The following are excerpts from Linda Harvey's article, "How homosexual school clubs offer sex to students."
The mainstream media is sure to spend time this next week on the subject of homosexuality and youth, precipitated by the observance in hundreds of high schools of the so-called "Day of Silence" on Wednesday, April 26. This is the day that students who are "GLBT" – that's "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered" – pledge to remain silent all day to draw attention to what they believe is discrimination.
On Thursday, April 27, some schools will be blessed with a Christian response, the "Day of Truth," started several years ago by the Alliance Defense Fund. "Day of Truth" participants will explain the reality of homosexuality along with the light of Christ's truth and the hope therein.
But there's one connection surfacing that schools and communities should watch: the strong link between the school "GSAs" and community-based "GLBT" youth groups. With little accountability except to the adult "gay" community, there's no doubt that these offsite youth groups do offer students opportunities to learn about graphic sex and socialize with peers and adults who are active participants in the homosexual lifestyle. And the target age starts as early as middle school.
At most of these off-campus clubs, your sixth grader would be welcomed by adult homosexual volunteers and staff, and allowed to socialize with high school and college age "queer" or gender variant youth, without your permission or knowledge. All he or she has to do is show up, and many are located conveniently on bus lines to accommodate kids under driving age.
"No parents" plus homosexual approval is the reason these centers call themselves "safe" places. There is a homosexual youth center now in virtually every medium or large city in the United States. Many are funded by private foundations or connected to a local adult center for "GLBT" people. Some are even funded by United Way. And the kids who attend are given graphic "safe-sex" lectures, the option of free HIV testing without parental permission, group "counseling" and other serious, adult-level situations that few schools would allow on site.
Think this is an exaggeration and/or nothing to be alarmed about if you are a parent? Read about "BAGLY":
Staff and adult volunteers sometimes teach workshops with dangerous enticements. BAGLY, the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, features ongoing courses called "Queer College." One of these courses is called "HIV." Conducted by a male staff member and "peer leaders," the course content is described on the BAGLY website as follows:
SEX! Yeah, we know you're doing it. But how safe are you? We could all use info on sexy new ways to use condoms and barriers. We'll have open, honest, judgment-free conversations about sex toys, oral sex, bare-backing, mixing sex and drugs, how to keep it safe and advocate for yourself during group sex, anonymous sex, and sex on the go! We'll have something for everyone.
This course was held early in April at the BAGLY meeting site, which is St. John the Evangelist Church in Boston.
Most of these youth centers extend open arms to area GSAs. The non-school locale provides a venue for activities that might not be allowed at school. Frequently, all area GSA members will be invited to youth center events, where no parents, no school boards, no teachers are there to supervise what might take place.
Unfortunately, there are many more examples of groups like BAGLY in the article.
The following are EXCELLENT QUESTIONS:
What in the world are we doing exposing kids to opportunities to get involved in practices that are spreading an epidemic disease? How can we let kids make such huge health-care decisions, interact with health professionals, receive "counseling" and figure out what all this means, without the guidance of a parent or guardian?
For instance, what if a young teen does get involved in a homosexual relationship, then is tested for HIV, and the test is positive? And his parents have no idea of any of this, but this young person has to evaluate all this, cope with what he will probably think is a death sentence, and have entered this world of corruption in secret, because of incessant, inaccurate propaganda convincing him he was born "gay"?
Day of Truth - April 27, 2006Even though this consent by minors is becoming very common and is even upheld by law, there's no excuse for putting kids in this position. It's certainly feeding the problem of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual activity among America's youth. Parents are, by and large, not a problem for kids, but the primary people in the world who care most about a kid's welfare, and the ones who can talk him/her out of foolish impulses. Don't we have public service ads now that urge parents to talk with teens about sex, about drugs? Don't we know that this works? But these clubs, and the assumptions they make about all parents, undermine the child's first, best hope. We are offering kids a way to act on misinformation, and opportunities to be exploited, by excluding parental knowledge. This is a recipe for an insane, unstable and disease-ridden culture.
Wait – we've already got that, don't we?
And we haven't even addressed one more big question: the potential for molestation.
What happens if one of these HIV testing sessions uncovers a 12-, 13- or 14-year-old who is having a relationship with a 25- or 30-year-old? Why isn't there required reporting of such relationships? If we are going to empower taxpayer-funded groups to act as health professionals, we have to require that they not corrupt, or aid and abet corruption of children – period. The reality is that adult-teen liaisons are not uncommon in the "gay" community, so some oversight and legal parameters are needed.
We have once thrown kids to the beasts of tolerance and acceptance. Well, few of us want to tolerate and accept increased homosexual activity, as well as limited and shortened lives of our precious children – all because of a 100 percent preventable problem.*******
The Day of Truth was established to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective.
In the past, students who have attempted to speak against the promotion of the homosexual agenda have been censored or, in some cases, punished for their beliefs. It is important that students stand up for their First Amendment right to hear and speak the Truth about human sexuality in order to protect that freedom for future generations. The Day of Truth provides an opportunity to publicly exercise our free speech rights.
Participating students are encouraged to wear T-shirts and pass out cards (not during class time) with the following message:
I am speaking the Truth to break the silence.
Silence isn’t freedom. It’s a constraint.
Truth tolerates open discussion, because the Truth emerges when healthy discourse is allowed.
By proclaiming the Truth in love, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved.
The Day of Truth is scheduled for April 27, 2006. This is the day after GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educational Network) will sponsor the "Day of Silence." GLSEN’s Day of Silence encourages students to remain silent throughout the day and not respond to teachers or school administrators. It is part of their overall strategy to change how our society perceives homosexual behavior. But the Day of Silence is a misnomer, because what is truly being silenced is the Truth.
Visit Day Of Truth to learn more and participate in this project.
I'm all for truth....but...the truth of the matter is this...those young people do not choose to be attracted to their same gender and they should not feel "shamed" for it. I'm not sure what the answers are...but there MUST be a better way than what is being brought forth by the "Exodus machine". I'm all for proclaiming the truth about sexual attractions being fluid and changeable....however....to make blanket statements about the unGodliness of those who never chose to be attracted to the same sex in the first place...is not speaking truth in LOVE. Jesus loved us FIRST...and still does....whether we choose to submit to Him or not. We are called to be agents of LOVE, not CONDEMNATION. If that love is not accepted, then so be it.
ReplyDeleteHello Grace,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog. I'm glad to hear that you are "all for truth." That's a great start (for any of us).
I realize that these young people do not choose to be attracted to their same gender. I also think that it shouldn't be affirmed and encouraged. Unfortunately, advocacy runs rampant in public schools today. Students are only getting the liberal left side of the issue which often leads to licentious views and behavior. Students aren't hearing that thousands of people have been released from gay behavior and identity through reparative therapy and, more importantly, through born-again faith in Jesus Christ.
Spiritually, God tells us in His Word what is sin, what is shameful, and what is ungodly. My sin is no greater or worse than any other person's. But one difference is that I don't go around proclaiming that my sin is O.K. with God. Homosexual activists, "gay" Christian believers, their advocates and supporters do just that.
You said, "to make blanket statements about the unGodliness of those who never chose to be attracted to the same sex in the first place...is not speaking truth in LOVE."
No one is claiming that being attracted to the same sex is sin. Temptation is not sin. When one acts upon sinful desires (any kind), it is then that the line is crossed.
Yes. Jesus loved us FIRST (thank God!) and He loves all of us so much that he went to the cross to die for our sins. The bad news is that people who do not repent and accept this gift of salvation will die with their own sins on their souls and thus away from the saving grace of God.
Jesus asks each one of us, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet lose his own soul?"
We must face the bad news that we are all sinners in need of the Savior. I glanced at your blog (will read more carefully at a later time) and it appears to me that I don't need to explain the way of salvation to you. I include this info for the benefit of other readers.
I have to say that I cannot agree with this portion of your statement, "whether we choose to submit to Him or not."
When an individual chooses not to submit to Him, where will that person end up? Is it more loving to warn a person of the coming judgment or "love him/her while they are headed to hell"??
Being an agent of LOVE for Christ includes sharing the entirety of the gospel message. Not just the grace, mercy, and love of the Lord. He is also THE Holy, Righteous Judge of the universe and must judge us for our sins. If we are not covered by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for our sins then we die separated from God forever!
You said, "If that love is not accepted, then so be it."
It's very true that not all will accept this message. But we are called to proclaim it anyway.
Romans 8:1 - [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Friends don't let friends miss heaven.
About the "Exodus machine". There are various Christian ex-gay ministries to choose from out there. If Exodus isn't a good fit for one person, he/she can go elsewhere. Just like not one church (or denomination) is "right" for every believer, we shouldn't expect just one ex-gay ministry to be the "right fit" for everyone wanting to be released from the bondage of homosexual attraction and behavior.
I admire you, Grace, for your desire to reach homosexuals for Christ in a loving manner. I have found that no matter what I say, people form their own opinions (both negative or positive) about the words and methods that I use to reach the lost for Jesus Christ. Heck! Even Jesus, the Son of God was bad-mouthed and rejected for his message! Why shouldn't I expect the same to happen to me? I see it as "coming with the territory as a Christian believer", so to speak...especially when discussing the volatile topic of homosexuality and "gay" marriage with non-believers and gay rights advocates.
You said, "I'm not sure what the answers are..."
I hear ya! Of course we don't have all of the answers...but God's Word does. I continue to learn from what is revealed in Scripture, the words and person of Jesus Christ, and the fellow believers in my life. It's a lifelong journey, isn't it? But we all do the best we can with what we have learned through Jesus...amen?
God bless you,
Christine
I guess the bottom line for me is that most of these "tactics" being used just aren't Christlike. They are reactionary and in the same vein of "tactic" being used by the radicals on the "other" side.
ReplyDeleteWe're not going to agree on methods, obviously. Thanks for your response. We can agree to disagree on this and continue to live as sisters in Christ. I'm called to walk in the same grace regarding my disagreement with you as in dealings with all others.
Thanks for reading my blog. ;)
love in Christ,
grace
When it comes to the desensitization, jamming and conversion of impressionable children, pre-teens, teenagers, and even college students, I think that it is our duty, as followers of Christ, to step in and do something to stop such a slippery slide down into depravity. Have you read David Kupelian's "The Marketing of Evil" book? It is truly eye opening! You can read the entire first chapter here.
ReplyDeleteThere is a new article here. that shows the evil marketing techniques in action at the OSU college campus.
I hope you will stick around, grace, and tell me what you think after reading these links.
Jesus wasn't against calling evil for what it is...evil. He even told us that people would revile believers because of our stand for Him and against evil.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Luk 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Jhn 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Jesus had strong admonitions for those who would corrupt children.
Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mar 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Luk 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Very harsh words, wouldn't you agree?
Jesus is speaking about new converts there....not literally little children, although I don't doubt the harsh intent or disagree with it in either case. He was also talking, as was the typical case when he spoke harshly, to believers....religious folks. Not sinners.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do with the fact that Jesus was revilved for fraternizing with sinners? Do you believe that he was "shaming" them and that's why the religious leaders gave him such a bad time for spending so much time around the more "unseemly" folks that he befriended? Do you really think it was his love or his admonishon of them that caused him to be able to communicate and convert so many of the outcasts to the way?
I really appreciate your time...I do....but I don't see us coming to a point of agreeing on these tactics that are being used by the religious right. I see no compassion for hurting people who don't even recognize they are hurting....and how can they, when they haven't been loved as Jesus loved?
I honestly won't have time to read all those links until next week. I'm going out of town for the weekend. But I'll do my best to get back to it.
Thanks again for your time! :)
in Christ,
grace
grace,
ReplyDeleteI don't think that you are entirely correct when you stated, "Jesus is speaking about new converts there....not literally little children,"
Note the following commentaries:
From Pastor Chuck Smith:
v. 6 Millstones were huge and heavy.
v. 7 The world is full of filth and vulgarity that our children will be exposed to in spite of our best efforts to protect them. "Woe unto the world because of offenses!"
David Guzik commentary:
3. (5-6) Woe to the one who causes one of these to stumble!
a. A severe punishment is described here; it would be better for the offending one to receive this punishment of the millstone
b. Little ones includes children, but also those who humble themselves as children
c. Innocence is something to be highly prized; we are responsible to preserve it in ourselves and in those around us, especially children.
4. (7) Offenses are inevitable, but we are to have no part in offending
a. The first woe is a cry of pity for a world in danger of offenses; the second woe is a denunciation of the sinner as being responsible for all the evil which he introduces
b. Evil and offense are in the world, but this never justifies our participation with evil; we are our brother's keepers
Matthew Henry commentary:
Observe, First, The crime supposed; offending one of these little ones that believe in Christ. Their believing in Christ, though they be little ones, unites them to him, and interests him in their cause, so that, as they partake of the benefit of his sufferings, he also partakes in the wrong of theirs. Even the little ones that believe have the same privileges with the great ones, for they have all obtained like precious faith. There are those that offend these little ones, by drawing them to sin (1 Co. 8:10, 11), grieving and vexing their righteous souls, discouraging them, taking occasion from their mildness to make a prey of them in their persons, families, goods, or good name. Thus the best men have often met with the worst treatment in this world.