Schlosser, L. Z. (2003). Christian privilege: Breaking a sacred taboo. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 31(1), 44-51

You can download a PDF of this list here.

Photo by Asterio Tecson

According to a long-term poll by the General Social Survey, those who support homosexuals and gay marriage are now in the majority of the American population for the first time!

The question they asked? “Are sexual relations between two adults of the same sex always, almost always, sometimes, or never wrong?” Only in the 2010 results did the numbers show a change from “always wrong” to “not wrong at all.”

May I just say it’s about damn time!

In a blog post detailing these findings, the comments got off to a glorious start. Here’s a response from “Barbara” who makes so many bigoted, homophobic statements I don’t even know where to start!

Chuck, you’re wrong if you think that everyone is going to come to accept your homosexuality and lifestyle as “normal”. It is not. If you really wanted to be accepted as normal, groups of you would do everything in your power to end the disgusting parades, but there is no call to end them, they are evidently loved by homosexuals. If you seriously want to act like the typical neighbor next door, aren’t you seriously embarrassed about them, or are you not allowed to speak the truth? If you think I would ever allow little children to watch them, you’re way off base. Sorry, but they show you as you are, and your “group” is not normal. The American Psychiatric Association calls depression and anxiety, which everyone has had at some time of their lives, labelled as mental illnesses. But your group has pressured them to accept as “normal” people who participate in parades naked or half-naked, men dressed as women, homosexuals acting out the sex act on a parade float in front of huge crowds, etc as “normal”, and do you really think that’s how the individual psychiatrists themselves think?

Everyone that I know does think that you should not be allowed to marry and definitely should not be allowed to adopt. Polls of Americans show that they do not agree with the states allowing homosexuals to marry, and if they’re asked if they should be allowed to adopt, they would hear a resounding NO. Just because your group is able to donate a lot of money and apply a lot of political pressure to get the laws passed that you want, does not mean that that the average American, and especially Christian Americans, agree with the law. Those laws would be undone in a minute if possible.

For those pollsters who are brave enough to go against the violent vehemence of your crowd, the polls show that your “marriages” are nothing but a sham. The vast majority of them are “open” marriages, with no intention of staying true to each other. It is not a lie that, on the average, homosexuals have extremely high numbers of partners compared to heterosexual men. I really doubt that you and your friends are willing to be truthful about this. Sorry, but this country’s interstate highways are notorious for having homosexuals in the restrooms just waiting for other random homosexual men, not caring in the least if they even see their faces, not caring in the least if they know them, they just want their sex. We all know about the homosexual baths, etc, and that’s why AIDS spread so quickly among homosexuals. The percentage of AIDS among heterosexual men in the US never approached the rate of AIDS among homosexuals. You may try and cover it up and sugar coat it, but it is a sick perversion that GOD says is an abomination. If you think we will all cave in to political correctness and ignore the truth, you’re wrong. It’s a shame that most people don’t bother researching anything, they just go along with whatever is the popular thought of the day. But I will always stand with God’s Word. In addition, being happily accepted as “normal” couples is not merely all that homosexuals want. They already have California law requiring that gay history will be covered in the student’s textbooks. They may not be able to give you the name of the first President, but they’ll have to learn the history of a group of people who want acceptance of their sin. I’m not sorry for how I feel. God’s way is always the right way. It’s sad but true, that I’m willing to go to my death for my faith in my Lord, but you’re willing to go to eternal condemnation for what pleases you sexually. Your eternal life is much more important, I’m praying you will repent.

It doesn’t make any difference in the world if my opinion is someday in the minority. I will always do my best to follow the Lord. Don’t you call it an agenda when you’re not happy enough with laws protecting your jobs, you then want laws allowing you to marry, you have laws to adopt, the next step now being taken is to teach little 3 and 4 year olds the history of the gay movement? And then what will follow, allowing kids of all ages to express their sexuality, so that the homosexuals can be with young boys? When will it end? Sorry, but I hardly see the political action groups dissolving. It’s not surprising that I’ve yet to see homosexuals saying how much they love the Lord and how the Lord has made a difference in their lives.

Click for a screenshot.

Sigh.

photo by Steve Rhodes

I read some shocking facts about rape in the United states from Ms. Magazine:

1. The FBI’s definition of “forcible rape” in their Uniform Crime Report (UCR): “The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.” [PDF]
2. What that definition leaves out: anal, oral and statutory rape; incest; rape with an object, finger or fist; rape of men
3. Number of men raped in any year, according to the UCR: 0 [PDF]
4. Estimated number of men actually raped each year, according to the Dept. of Justice: 93,000 [PDF]

Some of the most offensive facts:

Percentage of rape reports deemed “unfounded” by New Orleans police in 2008: 60 percent

Percentage of rape reports deemed “unfounded” by Baltimore police in 2009: 32 percent

Percentage of actual estimated false rape reports in any given year according to research studies: 2-8 percent

What a Philadelphia police officer once called his city’s sex crimes unit: “The lying bitches unit.”

Read more here.

There is a petition available asking the FBI to modernize the definition of rape. Sign it here.

I was a victim. I deserve to be counted.

Check out a previous post about preventing rape and one about rape in the Bible.

Not only was he found not guilty of disorderly conduct, but the Hawaii Senate has now unanimously voted to end all daily prayers.

I consider this a great victory for the Constitution and an example for the other 49 states who have failed to do the same. Way to start the ball rolling, Hawaii! I hope other legislatures will see the wisdom in guarding the necessary separation between Church and State and follow suit.

A print ad promoting peace in India

In my past life, the only causes worth dying for were one’s faith and one’s country. I remember attending a youth conference where a provocative speaker spent an hour telling heart-wrenching stories about Christian persecution around the world and how many believers go to their deaths because they refuse to give in to those who do not give them religious freedom. These stories had a great impact on me at the time. I once considered going on a bible smuggling mission trip to China so I could help people who had to be underground and hidden in order to practice Christianity.

Martyrdom is revered in Christianity very highly, and it’s not hard to find a believer who will say they would gladly die for the cause of Christ. Willingness to die for one’s beliefs is considered an honorable act by most every religion I can think of. Even secular causes (especially in times of political upheaval) can bring about this drastic act of devotion.

I do not think martyrdom—whether modern or throughout history—proves anything about the claims these people made or the beliefs they held. More death does not equal more truth. I do not think that the more one suffers for those claims, the more glorious and righteous one is.

I still feel angry and sad when I hear stories of persecution and the fight for freedom around the world. I pity those who have governments or religions that would drive people to give up their lives to prove a point.

I wish these sacrifices did not have to be made.  To be honest, I’m not sure they always need to be. I’m not trying to disrespect those who have died for the freedoms I now enjoy, but in some cases (especially religious ones), I just feel pity for those who would die for gods and myths that don’t exist. But how can they know any better? They believe, and belief is a powerful force of influence. I wish lives could be saved by religion disappearing from this earth.

Discussion:

Is voluntarily dying for one’s cause the utmost sign of devotion? Wouldn’t more be accomplished if one was alive to continue the fight? What do you think about people who commit suicide to spread a message?

Are there any causes you would die for (religious or secular)?

Do you think military personel killed in the line of duty are considered martyrs? If so, how does your view of military martyrdom differ from your view of religious martyrdom?

Is martyrdom a realistic option in this modern world? Will there always be martyrs?

Check out more history and examination on this topic here.

(Image via The Inspiration Room)

Do you know who your United States Senators are? Check them out here.

I’m calling Washington tonight to leave voicemails for the Illinois Senators to ask that they support the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. I don’t want them getting a vacation until this is voted on and passed. Are you with me?

It couldn’t be easier to do, so call the Senate switchboard today and ask your representatives to call for a vote and repeal DADT this year!

(202) 224-3121

Good ol’ Bible literalist John Shimkus (R-IL) is a member of the United States House of Representatives. He’s an evangelical Republican who also sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

This committee has jurisdiction over a large portion of legislation, such as public health, biomedical research, travel and tourism, national environmental policy, alternative energy, and conservation. That sure is a lot of power, wouldn’t you say?

So whats the problem with Shimkus being on the committee? Let’s see what he thinks about preserving the environment:

During a hearing in 2009, he dismissed the dangers of climate change and the warnings of the scientific community by quoting the Bible. He uses God’s promise to Noah (Genesis 8:21-22) [as proof.]

“I believe that’s the infallible word of God, and that’s the way it’s going to be for his creation,” Shimkus said.

Oh goody, someone who thinks the flood was literal and pretty rainbows mean climate change is a lie.

He then uses Matthew 24:31 (which has nothing at all to do with the environment) to defend a position that:

“The Earth will end only when God declares it’s time to be over. Man will not destroy this Earth. This Earth will not be destroyed by a Flood,” Shimkus asserted. “I do believe that God’s word is infallible, unchanging, perfect.”

(source)

Shouldn’t there be a requirement for learned people who actually know an industry—or at least (dare I say it) science—to lead the major committees in the House? Pretty please with intelligence on top?

Oh gee, it reminds me of this:

‘Our inmates are only allowed to receive soft back bibles in the mail directly from the publisher,’ First Sgt. K. Habersham noted in the e-mail. ‘They are not allowed to have magazines, newspapers, or any other type of books.’

How backwards is this policy? It keeps inmates from being educated, balanced thinkers in every way. Even if I was a Christian, I would hate it. People in all situations deserve to read and learn.

Is anyone else thinking this seems a lot like Shawshank Redemption?

(via christiannightmares)

Another reason I’ve been moving from one side of a debate to another is my radical switch from Christianity to atheism. When I was a believer, I always knew what to do and what to believe in because it was an established system in my religion, my family, and my community. Atheism flung me outside all of those groups quite suddenly, and I had to do even more thinking on my own. With no one to tell me what to believe, and not much practice being a truly critical thinker, I had a lot of catching up to do! In fact, I know I’m still not done reconsidering my positions. Perhaps I never will be.

I came up with four examples of how I’ve shifted my opinions in the past five years.

photo by Tony Case

1) Masturbation

Then: A few years ago after wobbling between “masturbation is a sin” and “if it’s awesome, why not?” I settled on the view that masturbation was okay so long as you didn’t lust. This is a popular position in some Christian circles because it allows the person the physical release, but it keeps people from sinning according to Jesus “Thought Police™” Christ (see Matthew 5:28).

Now: My new guiltless sexuality and self-confidence are mainly a direct result of leaving Christianity. Now I’m not ashamed of my actions nor filled with self-loathing about being a sexual person. I can embrace healthy expressions of this side of my nature; I can be mature and wise about it instead of secretive and ignorant. The human body is an amazing thing, and we should enjoy it!

Check out my previous post on masturbation.

Click below the cut for three more…

photo by Fernanda do Canto

2) Pre-Marital Sex

Then: Five years ago I was a pile of contradictions. I encouraged young women to wait until marriage to have sex, but I wasn’t a virgin myself. I gave advice and spiritual counseling to girls who struggled with, “How far is too far?” while at the same time fantasizing about all the things I could do with another man. I thought it waiting for marriage was not only the ideal, but that those who didn’t wait were somehow dirtier or less mature and respectable (all the while not counting myself among “those people.”)

Now: I encourage safe, confidant sex. I want women like myself to make wise decisions about sex—not make decisions based on guilt or shame—and have healthy boundaries. I think sexuality is an amazing, glorious area in which to grow, and I am angry at those who try to teach that it’s dirty or scary to express what comes naturally. I believe sex is very special and can unite people who care about one another and want to express that care with complete vulnerability, passion, and trust. Marriage is not a requirement for that stage of a relationship.

I’ve written before about healthy views about sex. And don’t miss the results of my twitter survey on open relationships, monogamy, and polyamory.

photo by Zoe

3) Circumcision:

Then: I used to assume it’s what was generally done, and was the parents’ right to circumcise their children. I didn’t really think about male circumcision as a big issue until I became non-religious (and realized how stupid it was to use this ancient religious ritual today, especially on non-Jews), dated a man with an intact penis (and found out how rad a foreskin really is), and did more research about the topic to educate myself.

Now: I’m very strongly against infant circumcision. I think every child has the right to the complete genitals they are born with—no matter what they are. Circumcision permanently removes healthy functional tissue from a person who did not consent to it.

photo by Nate Chongsiriwatana

4) Gay Marriage

Then: I thought I was a supporter of gay rights—I really did. But I considered a separate-but-equal union for gay couples to be a fair deal. I figured that if homosexuals could have civil unions while not having “marriage,” it was good enough and would make everyone happy.

Now: I support the absolute same rights, labels, and acceptance for everyone of every gender and every sexual preference. Homosexuals don’t need a special type of union apart from marriage. They should be married. There should be absolutely no difference between any couple in terms of benefits, social acceptance, legal status, or anything else. No separate-but-equal bullshit allowed.

Check out my other posts on Gay Marriage and Homophobia in schools.

What do you think about these topics? Have you ever radically changed your mind from one view to another?