Soulforce's Equality Ride

Soulforce has done the Equality Ride before. Its a great outreach idea. My only concern with it is a lingering doubt about the appropriateness of so easil co-opting one of the best known symbols of the civil rights movement for the gay rights movement without any (that I've seen) discussion of how such an appropriation is problematic.

I intend to be there to protest them when they come to Bob Jones University. God condemns the promotion of evil. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; Isaiah 5:20

Woe: Deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief.

God says he will judge them that misdefine evil and good. They had better heed the warning.

There are many forms of discrimination, and sad to say, religious bigotry has been at the root of most of them.

This is a good thing that they are doing, although I am certain that it will stir up the hate-filled fundamentalists. They are so blind that they don't see the humanity in the other- and thus ignore Christ's commandment to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you!"

I pray that none of the Soulforce people are killed or hurt by the fundamentalists- I consider it likely (especially when you take their worldview and perverted ideas about God into account) but at the same time, if there is the slightest chance that the fundamentalists will listen and repent, it is worth the effort and the danger.

Bob,

You are such a fool. Such a buffoon.

What would you have the fundamentalists repent of, for actually believing the Biblical condemnations of sodomy?

As usual, you are on the wrong side.

Gary,

Oh yes, DO stand proudly to defend the Hallowed Halls of Bob Jones University, a model of Christian morality....a model which did not admit black students until 1971, and then only under pressure from the IRS, who threatened to revoke their tax exempt status (and then admitted only married black people until 1975, when it finally admitted single black people as well). This "bastion of Godliness" also maintained its ban on interacial dating until 2000, proclaiming that (and I quote) "God intended for seperation of the races, and the scriptures forbid interacial marriage". Charming...utterly charming...as so much of conservative "christianity" is. Worshipers of Mammon and idolators as many of them (conservative "christians") are, servants of Satan, they champion war and greed and apathy toward the poor, choosing instead to rally their forces in their ongoing campaign of prejudice and polarization. As Bob Jones used "scripture" to defend its ban on interacial dating, and God-fearing "christians" used it to defend both slavery and genocide in the 19th Century, so Satan's puppets use it to promote division and hatred of gay people and intellectuals/Progressives today. Onward Satan's soldier's, marching as to war......

Peace and Blessings,
Brother Damien

Brother Damien,

Good to here from you again. Shame it has to be because Gary is at it again. I find it interesting that the only time that he seems to show up anymore is when the topic is gay rights. I have yet to hear from him on topics such as poverty, the war in Iraq, or his take on the Oscars.
Anyway, how's life and times my friends.

Frank,

And good to hear from you. As for Life and Times, they are, as usual, more than a bit scary. Let us hope and pray that our would-be monarch and his band of plutocrats are reigned in, and we do not get into yet another war with Iran. And let us pray that this record high of people slipping below the poverty level, hand-outs to the rich and to the corporations, inadequate or non-existant health coverage, inadequate wages, apathy towards the poor and sick in this nation and around the world, and the unbridled greed and nastiness that is permeating this nation is brought to a screeching, screaming halt by the TRULY good people in this country (and they are out there!). Peace and Blessings.

Brother Damien

Well, I know that I would not be welcome at all around that "Bob Jones University", as I am Native American, but I also have black and (I am sometimes ashamed to admit) white ancestors.

Let's see- on one side we have open hatred, the desire (and demand) for discrimination, and blind adherence to a foolish misunderstanding of scriptures. On the other side, we have an attempt to break down barriers, bring about better understanding, and an attempt to reach out to others.

Which is more God like?

Bob, Brother Damien

The answer to your question depends on what your perception of God is. I agree with Bishop John Shelby Spong when he observes that the problem comes from people confusing their perceptions of God with the Reality of God.
The Bob Jones University/fundie Christian perception of God is that of an abusive Sky Father. Their God is a Patriarchal God of War and Vengeance. Their view is parochial tribalism at its worst. It's the old "if you're not a member of the tribe then you are something to be feared". Outsiders/Others are unbelievers who must either be forced to convert or disposed of. The other perception that they have is that they and they alone posess The Truth. I recently saw a bumper sticker with the Cross on it and the motto "Truth not Tolerance". This comes perilously close to the motto above the Headquarters of the SS Death's Head Legion (deathcamp guards) at Dachau which states "Tolerance is a sign of weakness". If the Road to Hell is paved with good intentions then the Road to Heaven is littered with the bodies of the countless victims of religious intolerance. This is one of the main reasons why I have abandoned theism as my spiritual path.

I for one am hoping that Gary shows up at Bob Jones. The Soulforce Nonviolence training is pretty good when it comes to treating anti-gay protestors with love. I think that they can provide a powerful witness to people like Gary, who are filled with confusion, anger, and mis-information.

john g,

If the Lord wills, and my plans work out, I will be there.

You misjudge me. I am not filled with confusion and mis-information. I understand well what is happening and why. I am angry that such fools as Soulforce and the "progressive Christians" (oxymoron) make it necessary for me to spend my time opposing them. But it must be done.

The faggots' main problem is that God rejects them. Trying public relations stunts like this bus ride won't change that.

I'm wondering if we should contact Soulforce and the police in the area.

With the attitudes being expressed, I rather expect that without being alerted, some of the Soulforce people will be murdered, or at the least maimed or severely injured.

In response to Gary,

I have seen first hand the "equality Rides" method of non violence last year.

They Blocked doors and fire escapes, they yelled at and even shoved students to preventing them from entering buildings and dorms. If anyone has something to fear it will be the health and safety of the students and staff of the schools they are visiting.

Basically my school is prepared knowing they, the equality ride, come looking for a confrontation so they can get even more media attention portraying them as they victims they list to think they are.

I'd challenge any of you folks who seem to know so much about Bob Jones University and its beliefs to visit campus, maybe even a chapel service sometime. The school is far from some of your assumptions; though it believes that the Bible is clear that homosexuality is a sin, BJU will not promote or discuss an issue that is black and white in the Word of God. The university plans to pray for the individuals in Soulforce and will not participate in any sort of violent protesting.

I think it will be interesting if a group like this gets past the front gate. I went to a christian school in Indiana where all except for like 2 teachers went to Bob Jones. The vice principal once told a story about when he was at BJU (back when blacks had to be married in order to go). He said Jesse Jackson and the NAACP tried to get in and protest the aforementioned rule, but a hurricane or something came and they had to get back in the bus and leave. My vice principal called it an act of God. Hopefully, if this is meant to happen, no "act of God" will stop it.

Oh, word of suggestion, possibly. Contact the BJU students that have graduated and are gay or got expelled because they were gay. For sure they'll let the graduates in, and then soulforce could possibly follow in behind.

I would like to get a few things straight (no pun intended). I feel like I can speak from a perspective to talk productively. I was a member of the original Soulforce Equality Ride last year in 2006.

The mission of Soulforce is NOT to debate or be violent by any means. In fact, when we visited many schools last year, they decided to give us a forum to debate. We politely said, “no.” Debating whether our sexual orientation is wrong, immoral, sinful, or sick is simply no longer an issue to be put to debate. That debate is long over. How would you feel if someone simply said, "No, I'm not willing to have a conversation about your heterosexuality, but I am willing to debate with you whether or not its right or wrong?" The sad truth is that that portions of the Christian community are very oppressive, violent, and abusive towards the GLBT population and using the Bible as a means to justify that, just as the Bible was used to justify unfair treatment towards women and people of color. Our society has gotten over that (to a degree) and eventually our society will get over this weird fear of gay people and its people like the youth of the Soulforce Equality Ride that are making that happen. You see, its just a matter of time. The truth is that there are GLBT people everywhere and we are born this way and created this way by God. There are GLBT people at Bob Jones University and there are Mormon GLBT people. It’s time to have a conversation, not a debate. This conversation is one that’s long over due. The fact that GLBT people are killing themselves and dying across this country because they are unable to reconcile their sexual orientation and their faith is alarming. And let me point out that the reason for this inability to reconcile these two things is not purely because of the individual. It's because of the skewed perception that the fundy Christian community has so wrongly portrayed in this country. This population of Evangelical Christian Fundamentalists must have this conversation and acknowledge the huge "pink elephant" in the room that no one is willing to talk about.

I would like to also state that the MINORITY of all of these schools did not/are not inviting Soulforce. As a matter of fact, many of the schools this year and the MAJORITY of the schools we visited last year maturely and openly welcomed us on their campuses to engage in a day of academic freedom among their students, faculty, and staff. Academic freedom--I like to talk about that. Regardless of whether or not these academic institutions are faith-based or not, it is the students' right to an environment to openly and honestly discuss issues that are pertinent to our society today. To deny students that opportunity is blatently denying those students their academic freedom. It continually confused me why a campus or individual would resort to arresting a person because of a fear to talk to a gay person. Are you really that afraid of a bunch of gay people on a bus that want to talk to you?! It's quite humorous!

Finally, I would like to ask whomever why you are so defensive about the topic of forgiveness? The GLBT community does not ask you or God or Jesus or anyone for forgiveness. The fact that I am gay does not warrant me asking for any type of forgiveness for being gay just as the fact that you are straight does not warrant you asking for forgiveness for your being straight. I simply was created in God’s eyes with a homosexual orientation as you were created in God’s eyes with a heterosexual orientation. God does not make junk.

On a final note, I have a question for the Fundamental Evangelical Christian community. What if you are wrong? What if you a wrong about the gay community and your assumptions about what the Bible has to say about us? What makes you so sure? And....if you are wrong, are you ready to face judgment about all of the unfair, immoral treatment that you may or may not have directed towards a gay person?

I hope these words were eloquent enough to have a few questions answered in your minds. Feel free to continue a response to this comment.

What makes us so sure? The Word of God is the ONLY sure thing!

BJU is a major hypocritical school and a disgrace to the cause of Christ. Those Soulforce people came and BJU acted all tough and talked about how evil and sinful those people are and yet BJU has students in class at the same time that probably slept with some of the Soulforce people. My neighbor is gay and he has had sexual relations with two guys that are students right now, one of which is a Bible major! Don't let BJU fool you. For all we know, Stephen Jones is sleeping with John Daulton.

Well, Anon......you wanna talk about The Word of God? What do you know about the Word of God? You have Bible that was written thousands and thousands of years ago by a bunch of old hypocritical men influenced by their own personal prejudice...that's what you have. If you are going to rely solely on that as the Word of God, I don't know what to tell you. Don't follow blindly....take the time to figure some things about on your own.

"Seek not the things of the world, but seek ye first to build up the Kingdom of God and to establish His righteousness."

Oh, and Jesus said absolutely nothing about homosexuality.

Dear friends,

Obama is capturing millions of our youth into his cult like unification election efforts.
Many of our Christian youth are decieved by Obama's bewitching grasp into their hearts and minds. Our youth seem to be blinded by the fact that Obama's pro-abortion and gay marriage agenda will destroy America as we know it.

The excitement of the crowds blind and therefore seem to excuse all of Obamas socialistic anti-christian views. Is anything more dangerous upon America's horizon than having the youth vote become the key factor which elects a man who is seeks to undermine our entire constitutional Republic? Take a close look at where the Obama support is rooted. Young, inexperienced people who are emotionally charged for causes which are not comprehended by them, or even charted by wisdom.

Are we fully aware how the very values and principles of freedoms, which allow Christians to have rights, are now on the line? Obama can and will place left leaning judges on America's courts just as he has promised.

Are Christian leaders sitting around like helpless by-standers watching this happen under their noses? Are we going to relinquish our fate to political chance by going about our normal daily agenda, and simply hope these opposing forces will quietly go away? Are our liberties dying with thunderous applause as good people silently watch?

There are other dangerous distractions dividing Christian Youth and drawing them away from unifying under true principles during a critical election year. Congregations are reporting divisions over 9 = 11 conspiracies and other popular contentions which frequently become contentious disputes regarding the Iraq war and 9 - 11.

I am writing to you because I have long foreseen such negative trends growing within the ranks of many believers. These events are highly divisive and are becoming very dangerous.

There have been several honest investigations recently which have exposed 9 - 11 conspiracies as dangerous and miss-leading propaganda harmful to our country. The believability for such fabrications has a bewitching affect upon the minds of many Christians as well as others. Such propaganda fuels a growing lack of trust for established principles and can turn believers against our country or against their own ministers or other good individuals who refuse to support the conspiratorial spin. The negative affects I am warning about have much to do with the fact that many christians are currently being distracted from an extremely important presidential election where leftists are contending to gain positions of power which could potentually turn our nation into an anti christian, socialistic state.

Modern Leftists despise Christians and are currently waging a political and media war against us. These people work tirelessly to silence voices of faith in order to undermine Christian influence and set up their left leaning Babylon. As Christians are decieved into contending against Bush, Iraq, and confusion over 9 - 11 conspiracies, they unknowingly assist as true enemies ride easily into power without any resistance. I was inspired with a new understanding and seek to reveal an important message recorded in the Bible concerning 9 - 11 and the Iraq war. The Iraq war will be a major issue this year because Obama promises to pull the troops out of Iraq against the advice of our military commanders on the ground. The importance of these events are referred to in the Bible.

Before you are tempted to write me off as another false teacher warned about in scripture, please check out my publication now marketed by a large Christian organization called Salem. Please take a few minutes and witness the online video demonstrating a biblical message about 9 - 11 and the Iraq war in prophecy. I want you to see 9 - 11 evidence recorded in your Bible.

I want you to witness 9 - 11 scriptures which connect modern Iraq with "eagle's wings" (America's symbol of freedom) I am holding myself personally accountable if my readers fail to discover exactly what I am promising them concerning Iraq or 911. You have both my e-mail and my phone number to do just that!

208-251-3519
www.eternaltruth.net

Any wise man tests before he talks". I appeal to those who have faith in the Bible, and know God is aware of today's crisis and believe he has inspired prophets to record spiritual solutions for these problems.

Visit www.eternaltruth.net or....
www.eternaltruth.net/bpo911.html

This guy is actually understating the power of this Bible discovery. You must see this youtube video on his sight if it is the last thing you ever do as a christian!

Our husbands in Iraq and our wounded vets need
to hear about this new Bible discovery.
Suppose it could be documented that this Bible
prophecy was verified to have been fulfilled in our
day predicting the war in Iraq?
Thousands of people are entering this web sight...
www.eternaltruth.net
Critics have sought to rip this biblical discovery a
part in order to disprove it.
Such attempts continue to fail as ambitious Bible
critics seek to expose it as another hoax.
Critics eventually fade as the people who see
value in this fulfilled prophecy are moved to
inform others of this possible miracle arriving in
our day!

Could God have revealed an actual Bible prophecy
supporting America going into Iraq? Everyone is
invited to prove or disprove this newly discovered
prophecy.
If you can demonstrate a way to disprove this claim
you may become a guest on Glenn Becks show or
Shaun Hannity. If you can bring a case forward
which supports this prophecy as being true you
may also become a guest.

This Bible discovery was mentioned on the Rush
Limbaugh show as millions heard of this web sight.
If you can find any evidence disputing this claim
or any evidence confirming it true, please contact
Shaun at...

"Media track" dogtrack88hotmail.com

Or contact Glenn Beck and make your case

to him on line. glennbeck.com You may contact

Rush Limbaugh if possible?

For additional information

concerning this matter contact

Ed Cook at ecdistibutions or
edmund@eternaltruth.net or 208 251 3519

You could receive national recognition for worthy evidence
if your information is convincing. Why?
If no one can dispute this biblical claim this discovery
can be submitted in the media as an actual fulfillment of
biblical prophecy. If not, you may be the one exposing as
a hoax.
The new President of the united states may be determined
by the condition of our economy and the war in Iraq.
What could a Bible prophecy depicting America as
the biblical eagle bringing freedom to Iraq have upon
this presidential election?
Could it perhaps reveal the presidential election from a new
spiritual perspective?
This biblical prophecy could unite our American resolve
for supporting the Iraq war and help our troops.

A subsidiary of Salem communications has already
declared this work to be a monumental discovery of
"biblical proportions" in their recent national press release.
To confirm this national press release go to the Salem
Xulon press release at- www.eternaltruth.net or enter
their Salem web sight.

There has been no theological criticism having any
teeth which has demonstrated convincing red flags
which cast doubt upon this claim. The Bible can be spun
by people who often take things out of proper context.
Today modern writers cleverly manufacture their own
evidences from the Bible and years later we then discover
such insights were false.
This means that the specific criteria for documenting
a fulfilled Bible prophecy is even more difficult to accomplish
than many secular discoveries which also require high
standards from sound research.

We need a consensus from several credible Christians
who can collaberate a consistency of legitamate insights
which identify key prophetic types and shadows clearly
identifying the cyclic nature of true prophecy within
Bible history.
Such an insight for understanding true Bible prophecy
should not require a degree in theology. We welcome
either.

We welcome the critics who aspire to prove this wrong.
No credable evidence has been presented showing
any confirmed manipulation of the biblical text nor its
context.

Watch the you tube video as it takes you through
specific Bible scriptures which reveal the
great modern eagle (America)l transforming Iraq
into a free nation in the end times..

Locate now..
"Bible prophecies of 9-11
www.eternaltruth.net
sincerely,
Bet Patterson
ecdistribution
.

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