Preacher Responds to ‘Anti-Gay’ Allegations & Media Scrutiny Following IA School Assembly
- Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:46pm by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Bradlee Dean, a pastor based in Minnesota, has frequently drawn the ire of critics. As The Blaze reported earlier this month, Dean and his band Junkyard Prophet came under fire for a speech and performance that was delivered at Dunkerton High School in Dunkerton, Iowa.
Now, Dean is coming forward to defend himself against allegations that he is “anti-gay” and that his ministry, You Can Run International, is inappropriate for public school settings.
In an e-mail interview, The Blaze gave Dean the opportunity to respond to these allegations, among others. When asked to provide more information on You Can Run International’s purpose, he presented the group’s mission statement:
“To reshape America by re-directing the current and future generations both morally and spiritually through education, media, and the Judeo-Christian values found in our U.S. Constitution.”
Here‘s the Christian ministry’s promotional video, which further expounds upon these values:
As for his band, Junkyard Prophet (which is one of his outreach mechanisms) Dean described it as “the tool to reach this generation that speaks their language, bringing MTV to their front door with a moral standard.”
When asked how he would respond to critics who claim that he and his group are “anti-gay“ and ”anti-abortion,“ Dean responded by saying that the band is ”pro-family and pro-life.” Often times, when discussing both issues, it is semantics that those on opposing sides find themselves debating.
“We are not about attacking a particular people, we are about protecting a particular group of people that are under attack, namely America’s students in public schools,” Dean wrote. “This has always been our mission since our inception in 1998.”
Below, see a video that explores another incident (video was uploaded last year) during which Dean faced controversy while presenting at a different school. In it, the rocker and preacher defends himself and his message:
When it comes to the negative reactions purportedly illustrated by some students and faculty at Dunkerton, Dean’s explanation is somewhat different from what some critics have alleged (although it is entirely possible — even likely — that Junkyard Prophet was not made aware of the uncomfortableness some claim they were experiencing).
“There was no negative reaction we were aware of with the students whatsoever,” he claims. “We were made aware of one teacher who had an issue with the abortion picture who didn’t feel it appropriate to show the aftermath of something she advocated.”
Here is the abortion portion of the address, which covers infanticide, Planned Parenthood and offers some other graphic themes and pictures. Watch for yourself (caution: graphic images):
Additionally, the faith leader made it a point to highlight that this wasn‘t the group’s first time at Dunkerton. In fact, he provided documentation from 2003 that shows the school’s principal at the time, Jim Moeller, providing a glowing recommendation following a performance:
Dean maintains that it wasn’t until the media “got involved” that some of the more negative statements about the most recent performance “seemed to ensue.” In the faith leader’s view, the group’s presentation was relatively benign.
“We do a piece in the assembly reflecting the beliefs and reporting of the contemporary media on both [abortion and homosexuality],” he said. “We reference what it was like in our country before 1962…and the values Americans had regarding the two topics. We are there to serve the communities values and not to change them.”
At the end of March, Dean and his group went back to Dunkerton and spoke at a local church in an effort to respond to criticisms waged against them. Watch a news report with more about this follow-up event, below:
At the community forum, residents and students did, indeed, speak out on behalf and in support of Dean and the band:
Dean believes that schools should be “educating, not indoctrinating” and he says that this is exactly what he and You Can Run International are trying to instill.
“[The media] made it out to be what it was not. How many of these people that were covering the event were there? Not one. They seem to strain at the gnat and swallow the camel,” Dean said. “They intentionally overlook the thousands of responses in favor of our message and instead they focus on the few who speak against our message.”
Read our original coverage of this controversy here. What do you think? Was the coverage overblown or were critics right to be taken aback? Let us know in the comments section, below.
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 694 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 662 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 525 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 364 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 352 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 235 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 247 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order Read More- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 235 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (102)
sensibleadult
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 1:40amI‘m a preacher and I’m anti-queer and proud of it. And you can print it in the New York Times. I won’t backtrack, moderate, or apologize. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Report Post »ohnomrbill
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 2:24amThis man has no right to take his message into the high schools, if parents want this gentleman to talk with there child then they should invite him into there church or to some civic hall and then they can take the children there to hear the message he has.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 4:10amThere is nothing wrong with observing that being Gay is a Perversion of Nature… but it has nothing to do with Christianity!
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 11:54amOh No is right, Oh No here we go again from the school of the ill informed.
God’s creations are meant to parent offspring, anything different is not of God.
What we should do is take all the lies out of the textbooks and stop funding the church of the evolutionists. They now have thousands of churches funded and ran with tax payers dollars. Which by the way, the majority of honest tax payers are the Christians. The tax cheats and non-payers make up the democratic party.
These tax dollar funded churches of the evolutionists are also known as public schools.
Libs want the fairness doctrine to spread their hatred of God but do not want those that love God to be able to say anything.
A word to the wise- Do not worrying about preparing for life here after some sort of catastrophic incident. Store up your treasures in Heaven and do the will of God by reading, studying and doing what His Word tells us to do. Spread the will, love and the Word of God to others in Truth.
Jesus said to His disciples that the world would hate them because it hated Him first. So if the world hates you for God’s sake you are doing His will and you are in good company.
Report Post »Directoratasmallbusiness
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 8:36pm@sensibleadult I feel sorry for the people in your congregation!!! I pray they get away from you!!!! I have read several different versions of the Bible. I suggest that you do too and maybe you will change your opinion. Or did you just buy a certificate online to become a preacher? Or are you just prejudice? NIV Bible
Report Post »Acts 8: 36- 40 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] [c] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
Mathew 19: 11-12
11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 9:12pmFine for church.Fine for Youth groups.Little Johnny does not know the bill of rights and can not read.So why does he have to take time from his education to learn about queers? Save the sermons for church.
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 11:03pm@Directoratasmallbusiness
You can read all the versions you wish, but this will come to naught without the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here you quote the non-inspired version, (niv), of the Bible that removes the deity of Jesus Christ. Just as in another post you quoted from John Paul. Both of these are grave errors. You have been taught by man and not by God and that is why you do not understand and are wrong.
Report Post »My suggestion is to confess your sins to God and Him alone. (Not a priest that demands to be called father against God’s Word and cannot forgive of anything but what you have done to him personally.) Ask God for His forgiveness and repent of your sins. Ask God the Father to send His Holy Spirit to teach and guide you and His Word will open up to you.
But you must be born again.
Please do not try to teach anyone anything until you have developed a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ and have allowed the washing of the Word to clear your sight.
GIDEON612
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 11:12pm@Directoratasmallbusiness
I would also suggest that you do word studies. Study with the KJV and use a Strong’s dictionary to start with. Learn what the original words of the Hebrew and Greek really meant before quoiting them.
Report Post »HaploVoss
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:45pmIt doesn’t matter what these people do or say. They will always have critics and people that royally hate their guts. The problem is that there are people that believe it is fine to be homosexual and are fine with abortion, and then there are those who don’t. There are people that choose to express those beliefs. The problem lies in the fact that it is a one sided argument. People that are pro-homosexual, pro-abortion, are (more commonly) absolute haters of those who are anti the same. Personally I could give a rats butt what your sexual preference is and although I disagree with abortion and would never consider it myself – I am not going to try to control what other people do. I do have a problem with anyone other than parents discussing and downright promoting abortion options to kids under 18 though. Therefore since it is a battle that pro-abortion is bringin to even little kids – then pro-life should be allowed to be discussed as well yes? Free speech. Can’t have it one way as bad as you may want it.
Report Post »Areyoukiddingme
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:49pmThese fellas have done a ton of great stuff around the Iowa area. I happend across thier CD when i seen them outside a wal-mart giving handouts about Christ. great music and straight forward message. I am very shocked how many people are attacking Christians. i live in Iowa and it is slowly creeping into our state. My church is still full and overflowing with love 7 days a week. God bless all of you and i pray that those of you that do not believe that your heart will be warmed to the love of Christ sooner then later. I love all of you… even if you dont love me.
Report Post »Totally Domestic
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:57pmIt isn’t GAY, it is HOMOSEXUAL as in SODOMY.
Report Post »As in Sodom and Gomorrah. The is the truth!
shimauma
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 8:14pmThe word “gay” is politically correct for sexual deviation, same as homosexual, meant to make the behavior seem less than the filth that it is. It won‘t be long folks before pedophilia works it’s way up into an acceptable behavior as well folks as long as we keep sugar coating the perversion that is rampant in our society.
Report Post »kadster01
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:41pm“We were made aware of one teacher who had an issue with the abortion picture who didn’t feel it appropriate to show the aftermath of something she advocated.”
There couldn‘t be a more obvious admission of guilt than to shield the young from the ugly truth just to cover one’s own a s s.
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 9:14pmShow them the truth in Church.
Report Post »The Third Archon
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:35pm“When asked how he would respond to critics who claim that he and his group are “anti-gay“ and ”anti-abortion,“ Dean responded by saying that the band is ”pro-family and pro-life.” Often times, when discussing both issues, it is semantics that those on opposing sides find themselves debating.”
Ah, so yes–they DON’T think anyone should be gay, AND they DON’T think all/most abortions should happen. Ok–good of you to make your stance crystal clear, so we know you aren’t a credible authority.
“Dean maintains that it wasn’t until the media “got involved” that some of the more negative statements about the most recent performance “seemed to ensue.” In the faith leader’s view, the group’s presentation was relatively benign.”
Read–”Until the media brought its existence to my attention, I was ignorant about any opposition or complaint to an ideology I obviously sympathize with.”
“We reference what it was like in our country before 1962…and the values Americans had regarding the two topics. We are there to serve the communities values and not to change them.”
Report Post »Well that was before 1962–the majority changed. Now what you are doing is by definition trying to change the political majority. Not that that’s inherently bad, just that the particular changes YOU would like, are foolish (and were changed for good reasons when they WERE the rule).
colt1860
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:43am“Well that was before 1962–the majority changed. Now what you are doing is by definition trying to change the political majority. Not that that’s inherently bad, just that the particular changes YOU would like, are foolish (and were changed for good reasons when they WERE the rule).”
You must not have read the Communist Goals of 1963:
17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers’ associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.
20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as “normal, natural, healthy.”
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of “separation of church and state.”
29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
Report Post »InfiniteSolutions
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:23pmGay activist that accuse us of being homophobes are REALLY HETEROPHOBES. That’s right, I’m tired of explaining my position but if I must, all this crap going around about gay parades and advertising sexual preference and lobbying agendas around it. That proves how non maintstream it is. They are heterophobes, I could care less about gay peoples lifestyles. Respect mine and we will tolerate the minority behavior.
Report Post »NLN
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:16pmAt least gay men can’t reproduce (with other men) thank God.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:07pmUnfortunately, that’s why they have liberal teachers, Marxist politicians and Helli-vision to raise up our children, and have them accept, tolerate and like their corrupt, perverted culture… Parents must fight for their right to educate their children, and take back the Government’s falsely assumed power over education, and return it back to the people.
Report Post »MrKnowItAll
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:05pmJust 100% Makes to Sick to think of Two Guys Together. Satan at his Best. Again I say. Gay Men WANT YOUNG BOY’S AND YOUNG MEN>>>>PERIOD! THIS IS JUST TRUTHFUL Disgusting FACT.
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:40pm“Dean believes that schools should be educating, not indoctrinating”
No, indoctrinating is for crappy bands like yours to do, right?
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:57pmNo, not when the arbitrators in education are the Government and Government hired principles.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:48pmThis is why they want GOD out of the schools.
“One” show…A “year”… can undo….
Report Post »What the liberal / indoctrination / system…Pumps into these kids ….
(5 days a week)………….I love it…!
jungle J
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:29pmarguing with a homosexual is like arguing with a dog with rabies…it wants what it wants and doesn‘t know what it wants but it will bite you to get what it doesn’t know what it really wants….only the sane understand.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:24pm“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act”.
Report Post »- George Orwell
Dde13
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:52pmGreat quote…
Report Post »Faithful Fisherman
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:17pmOne big reason is John Dewey, (1839-1952), who was the “father” of our modern educational system. He also was a Fabian Socialist, signer of the Humanist Manifesto 1, founding member of the ACLU. In 1928 he implemented the Karl Marx system of education in Russia, and them returned to teach at Columbia University, education department. One of his famous quotes, “There is no God and no soul. Hence there are no needs for the props of traditional religion…There is no room for fixed, natural law, or permanent moral absolutes.” Study the past and many of the 1900‘s influencers and the impact of their actions on today’s educational system. We are in a “world of hurt” going forward.
Report Post »DonaldH
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:35pmDewey was born in 1859,,, not 1839
Report Post »BobtheMoron
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:12pmI truly miss the days when gay meant happy. Gay no means a sexual preference that is a genetic dead end. The so-called Gay are, generally, the most unhappy people I have ever met. I can’t for the life of me understand why someone would want to be identified by their sexual preference. My primary identification is more like Dad, Papa and hardworking American. My sexual preference is none of your damned business.
Report Post »piper60
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:23pmI have also thought it sad, they the people who have chosen to be gay, chose to have their sexual preference be the main thing they identify themselves by. Everything in life is a choice, although you may not think so at the time. Including sexual preference.
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:43pm@BobtheMoron
“The so-called Gay are, generally, the most unhappy people I have ever met.”
Funny, the most unhappy people I’ve met in my life tend to be very religious.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:12pm@VanceUppercut Maybe, they we’re very unhappy to have met you? J/K. But, now that you mention that. Muslim women married to very ‘religious’ men seem to be some of the most miserable ‘religious’ people.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 1:18amThe so-called Gay are, generally, the most unhappy people I have ever met.
I’ve spoken to some of the ones who haven’t met you, and they seem to be a much more cheerful lot.
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 11:29pm@BobtheMoron,
Agreed and you are right. But you do not need me to tell you. Those that have opposed you already have. They are also as happy as religious people. Religious people just go through the motions of a man-made doctrines and follow along. This is similar to the perverse that go along with deceitful and disgusting acts and try to tell us God fearing people that we are the strange ones.
Aids is God’s curse toward men who do this.
Romans 1:26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Report Post »vehoae
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:06pmLast night, I was reading Paul’s second letter to Christians in Corinth, Greece. It was written about 57 years after the crucifixion of Christ’s human body. After reading the above comment by RABBIDRJERKINS, I decided to followup with this statement by Paul to the Corinthians: “…even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age [Lucifer] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (II Cor. 4:3-4)
Lucifer told Christ that he (Lucifer) would grant authority and splendor to anybody who would worship him (Luke 4:5-7). Prophets have continually reminded us that things will become progressively worse as the time approaches for Christ’s return.
Connecting the dots in this era is becoming easier with each passing 24 hours. I encourage everyone to spend as much time as possible in conversation with God the Father. I pray He will give us the strength to withstand the daily assaults by Lucifer’s worshipers against those of us who are children of God.
And, Lord, come quickly.
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:52pm@vehoae
Christian mythology stole most of it’s ideas from other mythologies that pre-date Christianity. Consider these figures and/or deities:
Attis of Phrygia
Attis was born on December 25 of the Virgin Nana. He was considered the savior who was slain for the salvation of mankind. His body as bread was eaten by his worshippers. He was both the Divine Son and the Father. On “Black Friday,” he was crucified on a tree, from which his holy blood ran down to redeem the earth. He descended into the underworld. After three days, Attis was resurrected.
Horus
Report Post »Born of a virgin, Isis. Only begotten son of the God Osiris. Birth heralded by the star Sirius, the morning star. Ancient Egyptians paraded a manger and child representing Horus through the streets at the time of the winter solstice (about DEC-21). In reality, he had no birth date; he was not a human. Death threat during infancy: Herut tried to have Horus murdered. Handling the threat: The God That tells Horus’ mother “Come, thou goddess Isis, hide thyself with thy child.” An angel tells Jesus’ father to: “Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt.” Break in life history: No data between ages of 12 & 30. Age at baptism: 30. Subsequent fate of the baptiser: Beheaded. Walked on water, cast out demons, healed the sick, restored sight to the blind. Was crucifed, descended into Hell; resurrected after three days.
VanceUppercut
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:54pmAnother one:
Zoroaster/Zarathustra
Zoroaster was born of a virgin and “immaculate conception by a ray of divine reason.” He was baptized in a river. In his youth he astounded wise men with his wisdom. He was tempted in the wilderness by the devil. He began his ministry at age 30. Zoroaster baptized with water, fire and “holy wind.” He cast out demons and restored the sight to a blind man. He taught about heaven and hell, and revealed mysteries, including resurrection, judgment, salvation and the apocalypse. He had a sacred cup or grail. He was slain. His religion had a eucharist. He was the “Word made flesh.” Zoroaster’s followers expected a “second coming” in the virgin-born Saoshynt or Savior, who is to come in 2341 AD and begin his ministry at age 30, ushering in a golden age.
Shall I go on?
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:01pm28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:39pmWhat a beautiful post. We are facing such great evil and as I look at the world through biblical eyes I feel a great darkness enveloping not only America but the rest of the world too.
There are so many blinded by Satan. If they would just open their hearts and minds to the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ what peace they would find.
Report Post »BoMwarrior
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:45pm@VanceUppercut
Interesting you mention Zoroaster. I find the TRUE (means eternal & unchanging, & “traditional” Christianity IS different than originally taught) Christianity rubbed off on Zoroastrianism, not the other way around. I just learned that the Magi (the “three” wise men), were very likely if not for sure Zoroastrians (I can see if I can get you the reference if you’d like). On that note, why would the Magi come to worship a God of another religion if Zoroastrianism was the one that rubbed off on the Christian religion?
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:57pmNice try Vanceuppercut. Zoroastrian?.Is this the false god u believe in?
I believe in the ONE TRUE GOD of all creation.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Zoroastrianism.html
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:53pmFor the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Romans 1:18-27
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:56pmYo Vance:
Not possible …“christianity” started with Adam and Eve. You have it backwards … and the only way that works for you is to ignor the truth of scripture.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:00pmYo Momrules:
The darker the night, the brighter the light ….can’t beat GOD !!!
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:14am@girlnurse
All gods are false gods. I don’t believe in any god, and I think that deep down most people who claim to don’t either. So why do they pray and go to church, etc.? Most people, deep down don’t REALLY believe. How else to explain the priest who molests a kid, or the good, God-fearing man who lies and cheats to get ahead at work? Now, these are extreme examples, but I think that most people, deep down, aren’t Christian (this applies to other religions, as well) because they “feel it in their heart”, or because they “hear the Lord calling them”. Often, when I get into religious discussions with “believers”, the thing that eventually comes from their mouth is “Aren’t you scared of what’s gonna happen if you’re wrong?”. And that’s it: people “believe” because they’re scared not to. This isn’t the only reason, but I believe it to be a major reason. I look at it like this—there are three main reasons why people hold on to their beliefs:
Report Post »1) As I mentioned before, they’re scared. Look up Pascal’s Wager, which (and I quote) “is a suggestion posed by the seventeenth-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal that, since the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved through reason, and there is much to be gained from wagering that God exists and little to be gained from wagering that God doesn’t exist, a rational person should simply wager that God exists”. (to be continued…)
VanceUppercut
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:18amPart 2: ”. If you take a look at it as a weighing of risk versus reward, religion seems to make sense, but that doesn’t make it right. And is this true belief, believing simply because you’re scared of the consequences of NOT believing? 2) Conditioning. Most religious people were raised with religion, being told since they were wee little babies that God exists and good and all-loving. And don’t question any of these teachings kids, because just questioning it is a sin, and the same God who loves you will send you to burn eternally in the lake of fire. Old habits die hard, and things that have been drilled into you your whole life are not easy to turn away from. If you raise a child and tell them for their whole life that getting wet will melt them like the wicked witch, even when they get older and learn better, odds are that person is going to be wary of water for the rest of their life. (to be continued…again)
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:25amPart 3: 3) Social pressure. Consider this: “In a 2006 nationwide poll, University of Minnesota researchers found that despite an increasing acceptance of religious diversity, atheists were generally distrusted by other Americans, who rated them below Muslims, recent immigrants and other minority groups in sharing their vision of American society”. Society is telling you that it’s wrong to NOT BELIEVE, so you just accept it. To sum it up, the three reasons are:
Report Post »1) Fear of the consequences of non-belief if you turn out to be wrong.
2) Indoctrination and conditioning from a young age.
3) Societal pressure against non-belief.
If you took out these three drives, I believe that the ranks of those who call themselves Christians (or Muslims, or Jews, etc.) would be drastically thinned. In closing, you ever notice how they refer to people not as “God-loving”, but as “God-fearing”? Take away fear and the house of cards collapses.
VanceUppercut
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:29am@4truth2all
“christianity started with Adam and Eve.”
You forgot to add, “according to the Bible”.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 1:32amI don‘t believe in God because I’m somehow scared, I believe in God because trusting in him I’ve nothing to be scared about. I’ve never been conditioned or forced to believe anything. I’ve studied and read the Bible on my own, and have also investigated and researched various subjects and topics regarding the bible and religion; always with an open mind, and an ever growing desire to find the truth of the matter. I’ve formed my beliefs independently, and freely. I think you have the right to not believe in God, as you do have free will, and deserve the dignity, as a human, and fellow American citizen, to have a free conscience. I don’t think you have labeled all Christians within your three brackets, but I’m positive that I do NOT fit into them.
The word fear is used in a different context within Scripture. It does not mean, therein: pain, impending evil, being afraid, alarmed, anxiety, or to be terrified.
“In scripture, fear is used to EXPRESS a filial [relationship] or a slavish [servile] PASSION [not actual condition or personal status]. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience [to all that is just, holy and good]. This is filial fear [a natural need and want of guidance, blessings and justice.” Webster
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 3:44am@VANCEUPPERCUT: Well you may be right for some people, I can’t generalize for an entire huge group like Christianity. I will just tell you for me (this is the truth), I was raised in a non-believing household with no God EVER in the picture. I began my search at a young age, because something inside me and the universe itself told me there had to be more and there had to be a reason for it all. I first sought New Age philosophy and quickly realized it was NOT the answer. I did have a fear of God and death before (had to be instilled by God, certainly wasn’t by my parents)
Report Post »“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. 2 Corinthians 7:10
That was my “beginning”. But since I found God, I will never let Him go, because the fear may have been my beginning and brought me to Him, but now I stay for the love (mine and His). He is like a father who has great love who you have a healthy fear of disobeying, but he only disciplines you for your own good because He loves you so much and He is all knowing wisdom. I do not fear death any more. Christians like anyone, make mistakes and fall into sin but the question is, are they really burdened by their sin and remorseful? If not they probably are not saved.
As far as “social pressure”….come on! There is more social pressure against Christians than there is to be a Christian, now days.
4truth2all
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 8:32amYo Vance:
That was my whole point.
Report Post »Nothing in it that I am aware of has FACTUALLY been disproven to this day and men have been trying the entire time. Not only that. but what about the up to 500 prophetic statements that up to this point again have all proven true! One can not HONESTLY explain that away … one can only ignor it … or make false accusations concerning it.
colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:00pmI applaud this preacher for fighting against these Marxists governing our schools and nation.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Reagan
“Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.” – Reagan
“In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future.” – Madison
“I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.” – Jefferson
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:55pmThe father of the Constitution, James Madison, said, as President, in a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation (1815):
“No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of Events of the Destiny of Nations than the people of the United States. His kind providence originally conducted them to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allotted for the great family of the human race. He protected and cherished them under all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their early days. Under His fostering care their habits, their sentiments, and their pursuits prepared them for a transition in due time to a state of independence and self-government. In the arduous struggle by which it was attained they were distinguished by multiplied tokens of His benign interposition. During the interval which succeeded He reared them into the strength and endowed them with the resources which have enabled them to assert their national rights, and to enhance their national character in another arduous conflict, which is now so happily terminated by a peace and reconciliation with those who have been our enemies. And to the same Divine Author of Every Good and Perfect Gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.”
“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” – Ronald Reagan
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:53pmIf I could have my post on this origional story posted here it said just what he said… only a few people probably complained and they were probably adults.
Report Post »We have to many godless news media.
Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:51pmSave it for church.Kids need to be learning useful stuff.Not about gay sex,lesbian sex,Normal sex,or sex with animals.Save that for Church and home.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:02pmUm… Health Ed already teaches all that to your kids… And they show them pictures too…
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:03pmExcept for the fact that to be a good citizen of this country, one must have an understanding of Biblical principals and that the first text book for all schools, printed and distributed by the first congress was the Bible… and fyi – the Bible is not religious. The founders accepted this…read up
Report Post »Locked
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:06pm@Kaydee
“Except for the fact that to be a good citizen of this country, one must have an understanding of Biblical principals”
I’m a Christian myself, but I find this view to be very short-sighted. I do not for a moment believe that only those who have read the Bible can be good citizens, and I find it saddening that you do.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:22pm“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” John Jay, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Americans at the founding of our Nation were very religious. Within their political institutions they made sure to preserve our heritage.
Practically all state constitutions contained the following language or sentiment:
“Art. 22. Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust . . . shall . . . make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: “I ___, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, Blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scripture of the Old and New Testaments to be given by divine inspiration.” Delaware Constitution 1776
George Washington, the Father of this country, proclaimed, “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…”
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:26pm“On Monday last the Circuit Court of the United States was opened in this town. The Hon Judge [Supreme Court Justice] Paterson presided. After the Jury were impaneled, the Judge delivered a most elegant and appropriate charge… Religion and morality were pleasingly inculcated and enforced as being necessary to good government, good order, and good laws, for “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” [Proverbs 29:2]… After the charge was delivered, the Rev. Mr. [Timothy] Alden addressed the Throne of Grace in an excellent, well-adapted prayer.” New Hampshire Newspaper from Portsmouth 1800.
“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate – look to his character… It is alleged by men of loose principles or defective views of the subject that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men “who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” [Exodus 18:21]… [I]t is to the neglect of this rule of conduct in our citizens that we must ascribe the multiplied frauds, breaches of trust, peculations [white-collar larceny] and embezzlements of public property which astonish even ourselves; which tarnish the character of our country; which disgrace a republican government.” Noah Webster 1823
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:30pmSam Adams said, “He who is void of virtuous attachments in private life is, or very soon will be, void of all regard of his country. [P]rivate and public vices are in reality… connected… Nothing is more essential.. than that all persons employed in places of power and trust be men of unexceptionable characters. The public cannot be too curious concerning the [private] characters of public men.”
Governor Morris, signer of the Constitution, said, “There must be religion. When that ligament is torn, society is disjointed and its members perish. The nation is exposed to foreign violence and domestic convulsion. Vicious rulers, chosen by vicious people, turn back the current of corruption to its source. Placed in a situation where they can exercise authority for their own emolument, they betray their trust. They take bribes. They sell statutes and decrees. They sell honor and office. They sell their conscience. They sell their country… But the most important of all lessons is the denunciation of ruin to every state that rejects the precepts of religion.”
James Madison, declared in 1785, “Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe…”
“Those, therefore, who pay no regard to religion and sobriety in the persons whom they send to the legislature of any State are guilty of the greatest absurdity and will soon pay dear for their folly.” John Witherspoon
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:37pmPublic schools in America taught what Noah Webster wrote in his textbooks. In fact, Noah’s dictionary became the standard, and most widely used Dictionary among professionals and the common people. Webster said this, in his textbook, History of the United States (1832), which was popular in public schools at that time:
“When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.”
The US Northwest Ordinance, enacted into Law in 1789, declared, “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:50pmHow in the world, have Americans even come to accept the notion that the Government can dictate, determine, control, mandate, force, command and enforce what our children must learn, practice, accept and obey within education?
EDUCA’TION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.
Fisher Ames, known as the primary author of the First Amendment, was a publicist, statesman, judge and congressman from Massachusetts (1791-1797). On September 20, 1789, Fisher Ames was quoted in Paladian Magazine, giving his view of American education:
“We have a dangerous trend beginning to take place in our education. We’re starting to put more and more textbooks into our schools. We’ve become accustomed of late of putting little books into the hands of children, containing fables and moral lessons. We’re spending less time in the classroom on the Bible, which should be the principal text in our schools. The Bible states these great moral lessons better than any other man-made book.”
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:46pmLiberals, Marxists and Communists are destroying this country by indoctrinating and brainwashing the youth. Their goal is to raise up a generation of lazy, loud mouth, arrogant, self righteous, rebellious, ignorant, haughty, immodest, immoral, disrespectful, disobedient, inconsiderate subjects.
Samuel Adams wrote a letter on October 4, 1790 to his cousin John Adams, who was vice president of the US: “Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age, by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, of inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity and universal philanthropy, and in subordination to these great principles, the love of their country; of instructing them in the art of self-government… in short, of leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system. Knowledge apart from God and His truth is little better than complete ignorance, because the most important aspect of education is the imbuing of moral principles. All education is religious – it imparts a basic set of principles and ideals, a worldview. How the youth are educated today will determine the course a nation takes in the future.”
“Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” – US Northwest Ordinance, July 13, 1787
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:57pm“The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.” – Washington’s Farewell Address 1796
“And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence.” – John Adams, Inaugural Address, Philadelphia, PA: Saturday, March 4, 1797
“enlightened by a benign religion, professed, indeed, and practiced in various forms, yet all of them inculcating honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, and the love of man; acknowledging and adoring an overruling Providence, which by all its dispensations proves that it delights in the happiness of man here and his greater happiness hereafter—with all these blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy and a prosperous people?” – Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, Washington, DC: Wednesday, March 4, 1801
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:42pmAll it takes these days is for one person to say they were UNCOMFORTABLE..ya know that word and its the end of the world. Teachers must protect their fragile eggshell minds against anything Godly. Its perfectly alright though to promote the gay lifestyle in elementary school grades now.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:41pmWhy is the Government in total control of schools? The founding fathers NEVER intended for education to be the fourth branch of Government.
Report Post »Faithful Fisherman
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:08pmOne big reason is John Dewey, (1839-1952), who was the “father” of our modern educational system. He also was a Fabian Socialist, signer of the Humanist Manifesto 1, founding member of the ACLU. In 1928 he implemented the Karl Marx system of education in Russia, and them returned to teach at Columbia University, education department. One of his famous quotes, “There is no God and no soul. Hence there are no needs for the props of traditional religion…There is no room for fixed, natural law, or permanent moral absolutes.” Study the past and many of the 1900‘s influencers and the impact of their actions on today’s educational system. We are in a “world of hurt” going forward.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:28pm@FaithfulFisherman Thanks for the info! Our education in this country also took a huge turn when teaching to read was dumb downed. (In some parts of this nations, 40% of high school graduates can’t even read eight grade level books). In today’s liberal world, pictures or labels, must be used next to words because most students and young adults can’t understand or read unknown, uncommon, or unfamiliar words. It used to be that kids were taught to read and know words, not solely memorize them. Pronunciation, syllables, rhythm, rhyme, spelling, meaning, etc, are a lost art.
The New England Primer, used by our founding fathers and early Americans, is far more impressive than any connect the dots or color me text books given to our young children for educational purposes today. Take into account, that back then, most Americans read and owned a Bible in their homes, albeit that one great literature and achievement of the English language, the Authorized Version. Most college students and adults today can’t even read or understand the Federalist Papers.
The New England Primer:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/nep/1777/
Charlton Heston on the Authorized Version:
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmZrhpmZSI4
HKS
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:35pmSeems as thought the media is having trouble getting anything right now days, can’t trust anything they say. I think there to concerned with non-news (or make news) and not concerned enough about important news. I think they must have an identity problem, they don’t know who they are. An old timer that I once knew would say “they don’t know if their asses are board or punched.”
Report Post »RabbiDRJerkins
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:18pmShalom,
Report Post »What is the news here? Is it that the enemies of the Lord love the things that the Lord hates (homosexuality, abortion)? Most people should have already figured that out. Is it major news that someone who has identified himself as a servant of the Lord happens to agree with the Lord’s stance on homosexuality (NO!) and abortion (another NO!)? Shouldn’t be.
When the anti-Christians condemn the Christian for daring to express morals or integrity, there is nothing new about it. When a Christian has the courage to actually stand up for the Word instead of apologising for it or making excuses for how the Lord “didn’t really mean it”, THAT is news.
I pray Mr. Dean does not back down.
kaydeebeau
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:32pmAmen… the Truth is still the Truth , even when it is painful to accept
Report Post »wvernon1981
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:57pm” Is it that the enemies of the Lord love the things that the Lord hates (homosexuality, abortion)? Most people should have already figured that out. Is it major news that someone who has identified himself as a servant of the Lord happens to agree with the Lord’s stance on homosexuality (NO!) and abortion (another NO!)? Shouldn’t be.”
As an enemy of the Lord, I have an issue with this statement.
Does God hate something because he’s appealing to some morality extrinsic to Himself. Is there a morality independent of God that he observes and holds himself to? Or is morality defined by something that pleases or irks God? If morality is independent of God, why should we behold ourselves to it? If morality is defined by God, then the only reason we should care is that God can project the force necessary to enforce his desires.
Do you recognize God as good yourself because of some morality outside of God that you can compare God to? Do you recognize God as good because God says what is good? If it is the latter, then God, who defines Himself as good, is always good.
Report Post »maccow
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:05pmWell said Rabbi and happy Passover.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:07pmOnly God is good.
“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.”- Benjamin Franklin
“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.” – Thomas Jefferson
“We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.” – Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation
I’ll take the wisdom of the founding fathers, derived from that Great Governor of the World, over the arrogance of modern liberals, any day.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 1:09ammaccow
Well said Rabbi and happy Passover.
Oh, he’s a Rabbi. Now I get it. I though that he had rabies and was a lousy speller.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:56pmadonai li v lo ira
Report Post »