israelites are not Jewish. A Jewish person may truly believe in God, or they may be “culturally Jewish,” observing Jewish traditions without holding fast to the Scriptures.

Do Jewish people need to be “converted” to Christianity? Jewish people need the knowledge of salvation by the grace of God, and that Jesus is the Messiah they are waiting for. A Jewish person doesn’t need to “convert” by leaving all Judaism behind; many actually feel a stronger love for their Jewish roots and culture once they’ve found Jesus.

What’s a “Messianic” Jewish person? A Jewish person who comes to believe in Jesus as Messiah will usually call themselves a “Messianic Jew,” a Jewish Christian or a Jewish believer in Jesus.

*Want to know more about the Jewish holidays and how to appreciate them from a Christian viewpoint? These answers are excerpts from Sheryl’s book “What Every Christian Should Know About the Jewish People.” See more excerpts and how to buy the book here.

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Life your Life, Dead and Gone reflect ‘spiritual’ side of T.I.

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/life-your-life-dead-and-gone-reflect-spiritual-side-of-t-i/




398px-T.I._van Sometimes things have to happen before you turn your life around.

For T.I., the “thing” that made him change was a felony weapons charge, resulting in one year and one day in prison for the charges.

As he sat a home under house arrest awaiting his report date, T.I. took out his notebook and started writing.

As he wrote, he thought about his past. He thought about his future.

When he couldn’t write any more, he hit the studio and recorded some 100 tracks for his latest release, Paper Trail.

Like anything T.I. releases, the album is an able collection of Southern rap, but two songs on the album stand out: Dead and Gone and Live your Life.

Both of these songs reflect T.I.’s increasing maturity. They also reveal a side of T.I. that may have been invisible to many of his fans: His spirituality.

On the surface, Live your Life is your typical club banger, It even features “it” girl, Rihanna, on the hook.

Underneath, however, the song is reminiscent of the Bible’s wisdom literature.

In Ecclesiastes, the preacher tries to teach people about life. He recounts his experiences, and records them so that you can learn.

That’s exactly what T.I. does in Live your Life.

He’s learned from experience that it’s not good to be morally bankrupt.

“Your values is in disarray/prioritizin’ horribly
Unhappy with the riches/ ’cause you’re piss poor morally
Ignorin’ all prior advice and forewarnin’
And we mighty full of ourselves
All of a sudden, aren’t we?”

He’s also learned to “ignore the haters.”

In the Bible, “haters” are known as the scornful. These are people who are jealous on a different level. They don’t have what you have, and they don’t want you to have it either.

T.I., says these people make him want to react,

“I pray for patience but they
Make me wanna melt they face away
Like I once made ‘em spray
Now I could make ‘em put the K’s away”

But like a wise man (Proverbs 29:8), he keeps his peace.

If Live your Life is something out of Ecclesiastes, Dead and Gone, another single on T.I.’s Paper chase, is definitely a Proverb.

Proverbs, though on the surface they seem disjointed, are actually one to two line portable “nuggets” of truth.

The wisdom in this song transcends most of the categories into which we lump ourselves—race, ethnicity, socio-economic status.

Specific truths in this song are:

· Pride causes people to make deadly decisions;

· Think before you act;

· Even if you’ve made a mistake in the past, move on, but don’t return to your folly.

LYL is also a coming of age song with obvious allusions to 1 Corinthians 13.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”

As a man, T.I. let’s things go. No more squabbles over frivolous things—like dope money and dice games gone awry.

“No more stress, now I’m straight,
Now I get it now I take
Time to think
Before I make mistakes
Just for my family’s sake
That part of me left yesterday
The heart of me is strong today
No regrets I’m blessed to say
The old me dead and gone away.”

Themes from Romans 6-8, chapters of the Bible that have been described as the power of Christian living, also seems to be evident in the chorus:

“I turn my head to the east
I don’t see nobody by my side
I turn my head to the west
Still nobody in sight
So I turn my head to the north,
Swallow that pill
That they call pride
The old me is dead and gone,
The new me will be alright.”

Chuck Swindoll said, in his Bible study, Old Testament Characters, “Too often, if God’s name isn’t billboarded in front of us, we can’t see Him…can’t feel the warmth of His breath. But God doesn’t always advertise His presence. Sometimes He only whispers it.”

Though Live Your Life and Dead and Gone are “secular” songs, Christians can take a thing or two from them as well, namely the deeper truths about humanity, and truths about how God wants man to live.

That makes these songs bright spots and contemplation points for those who may hear the edited versions on local radio.

Arrested for praying in public: Guilty by association

Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/arrested-for-praying-in-public-guilty-by-association/



Arrested for praying in public: Guilty by association

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 12:36 PM PDT


Santa Rosa County, Florida – Two school employees were arrested for saying a Christian prayer in public at a luncheon – not in the school, not during school duty.  They are now up on criminal charges. How did this happen?

Last year, the ACLU brought a lawsuit against the Santa Rosa County School District, claiming that some of the administrators and teachers were “endorsing” religion. The ACLU submitted a Consent Order to the School District. This Consent Order bans all school employees from engaging in public prayer or other religious activities - even outside of school hours and off-property…a completely illegal order according to the real First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

But instead of engaging in battle with the ACLU, the School District chose to accept the ACLU’s Order. And without any legal argument, the Pensacola Federal District Court allowed the Consent Order which unconstitutionally infringes on the rights of both school employees and their students.

That wasn’t enough for the ACLU. They began going against individual employees.

Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman prayed at a luncheon which included former booster club members and others who had helped with a school project. The ACLU complained that Lay and Freeman offered a prayer to bless the meal (served to consenting adults at the appreciation luncheon). Based solely on the ACLU’s allegations, U.S. District Judge Casey Rodgers initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Lay and Freeman to the United States Attorney’s office for prosecution. Unbelievably, the U.S. Attorney accepted the assignment and is proceeding with prosecution. 

If convicted, Lay and Freeman are subject to fines and possible imprisonment. Attorneys from Liberty Counsel are acting on behalf of Freeman and Lay. On the Liberty Counsel website, Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “It is a sad day in America when school officials are criminally prosecuted for a prayer over a meal…” “…It is outrageous and an offense to the First Amendment to punish a school official for a simple prayer.”

In a related Liberty Counsel case
Michelle Winkler, a clerical assistant at the same School District, attended an off-campus event, after school hours and sponsored by private funding, to honor non-teaching employees of the schools. She asked her husband, not a school employee, to read a prayer she wrote for the honorees. The ACLU brought a civil contempt case against Winkler (do they have spies everywhere?). However, in this case Judge Rodgers ruled against the ACLU, concluding that for Winkler’s husband to pray at a voluntary gathering outside of school did not violate ACLU’s Consent Order.

Can Christians help in cases like this? Anyone concerned with the preservation of the First Amendment can voice their opinion in this case, but especially calling all residents of Santa Rosa County, FL., where the ACLU’s Consent Order should never have been accepted in the first place. Go to Liberty Counsel’s Press Release and read toward the bottom to see how they are asking for help.

Liberty Counsel Press Releases:
Principal and Athletic Director Face Criminal Charges for Prayer at Luncheon, 8/10/09, http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14100&PRID=840;
Michelle Winkler is Cleared of Civil Contempt Charge in Santa Rosa County Prayer Case, 8/24/09 http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14100&PRID=844.

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