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General Discussion => Any and All Topics => : outdeep April 19, 2005, 06:34:58 PM



: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: outdeep April 19, 2005, 06:34:58 PM
You may want to pray for our friends at Focus on the Family that they may have Solomon-like wisdom in a confrontation that is obviously arising in order to discredit their ministry.

-Dave



Homosexual Activists Planning To Converge On Focus On The Family

By Jeremy Reynalds (04/18/05)

http://www.americandaily.com/article/7475

A large delegation of homosexuals and others sympathetic to the so-called gay lifestyle are planning to converge on Focus on the Family's Colorado Springs headquarters.

A news release from Soulforce (www.soulforce.org) commented about the demonstration planned for May 2. "On that day James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, will have to make a moral decision. Will he receive a Soulforce delegation of gay and lesbian people of faith and families, friends, and clergy into his massive world headquarters? Or will he lock them out?"

According to the news release, the volunteers are " trained in relentless nonviolent resistance," and they plan to deliver to Focus "thousands of letters that illustrate the tragic consequences of the anti-gay rhetoric of Dobson and other fundamentalist Christian leaders."

"If we are locked out of Focus on the Family," said Jeff Lutes, MS, LPC, a psychologist and family counselor from Austin, Texas, speaking in the news release, who is heading up the demonstration, "the nation will see clearly that the truth about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people is being locked out with us."

Speaking in the Soulforce news release, Mel White, the Executive Director of Soulforce, asked about Dobson.

"Does he welcome this delegation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people with supportive clergy and other people of faith?" said White. "Or does he lock us out and force us to risk nonviolent civil disobedience and arrest? We can't just go away and ignore the terrible consequences of Dobson's ignorance and bigotry."

"We are calling this a family intervention, as we are all really part of the same family," Jeff Lutes commented in the same news release. "As a member of the human family, James Dobson is our brother who has become a dangerous and misleading force to millions. We are coming to Colorado Springs to show him that his refusal to hear the truth about God's gay children leads to wasted lives and ruined families. We pray that this time, James Dobson will hear us."

FOCUS RESPONSE

A Focus on the Family spokesperson was traveling and unavailable for comment, but a staff person said the organization does appreciate everyone's prayers.

Focus has made its position on homosexuality very clear.

Writing on the Focus (http://family-topics.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family_topics.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1225) web site and answering a letter addressed to him, Dobson wrote, "Regardless of what the media may say, Focus on the Family has no interest in promoting hatred toward homosexuals or any other group of our fellow human beings. We have not supported, and will never support, legislation aimed at depriving them of their basic constitutional rights -- rights they share with every citizen."

Dobson added, "On the contrary, we want to reach out to gay and lesbian people whenever and wherever we can .... Beyond that, I have to acknowledge ... a very different understanding of Scripture. It is my firm conviction that sex outside of marriage (whether homosexual or heterosexual) is not permitted by those who call themselves ‘believers.'"

Dobson added in the same article, "Whereas we have never attempted to hurt or ridicule the individual homosexual or lesbian, I do find myself in sharp disagreement with the more radical elements of the movement. The effort to redefine the family, qualify for adoption, promote the homosexual lifestyle in the schools, etc., are objectives with which I disagree. And I will oppose them when the issues are raised. Does that make me a hatemonger? I think not."

According to organizers, just outside the entrance to Focus on the Family on May 1, there will be a press conference at 12:45pm, a family picnic, and a rally. During the rally, cards will be passed out on which people can write their letter to James Dobson to be delivered May 2.

According to the news release, organizers are hoping for more than 1,000 people of faith from Colorado and all across the country to join Soulforce in Colorado Springs.

The self-stated purpose of Soulforce is "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from political and religious oppression."

WHO IS MEL WHITE?

Concerned Women for America (www.cultureandfamily.org/articledisplay.asp?id=2659&department=CFI&categoryid=cfreport) dubbed White "A ‘Wolf' on the Loose in Lynchburg."

The article read in part, "Mel White and his male ‘lover' have moved to Lynchburg and taken up residence in a house across the street from Thomas Road Baptist Church. Mr. White is the co-founder of a group called Soulforce. One goal of White and his Soulforce friends is to convince Americans that homosexual acts, such as sodomy, are not condemned by God's Word. Mr. White has a vested interest in this novel approach to the Scriptures since he has admitted that he commits such acts."

White is no stranger to Biblical Christianity. He used to be a conservative evangelical. A promotional announcement for his book reads in part (www.penguinputnam.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,0_0452273811,00.html), "Until Christmas Eve 1991, Mel White was regarded by the leaders of the religious right as one of their most talented and productive supporters. He penned the speeches of Ollie North. He was a ghostwriter for Jerry Falwell, worked with Jim Bakker, flew in Pat Robertson's private jet, walked sandy beaches with Billy Graham. What these men didn't know was that Mel White—evangelical minister, committed Christian, family man—was gay."

Jeremy Reynalds was born in England, emigrated to the United States in 1978 and married Sylvia in 1979. They have five boys. Jeremy gave his life to the Lord in 1976 and currently attends Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque. He became an American citizen in 1998 and voted in his first general election in 2000.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 19, 2005, 08:59:47 PM
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  2 Cor10:3,4

Please take some time to pray with your families daily for God's covering particularly on Dr. James Dobson and the focus on the family ministry. This contest will be decided in the secret places...make no mistake about it folks...
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: Jem April 20, 2005, 06:01:52 PM
Dobson ought to do what any Christian shoud do when unbelievers show up at their door. Invite them in. Have doughnuts and coffee ready. Play some nice music and chat. Let them say whatever is on their mind and respond in honesty and love. That is very unsettling. Dobson has been saying God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. This seems like a no-brainer opportunity.

For years and years there has been an Easter sunrise service on top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. The churches that do this are required to pull a permit and one year an athiest group got the permit first. The MSM made a big deal out of it saying there would be protest, etc. On Easter morning the same churches that were always there showed up with muffins and hot chocolate for everyone. An elderly gentleman who had played the trumpet at the sunrise service for 20 years brought his trumpet and said he'd play whatever was wanted. "Do you have any athiest songs?" He ended up starting off with "O What A Beautiful Morning." It was not what the athiest expected. They came for a fight and found a sort of fellowship of common humanity. And one thing it made clear without anyone intending it too was that athiests have nothing that unifys them except what they are against. Many athiest were ashamed of their brethren after that. Some athiests are now trying to get the cross taken down off of Mt. Soledad and some athiests who were there on that particular morning are fighting them.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: outdeep April 20, 2005, 07:30:23 PM
Dobson ought to do what any Christian shoud do when unbelievers show up at their door. Invite them in. Have doughnuts and coffee ready. Play some nice music and chat. Let them say whatever is on their mind and respond in honesty and love. That is very unsettling. Dobson has been saying God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. This seems like a no-brainer opportunity.
Keep in mind that Dr. Dobson might just do that, so don't write him off yet.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 April 20, 2005, 09:25:33 PM
My first thought when I read this was, my what a good chance to Love them. ( Perfect Love casts out Fear) Summer.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 20, 2005, 09:36:46 PM
My first thought when I read this was, my what a good chance to Love them. ( Perfect Love casts out Fear) Summer.

I am praying about this a bit differently folks. It is obvious that this is a well organized faction, intent on destroying this servant of God. These are not misguided, hapless folk in need of a little TLC.
There are purposeful, they are vicious, and they are angry.
Now I do not disagree that Dobson has to be careful not to engage these folk directly.
He is too important. He absolutely has to continue to be gracious, loving and kind.
I see nothing wrong with him even listening to what they have to say.
( I am a bit doubtful about the coffee and donuts... :))

IT IS THE JOB OF THE REST OF US TO STAND FIRMLY IN PRAYER SUPPORT FOR THIS MAN, AND ASK GOD TO VINDICATE HIMSELF IN DOBSON'S LIFE AND MINISTRY.

These people are not seeking  dialogue my friends, they have declared war...fervent prayer will make a difference, not coffee and donuts...may God give him and us wisdom...
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 April 20, 2005, 09:53:54 PM
Verne, I hear what your saying. Paul does say in I Cor 5 not to even eat with a so-called believer, who is living immorally. So do you suggest shunning them, and not even playing their game? I'm under no illusion that they should just turn it into a Love-fest, but that a Spirit of Christian Love could turn them to repentance, and whether it does or not, its obvious the Leader is there to Challange Dobson. Summer


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: Jem April 20, 2005, 10:32:31 PM
Dave,

I didn't mean to imply that Dr. Dobson wouldn't do that. He has always handled himself well in the past so I'm not too worried. Of course there was the SpongeBob thing, but we all have our knuckleheaded moments.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: outdeep April 20, 2005, 10:56:15 PM
Dave,

I didn't mean to imply that Dr. Dobson wouldn't do that. He has always handled himself well in the past so I'm not too worried. Of course there was the SpongeBob thing, but we all have our knuckleheaded moments.

Sorry, my misread.  He's a better man than I.  I don't handle confrontation well.

SpongeBob:  Dobson's explanation seems plausable to me - he was critisizing the gay-promoting adjenda of the assiociated "We are family" website, not Spongebob.  Afterwards, there was a "bait and switch" where the website owner's took the offensive items off the website and made it look that Dobson was critisizing the cartoon character.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 20, 2005, 11:15:03 PM
Verne, I hear what your saying. Paul does say in I Cor 5 not to even eat with a so-called believer, who is living immorally. So do you suggest shunning them, and not even playing their game? I'm under no illusion that they should just turn it into a Love-fest, but that a Spirit of Christian Love could turn them to repentance, and whether it does or not, its obvious the Leader is there to Challange Dobson. Summer

Summer you must be a mind-reader. Although I was not explicit, you got my message loud and clear.
This so-called coalition, has a number of folk representing themselves as being "people of faith".
Where have we seen this before folks?
Their strategy is clearly to enlist idiot professing Christians in a campaign to impugn the integrity of Dobson, as a believer!

The thrust of their argument is that a Christian profession and opposition to homosexuality are antagonistic points of view.
Sadly, many Christians have already conceded that ground.
Dobson must under no circumstance make that error - no matter what the cost!
The last bastion against sexual impurity in this country is Biblical teaching (except the NIV) and the standard  held by the Church of Jesus Christ. The assault on these two fronts is all-out.
They are attempting to assassinate the character of James Dobson exactly for the reason that he is such an influential voice in the arena. This is nothing more than a shameless and Satanically-inspired attempt to silence him.
Oh I know, there I go again using inflammatory language instead of showing love and tolerance right?
Do you folk understand that it is the intention of these people to destroy our children? DO YOU??!!!
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 April 21, 2005, 12:01:34 AM
Right. Dobson will never agree with them, and Mel the Gay Leader knows this, he knows all the inner-workings of Christianity, and now "out of the closet" he can play on the this (turn the other cheek). Its another story if someone is struggeling with sin and sincerly repentant, but this guy has adopted this as his lifestyle and has no mind-set at changing his ways. He's going to prove a point to his gay church. And if you agree with them, they'll have no problem trying todate your children.  Summer.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: night owl April 21, 2005, 12:59:26 AM
The last bastion against sexual impurity in this country is Biblical teaching (except the NIV) and the standard  held by the Church of Jesus Christ. The assault on these two fronts is all-out.


Hi Verne - just out of curiousity - (respectfully) what is meant by "except the NIV"?


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 21, 2005, 01:27:49 AM
Hi Verne - just out of curiousity - (respectfully) what is meant by "except the NIV"?

Take your NIV and carefully check every Biblical reference you can find to sexual conduct.
Compare what it actually says, in the NIV, with two or three other commonly used translations. It is my position that you can make the theological argument from the NIV, that there is no explicit Biblical prohibition of sex outside the marriage covenant, or the prohibition of homosexual acts.
If you want me to give some references I would be happy to give a few.
Verne

p.s. I don't mind telling you Nightowl, that there are some very good folk, some posting on this very BB, who do not agree with my viewpoint.   :)
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: night owl April 21, 2005, 01:40:53 AM
Hmm!  :o Verrrrrrrry interesting . . .


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 21, 2005, 01:55:17 AM
Mel the Gay Leader knows this,.  Summer.
He does indeed. He is counting on the Christian community being cowed, intimidated, and unwilling to call him exactly what he is - a vile and godless apostate.
Dobson for obvious reasons cannot say this, but any Christian worth his salt can, and should say so and say it loudly.
I am praying specifically that God Himself would summarily deal with the likes of Mel White and his co-conspirators.
Jehovah is more than equal to the task...
Verne

p.s It does tell you a thing or two about the orgainizations that this man infiltrated and thus discredited.
When I look at the Church today in general, and individual Christians in particlualr, the thing that I find most astonishing is the absolute LACK OF DISCERNMENT.  It is indeed the essential missing gift...
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 21, 2005, 03:01:23 AM
   Matthew 9:10 - And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.   

Locking out persons based on their "lifesyle choice" wasn't Jesus' way.  He sat down with them.

Yes He did, and told then in no uncertain terms that they needed to repent or face the consequences.

I no longer believe that homosexuals choose to be the way they are.  I believe they are programmed that way, due to chemical imbalances.

This could be the case. Do you have any data to support your belief?

And...just because a person is homosexual doesn't mean that they don't love the Lord!! 

And just because a person is an adulterer does not mean that they do not love the Lord either. David was and did. We are talking about a person's view of their conduct Eulaha and that ought to  be obvious to you.
Homosexuals insist that what they do cannot and should not be viewed as sinful, and that Christians must accept them and  their behaviour.

I know my beliefs are not very popular, especially among Christians.  But this is the way I feel.  I have better things to do with my time than to target the homosexual population...

Popularity has nothing to do with it. The issue is whether we as Christians are prepared to stand for what God's Word clearly says about the matter. The real question is who is targeting whom, don'cha think?
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: night owl April 21, 2005, 03:21:37 AM
Take your NIV and carefully check every Biblical reference you can find to sexual conduct.


Whoah! Verne, you rascal! You knew I had one!  ;) j/k

Actually, I had always figured that the Old Testament accounts of Noah and his son Ham, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the New Testament comments made by the Apostle Paul about homosexuality were enough to convince me that it is a sin. I'll have to sit down with my NIV and take a look!

P.S. I worked for Focus one summer 'way back in the early '80's. Dobson is a godly man with a tremendous amount of integrity. A rare breed.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 21, 2005, 04:32:47 AM
Whoah! Verne, you rascal! You knew I had one!  ;) j/k

Actually, I had always figured that the Old Testament accounts of Noah and his son Ham, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the New Testament comments made by the Apostle Paul about homosexuality were enough to convince me that it is a sin. I'll have to sit down with my NIV and take a look!


 ;)



P.S. I worked for Focus one summer 'way back in the early '80's. Dobson is a godly man with a tremendous amount of integrity. A rare breed.

He is a class act. For this coalition to attack a man like Dobson tells us these folks think that Christians can be had.
I have been quite surprised by how so many believers are totally misinformed on the sponge-bob incident and how they have allowed the gay lobby to use it to portray Dobson in a bad light. That's why the Bible calls us sheep I guess...
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: Recovering Saint April 21, 2005, 05:48:27 AM
I no longer believe that homosexuals choose to be the way they are.  I believe they are programmed that way, due to chemical imbalances.

And...just because a person is homosexual doesn't mean that they don't love the Lord!!

Eulaha

How did you come to these conclusions?

Hugh  ???


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: outdeep April 21, 2005, 07:38:04 AM
I know my beliefs are not very popular, especially among Christians.  But this is the way I feel.  I have better things to do with my time than to target the homosexual population...
I don't think it is fair to say that Christians sat down and decided to target the homosexual position.  I think it was more of a defense mechanism.  Homosexual groups, more than any other "sin classification" has attempted to force their ways into groups in order to demand acceptance.  Homosexuals are free to start a Rainbow Scouts groups, but instead seek to destroy the Boy Scouts because the latter does not accept their value system.

Thieves, adulterors, unfaithful, gossips, murders do not form coalition groups in order to change the doctrinal position of churches in order to gain acceptance.  But, homosexuals do.  When the church resists, it is labeled as intolerant.  The only way that the church can avoid being name-called intolerant is to abandon historical doctrine and a literal understanding of the Bible. 

Sure, there are bigoted Christians, but I don't think that is the real root of the problem.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 21, 2005, 07:43:05 AM
It's nobody's business what someone else chooses to do in the privacy of their own homes-no matter how "sinful" it is.

The privacy of their own homes huh?
It sure is a nice thought.
I wonder what you would then call the planned march on the headquarters of Focus on the Family?
What is going to be so "private" about that display?
Do you know what they are strenuously attempting to have taught to our children in schools everywhere?
You must be the only person in America that still believes that gays are still in the closet!  :)


It's really interesting that so-called Christians are supposed to love everyone, and yet they are the most intolerant people on the face of the earth.  Sad, really sad.

 I can only speak for myself Eulaha and I do think we Christians sometimes do have a tendency to be judgmental and self-righteous. Considering however what your Bible teaches you and what is at stake in this entire debate, your attitude strikes me as somewhat cavalier.
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: night owl April 21, 2005, 07:52:07 AM
But, I do love them! If God so loved the world that He gave His only son, AND also if while I was yet a sinner, he sent Christ to die for me, then I'm gonna love my neighbor too (literally; there's a gay couple who live down the street) because if it's good enough for God, it's good enough for me. Which means, I will wave at them when they are out walking their dog; I will chat with them when they are sitting on their front porch; I would come to their aid if I saw them sick or injured (like the hated Samaritan), and they even wave back at me on Sunday mornings when they see me leave for church all dressed up carrying my Bible. But would I go out clubbing with them? No. It's kind of like the (good) advice I've been given here about my brother. I will invite him over, we will go out together, he will be invited to family functions, I will love him to death. But would I ever go with him to another Assembly meeting? I realize that the comparison here isn't exact, but I would still have to say No (but in this case it also might depend on the circumstances). I also know enough people who have been delivered from the gay lifestyle who say that it's definitely NOT God's best for us. Love the sinner, hate the sin.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: outdeep April 21, 2005, 07:59:11 AM
I no longer believe that homosexuals choose to be the way they are.  I believe they are programmed that way, due to chemical imbalances.
I would agree that homosexuals probably do indeed feel as if they were born with that disposition and do not have control over their sexual desires.  However, I don't think that homosexuals have a "corner" on this problem.  Rather, it better understood within the larger context of the 1960's sexual revolution.

Many men, addicted to porn feel as if their urges are unstoppable.  Most books on teens today concede that it is virtually impossible to keep a typical teenager from having sex.  Why?  Because preoccupation with sex and the availability of sex has become so predominant today there is much less tendency (and help in) restraining onself.  As a result, we have a society with sexual expression out of control.

I believe that God gave us the powerful beast of sexual energy in order to propogate society and to remain committed to our spouse.  But, when this beast gets let out of the cage, so to speak, it quickly gets out of control.  That is the society we live in today.

In the past, this sexual beast was constrained better in the cage because of society's prohibitions.  If you wanted to act out sexually, you had to go to a seedy part of town and risk being seen by your neighbor.  That was enough to keep decent folks decent.  Today, with over preoccupation-with-sex available on TV, internet, political discussions, George's study, magazines, and home videos, acting out sexually is now available to the masses with little help for restraint.  

So, the problem is not with whether or not homosexuals are born that way or not.   Rather, it is the bigger problem of sex out of control.  The beast is out of the cage and I doubt that it can be put back in unless there is some sort of national disaster.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: night owl April 21, 2005, 08:08:43 AM
I've heard Dobson suggest that homosexuality isn't so much a sex issue as a love issue, and the perverted lengths men and women are willing to go to get it.

(This post was made within minutes of Dave's post so it appears it's in response to what you said Dave, but it's not - I actually hadn't seen what you wrote until after I clicked on "post." I totally agree with what you have to say - sex in our society is totally out of control.)


: The Real Problem
: vernecarty April 21, 2005, 08:09:11 AM
What do you think would have happened if some uncircumcised Phillistine charged into the tabernacle on the day of atonement, dragging his male lover right into the Holy of Holies and demanding that Aaron the high priest perform a wedding ceremony to unite them in holy matrimony? Do you think he would have even gotten into the camp, much less anywhere near the tabernacle?
Some will argue that the analogy is strained at best, but is it?
We are told clearly in Scripture that the death of Christ on the cross resulted in the veil in the temple being rent from top to bottom, sginaling clear and unfettered access into the very presence of the Most High through His Son.
The fact that we Christians must face, and face unflinchingly, is that we have lived our lives in such a way, both privately and before the watching world, as to cause the most  depraved of sinners to treat the God we serve with absolute contempt.
There was a time when this kind of conduct would not be even discussed in polite society, but now you have even some Christians making the case that people who practice such things should occupy places of ministry in the Church.
The reason the church is fighting the present battle is because of the glaring absence of holiness among the ranks. I include myself in this indictment.
Do you think this kind of conduct could or would take place in the presence of Almighty God?
What does the fact that it is happening in the very place where we proclaim Jesus Christ, Lord of heaven and earth tell you about the power of His presence or lack therof in the lives of His own?
I think we need to do some soul-searching. I think many of us need to repent.
Verne

p.s. Dave this is amazing! I changed the title and made this post at the same time you were posting and honestly did not see what you said until I posted it so it also is not a direct reply to your post. I concur with what you stated- that there is a general lack of sexual restraint in society today, even among believers!
(The divorce and remarriage  rate among Christians tells the sad story)


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: al Hartman April 21, 2005, 09:43:36 AM



It's really interesting that so-called Christians are supposed to love everyone, and yet they are the most intolerant people on the face of the earth.  Sad, really sad.


This is the argument most commonly used by the "tolerant" humanist whatever-you-choose-to-believe-is-OK folks.  They, thinking themselves to be wiser than God, determine that each of us is entitled to arrive at our own conclusions about the origin, purpose and goal of life, and that the true nature of "god" varies from person to person.  Therefore, they profess to be "tolerant" of all beliefs.  Strangely, they are not only intolerant of, but actively hostile toward any and all who believe that Christ alone is the way to God.  They are intolerant of all who believe in the existence of sin, much more of those who profess the need of salvation and a Savior.

There is no excusing Christians who consider homosexuals to be less than human, less worthy of redemption than are other sinners.  That is indeed sad.  But sadder far is the case of those who, having heard the good news of God's mercy and grace to sinners, reject it in favor of their chosen lifestyle.


For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  2 Cor10:3,4

Please take some time to pray with your families daily for God's covering particularly on Dr. James Dobson and the focus on the family ministry. This contest will be decided in the secret places...make no mistake about it folks...
Verne

Verne's response (above, with added highlighting by moi) was the first, and most crucial reply to the article that started this thread.  Our discussions here are important in clarifying the truth of the situation, but will have little bearing upon the upcoming showdown, except as they motivate us to pray.  Even the fact, as has been pointed below, that Dr. Dobson has conducted himself wisely and well in the past is no guarantee that he will know what to do in this instance.  You can be certain that he and those close to him are praying their hearts out regarding what is to come.  So should we labor in prayer on their behalf, for the sake of God's purpose to be accomplished in all that takes place...

al


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: M2 April 21, 2005, 05:49:51 PM
Some general comments.

It is interesting to note that the 'problem' of homosexuality is never addressed by the Lord.  The NT passages re. homosexuality are translated as such in the newer translations (maybe except the NIV).  Also, even as eunuchs are born with no sexual drive, possibly homosexuals are born with no 'attraction' to members of the opposite sex.  However, homosexual activity is clearly labelled as perversion in the OT along with adultery and other sins.

Though the Lord Jesus associated with the sinners, He never condoned their sin.  e.g. Zacchaeus found salvation and repented from his unfair practice of collecting more taxes than he should.

Marcia


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: moonflower2 April 21, 2005, 10:19:34 PM
This is quite interesting.

Article by Dr. Cameron at Family Research Institute: What Causes Homosexual Desire and Can it Be Changed?

http://www.biblebelievers.com/Cameron3.html



: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 22, 2005, 01:53:57 AM
This is quite interesting.

Article by Dr. Cameron at Family Research Institute: What Causes Homosexual Desire and Can it Be Changed?

http://www.biblebelievers.com/Cameron3.html



Good article Moonflower thanks for the link. Nobody wants to talk about it but the fact that active recruitment is something that takes place by older practicing homosexuals is undeniable. The incredible push to expose young people to the idea that this lifestyle is normative has to do with more than mere acceptance. I find it difficult, considering the nature of what we are dealing with, how the Christian response to this can be anything other than militant.
I did not say violent.
I said militant. This is a conflict with huge stake and requires careful attention to objective, strategy and execution. If you Christians think that this is not what the other side is doing you will loose the war. In fact you may have already lost it, unless God intervenes.
Those of you talking accommodation have no idea what you are up against.
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: al Hartman April 22, 2005, 07:09:14 AM
Good article Moonflower thanks for the link. Nobody wants to talk about it but the fact that active recruitment is something that takes place by older practicing homosexuals is undeniable. The incredible push to expose young people to the idea that this lifestyle is normative has to do with more than mere acceptance. I find it difficult, considering the nature of what we are dealing with, how the Christian response to this can be anything other than militant.
I did not say violent.
I said militant. This is a conflict with huge stake and requires careful attention to objective, strategy and execution. If you Christians think that this is not what the other side is doing you will loose the war. In fact you may have already lost it, unless God intervenes.
Those of you talking accommodation have no idea what you are up against.
Verne

Many, and one must believe that includes many Christians, surely do have no idea.  Many people are not directly in the path of the homosexual agenda juggernaut and probably regard it as just another news item in an age of tabloid exaggerations of every sort...

For others a different dilemma looms:  we have family members, neighbors, friends and work associates who are homosexual, but seem otherwise "normal'-- they are friendly, kind, helpful, basically "good"-seeming people.  Cathy and I have at least two dear family members in this category, and we have both worked with several such folk, and have some as neighbors.

I suggest two perspectives that both need open-eyed viewing:

First, the "good" homosexuals-- those who are not on a mission to recruit others to their practices.  They need not be counted as any worse enemies than other unbelievers.  After all, the gospel of Christ is not to be doled out according to the type and character of the sins committed-- the issue is that all have sinned, and that Christ died to take away our sins.  Not every murderer or thief or liar wants to make converts-- neither does every homosexual.  Tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to save.  You may be surprised at their receptiveness.

Second, there is a militant movement afoot to push an agenda of homosexuality, not only universal acceptance, but a Borg-like desire to incorporate as many souls as possible into their lifestyle "collective."  There are several ideas about their motivation.  My personal thinking is that there is a spiritual factor-- a satanic- or demonic-influenced state of mind that despises and curses God and flies in the face of all that is good and wholesome.

We can glibly say, "Love the sinner and hate the sin."  But we must draw a line by which to determine what we will tolerate of the sinner who may yet be saved and what we will not tolerate in the behavior of those in whom sin and sinner have become indistinguishable from one another.  We must do all we can within the realm of God's grace, but having done all, we must stand for God and His values and say to the evil as Gandalf did, "You shall not pass!"

Now I have invoked both the crew of the USS Enterprise and the Fellowship of the Ring as illustrations, but the issue is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  He alone can give us wisdom to discern the right choices and strength to carry them out, and He will for our asking Him.  However the issue of homosexuality may have affected us thus far, we must see it as a most serious factor in our society and even in the church, and prepare ourselves to fulfill whatever role the Lord may assign us to.

al


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 22, 2005, 07:28:06 AM
You make some valid distinctions Al. I have a very good friend whom I know has been doing his best to not divulge it but whom I suspect to be.
We have never discussed it and he knows I am a Christian, albeit not a "religious- right- winger".
I am going to have to share the gospel and I pray for an opporunity for I have never actually put the question to him regarding what he thinks of Jesus Christ. It is my duty to do so at some point I believe.
Militant gay activism does indeed have a spiritual component and this is what so many dull folk refuse to recognize. If it were indeed only a matter of what people did as some contend, "in the privacy of their homes", there would hardly be an issue. That is the way it was for decades, in fact most of human history.
The current activism reminds me of the presumption of the men of Sodom. It is the same spirit.
I suggest it will have to ultimately face the same sanction. I want to be nowhere near the city.
Verne

p.s. it is really startling the way some of these folk are taking God's name in vain, claiming to be "people of faith." There was a reason for remaining in the closet. Caution has now apparently been tossed to the wind.
I despise people who take God's name in vain.
How often have you seen someone engage in the most vicious and repugnant conduct and then sign off with "Lord Bless"? It is a certain mark of unholy influences.
It is the primary reason I despise Geftakys; not just because he failed, we all do, it is the way he did it...the man bears the mark of Iscariot...


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: night owl April 22, 2005, 08:35:17 AM
Sorry Al, didn't mean to be glib -  :-\


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: al Hartman April 22, 2005, 11:08:26 AM

Sorry Al, didn't mean to be glib -  :-\

Night Owl,

You weren't and you aren't-- I didn't have your post in mind.  "Hate the sin but love the sinner" is a valid concept, based upon the example of the triune Godhead.  But some toss off such remarks, smoothly parroting what they have heard but do not understand.  You give no impression of being one of them.

Please accept my apology for implying otherwise.

In Christ,
al


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: al Hartman April 22, 2005, 11:38:26 AM
So...what about the Christians who divorce and remarry?  The Christians who have sex b4 marriage?  The

Christians who lie, lust in their hearts, beat their wives, etc...why doesn't James Dobson make a big to-do

about these folks?  No, he's too busy telling his followers to stop allowing their kids to watch Sponge Bob and

Barney...not to mention the Telletubies!

Eulaha, I'm guessing from your remarks that you have read little or none of Dobson's writings and that your comments are based upon what you have heard from others who disagree with him.  I suggest you visit a Christian bookstore or look at Focus On the Family's website and just review some of his titles.  He has written about all the subjects you mention.

It is not Dobson who has singled homosexuals out from among other sinners, but those among the homosexual population who rabidly want to attack him to shut him up.

  Back up to Square Pants for a minute.  Is Dobson upset because

maybe, oh maybe the little kids will learn to tolerate people who are not like them?  That maybe if they have

homosexual feelings that it doesn't mean that they are perverted? Wow, what a crime! Such a sin!  If I ever

have children, I will teach them about tolerance-about accepting others just as they are, and not to try

and "change them" into someone we would like them to be.

Good for you (no kidding)!  Dr. Dobson is all for tolerance-- the major division he recognizes is between the lost and the saved.  He is not afraid that children will be friendly toward homosexuals, but is trying to protect children from being preyed upon by people who have no scruples, no consience, regardless of their sexual orientation.  It just so happens that there is a huge contingent of homosexual people who do have a distintly anti-Christ agenda, and are working 24/7/365 to legitimize their "right" to push it onto everybody else.  My saying this is not gay-bashing, as it does not involve all homosexuals, but it is fact.

  I have plenty of gay friends.  They know that I

am Christian.  That's where I leave it.  God will change their hearts when HE is good and ready to!

What makes you think He isn't ready to do so right now?  I only hope you never have to be confronted by those friends after it's too late, and hear them ask you, "Why didn't you tell me?"

  Maybe if Mr. Dobson stopped calling out the homosexual population, there would be no need for them to collectively go to Focus on the Family!

Can you show us a quote or a link that will demonstrate how Dr. Dobson has "called out" homosexuals?  The fact is that a very powerful, very determined faction of the homosexual community is calling out Dr. Dobson and his organization with the intent to discredit them and, by association, to discredit the gospel of Jesus Christ.  When those battle lines are drawn, where will you stand?

In Christ,
al


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: outdeep April 22, 2005, 05:55:42 PM
So...what about the Christians who divorce and remarry?  The Christians who have sex b4 marriage?  The

Christians who lie, lust in their hearts, beat their wives, etc...why doesn't James Dobson make a big to-do

about these folks?  No, he's too busy telling his followers to stop allowing their kids to watch Sponge Bob and

Barney...not to mention the Telletubies!  Back up to Square Pants for a minute.  Is Dobson upset because

maybe, oh maybe the little kids will learn to tolerate people who are not like them?  That maybe if they have

homosexual feelings that it doesn't mean that they are perverted? Wow, what a crime! Such a sin!  If I ever

have children, I will teach them about tolerance-about accepting others just as they are, and not to try

and "change them" into someone we would like them to be.  I have plenty of gay friends.  They know that I

am Christian.  That's where I leave it.  God will change their hearts when HE is good and ready to!  Maybe if

Mr. Dobson stopped calling out the homosexual population, there would be no need for them to collectively go

to Focus on the Family!
Dr. Dobson does speak out against these other sins.  The difference is that those who lust, beat their wives, divorse, etc. don't form organziations in order to normalize their behavior in churches, on television, with children and in sex education material.  Wife beaters don't try and reprogram folks to think that if we don't buy into their lifestyle we are intolerant, bigoted wife-beater-aphobes.  Homosexuals do.

No one is saying to be mean to or ignore your gay friends.  On the other hand, I don't think that folks should silently sit by while homosexual groups try and remold society into their image.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 22, 2005, 07:01:36 PM
The legacy of Dr. James Dobson as an advocate for the family is well established.
He has been a very faithful steward in my opinion.
His manner of life, unlike so many vain talkers, attests powerfully to the things he espouses.
It is truly sobering to me, that any Christian would take the part of homosexual activists agaisnt a man like this. They have done their job of propagandizing well apparently.
On prinicple alone, every Christian should be standing shoulder to shoulder with him.
It is the objective of gay activism to divide the Christian community on this issue - divide and conquer.
They would like to have folk believe that James Dobson is the problem.
Christians cannot possibly be that stupid to fall for a ploy like this, can they?
The issue is what God's Word teaches about homosexuality, pure and simple.
They cannot, even with the help of the NIV, make any  convincing arguments that would provide a Biblical basis for toleration of this kind of behaviour, so their next best strategy is to destroy the messenger. It is the ultimate aim of these folk to place practicing homosexuals in the pulpit, and have them licensed to have day-care centers. It is also their aim to get legislative sanction to sue anyone who so much as objects to this being done. This is already the case in some places in Europe.
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: Recovering Saint April 23, 2005, 10:01:18 PM
I for one have a lot of respect for Dr. Dobson and the Focus on the Family organization.

I smell a rat. The left agenda is at work here to silence the key voice in America for values that is it plain and simple.

I mentioned a speaker I heard recently. He echoes the same thoughts in the Quote for the day.

The quote for today is interesting to me and prompted me to invite others to consider this. We are being slowly but surely put under house arrest and will eventually not be allowed to say anything about the society around us.

Are Christians allowed to be involved in political debates or discussions on morals in the general public?

Seems we always get the backhanded slant in the media. They don't want us involved in decisions that affect the family because that is where the future generation lies. The general society wants to brainwash our next genreration so they can PUSH THEIR POLITICALLY CORRECT assertions on our unsuspecting youth.

http://www.str.org/cgi-bin/daily_commentary.pl

NOTE The contents change at this link change daily so if you don't visit this site today you can look for this article on his site at a later day.

Look for the following article.

The Privatization of Faith

QUOTE

Gregory Koukl

Why are some people worried about religious people getting involved in politics? What does the First Amendment really say about the right to act politically on religious grounds? Greg calls for Christians not to be frightened but to stand firm in the areas of morality and values.

UNQUOTE

.............................

The following is the last part of a long article on Promise Keepers and Christians involved in moral decisions and political choices.

CONTINUED QUOTE FROM END OF THE MESSAGE FOLLOWS.

It seems to me that if someone was really concerned about this kind of distinction between religion and the operations of the state, they should at least let religion freely operate in the areas that it is now allegedly limited to -- the domain of morality and values. We have a religious group that speaks to some of these issues of morality and values, and all of a sudden they are off limits again. "Don't do that." Why not? "Those are political issues." Since when? "Since someone decided. They are political issues and you have no right speaking to them. Shut up. Get back in your closet."

I don't know what else we can do, as religious people. Maybe we're just meant to stay in our closet and pray and never bring up any issues. It's a clever co-option here. Something you should be alert to.

I'm not whining, not crying. I think it's rather interesting. But it points up the fact that we are not in strange territory here. We are exactly where we ought to be. They are trying to push us out of that territory, even the little territory people say is left to us. Don't go. Don't run. Don't fret, Stay where you are. Do the job. Don't be afraid.

END OF QUOTE

Hugh


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 April 23, 2005, 11:45:29 PM
Eulaha, You seem to have a real passionate defence of the gay community and a real compassion for them. I hav'ent seen the cartoons you refer too so I cannot comment on the controversy. Christians do come across as Goody-Two shoes alot of the time. I think they may be afraid of the Gay agenda because alot of them have lived in Holy Matrimony for so long, and the Gays idea of Faithful is about 7 to 10 affairs a year if in a monogamous relationship vs.single they have about 70 to 100 casual partners per year. This is frightening to the vast majority of heterosexuals. Read the Medical Article from Moonflowers link. The average lifespan for Gays is 44 they invite so many diseses into the're systems. So many people treat them like modern day lepers. Its sad, but true I'd say most would not want a Gay Family joining them, re: sitting next to them for a Sunday service, nor would they want their children to play at their houses, again sad, but true. God's Goodness leads us all to repentance, we all have things to work on.  Summer.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 24, 2005, 12:09:45 AM
I for one have a lot of respect for Dr. Dobson and the Focus on the Family organization.

. Don't go. Don't run. Don't fret, Stay where you are. Do the job. Don't be afraid.

END OF QUOTE

Hugh

A few years ago the Bulls were in a play-off game against the Pistons in Detroit and they really ganged up on Michael Jordan. The pistons were at the time a very physical and intimidating team with Rodman thinking that every rebound belonged to him by rights. Well, they really bullied the bulls.
The next game in Chicago was amazing. The bulls came out and gave them a taste of their own medicine. It was one of the most physical NBA games I have ever witnessesed. The bulls won it convincingly.
Jordan's comment after the game?

"Not in my house!"

The thing that is different about what the gay activists are now doing, is that they are storming churches, and trying to teach us a theology of perversion. Make no mistake about it. Dobson is just the beginning. Their thinking is that if the evengelical community will not stand firmly in the face of an attack on a man of this stature, anybody and everybody is fair game.
I am also very worried about the legislative agenda.
There will come a time possibly, for civil disobedience.
If you have weak, and pusillanimous leadership in your church, they will be coming to a neighbouhood near you...get ready!
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 April 24, 2005, 12:19:00 AM
Verne, "Not in my House" Don't think we'll be seeing you on 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' anytime soon.  Summer. p.s. They do great hair and have fabulous decorating ideas, oh yeah, and they know how to dress.( Peace)


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: vernecarty April 24, 2005, 01:50:38 AM
Verne, "Not in my House" Don't think we'll be seeing you on 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' anytime soon.  Summer. p.s. They do great hair and have fabulous decorating ideas, oh yeah, and they know how to dress.( Peace)

"Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" was a fabulous business model. I hear the make-overs are top-notch. Just not my cup-o' tea. Their prowess in the interior design and decorating areas is unquestioed. More power to 'em. I'd have no trouble hiring a competent artiste if the need arose...just don't proselytize your lifestyle in my hearing...I am not tolerant of that...so sorry.
Verne


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: moonflower2 April 24, 2005, 03:01:51 AM
Their prowess in the interior design and decorating areas is unquestioed. More power to 'em. I'd have no trouble hiring a competent artiste if the need arose...just don't proselytize your lifestyle in my hearing...I am not tolerant of that...so sorry.
Verne

I agree.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 May 18, 2005, 04:12:48 AM
Does anyone (Dave Sable) know what happened on 5/1-2 at Focus ? I'm guessing it may be on their site. Thanks  Summer.


: Re: Trouble Brewing at Focus on the Family
: summer007 May 18, 2005, 08:28:00 AM
Well they did'nt meet the Gay group with coffe and donuts. What they did was shut-down for the day and had the Sheriff on hand to arrest anyone crossing onto the property. As Christian parents of a gay son read a letter to Dobson in front of the media, they wanted to deliver it personally and were promply arrested as they were told a Focus rep would handle the letter. This is on the video in the soulforce link Dave has on page one of this thread. Dobson had no reference whatsoever to this event on his web-site. I find that somewhat strange. It's really heartbreaking in many ways. But it was definitly a protest. I'm sure after all the Prayer Dobson felt it was the thing to do, it just does'nt seem right.  Summer.


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