Evangelicals shouldn't be embarrassed to say boldly and clearly: Abortion and same-sex marriage are uniquely heinous sins. They rattle the foundations of a civilized society. They take a culture in a dreadful direction. We haven't been wrong to say so. We aren't fanatics.

And I'm not referring here so much to the young women caught in the anguish of an unexpected pregnancy or folks bewildered by their sexual identity. I'm talking mostly about a society that goes all out to tell such people that what they're doing is just fine. There's forgiveness for individual sinners. There's judgment for societies that lead them astray.

Society is trying its best to exert its tolerance for child-killing and homosexuals on Americans utilizing every arena from schools, businesses, and courts to the media, Hollywood, and advertising. The religious left would not argue that Christians are on the wrong side of these issues. And while Christians have not been as zealous on the environment, poverty, and healthcare, at least we are facing the right direction. Belz notes the key difference:

What evangelical do you know who says insensitivity to the poor should be promoted? What evangelical leader is calling for more racism? Who advocates the uncontrolled plundering of the environment?

That is exactly the kind of cheerleading that is going on for abortion and same-sex marriage. .

But here's the core of the matter. To be robustly and consistently anti-abortion is at the very same time to cast your vote for environmental sensitivity, against racism, and for economic justice. These are not independent, isolated packages.

It's hard to see how anyone can claim to be a protector of the environment and not put a high priority on the preservation of human babies. To defend a focus on the future of polar bears and whales, while asking evangelicals to get less noisy about infant humans, is an embarrassing contradiction.

Similarly, keep in mind that abortion is one of the most racist of all social causes in history. Minorities don't just happen incidentally to be targeted by the practice of abortion. The history of Planned Parenthood and similar organizations is racist to the core—as is their current practice.

And no economist can look at the loss of 50 million American babies over the last 45 years and not wince at the impact of such a drain on the economic vitality of our society. Today's poor Americans are poorer than they would have been if we'd taken care to preserve enough consumers—and workers—to fill a state one-and-a-half times as big as California. Tomorrow's elderly will worry about Social Security more than they would have with 50 million more contributors to the system.

The religious left would do well to recognize who the real "single issue" voter is here: the liberal non-Christian who believes tolerance for special rights somehow won't upset the social balance God created and instilled in the heart of every man. Today's young Christians have been asked to buy a lie that their elder Christians were too narrow-minded and single-issue focused. I, for one, will not buy that lie and urge my fellow young believers to not apologize for being a single-issue voter either.

yesterday I went to San Marcos to 1.) Turn in some papers to the financial aid office and 2.) dink around and 3.) Fill out some paperwork at the daycare.

So, well, I didn't take care of the financial aid stuff like I should have. Maybe I'll just mail it. That sounds easier.

I filled out some paperwork at the daycare and then left. I was supposed to go to a CPR training class and, well, I couldn't find the place. 

So the agenda for today? I have to go into work here in a few minutes, which is just training. 4 hours of paperwork I'm guessing. Not sure what to expect! I will probably have to squeeze in the CPR training sometime next week I guess. 

I will get off today around 3pm, so instead of being lazy I guess I should mail my documents to the financial aid office so they can get there on Monday or Tuesday.

Gah....everyday life can be pretty boring.

Blessings

This seems like a common Western propaganda effort.  Someone tells a story of horror, and the world should push for their cause.  It also conveniently makes the heterosexual Iraqis monsters.  But, unfortunately, this kind of story works towards brainwashing others as to the 'legitimate' reasons why we are in Iraq.  Especially, when the Western gay communities seem to be against the Iraq War at this time.

A Bibliography for Further Study:

There are far too many books on this subject to read them all.  I highlight ones that have been helpful to me. In an attempt at fairness, I will include a list of the best "NOT affirming" books at the end of this post.

I. Anthologies that Cover Diverse Views:

Jeffrey S. Siker, ed., Homosexuality in the Church: Both Sides of the Debate (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1994).

Sally B. Geis & Donald E. Musser, eds., Caught in the Crossfire: Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality. (Abingdon Press, 1994).  (Most of those in this book are participants in the debate within the United Methodist Church.)

Michael A. King, ed., Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality (Cascadia Publishing House, 200&). Participants represent the debate within the Mennonite Church, USA.

Timothy Bradshaw,ed., The Way Forward? Christian Voices on Homosexuality and the Church. (Eerdmans, 2003).

Dan O. Via and Robert A. J. Gagnon, Homosexuality and the Bible: Two Views. (Augsburg-Fortress, 2003). A debate between two well-known NT profs, with Via arguing for the revisionist/inclusive view and Gagnon arguing for the traditionalist/exclusivist view.

II. Revisionist Views:

     A. Biblical Arguments:

Alice Ogden Bells and Terry Hufford, Science, Scripture, and Homosexuality (Pilgrim Press, 2002). A collaborative effort between a biologist and a biblical scholar.

Jack B. Rogers, Jr., Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church. (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2006). Rogers is an evangelical theologian (formerly prof. of theology at Fuller Theological Seminary; later president of San Francisco Theological Seminary; still later, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, USA) who describes his journey from the traditional to a revisionist view.

Walter Wink, ed., Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for Christian Churches (Augsburg-Fortress, 1999).  More than most revisionist collections, this anthology contains several essays by prominent evangelicals including Ken Sehested, Lewis B. Smedes, Peggy Campolo, and others.

Robin Scroggs, The New Testament and Homosexuality. (Augsburg-Fortress, 1983).  Although, I now see that Scroggs overstated his case on Romans 1, this was the first book on this topic to be a major help to me. Scroggs' basic argument is that the NT condemnations of same-sex behavior have a different focus than our current debate and, thus, are being misused in most of the debates.  I think that broad argument still stands.

Letha Dawson Scanzoni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? A Positive Christian Response, revised and updated edition.  (HarperOne, 1994).  Significantly stronger than the first edition. When the first edition was published in 1978, it was almost the only revisionist book from a Christian perspective, and definitely the first written by evangelicals. (Later, Mollenkott herself came out as lesbian, terrified that her friend, Letha would reject her as her home congregation had.) The original edition was written before the dominance of the Religious Right in North American evangelicalism--the book got a somewhat positive review in Christianity Today. (The CT review did not accept the thesis, but recommended it as a conversation starter in all churches!)

John J. McNeill, The Church and the Homosexual, 4th edition. (Beacon Press, 1993).  When published in 1976, this was one of the first studies of its kind--possibly the first revisionist study in English by a Catholic priest.  This was the book that converted one of my heroes (and a deeply biblical Christian), Fr. Daniel Berrigan, S. J., to a revisionist view. In 1987, Fr. McNeill was thrown out of the Society of Jesus for refusing to stop ministering to gays and lesbians.  Later, he was thrown out of the priesthood, despite having remained faithful to his vows of celibacy.

   B. Testimonies from GLBT Christians:

Mel White, Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America. (Plume Books, 1995). Mel White began as a member of the Religious Right. A ghostwriter and film maker for Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell (his "autobiography"), Pat Robertson, and a speechwriter for Oliver North!  He worked for years to be "cured" of his gayness (and save his marriage), but eventually had to admit he was always going to be gay. He also came to a different view of Christianity. Today, White is the founder of Soulforce, an organization which uses nonviolent direct action to confront Religious Right and evangelical churches and leaders with the harm they do to gay and lesbian Christians.  (In recommending the book, I am not necessarily agreeing with all of the tactics of Soulforce.)

Michael Glaser, Uncommon Calling: A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church.  (Westminster/John Knox, 1994).

Gary David Comstock, A Whosoever Church: Welcoming Lesbians and Gay Men into African-American Congregations. (Westminster/John Knox, 2001).

 III. Best Books from the "Not Affirming" Perspective

Stanley Grenz, Welcoming but NOT Affirming:  An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality. (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1998). Written by a Canadian Baptist theologian and ethicist who died unexpectedly.  The hardest part for me with this book is that I support Grenz' wider views on sexual ethics--which are so much more Christian than much of what is sold as "orthodoxy."

Thomas B. Schmidt, Straight & Narrow? Compassion and Clarity in the Homosexuality Debate. (InterVarsity Press, 1995). 

Marion L. Soards, Scripture and Homosexuality: Biblical Authority and the Church Today. (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1995). Written by a former Southern Baptist who became a Presbyterian to escape fundamentalism, but still sees the revisionist/inclusivist view as a threat to the health of the church.

Paul A. Mickey, Of Sacred Worth. (Abingdon Press, 1991). Argues against the Religious Right's singling out of gays and lesbians for persecution, but also against revisionism on ordination or same-sex marriage.

More could be added from all perspectives. This is the tip of the iceberg where this literature is concerned.

See also the books recommended or cited in earlier posts in this series.

Hey Carlos, it's me Roman. Yeah, you know that guy who... ummm...you don't like too much. Listen, I don't blame you. I said really nasty things. Like the time I told you I wished a stray bomb from Vieques would have hit you, that was cold. We shouldn't be bombing Puerto Rico and I shouldn't have wished for your death. Never cool. But you have to understand Carlos, you hurt me too. Like that time you sucked. I think it was from April 2007 to the middle of the June 2008. You know. It happens. Not hitting. Not fielding. The whole "collapse" thing. It wears on a relationship. Now, it was not entirely your fault. You had help. It takes a team to lose. And a manager to bat you clean up or fifth when you are batting .210. But let's not keep rehashing the bad past, let's remember the good. Like 2006. Remember when you were the fucking man. 38 homers. The tremendous playoff performance. If it wasn't for Yadier and Carlito (we all know you are big Carlos not Beltran) you would have been remembered for your playoff heroics. Well Carlos, you are once again the man. Maybe it is because your wrist is finally healthy? Maybe it is because you have been released of the shackles of the repressive Randolph regime? Or other things *coughHGHcough*? I don't know. I don't care. I am not a doctor. All I do know, is you are coming up huge when it counts.

Now, I heard you may have been upset with all of my fawning over the great Fernando Tatis. Tatis has been tremendous. I know it. You know it. But we both know that your performance will go a longer way in determining this team's playoff chances then his. We can still look to Tatis for his energy and mystic powers. But we will look to you, Carlos, to lead. Today's two RBI double. The tits. The big home runs against the Reds and the Yankees. Awesome. All the big hits during the ten game winning steak, absolutely phenomenal. You know your .397 average for the month of July. Very nice. The 5 HRs and 16 RBIs and a 1.201 OPS this month. Chubby inducing. That 21 of your last 41 hits are extra base hits . That is the Tits, the Ass and the Dick Sucking Lips. Jerry Manuel is happy as well. You are back where you always felt you belonged. The clean up spot. We both know Carlito was never really the guy for that. He lacks what we like to call "Juevos". Carlos, you have "Juevos Grande" my friend. Can, I call you friend? I hope so. Listen, I am going to make you a promise. I am going to keep cheering for you. Remember, like the time last year you had not had a hit in a long time and the crowd gave you an ovation and you got that big RBI single. Remember that energy, because I am going to keep giving it in buckets my man. All I ask Carlos, is to keep doing what you are doing man. I am not going to be fake, our relationship is based on performance. It is one of passion. So if you keep doing what you are doing, I'll keep giving you the love. It's that simple. And that Bruce.

Your Friend,

RomanWarHelmet

P.S. If you see Luis Castillo walking around the dugout, please make sure to get your warm up swings done close to his legs. It is not that I want you to hurt him, but "accidents" happen. It would be for the betterment of everyone.

Lamdaistanbul Aile Grubu (LİSTAG), Lezbiyen Gey Biseksüel Travesti Transseksüel (LGBTT) bireylerin aile ve arkadaşlarını buluşturuyor, LİSTAG'lı aileler henüz ailelerine açılamamış olanlara bu süreçte destek oluyor.

The answer is yes. Most gays and lesbians have some extent of difficulty coming out. The more important the relationship is to them, the harder the coming out process tends to be. The reason for that, of course, is that there is more to lose if the person rejects them.

So, gays and lesbians will often "test the waters" first in order to determine how likely acceptance will be for them or to learn what hurdles they might face in gaining acceptance from you. Common ways for a gay person to determine this are simply to bring up gay issues or the subject of homosexuality. This may be as innocuous a question as, "Hey, do you ever watch Ellen on TV?" Or it could be in relation to politics, "What do you think about McCain's stand on gay marriage?" In opening a dialog with you, your gay friend can gauge your responses and see how "gay friendly" you are.

Other signs may be the dropping of hints. The gay person will give tiny insights and watch your response to them. They may talk of their "significant other" without mentioning that person's gender. They may talk frequently about activities they are doing with their partner, but never mention the nature of the relationship. They may talk about clubs they go to. Sometimes the gay person will say things like, "You really don't know me."

Gays that are coming out for the first time may also be depressed, nervous and on edge. If someone has not come out before, they have no way of knowing what responses their friends and family are likely to have. In addition, they have no positive experiences of coming out to draw on. They may spent inordinate amounts of time on the internet looking up the subject. They may have books related to gay issues and coming out issues.

Depending on your response to these hints, your gay friend may or may not choose to complete the coming out process. Sometimes, the hints are so many and so obvious that coming out is hardly necessary by the time we get around to it! I dropped so many hints to the first friend I came out to, she just blatantly asked me one day if I was a lesbian!

I once had a cousin try to come out to me. He tested the waters by "mistakenly" taking me to a gay club in Manhattan. I was 20 and unaware of my own sexual orientation. I'm afraid I took the socially acceptable path at the time and asked to leave the club. He never did come out to me, although shortly after I came to the realization he was gay. I had blown my chance to be open to him. It is one of the great regrets in my life, since he died of AIDS shortly after. I was never able to tell him that being gay was OK and I loved him just the same. Which I did.

So, if you know someone you think may be gay or lesbian and you feel they are dropping hints or "testing," the best thing you can do is to reassure them. tell your friend you are open minded and that you really don't care if someone is gay or not. Tell them what matters most to you is how that person treats you and how you get along. Hopefully, in time, your friend will gather the courage to be honest and open with you by coming out. It will strengthen your relationship and you (and s/he) will be glad they did it!

I feel like a cloth soaked in water then hung and dried afterwards today.

I will NEVER ever check all my online accounts in the computer lab. It will take me 10 years to access the page due to it's slow
speed. Everybody complains about that.

This morning, we had an activity in Mathmet and I have understand the lession a bit. I did my own thing, but I didn't finish it because I WAS SO LAZY.
I don't feel like doing the math anymore. I still don't know my grades and every Tuesday and Friday morning, I am always not motivated, do you know the feeling of just risen
from your bed and you still want to get back to your bed? Yeah dudes, that's it.

Then, at 9:30, Mama and I went to three banks then straight to the mall. I ate lunch at the mall and bought a very old issue of National Geographic Magazine which was published in the 1970's. I got addicted again to
the smell of the magazine, it's so ancient.

When I was on the way back to school, in my car, I caught a glimpse of a young woman in her 20's, my schoolmate, my P.E. 4 classmate, the one I admire. Now, it's really fading...yeah.

Maybe 2 days ago, she got her hair trimmed 2 inches, probably.

Ah forget it...I have lost the feeling now. :( I am really sure.

If you only knew for a long time, then I won't be acting this way.

Then, I looked at the clock on the radio. It says it's 1:40 and my eyes grew big. I was like. OMG! FOR REAL?!

Time is really fast.

While I was waiting for Web Prog, I helped the ICON officers adding some finishes to the bulletin board. I was also interacting with Marianne, the secretary and....

I admire her too. I was nice then, getting to know her. Yeah! She's cool, simple and kind.She's very good in using Adobe Photoshop because she was the one who

edited their pictures. :)

I have signed up for the English Quiz Bee. I am the only contestant in the 3rd year. COOL, ayt?

Too bad, Rara didn't showed up. :(

ummm..what else...I told Joan and Ericka about that and they were like: "Oh yeah! Gel strikes back!"

hahaha...

Networking is very fun! We were introduced to Windows Server 2003. :) The discussion was mixed up with green jokes, though.

When I was on my way home. I texted Joan to keep quiet about it. Then she said "Marianne was Rogene's ex-girlfriend!"

"Really? OMG!"

"Yeah!"

Oh Em Gee...I am such a sucker!

GgggraaWWwrrrr!~

What's wrong with this world?! I DON'T DESERVE IT!

:(

Well, what can I say to Marianne is... "Nice to know you. Thanks for the time and laughter and the jokes. Beware of the retarded okay, never get close to him, he's really different. Like an alien from some other planet. If you're getting angry at me, then I can be your punching bag hahahaha... You are so kind. Nice photo edits, btw."

Seriously, the ICON bulletin board looks elegant than the last year's. :)

Yeah, she knows retard kid. :(  Good thing, she didn't get close to him. Or else she'll end up like a retard too. haha. I told her the story between me and him as friends.

Well, good luck to me at the Quiz Bee. :)

Ah...I almost forgot... I have just revealed to my mom something. I feel better now:

I tried to say the following words to my mom:

Ma, I don't know what to say this. You might not accept me for what I am. I am confused about my identity. I like girls. I prefer them than guys. I fear that you might reject me or something. I know it is a sin. I am so sorry if I don't wear dresses or blouse or whatever girls wear. What about Uncle Harold who is a super religious person? He might not understand me as well. I fear being disowned. I hope you understand me and accept me as I am.

My mom said:

It's allright. We will accept you for what you are. We will support you and pray for you so that you'll be enlightened. But remember, there are only 2 kinds of people that God created. A man and a woman. You're still a kid, explore yourself. You still have time to know what you are and where you belong. Do you have a crush???

Me: Ah yeah. Her name is Karen. Remember my 2nd trimester enrollment last year? You caught me in the act talking to her. I like her because she's so kind.

Mama: Ah...that's not a crush. You just find being comfortable with her because you share to her your sad stories. Don't worry, you still have time to explore. You are a woman, no matter what. See that chest! And that one below. Ok?

Me: Oh well, okay. But still, I am so 50-50 about it. It wasn't my fault. I didn't like this. It was my nanny's fault! She's a lesbian, right?

Mama: Yeah, but that was a long time ago. Do whatever you find comfortable. You can have all the boy's stuff. EXCEPT THAT I FORBID YOU TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH ANOTHER WOMAN BECAUSE IT IS A SIN!

Conclusion: She is so right. A man is for woman and vice versa. There is no such thing as homosexuality.

I feel better now.

While we were talking about that, I began to remember again about the things I have learned in Youth For Christ. The teachings, yeah....

From now on: I am straight but a bit confused and a cross dresser, I think. LOL.

Having basically put the feelings to one side as far as possible for about 12 years, my subconscious finally broke through and hit me with gay dreams which wouldn't stop. And I knew that it was because it was what I was really about. My brain wouldn't tolerate me lying to myself any further, and I didn't - the choice I made was to end the pretence to myself. Now 14 years on from that I'm married to another man and have no doubts whatsoever about what I am. But why? The science says there's probably a genetic element, and in my family tree it's most certainly there, but is that it? A member of my family told me they always knew I was gay - always; does that mean there was no nurture element in play? Could the bullying I endured as a teenager have nonetheless affected my unconscious behavioural patterns forever? It was all from boys though, so why would I then be sexually attracted to them in return? And I recall when they were starting to find girls attractive and interesting, I was completely indifferent, whilst being all-too-aware of what elements of sex ed I was drawn to. So was it parenting? Except my mother wasn't overbearing; my father not absent.

What I've learned, mostly in advance of this show, has been that there are multiple biological and genetic elements in play - mostly genetic predispositions which are likely triggered or not, by biological and environmental triggers. So much for a grand conclusion, except we are extremely complicated organisms, so shouldn't that be something to be celebrated? And if an element of our sexuality and sexual orientation involves an interpretive factor, I say that's exciting. I don't think any reasonable person intends to supplant the Kinsey scale, which suggests essentially that sexuality and sexual orientation are elements which play off one another - the latter being biologically fixed, the former not. Whilst we are inherently one sexual orientation, the reasons for behaviour are fluid. I don't need to know the ultimate reasons why I'm gay, that I know I am and am comfortable with it is enough. In the last 14 years it has become a vital component of who I am, particularly looking back on an upbringing where to conform was everything.

In all my years, I have always been afraid to seek outside help for my problems, but on this occasion, I have had to accept it lest I was to remain in a debilitated state.

I am still not convinced, but I will admit I have been feeling better for it.

WYD occurred last week, unfortunately I missed much of it. My family was quite involved, being volunteers over the city. And many friends were hosts to pilgrims. Good reports all around. 

There were a number of SSA support events too, two of which I knew about. One official, one unofficial. I attended neither of them, although a part of me thinks I missed out on a chance. Spiritually, I still have a lot of growing to do.

I was disappointed by a certain lack of compassion on the part of the Church in the way they handled the abuse victims. Cardinal Pell seemed extremely cold, and his whole demeanor in the staged press conferences was one of utter inconvenience, irritation and disinterest in the plight of those genuinely wronged. And after the secretive event held with four unnamed abused victims, he took on a tone of vindication, and practically washed his hands saying all had been put right! I think there is a long way for the Church to come in reconciling these matters.

And the answer, might I add, is not a witch-hunt to find SSA priests. I'm sure a great many SSA priests live out their spiritual lives in complete communion with God, and do not seek sinful passions in the way a small minority have done.

Over the last few weeks, I have befriended a Religious Order Priest (as opposed to a Diocesan Priest) out there in the world. Gives me hope that there is compassion for us out there. And for the last few months, I have another good SSA friend out there in the world, part of a lay religious order who has offered untold friendship, support and spiritual advice.

I am not anti Church, I am seeking better understanding and compassion from those out there who do not know what it is like to walk in these shoes.

For a short time I participated in the Courage On Line (COL) yahoo group. Unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion it's not for me, and I don't think I would be prepared to attend a local chapter if one started in Sydney. It probably does helps some people, but I find the constant reminder that we are broken, fallen people very unhelpful. That is not to say that I'm perfect, or that we start telling lies to suit ourselves, but I feel that people in my situation are emotionally fragile, and need some better support other than the trite, throw-away cliches that are consistently used.

To those on my prayer circle page, I continue to keep you in my prayers. Thank you for your prayers too.

Until my next post...

Sex : Link -> Look at the cities column.

Just go to "http://www.google.com/trends?q=" and put in any related word after "q=", there will be atleast one Indian city in the list. So this proves that we are not really averse about such topics. Then is it about discussing ? Again, a quick glance at the most emailed news topics from the Times of India website :

Last 24 hrs

Last 48 hrs

Last week

Last month

Clearly someone is talking too.

On most of these issues, I believe legal changes can and should lead the way to social changes. On that note, a landmark judgement from the Bombay High Court on article 377, the article about which no one knows on what basis it continues to exist and which sadly, is just misused by the cops (Matunga racket) just like the laws (or lack of) regarding prostitution are misused. For the uninitiated, prostitution is, to date, neither legal nor illegal in India.

Matunga Racket courtesy : Amit Varma

Gayness/AIDES has killed more people than the Iraq war they hate so much.

A Obama web blogger sued book publishers for printing The Bible!  Hes suing them for $70,000,000.00 because he's sad The Bible says being gay is a sin and he's suing people a lot of money for printing God's message.  Trying to censor Christianity andmake it ilegal to print Bibles.

He says its a hard life being gay because he's not popular because its unnatural.  But same sex couples that can never hav children get something else from all there promescuity.  The gay lifestyle spreads disease!  More people died of AIDS than from the black plague in Europe history.  That's more than 10 holocasts of World War 2 just from gay behavior!!

All good Christians need to save the world from this horible suffering and we can only do it by preventing.

There were several other great keynote speakers, including Anne Graham Lotz, Jimmy Evans, Clark Whitten, Alan Chambers, Dale Evrist and Randy Thomas.  My favorite was probably Andy Comiskey.  I heard more than one person comment later, “He sounds like a prophet.”  There was a spiritual depth to his message that put ex-gay ministry in perspective in light of the greater spiritual reality happening in the world today.  You can order his talk as well as all the other keynote addresses and workshops here. Additionally, Marianne Adams (formerly of the group Sierra) did a wonderful job leading worship. And, Christine Sneeringer was fantastic as MC. Who knew she was so funny? She had us laughing all week.

Another highlight of the conference was the last night when all the Xscape participants gathered around a campfire to eat s’mores, sing songs, and share what God had done in their hearts over the week.  I wish you could have heard them.  They were an inspiration to me.  One young man made a poignant point by quoting from Lord of the Rings:

Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

I can just picture it now. A world renowned director is in the process of filming part of his documentary in the hills of West Virginia. The scene is set in a valley, filled with dense layers of fog, it has a small stream running through it and the sun is rising on another day. The narrator can be heard:

"We can see as every so slowly they start to leave their homes. They look around cautiously to see if anyone is about. They are ever alert, as being aware of ones surroundings at all times is the only thing that ensures their safety. They are careful to not leave any trace that could lead a predator to their door so as to protect their mate and any offspring inside. Watch as they get onto the trails and roadways that lead them away from their homes and out into the dangerous world. Watch the fog slowly begin to rise as the sunlight hits it and join me on this journey into the secret lives of ..........Lesbians in the mist." Cut to commercial.

Of course the commercial would be for Viagra or Enzyte or some other product that has nothing in common with the subject matter at hand.  (Do you care about natural male enhancement?) Or maybe it would be one of those commercials for well known companies that target gays and lesbians but only on the "gay" channel. I would love to see the travel sites and certain car companies play those same commercials on regular tv. But I guess that won't happen anytime soon.

But I digress. But can one digress from mindless dribble and flights of fancy? I guess I can because I just said I did. So back to the subject at hand, and if I could find the subject I would gladly get back to it. Oh yeah, strange thoughts. Boy I have had my fair share lately. After I quit laughing at my documentary thoughts, I started contemplating the mysteries of dryer lint. Okay I know a weird thought but where does all that lint come from? One would think it came from all of the clothes but if that were true, wouldn't the clothes disappear?

 Maybe they only shrink. That would explain the lint and the fact that my clothes are not as loose as they used to be. Maybe dryer lint is made up of lost socks. That would explain why I have 900 socks and only 3 pairs.

Oh then that leads me to contemplate pantyhose. I swear the makers of pantyhose have hidden cameras in our bedrooms and they love to laugh as they watch us squirm and puff and pant trying to get those darn things up over the hips. I think some sadist is out there laughing and rolling on the floor congratulating themselves for making women think pantyhose are sexy. Well okay I admit they are but are they really worth it? Okay but only on certain occasions.

So that are some of the weird and wonderful things I have been thinking about. Weird I know, but the most important question I have left for last. Who in the world thought of boiling pork bones and such to make jello? And how can that wonderful fruity comfort food come from that?

Title

Normally, I like to start my reviews with a quote from the book. However, I think you'll enjoy this video of Tan Lines' first line the good people of St. Martins press has posted over at YouTube.

So with a first line like that, you'd think this book would definitely be a fun and steamy summer read, right?

Well, it's definitely steamy. If you took all the sex out of it, Tan Lineswould probably be whittled down from the 306 pages to 220. AND, if you took out the drinking and doping, you'd be further reduced to about 190 pages (it would have been even less, but some of the drinking and doping is mixed in with the sex). Then, if you took out all the who's wearing what designers clothes, shoes and undies... Undies, for cry-yi-yi! One line says Kellyanne stripped down to her La Perlas, I thought it was some new slang for being naked. Turns out La Perla is designer underwear... So taking out all fashion apparel text, it's down to about 165 pages. Now, take out the name dropping, the "Kelly Ripa was at the table next to them" and "Mathew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker was leaving as they were going in", and the book would be cut down to about 158 pages.

With almost half of the original text cut, what is left? One hell of a story, to be honest. It could almost be a joke, or a Reality TV series: What happens when you take Hillary Clinton, Courtney Love, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck to the Hamptons to share the same house for the summer? That is kinda-sorta the premise of Tan Lines.

Of course that's not enough to make a book, J. J. Salem (who is a guy by-the-by) adds Liza's stalker, Kellyanne's cruelly possessive sugar daddy, a closet party-guy neocon who's hanging from the chandeliers on coked out benders with Billie while being engaged to a frosty-queen old money deb, Liza's shiftless leach of a fireman husband who Liza believes is cheating (what's really going on with his is a complete blindside), and several other characters hear and there that wouldn't be a stretch to see killing one, or all, of the three.

Revealing that one, or all, of the characters will die is not a spoiler, by the way, because the prologue says: "...the way those girls had been in the beginning, before everything had gone so wrong." and that the condo owner is remodelling because "she could not look at those ghastly bloodstains one more day."

Reviewing Tan Lines, for me, is an exercise in schitzoprhenic writing. On the one hand, I could seriously done without all the sex. Really. I learned things reading this book I had never heard of before, and I scored 36.6% on the purity test! Booty bumps and bleached bungholes were completely new concepts to me. After a while, Tan Lines' sexual content had the same effect as the nude tribesmen in the National Geographic specials -after 20 minutes, you stop seeing their nakedness. Also, I really could have lived without all the drinking and drugs. AND I don't care that much about fashion and designers.

But, on the other hand, I thought Salem's writing is quite effective, his plot development compelling, and the twists and turns he throws in completely disarming. He is an exceptional storyteller, and his characters are very human -even if most are the dregs of society.

The ending was quite a surprise. For one, it was beautifully happy and fair. Second, it was inevitable. and Third, it was all of a sudden and shocking... and I just didn't get why it couldn't have been the rock star! It sucks, and it wasn't fair.

There are some really wonderfully sweet scenes, as well. Liza's blossoming relationship with her arch nemesis and Kellyanne's realization that she's more valuable than being some nasty old man's sperm receptacle. When it comes to Billie, unfortunately the only epiphanies had are those of the people around her deciding she's a lost cause and they're better off exorcising her from their lives.

I would definitely say this book is an X rated book, but not erotica. It's graphic and explicit, full of foul language, alcohol, and drugs... even forced sex on a couple occasions. It is NOT the book for the Christian Women's book club. I probably wouldn't even recommend Tan Lines to me. But I would have to say it's a great read, very compelling, and sticks with you for a while... for better or worse.

Overall, I'm giving Tan Lines 4/5 stars.

For the first episode in the series, they asked John Barrowman to explore the possible roots of his homosexuality and attempt to address the age old question of 'nature or nurture?'

I am in mixed minds about how this programme was presented as although I am pleased to see that a programme on an issue such as this is deemed 'prime-time' viewing by the BBC, I sometimes thought that the presentation of some of the issues surrounding this was a little slap-dash. Similarly, I found that they took a lot of suggestive and speculative unquantified research and tried to turn it into fact, which I disagreed with (especially towards the end).

I also felt that none of the options / demonstrations in this programme were directly applicable to me really, as all of the tests that focused on the genetics (which are the most likely cause, and something I've always believed in) were done on the basis of comparing them to another, or an older, male sibling. Alas, I have two younger sisters, meaning that the only 'test' that I could do was the finger length test - which is highly suggestible and in no way scientific. Therefore, I felt a little disappointed that I was unable to take as much out of the programme as I'd hoped to be able to.

The story of Peter Price's ordeal at the psychiatrist had me in floods of tears. I had to pause the documentary for a few moments. All I can say is that what he went through in a bid to 'cure' himself to make other people happy was disgusting and nobody should ever have to go through 'testing' like that to determine / 'cure' something as pointless and immaterial as their sexuality.

In summary, I thought that this was a good programme, however I was disappointed to find that I learnt nothing new from it. I think the real benefit of this programme is that lots of curious mothers, fathers, grandparents and other relatives may have seen it, and may now be able to relate to the whole idea of 'gay' a little more now. I know that some parents get upset and think that they have nurtured their son/daughter to be gay, and so hopefully this documentary has helped to steer them away from that notion. With around 7 million gay people in the UK, the majority of them having one or more parent 'in the know', then I think that is really where the positive impact of this programme will be felt, and the BBC should be commended for 'doing their bit' in my opinion.

Episode one is currently on BBC iPlayer, and is scheduled to remain available until 21:59 on Thursday 31 July.

I'm pretty open about the fact that I'm obsessed with the snarky political commentary site Wonkette. Recently, I've been loving their mockery of the American Family Association's efforts to Boycott McDonald's. (Background on Wonkette's mockery here; link to the Boycott McDonald's website here.) Basically, McDonald's donated some money to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, a bunch of self-righteous, intolerant people got angry, and these people decided to clog their arteries at another establishment. They are encouraging their fellow Christians to boycott America's favorite fast food restaurant with persuasive, well-written comments like these:

“I`m sorry that you have made the decision that heterosexul folks such as i are not welcome in your resturants any longer. i will not argue your decision. By giving your resturants sapport to the homosexual groups you have told me my believes and lifestyle are not yours and i`m not welcome in your resturants anylonger.”

The group's latest -- and by far, most hilarious -- weapon is this gem of a video:

Eh, we were always Wendy's girls here at SWTCTW.  Mmm, Baconator.

[Posted by Mallory]

I saw another guy in Provincetown last summer. I don't know how old he was, but I'd take a guess he was in his 70's. He was wearing a dress, make-up and a wig and was parading the streets with a sign that said, "I'm finally out of the closet." Even for Provincetown this guy was an eye catcher! The smile on his face lit up the street.

I think it's great that these guys finally became themselves, even if it took awhile. I think there is also a lesson to be learned from their stories. They never outgrew being gay. It stayed with them all their lives and I am sure it caused them a lot of suffering over the years to live a straight lifestyle. It most likely caused their spouses suffering, too. If you think you can outlive your homosexuality, think again!

If you are gay or lesbian and are coming out in midlife, visit my website at www.discoveringpride.com

Sacramental Integrity

by Archbishop John Vlazny/Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon

At heart we Catholics are a sacramental people. The whole liturgical life of the church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. These sacraments have both a visible and invisible reality. The visible reality is the way in which they are administered and received. The invisible reality is God's grace, the precious gift of God by which we share in his life and through which he shows us the way to salvation.

Sacraments are not simply holy rituals that people of faith have devised over the centuries. We do have such actions but we refer to them as sacramentals. Holy water, blessings with ashes and veneration of sacred objects fall into this category.

Sacraments are different. Again, the Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs us that "the sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church, by which divine life is dispensed to us." The old Baltimore Catechism definition which many of us learned in our youth was even simpler, "Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace." My generation will never forget that definition. The present generation may not be acquainted with any definition. No wonder there is confusion at times.

Because of this confusion and consequent uncertainty, all-too-often there are sacramental celebrations which lack integrity. In fact, many of them are not even sacraments. But their agents pretend they are and gullible people go along. Good Catholics become frustrated with us pastors who don't speak up and condemn such practices. Most of us aren't very good at condemnation because we know our own failings. But clarification about important matters is very much a part of the responsibility of us pastors. I would like to offer some clarifications.

In recent years the media has informed us about the so-called "ordination of women priests." There are those who proclaim that it's a matter of justice that women be allowed into the priesthood. Jesus was clearly an agent for justice in his time and he did not call women to the apostolic ministry as he did the twelve apostles. Priests share in that apostolic ministry with their bishops.

Certainly a woman can pretend to be a priest. There are also many men who pretend to be priests but who are not ordained validly, let alone legitimately. But because they claim to be priests and are talented and generous, many choose to accept them as priests and participate in their alleged sacramental celebrations. This is a serious blow to the sacramental integrity which is a hallmark of our church.

In recent times marriage as we know it has been challenged to the limit. People presume that civil marriage can be whatever civil society wants it to be in this present age of secularism and relativism. But that is not how marriage has been understood over the centuries both by civil society and by the church.

This matter is all the more significant for us Catholics because in our community marriage is a sacrament, the love of husband for wife mirroring the love of Christ for his spouse, the church. Even if civil society acknowledges same-sex marriage as legitimate, this is impossible for the church. Because we also see this as harmful to family life, we speak out against such civil marriages and we certainly work to preserve the integrity of sacramental marriage.

Recently the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome had to offer a clarification about Baptism. Because of the concern some folks had about exclusive language, there were actually some church ministers who were baptizing "in the name of the Creator and of the Redeemer and of the Sanctifier." But that is not the form for the sacrament of Baptism. Remember! What is a sacrament? A sign of grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church. It is not entrusted to individual Christians. It is entrusted to the whole church under the leadership of its pastors. People who take these matters into their own hands cause problems for others. Sacramental integrity requires that ministers of the sacraments follow the rituals as defined by church authority.

Even the sacrament of Reconciliation has been too often misunderstood. I heard about a Reconciliation service where participants were instructed to go and confess their sins to any adult, priest or lay person. Yes, we can all confess our sins to whomever we wish but only an ordained priest is able to confer sacramental absolution. Confessing sins to a friend or neighbor may be helpful. But it is not a sacrament, not a sign which produces the effect of forgiveness from God through the action of the church.

The Anointing of the Sick is also something which is at times non-sacramental. Because priests are not always available, some folks take it on their own initiative to anoint sick persons as a sign of their prayers for healing. This can be a gracious gesture, one that leads people to a closer union with God at a difficult time. But it is not a sacrament. It is not that sacred sign entrusted to the church through which God confers physical, emotional or spiritual healing.

The celebration of the Eucharist is our central action as a Catholic people. Over the past forty plus years many changes have been introduced into the rituals of the church. Unfortunately, because some things changed, there were people who thought all things were about to change and they themselves would decide what to change. Other Catholics who do not appreciate the Novus Ordo, the new rite proposed by Vatican II, have chosen to participate in schismatic liturgical celebrations presided over by ministers not in union with the local Catholic bishop.

From the earliest days of the church, there has been a principle which defines integral catholicity, "ubi episcopus, ibi ecclesia." In other words, the true church of Christ is one that serves the mission of Christ in union with the local bishop. A bishop is the chief shepherd, the chief catechist and the chief liturgist in the diocese. It is his responsibility to define sacramental integrity. His teachings may be challenged, but when they are clearly in union with those of the Bishop of Rome and the other members of the college of bishops, it is more than likely that the challenger is way off base.

In this local church it is my duty from time to time to insist upon sacramental integrity where abuses may occur. Overall, I am greatly impressed with the liturgical life of this local church. But I am also aware that there are those who think they can do things better and as a result cause great harm to the integrity of our sacramental life. When all is said and done, it is important for all of us to remember what the Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs, namely, that "liturgical services are not private functions but are celebrations of the church." Enough said. I thank God for the good Catholic people among us and those who have gone before us whose good works and holiness are attributed to the power that comes from prayer and especially from the sacraments.

The Catholic Sentinel

I have many hobbies that some would consider weird. I like to make homemade soap and lotions, I would go out of my way to help an animal but yet I brain tan hides, and I spent a year staying up half the night just to watch chickens hatch in my incubator. Oh and baby ducks too and button quail. I have set mouse traps and felt no grief when I caught one of the little beggars, but I have also fed baby mice with an eye dropper because I believe everything deserves a chance to grow up.

I can spend an hour sitting in the grass looking for fourleaf clovers. I can get lost in the beauty of a sunset or a flower. I tend to mosey when I walk, I rarely hurry and I easily get sidetracked. And finding a snail is enough reason to stop and look. And I agree with my youngest, that snails are one of the coolest creatures God made. They are slow and easy to catch and they make SLIME. How cool is that?

I like snakes, spiders, and bats, but bees will see me run and act like an idiot. I am afraid of bees and balloons although I have learned to accept balloons, they are not my friends. If there is a bee in my house I will hunt it down and kill it, but I have learned to leave them alone when they aren't after me and are OUTSIDE. I like to watch bats fly around at night and I try to safely remove spiders from my house. I don't even mind Grandaddy Long Legs. I just prefer they live outside. I have a snake that sleeps in my room. Although I can't feed it when JB is around and awake. In his defense, he is a cute little snake that is so tame and calm.

I once had a pet crawdad (crayfish or otherwise known as a freshwater lobster though not near as big). I would tap on the cover and he would come out and let me pet him. But then again I have used crawdads for fish bait. I love to fish and I am the official queen of the bluegills, and I had cleaned and eaten the fish I have caught. But I once had a funeral for one of my pet fish that died.

Most of my pets are strays or from the local pound, but I once paid $200.00 for a registered German Shepherd that we had spayed since she was a loved pet and not a breeding dog. I am a cat AND a dog person. I love them both for different reasons. My house would not be a home without a dog and a cat running around. I love animals, more than some people I know, and yet I am not a vegetarian. I eat meat and I enjoy it.

I have raised livestock that I knew would end up on my dinner plate, but I truly believed it was my duty to make sure everyday of their life was happy and that they always had their needs met. I grew up in rural America and farmed for many years of my life where livestock was food, but in no way do I fault vegetarians. For whatever reason they choose that path, I understand that people work out of so many different motives and lifestyles. I can not judge them, although vegans do get a hard time around here, but they won't get it from me.

I firmly believe in the old saying of live and let live. I don't care if I disagree with your thoughts and opinion 100%, if I believe you are acting out of your convictions, I will respect you for it. For an example, my being gay. If your convictions lead you to believe that I am in sin, then fine. I disagree with you but you are entitled to your opinion. I will treat you with respect as long as you return the favor. I know in my heart that I am who God created me to be and you may know in your heart that I am an abomination to God, so lets agree to disagree and let God figure it all out. That is his job and not mine or yours.

So much of that seems like contradictions, but really it isn't. How can one limit a life to those things that always seem to agree? If people were a flat two dimensional creation, then that would matter. But humans are round, squishy, full of life and vitality, and we are complex. And the amazing thing is, we are always changing. What I was yesterday is not the same as today. Notice I didn't say "who I am" for I believe that never changes. God made me who I am, I am responsible for what I am and what I become.

I know parts of me may seem rather odd, but if you get the chance, stop and really look at a snail. Even if you can't fully appreciate its value and worth, notice the grand design that God created and thank him for it. And then go one step farther and notice the grand design in all of God's children and thank him for it.

• Mike Higton begins a series on homosexuality and the church by putting the discussion in precisely the right context; i.e., by asking ‘What difference does it make to see sexual relationships in the light of God's word to the world in Christ? ‘The Gospel ... is God's command ... The command of God is not extraneous to the gospel - as if God, while saving us in Christ by the Spirit, said, ‘Oh, and there's another, unrelated thing I wanted to talk to you about...'. A consequence: If there is some intelligible connection between the gospel and sexual relationships, there would be a binding Christian sexual ethic (a command of God regarding sexual behaviour) even if there were no passages in Scripture that explicitly treated sexual matters'.
• Halden Doerge rethinks recapitulation.
• Robert Lieber asks, ‘Is America finished?'
• Istvan Deak reviews The Bridge Betrayed: Religion and Genocide in Bosnia by Michael A. Sells, and The Muslims of Bosnia-Herzegovina: Their Historic Development from the Middle Ages to the Dissolution of Yugoslavia by edited by Mark Pinson.
• Jonathan Chait offers a hard-hitting review of The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein.
• Jim Gordon concludes his series of reflections on an ‘emotionally demanding and theologically enjoyable encounter' with Hans Küng's Disputed Truth: Memoirs II.
• And something I've been thinking about: ‘Does good art propose a question or an answer?' Any thoughts?

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Kamal was just 16 when gunmen snatched him off the streets of Baghdad, stuffed him in the trunk of a car and whisked him away to a house. But the real terror was about to begin.

The men realized he was gay, Kamal said, when he took his shirt off and they saw his chest was shaved.

"They told me to take off my clothes to rape me or they would kill me immediately. This moment was the worst moment in my life," he told CNN, weeping as he spoke of the 2005 ordeal.

"I was watching them taking off their clothes, preparing to rape me. I did not know what to do, so I started shouting loudly, 'Please do not do that! I will ask my family to give you whatever you want.'"

His pleas went unheeded. "The other two kidnappers took off my clothes by force and, at that time, I saw them as three dirty animals trying to tear my body apart."

He was held for 15 days, released only after his family paid a $1,500 ransom. He was raped every day. Only once, he said, was he allowed to talk to his family during captivity. "I told my family that I was beaten by them, but I did not dare to tell my family that I was raped by them. I could not say it, it's too much shame."

CNN spoke with Kamal, now 18, and his 21-year-old friend, Rami, about what it's like to be gay in Iraq. Coming out as gay is not easy in any country, but to do so in Iraq could mean a death sentence or torture.

The two men rarely show feelings toward each other in public. They spend a lot of time in Internet cafes in Baghdad, surfing gay chat rooms and seeking contacts with other gay men in Iraq and elsewhere.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the situation for gays and lesbians in Iraq has deteriorated. Ridiculed under Hussein, many now find themselves the targets of violence, according to humanitarian officials.

Lesbians are also victims of harassment and violence, but not nearly as often as gay men.

It's unknown how many homosexuals have been killed by militias in the lawless streets of Iraq's cities, but some Web sites post pictures of Iraqis they say were killed for being gay.

One photo on the Iraqi Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender site shows a group of men standing around three male bodies sprawled on a street, blood pouring from their heads. "Gay Iraqi victims of the police and death squads," the site says.

A U.N. report on human rights in Iraq reinforces the accusations of violence. Although gays are supposed to be protected by law in Iraq, it says, they face extreme brutality.

"Armed Islamic groups and militias have been known to be particularly hostile toward homosexuals, frequently and openly engaging in violent campaigns against them," the report said, adding that homosexuals have been murdered.

"Militias are reportedly threatening families of men believed to be homosexual, stating that they will begin killing family members unless the men are handed over or killed by the family," it said.

The report was issued at the end of 2006 and is the last U.N. study to touch on the subject.

Human rights experts say homosexuals are targeted for cultural reasons as well.

"Gay men and lesbians in Iraq face a lot of risks right now, because homosexuality is sometimes interpreted by people in Iraq as being a Western import," said Scott Portman with the Heartland Alliance, a group that promotes human rights worldwide. "So they can sometimes be targeted by insurgent groups or militias, in part, because of animosity toward the West and, in part, because homosexuality is not well-accepted in Iraqi society."

He added, "The biggest threats right now are from militia organizations, who will attack and actually sometimes kill gay men and women."

Kamal and Rami say the dangers are all too real in Baghdad -- and they live in secrecy not to shame their families.

"I would rather commit suicide than allow my family to find out I am gay," Rami said.

Kamal said he often pretends to have girlfriends in social settings and tells his friends he's dating girls. "I am also careful with the way I dress -- not to show them that I am gay, especially my family."

What would his family do if they found out?

"They will force me to give it up, and I cannot do that," he said. "The 'normal' people cannot live in Iraq. Imagine how the life is for gays."

Rami added, "I do not know why people hate gays even though so many have this tendency. But still they hate it."

Homosexuality is a touchy subject for many Iraqis. When CNN asked Iraqis in Baghdad how they felt about homosexuals, we found intolerance to be widespread.

One man said he considers gays no different from "criminals and terrorists." Another claimed homosexuality was "illegal under Islamic law, and they [gays] should be punished by law like criminals."

Rami said he once fell in love with a man who was part of the Mehdi Army, a Shiite insurgent group loyal to the radical anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Their relationship eventually soured.

"One day he told me he would come over to my house and kill me in front of my family," Rami said. "I told him I would come outside and be killed in the street because I do not want my family to find out I am gay."

Both men hope to escape Iraq. They say their ideal destination would be San Francisco, California. For now, both of them keep their feelings secret.

Kamal is still tormented by what happened to him nearly three years ago.

"During my sleep, I only see nightmares and I start crying. My family thought it was because they were beating me."

He paused, "Only my close friend Rami knows about this secret."

Another critical variable in perceiving the situation we face with "the issue" of "homosexuality," (and, once more, I understand why gay or lesbian people don't want to be treated as an abstract "issue" and apologize) is the threat that is posed or that people perceive.  For example, if we were talking about capital punishment/the death penalty, one could easily see that if someone were threatened by the idea that innocent people might accidentally be executed, such a person would perceive the issue very differently than someone who is threatened by the rate of violent crime.

In the case of sexual ethics and the church (with special reference to GLBT persons), some see a threat to the (heterosexual and nuclear) family.  Any redefinition of "family" by either church or society, we are told by many, will weaken the family, lead to more divorces and children raised by one parent only with a knock-on series of ills for society.  It may surprise some of my more conservative critics, but I also see the nuclear family as threatened in our culture:  I just don't think gay or lesbian couples have much to do with the real threats.  What are some of the real threats to (heterosexual,  nuclear) family life? How about the fact that we live in a culture which teaches us to commodify everything and treat all people and values as "market values," and thus to use even our intimate loved ones in a utilitarian fashion? All day long our consumer culture teaches us to ask, "What's in it for me?" and far too often this carries over, usually unconsciously, to our home lives.

Or take the threat that economic strains in a globalized capitalism place on families: Even in middle or upper-middle class families, there is the threat of having one's job outsourced at any time to cheaper labor elsewhere in the world. To keep that from happening, the 40 hour work week has been replaced by 50-60 hours, with work brought home and less time with spouses and kids--and more stress when interacting with them.  If one is poor or working in a job without health benefits and has a sick kid, the strains become worse.  In periods of heavy unemployment or economic insecurity, the divorce rate soars--as do the rates of spouse and child abuse.  (Country music, as the music of the white working classes, is filled with songs of cheating and broken homes--because these songs reflect the strains that impact the working classes first!)

Or take the "Hollywood" obsession with "celebrities" who cannot seem to commit to any relationship for more than 20 minutes.  The glamorization of their empty lives of self-indulgence is a huge threat to the nuclear family. 

Others see the threat concerning GLBT inclusion to be a threat to the church's faithful discipleship.  I can understand this:  Throughout most of its history the church has been profoundly unfaithful to Christ in one dimension or another--with some periods shockingly so.  I know that one of the reasons it took me 10 years to come to a welcoming and affirming view of GLBT persons in the church was that I didn't want to jump on any faddish bandwagons.

There are real risks here. But I think the greater threat to the church's integrity is its failure to look with compassion and identify with the outcast and the marginalized.  If we place concerns about purity ahead of matters of compassion for the outcast and ahead of dignity for all people, we will be far more unfaithful than if we risk changing the church's sexual ethic in this area and turn out to mistake God's will.  When I stand before the Last Judge, I would rather be able to say that I erred (if I did) on the side of standing with the marginalized than that I erred on the side of purity.

The loyalties and interests and threat dimensions are joined by the critical variable of one's attitude toward social change.  During the Civil Rights era, some people who were theoretically strong for racial justice were nevertheless strongly opposed to the Movement--because they believed social change should be slow and ordered and come through calm deliberation of laws or customs, not from the agitation of a mass movement.  They did not share Martin Luther King's "fierce urgency of the now."  One can easily make the analogy regarding current attempts to change laws allowing same-sex civil marriages in the U.S.--and the way this spills over into electoral contests where the main issues seem to be other matters.

(After this series is over, I need to blog more extensively about ethical method.)

The American Family Association strikes again. A few days ago, one could find the following horrifying headlines on their onenewsnow.com website:

"Homosexual eases into 100 final at Olympic trials"

"Tyson Homosexual has run the fastest 100 meters in any conditions . . ."

"Tyson Homosexual easily won his semifinal for 100 meters . . ."

"Tyson Homosexual got quite a fright in his first race Saturday . . ."

"Tyson Homosexual came awfully close to a monumental blunder in his first race . . ."

"On Saturday, Homosexual misjudged the finish in his opening heat and had to scramble to finish fourth . . ."

"It means a lot to me, the 25 year old homosexual said. I'm glad my body could do it because now I know I have it in me."

I just love the last quote. :-)

Oh, the horror! What happened?

It's about time someone exposed the gay-looking (sorry, homosexual-looking) outfits those track & field athletes wear. I bet they all listen to some Marvin Homosexual music as they rub ben homosexual on their aching muscles while watching History Channel's program on Enola homosexual!

This whole thing is sooooooooooooooo gay! Doesn't the American Family Association know that all homosexuals are gay, but not all gays are homosexuals?! OK, I made that last sentence up. Anyhow, when I see the word 'family' appear in the name of an association, I know there is hidden political and religious agenda irrespective of their affiliation with the right or the left. No exceptions. I'll prove it.

What is the point of replacing the word 'gay' with 'homosexual'? Surf on over to American Family Association's website. Look around a little. You will find ample information on gay / homosexuality issues: from boycotting McDonald's because of their support for domestic partnership all the way to meticulous compilation of congressional vote records regarding gay/lesbian issues. You will not, however, see one thing that this so-called family association is doing for the families of our troops. Not one thing. Which one of the following activities is a more commendable and believable family-oriented goal?

1. A concerted effort to strengthen, assist and stabilize families of our soldiers who have paid the ultimate price with their lives; or
2. Compiling congressional records on gay/lesbian-related votes

By the way, I don't have screen shots of the headlines, but you can find some of them here.