Stop Using Religion To Justify Hate
HICKORY, NC – The content of a book and the personal mission of one local business owner brought a crew from CNN to Lenoir-Rhyne University on Thursday. “CRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing The Personal, Social and Religious Pain of Growing Up Gay In America” was written by Mitchell Gold. Gold is best known as one of the nation’s leading furniture designers and manufacturers. His company is based in Taylorsville, NC.
Gold took the stage at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s PE Monroe Auditorium on Thursday with Soledad O’Brien, a special corespondent for CNN. O’Brien is currently working on a special report entitled “Gay In America.” The special report follows previous in-depth reports she has done including “Black In America” and “Latino In America.” The event was part of the university’s Visiting Writer’s Series.
During the 45-minute interview with O’Brien, Gold told why he authored the book – giving an emotional story of growing up in New York and facing ridicule and bullying because he was gay. “I finally got enough courage to tell my mother,” he said. He didn’t tell his father for two years later. Both of his parents, however, were supportive of him.
The story for Anna Wakefield wasn’t as promising. Gold explained that Anna came out to her mother, who was a conservative Christian. Anna’s sexual orientation was in conflict with her mother’s religious views. Anna’s mother, Mary Lou Wallner, told Anna that she could not accept her because she was gay. On February 28, 1997, Anna was found hanging from a rod in her closet – the very place she sought to escape with her mother’s support.
Gold says that Anna’s story isn’t uncommon; Wallner shares her story and regretful actions in Gold’s book. He says hundreds of thousands of youth face a very similar situation around America. That’s why he founded an organization to face religion-based prejudice head-on. Faith In America accomplishes this goal by drawing comparisons to how religion was used to justify slavery, deny interracial marriage and deny women the right to vote – and how it’s being used to deny gay Americans that same opportunity.
Following the interview with O’Brien, the audience was given an opportunity to ask questions. Contrary to other reports, the audience at the event was made up primarily of members of the community thirty-years of age or older. College students represented a small minority of those in attendance.
Nonetheless, the first person to ask a question was a local pastor who pleaded for Gold to “accept Christ as his personal Savior.” In doing so, the pastor said “and God will deliver you from this situation that you’re in.” The pastor was cut short by O’Brien who asked the audience to ask a question, rather than using their opportunity at the mic to make a statement.
Several other questions were asked, including what resources exists for local youth who are facing similar issues as those Gold included in his book. Gold said that none existed in the Hickory area, but that schools could refer students to counselors. One local gay leader, who didn’t want to be identified, said that she had attempted to contact Gold several times for support of a gay support group that she led in Hickory. Gold declined meeting with her and never offered any financial assistance. The group closed in 2005. Proceeds from the sales of Gold’s book goes to benefit organizations in New York and California.
After O’Brien had ended the question-and-answer portion of the program and was about to walk off stage, a Lenoir-Rhyne student approached the microphone and asked Gold from what source he got his information that sexual orientation was genetic and not a choice. Gold responded, “Google it.”
Elke Kennedy drove to Hickory from Greenville, SC. Her son, Sean, was murdered outside of a nightclub in Greenville because he was gay. She contributed to Gold’s book. She said she came “because Mitchell has been a great supporter.” “It is important that we see more events like this. We must educate the public about the effects of bullying and hatred. What starts off innocently turns into violence,” she added.
Gold says he will continue to fight and push for equality for gay Americans, because stories like Kennedy’s shouldn’t have to be a part of the American fabric. Shadowing the event, as folks left the auditorium, was an open-air minister telling folks how sinful they were for believing Gold’s philosophies. One person told us that the minister’s “hateful words” only justified Gold’s message.
For More Information
Lenoir-Rhyne’s Visiting Writer’s Series – website
Crisis book – website
Faith In America – website
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams – website
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I'm tired of people commenting on Christian beliefs that do not understand or have the spirit and the mind of God. The bible clearly states, in Old and New Testament, that homosexuality is a sin. However, we are not to bully or degrade those who are in sin, just as we are not to bully the drunk or the glutton (ever eaten too much during the holidays?). As a Christian I love, or do my best with God's help, everyone. I can help a brother or sister out by pointing out sin in their life, and I would want the same corrections pointed out to me. This is a love issue (non-sexual) not a gay harassment issue.
These people are not gay. They are homosexuals. Call them what they are.
According to the dictionary gay is joyous, cheerful, merry, describes a happy or lighthearted mood. Some homosexuals may be joyous, cheerful, merry or are of a lighthearted mood, but as a general description gay does not fit homosexuals.
The dictionary describes homosexual as a sexual desire or behavior directed toward a person or persons of one's own sex.
Seems pretty true describing both gay and homosexual.
Guest, thanks for visiting and taking the time to share your thoughts. Lets not focus on semantics. The term gay is also referenced in many dictionaries as meaning “homosexual.” Feel free to see reference 4 in Merriam-Webster's dictionary. I think we can all agree that Webster's dictionary is validly identified as an acceptable reference dictionary. (Link: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gay )
In addition, this article speaks of sexual orientation and not sexual behavior. It's important that you understand the difference between the two. That too can be found, in Mr. Gold's words, by “Googling it.”
I finf your coverage of this event to be completely one sided towards promoting homosexuality and obviously foments hatred towards true Christians and true Christianity. Your coverage depicts people with regular, decent Christian values in a villianous way, noting a local pastor with a Christian message was “cut short” by O'Brien, depicting the silencing of this Christian on a pretense as justifiable. Claiming that a girl's tragic suicude as caused by her “conservative Christian mother” was another attempt at villifying Christians. The girl was obviously spiritually and morally disturbed. these people often have trouble with drugs, alcohol, occultism, and who knows what else. But, according to Gold, it was the evil Christian. I have not read the book, but I'd say there are no mention of the Christians being attacked by homosexuals in their strongholds like San Franscisco (Google it), or of Christians who have been hospitalized by being beaten by homosexauls, even here in Hickory. The promoting of perversion and the promoting of hatred of Christians are just further evidence that this country as well as the rest of the civilized world has turned from Christ and will soon turn to the Antichrist. By the way, it seems evident that this avowed fifty seven year old homosexual is doing everything he can to get contact with children who may be confused and open to manipulation by his kind. Thank you for motivating me into defending decency and fighting against perversion, from here to the White House.
Evan,
Thank you for visiting Catawba Valley Citizen and taking the time to share your opinion. I will not get into the debate over this issue with you, because as a journalist that is not my position. I will, however, tell you that this article uses the terminology that was used by Gold and those in his book. The story of Anna Wakefield is in Gold's book. Before doing this story, I read Gold's book to get a better understanding of his message and intent. Anna did kill herself and her mother, Mary Lou Wallner, called herself a “conservative Christian” and blamed her daughter's death on her “extremely conservative religious views.” Wallner travels the country today speaking to groups, trying to prevent what she says she caused to her daughter.
As far as O'Brien interrupting a pastor who was making a statement to Gold, there simply is not other way to describe it than that she “cut him short.” She interrupted him, the microphone was turned off and the pastor was no longer allowed to speak. If you interpret that act, as Catawba Valley Citizen's prejudice towards those that disagree with this issue – then I cannot apologize, that's your own issue to deal with.
As a representative of Catawba Valley Citizen, I will tell you that our editorial board decided to represent both sides of the debate. That is why we are the only news outlet that was in attendance (other than CNN of course) that has video of the event – including video taken by the open-air minister who spoke outside. You are entitled to view that material and form an opinion of your own.
Likewise our article, I believe, is very reflective of the tone of the event – if nothing else. Should you desire to submit an op-ed with a differing opinion to this article, we will be glad to publish it. We only ask, as we do all folks, that your comments / op-ed, etc are respectful and decent.
Again, thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit with us. Continue sharing your thoughts and views and staying involved. This is definitely one of the hottest social issues of our time and its important that folks from both sides of the debate have decent and meaningful conversation.
Progressing Forward,
Brandon Greeson
Publisher
Wow! What great and unexpected coverage of a good event. I am very much a promoter of peace, love, and acceptance, and it sounds like that is the root of Mitchell Gold's message.
Great work!
Love it Brandon!!
People need to really realize that the word “gay” can mean many things. If you cant put together what the word means, then mentally there must be something wrong with you.
Evan,
Being a young homosexual, I have experienced many tragic events through out my coming out to the public. I have noticed that as I have tried with the up most respect been nice to the Christian family; they still disrespect me. I sit and wonder “what have I done to them?” and “what do I do to deserve the disrespect they give me?”. I was brought into this world on February 26 by God, who loved me very much. At that time he determined the person that I was going to be. He carried me through my life. I sit here and I pray every single day that God is still by my side and it seems to me that he answers every miracle that I have ever needed; one being coming out into this world. So for one if you say that we disrespect Christians, you are totally wrong and need a reality check. Secondly, the places where the homosexuals jumped the Christian people, well you guys put us through a lot of pain. As I stated above, I tried so hard to come out with the up most respect to the Christians, but I was still turned away and told I should go to hell. So in my own personal opinion, sometimes they put us through pain, therefore we are going to get back. Like I have always heard Karma is a bitch. Thirdly, being that I am 17 Mitchell Gold reached out to me, he helped me come out to my family, he was the one that inspired me to come out. So if you want to blame him for child molestation, then you are wrong. I really do believe that you need a reality check and need to realize that in Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge or you too will be judged.” I just wanted to inform you, if you believe we are the ones doing the sinning, look at yourself. Look at who the people that are judging. We, homosexuals are only trying to find a place in this world and get accepted. I hope that you have a wonderful night and I have drawn many points to the issues you stated above about homosexuals.
Zrwhitt,
Thank you for responding to my note. First,if you are not 18 I strongly advise you to check with your parents before engaging in a discussion with an adult concerning these issues. Let's address some of your statements.
Concerning being created by God as a homosexual you are wrong and you are trying to use God as your tool. Your words show that you claim God but you dn't know God. Scripture can easily bear this out. As for me,
I have no dog in this fight, I am not interested in just winning arguements. I am following the great commission (Mathew 28:18-19), to go into all the world, proclaiming that Jesus Christ, Go's only Son, loves you and yearns to be your personal Savior.
Concerning being told to go to hell, that sounds like a convenient steryotype to me. I have been aroud Gospel Christians ever since I got saved, which didn't happen until my late twenties, and I have found Gospel Christians to be some of the most unjustly maligned people I've ever associated with. They are also some of the most loving and generous people, but they will speak thruth in Christ. Evidently some went to the event specially to tell Mr Gold that Christ loves him and wants to be his Savior. Most people who call themselves Christians really are not, even though they belong to some church or the other. They do not have a Christian testimony about recieving salvation through Christ. They will not speak the truth, and some may tell you to go to hell. There are also others who will lie to you, telling you that you are created by a homosexual by God, and that's the way God wants you. The latter group is actually more dangerous to you than the first, given your affinity for advocating your homosexuality. You may not like what I say, but i speak the truth in Christ, i do not lie to you. Incidentlly,it is not true that some will commit a homosexual act or any other act and lose their souls to an eternal hell for it. We are all born in sin and are separated from our Creator. Only by recieving salvation through Christ can anyone see Heaven (John3:3). We are all subject to unclean and familiar spirits. We need the Holy Spirit of the Living God through Jesus Christ to come into our lives and make us God's children. Please refer to Romans 10:9-10.
Concerning respect, you seem to link respect to your advocacy of homosexuality. Actually, Scripture shows us that God is no respector of men (Rom 2:11). Jesus encourages us to ..”deny himself, take up the cross…”, and follow Him (Mathew 16:24). As far as reality checks, there is nothing more relevant than God's word, which is a true and genuine reality check. It can make an eternal difference.
Concerning Mathew 7:1 (and 2), it has been my experience that these Scriptures are the most commonly blasphemed in all the Bible. I don't want to be unkind, but there is no other way to put it.
Simply, your application of this scripture is not God centered, but self centered and self serving. The intent of the Scripture here is that I don't know what's in your heart, for all I know you have genuine concerns and beliefs, but I can recognise your words, you can be sincerely wrong. If you were to read on a little further, you will find Mathew 7:5 which shows that I am to offer correction. Have you read the rest of Mathew, or any of the rest of the Bible? Probably not. I don't claim to be a scholar or the smartest guy on the block, but I have read the Bible and continue to re read it and apply it to my life. I love the Lord, and His Word, and want to encourage others to read it and accept Him as well. Actually, it has been said that the Bible is the most well read book in all of human history, and within the bible, the book of Mathew is the best read part, being at the beginning of the New Testament. Isn't it worth reading on this merit alone? No, chapter 7 is not license to sin but to point sin out,as well as a cure for sin, which is a life centered in Jesus Christ as Savior. God wants us to accept Him just as we are, for we can't change or save ourelves. But through Christ, we can become new Creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Concerning getting back at christian people, you are advocating violence, pure and simple. If you are being mentored, you need a new mentor. jesus is the best of all mentors.
It is apparent that some people are under the inflence of unclean spirits, and can be bound by them. Any adult who promotes homosexuality to a youth, especially without their parents consent or presence, is of questionable nature. This person needs someone to actually care enough about him to speak the truth in Christ to him, with love and compasion. The first step is to just accept the fact that Christ is alive, and really cares for you.
In closing, I want to again stress the love Jesus has for you. Jesus unconditionaly loves you. He loves me, and loves Mr. Gold. Perhaps some day you will really need to know someone cares for you. When all else fails, you can say out loud that Jesus does indeed love you (Romans19:9-10). I have a small Bible study available, that centers on Jesus Christ. I would be happy to share with anyone who would like to know more about the person of Christ. Later, God Bles, Evan
Evan,
I commend your knowledge of the bible as it relates to your spiritual beliefs. However the subject at hand has nothing to do with your viewpoints in regards to the hereafter. The conversation revolves around a social and developmental phenomenon that has tremendous amounts of verifiable data and research. Even websites like focus on the family and sites advocating “change” from homosexuality acknowledge that same sex attraction is not a choice. I will grant you that the decision to act on those attractions is a choice much like heterosexuals decision to act on their attractions. I am not here to argue the tenants of Christianity as for myself I believe in God but not religion for religion is an invention of man and incredibly flawed. I will say it is irresponsible and unfortunate for you to berate a minor with your personal religious viewpoints in an effort to make him see your version of “truth.” This effort to remove gay men and women from God's love is EXACTLY what has created a sense of anger on the part of the gay community. It would be akin to me berating heterosexuals for irresponsibly overpopulating the planet and claiming my own personal faith as a justification. Your bible has been used to justify slavery, the unfair treatment of women, even the abuse of small children. I think you would be best served to focus on efforts within the church family you hold so dear and leave social issues to those that actually have the individuals involved best interests at heart. Time will show that myself and individuals like Mr. Gold are on the right side of history, much like those involved with civil rights, womens rights, and children's rights.
David, i tried to get back to you but evidently there has been a problem with the site.
I did want an oportunity to respond to you comments.
The APA, years after pro-homosexual speculation of the “gay gene”, now admits defeat, the verifiable data and research has not found any gay gene. Homosexuality is spread by suggestive contact, which is why gay groups are targeting children, teaching them to be tolerant of homosexuality while attacking normal, decent Christian values at the same time. You must not understand the message of Christian groups. Once an unclean spirit has enters into and gets a grip on a person, whether drugs, sexual perversion, or whatever, it controls the person. Only by having something more powerful in a person's life can they overcome the desire it produces, like a personal relationship with the Living God, here and now. You link religion to true Christianity, but they are not the same. Religion concocts a God that suits the needs of some pesonal belief. You claim “God” but obviously don't know God. So you have religion and it is certainly flawed. It seems like you are actually describing yourself.
There are many people who have been set free from an unclean homosexual spirit. There are many testimonies, and Christian aid groups set up to minister to homosexuals. I'll bet these people were not included in Mr Gold's book, perhaps he only cares about those who promote his beliefs, which seem to me to be narrow minded and agenda driven. I knew someone who committed suicide, back in the seventies. His father was a known homosexual who reportedly abused him, right here in the Hickory area. Maybe Mr. Gold included his story in his book, but I doubt it. I can hardly imagine the horror of someone feeling so alone, their life having no meaning, to the point of actually taking one's own life. There are scores of testimonies of people who have attempted suicide or had seriously considered it but were given new hope by someone letting them know that God truly cares for them, and they don't have to ever be lonely or feel helpless when God comes into their heart and life. Maybe it will be you or Mr. Gold, if just one finds hope in Christ all this would be worth it.
Also, I obviously have not berated anybody, let alone a child. I am answering questions put to me first and you saw the context of my memo. You are defending the gay agenda, which is to advocate homosexuality, including to children. I quote scripture therefore it is with God's word that you have contentions with. If you have scripture you believe supports your position I would like to hear them.
Concerning social issues, people promoting the homosexual agenda obviously don't have anyone's best interests at heart, they want to promote and spread homosexuality. No, advocating normal, decent values in our society is what is best for everyone. Children especially need protection from people who would prey on their youth. And for years American Christians have had an tremendous impact around the world, bringing food and shelter and love to millions in need. Christians didn't start slavery, they ended it. Verifiable research and data can prove this.
David, this country is facing emminent economic, social, and sprirtual collapse, and the homosexual agenda is part of this. History will not look favorably upon this event, which very well could lead to global Armageddon. Please open your eyes and mind. I have a small Bible study on the person of Jesus Christ, I would be happy to share with anyone who would like to know more about God who loves and cares for us now, not just in the “hereafter”. I am not just trying to win an argument, I hope to encourage people to realize that God does love you and wants to be present in your life. Thank you for yor time, and God Bless, Evan