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Homosexuals Anonymous
Homosexuals Anonymous is an international self-support organization dedicated to serving the needs of men and women who struggle with unwanted same sex attraction. It does not offer therapy.
Wir machen keinerlei Therapien, wir empfehlen insbesondere keine Konversionstherapien und werben auch nicht für eine Teilnahme an einer derartigen Therapie noch vermitteln wir eine solche.
We offer no therapy whatsoever. Especially we do not recommend conversion therapies nor do we make any publicity for them.
Wir leisten keinerlei therapeutische Arbeit – weder psychotherapeutisch noch die Heilung körperlicher Erkrankungen betreffend. Menschen mit entsprechenden Problemen müssen sich an die örtlichen Fachmenschen hierfür wenden.
Weiterhin lehnen wir Konversionstherapien grundsätzlich ab.
Seelsorge für Minderjährige leisten wir nur mit Einverständnis der Eltern und dann nur im gesetzlichen Rahmen.
Wir bieten unsere Dienste und unsere Unterstützung sowohl Gays als auch Ex-Gays an, das heißt sowohl Menschen, die ihre gleichgeschlechtlichen Neigungen ausleben möchten als auch denen, die das nicht möchten.
Das Ziel einer seelsorgerlichen Beratung bestimmt alleine der Klient bzw. die Klientin.
Unsere Klientinnen und Klienten werden unabhängig von ihrer religiösen, politischen oder weltanschaulichen Einstellung beraten.
Wir respektieren die Menschen, mit denen wir zu tun haben und fordern diesen Respekt auch uns gegenüber ein.
„Heilung“ bedeutet in unserem Verständnis nicht etwa Heilung von einer Krankheit, sondern Heilung eines möglicherweise gebrochenen Verhältnisses zu Gott oder Mitmenschen, Heilung von inneren seelischen Verletzungen usw.
„Veränderung“ wird von unseren Klientinnen und Klienten auf unterschiedlichste Art und Weise erlebt: Manche erleben dies als Abnahme der Intensität, Art und/oder Häufigkeit sexueller Lust oder Phantasien, andere erleben diese Veränderungen – je nach selbst gesetztem Ziel – im privaten oder beruflichen Bereich, in der Familie, im eigenen Glaubensverständnis oder im persönlichen körperlichen und/oder seelischem Wohlbefinden. Manch eine/r entdeckt sogar lange verschüttet geglaubte heterosexuelle Empfindungen wieder. Keinesfalls aber bedeutet Veränderung, dass von Seiten unserer Seelsorger und/oder Berater eine Veränderung der sexuellen Orientierung angestrebt wird. Wenn Klientinnen und Klienten dies selbst aus ihrer eigenen Erfahrung berichten (etwa nach Glaubenserfahrungen), wird dies unsererseits mit Respekt zur Kenntnis genommen. Unsererseits wird derartiges aber weder angestrebt noch durchgeführt, beworben oder vermittelt. Sollte auf unserer Homepage ein Beitrag sein, der unserem Selbstverständnis widerspricht und wir dies irrtümlicherweise übersehen haben, bitten wir um entsprechende Benachrichtigung an unseren E-Mail Account free32@gmx.de und wir werden diesen Beitrag umgehend löschen.
Wir bieten unsere Zusammenarbeit und Unterstützung ausdrücklich auch homosexuellen Einzelpersonen, Gruppen und Organisationen an.
Weder Homosexuals Anonymous noch Jason International geben irgendwelche Heilversprechen ab noch bieten wir eine Psychotherapie an. Wir sind Selbsthilfegruppen und bieten Hilfesuchenden seelsorgerischen Beistand. Uns geht es nicht darum, Menschen von "homosexuell" zu "heterosexuell" zu machen. Einerseits, weil dies grundsätzlich nicht unser Ziel ist (das Ziel eines Christen ist letztendlich die Heiligkeit. Ein keusches, gottgefälliges Leben ist bestenfalls Ausdruck und Weg des Glaubens, nicht aber das Ziel. Nicht-Christen unter uns stehen wir bei, ein selbstgestecktes Ziel zu definieren und zu erreichen. Auch hier liegen die Ziele in der Regel ganz wo anders).
Gleichwohl anerkennen wir das Recht von Menschen mit gleichgeschlechtlichen Neigungen, die unter diesen leiden, eine Therapie mit einem Therapieziel ihrer Wahl in Anspruch zu nehmen.
Heutzutage wird ja immer gerne die moralische Verwerflichkeit von "Reperativtherapien" oder "Konversionstherapien" herausgestellt - vor allem von aktiven Schwulen selbst. Die Wissenschaft springt leider gerne auf diesen Zug - auch wenn ein derartiges Vorgehen wissenschaftlicher Forschung widerspricht. Es ist nicht Aufgabe der Wissenschaft, moralische Urteile zu fällen. Auch darf Wissenschaft niemals freie Forschung unterdrücken, nur weil diese politisch unkorrekt ist.
Die heutige wissenschaftliche Datenlage:
Sexualität wird von vielen verschiedenen (!) Faktoren beeinflusst. Aktuelle Forschung weist darauf hin, dass sexuelles Empfinden durchaus zur Fluidität neigen kann - also keineswegs in Stein gemeißelt ist.
Selbst genetische Prädisposition (die im Falle von "Homosexualität" keineswegs belegt ist) bedeutet keinesfalls, dass jemand, der ein (fiktives) "schwules" Gen hat, auch zwangsweise gleichgeschlechtlich empfinden wird oder gar so handeln muss (wir sind nicht Sklaven eines Gencodes).
Epigenetik hat uns gelehrt, dass es von weiteren Faktoren (etwa der Umwelt) abhängt, ob und inwiefern Gene zum Tragen kommen oder deaktiviert werden. Umweltbedingungen etc. können sogar zur Änderung der DNA (also des "Gencodes") und der Gehirnstruktur beitragen (was ganz neue Schlussfolgerungen zulässt!).
Ein pauschales Urteil darüber, ob sexuelle Orientierung veränderbar ist, halten wir aus wissenschaftlicher Sicht deshalb nicht für möglich (aus spiritueller Sicht sehr wohl - was für den Menschen unmöglich ist, ist für Gott möglich!). Geschweige denn dass wir anderen vorschreiben, ein solches Urteil als richtig oder falsch anzuerkennen.
Für uns ist dies aus eingehender Argumentation heraus auch unwichtig, da unsere Aufgaben und Ziele anderswo liegen.
Wo jedoch Grenzen überschritten werden, ist, wenn wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse (etwa DNA-Markierungen) als Begründung für moralische Akzeptanz oder "Natürlichkeit" herhalten müssen. Das ist nicht mehr Wissenschaft, das ist Propaganda übelster Art.
Würde man diese Argumentation logisch weiter führen, würde man schnell zu absurden Ergebnissen führen.
Wir fordern deshalb Wissenschaftler auf, sich für die Neutralität der Wissenschaft einzusetzen.
Politiker fordern wir auf, dem Druck einer Minderheit stand zu halten und für ihre Werte einzustehen!
Geistliche fordern wir schließlich auf, ihre Aufgabe wahrzunehemen und Menschen, die ein gottgefälliges Leben führen wollen, dabei zu unterstützen - koste es, was es wolle!
4 STRAIGHT FACTS ABOUT ‘GAY CONVERSION’ THERAPY
prop·a·gan·da noun 1.derogatory – information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.Conversion Therapy
Last year’s Gallup poll on American attitudes towards the media showed that less than a third – 32% – had a high or even a fair level of confidence in it. Most of us, it seems, realize news stories are often something else, posing as news, yet designed not to inform but to persuade to a particular view.
Because media bias usually tilts Left, the view it hopes us to adopt is predictably anti-conservative, aggressively so when stories on gender or sexuality are presented.So tonight’s piece on ABC’s 20/20 (10 pm EST) about “conversion therapy camps” for teenagers looks like another case in point: an expose of fringe groups imposing horrible practices on homosexual and/or disturbed kids, followed by the suggestion that all Christian ministries addressing homosexuality are similarly sinister.
Certainly, an investigative report on teens being mistreated is a good thing, and if it prevents future abuses while bringing abusers to justice, then both it and ABC should be applauded. It will shift from journalism to propaganda, though, if it suggests that the wrongdoing uncovered in a few cult-like, hyper-authoritative camps is business as usual among the many responsible people ministering to the same-sex attracted.
Since tonight’s show underscores the national conversation going on about what’s often called “Conversion Therapy” let me offer four points on the subject that deserve consideration.
Conversion Therapy is an Overused and Misapplied Term
According to the American Psychiatric Association, conversion therapy (also commonly called “reparative therapy”) is “based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation.”
To practice conversion therapy, then, you need to believe homosexuality is a mental disorder, and that the proper goal of therapy is to change sexual attractions from homosexual to heterosexual. Technically, you also should be a literal “therapist” if you’re practicing therapy, which implies a clinical rather than a Biblical emphasis.
Take a few minutes to peruse the websites of individuals or ministries offering help to people struggling against same-sex desires, and you’ll look in vain for claims that they will completely “convert” sexual desires from gay to straight, or that homosexuals are mentally ill.
Start with the Restored Hope Network, one of the most prominent organizations mistakenly referred to as a “Conversion Therapy” proponent. Then check out Courage, a longstanding Catholic resource for believers wanting to know how to handle their sexual desires and relationships. Then try Exodus Global Alliance and see for yourself if they claim they’ll convert people from one orientation to the other, or that gays and lesbians are mental cases.
You’ll generally find these organizations believe, as do I, that we are created beings whose Creator had a specific plan in mind for our sexual experience, and that homosexuality, like many other human conditions, falls short of His design. That makes it a sin, certainly, but hardly insanity.
(FYI, we also believe lust is a sin without believing people who lust are mentally defective. We believe lying is a sin without believing a lie qualifies you for shock treatment. Just sayin’.)
You’ll also find that we do, indeed, believe in change. Change of perspective, behavior, relational skills, identity, and change in the power homosexual desires have had over us along with a belief in the potential, in many cases, of heterosexual arousal occurring as well.
We also believe in conversion, for sure. Conversion from death to life through faith in Christ, (John 3:3; I Peter 1:23) conversion of behavior (Acts 3:19; Romans 6:19) and self-view, (Romans 8:37; Ephesians 1:18) and the converting power of God to change lives, a transformative work St. Paul described (II Corinthians 3:18) while noting that temptations towards old patterns are guaranteed and so, to some extent, new creations in Christ will always struggle with their old nature. (Galatians 5:17)
Call that stupid if you please, or backwards, or outdated. But you can’t with integrity call it “conversion therapy” since we neither offer nor promise a conversion of same-sex attractions into opposite sex ones, and we don’t tell our clients they’re crazy. Rather, we equip people of faith to manage the sexual desires they have, and maintain fidelity to their own world view.
Nor do we try converting people’s beliefs on the matter. We’re up to our necks in people who are already converted, holding traditional Biblical beliefs and finding their own feelings or behaviors are at odds with those beliefs. That’s why they want help; that’s why they deserve it.
Image Isn’t Always Reality
Some fringe churches include the handling of rattlesnakes as part of their worship experience, considering it a sign of faith. They’re Charismatic as well, so one could mistakenly presume all Charismatic churches (which would include all Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapel, Foursquare, and Vineyard congregations) pull out the copperheads when it’s time to praise. Thankfully, people usually see the difference between the extreme exception and the general rule.
But when the wrongs of some within a group get ascribed to the majority of the group, then a false image is created, an injustice is done, and propaganda is spread.
Effectively, I might add. So if you want to silence people who hold an opposing view, then here’s a good strategy: discredit them in the eyes of the public by showing extremists who hold their viewpoint, then convince the public that all people holding that viewpoint are as dangerous and evil as the extremists you showcased.
That’ll do the trick; just ask Hitler’s propagandists.
Is that the America we really want? One in which diversity is crushed in the name of justice? Surely lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders have every right to live as they please, without criminalization, mistreatment, or fear of violence. But it’s just as certain that people disapproving of their behaviors are equally entitled to both the expression and the practice of their beliefs, notwithstanding the few bad eggs holding similar beliefs.
That’s how we roll on other issues. We’re aware of the many public school teachers who’ve molested their students. The Board of Behavioral Sciences routinely yanks the licenses of therapists who’ve unethically had sex with their clients. The Catholic Church has been shaken to the core by injuries some priests have inflicted on children. Some parents abuse their kids; some spouses attack their partners. It all happens; it’s all horrible.
Yet no one is saying public teaching should be banned, psychotherapy should be criminalized, the priesthood should be abolished, all parents are evil, and all spouses are violent. Because (can I get a Duh?) when it’s proven that someone violated someone else, then on a case by case basis it should be dealt with, the guilt applying only to the individual, not to a broader group he may be part of. Is there any reason this principle, followed in all these other instances, shouldn’t apply here as well?
Batteries Aren’t Included
The actress Ashley Judd, speaking to the Women’s March on DC last January, referred ominously to shock treatment being imposed on gay teenagers under the new Administration:
“Electro conversion therapy, the new gas chambers shaming the gay out of America, turning rainbows into suicide notes.”
Scary stuff, and Judd isn’t alone in mentioning it. There’s recently been a surge of voices suggesting or outright claiming that some churches, ministries, or Christian counselors subject homosexuals to electroshock therapy. As the saying goes, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while truth is still tying its shoelaces.” So in the interest of keeping our shoes tied, let’s unpack this.
First, it’s true that homosexuals in the past were subjected to electroshock therapy, voluntarily or involuntarily. Indeed, in decades past when homosexuality was criminalized, lesbian women and gay men were institutionalized without their consent, a horrendous abuse in and of itself, compounded by forced treatments, even lobotomies.
This psychiatric abuse – torture, even – of homosexuals co-existed with similar abuses inflicted on women, strong willed children, and others. Among such abuses shock treatments were common, as portrayed in films like Francis or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
In addition to forced shock, voluntary and lessor forms of it were made available to people wanting treatment for exhibitionism, aggression, addiction, or homosexuality. When utilized to treat homosexuality, these usually involved mild shocks applied to the patient when viewing pictures of the same sex, an approach we can rightfully dismiss as at least misguided; at worst, traumatic.
But search for evidence of ministries today even considering such an approach and, again, you’ll search in vain. That won’t stop people from claiming it happens, because a public uproar against “conversion ministries” is inevitable if the public can be convinced they shock the faithful.
Personal Anecdotes Aren’t Proof of Harm
In 1692 a group of girls claimed that citizens of Salem were tormenting them with witchcraft, and based on no evidence apart from the girl’s claims, 19 innocent people were hanged. Centuries later, in the 1990’s, an entire industry claiming to revive repressed memories of satanic ritual abuse thrived, and based on personal accusations alone, families were split, careers destroyed, lives ruined. We never seem to learn.
It’s shameful when people dish out slander. It’s even more discouraging to see how easily people swallow it.
In 2013, for example, the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee held a three-hour hearing on a bill that would ban therapists from practicing “reparative therapy” on minors. Testifying in favor of the bill was Brielle Goldani who claimed that as a teenager, in 1997, she was forced by her parents to attend a conversion therapy camp in Ohio called True Directions.
Goldani further claimed the camp was sponsored by an Assemblies of God church, and that while there, she and others teens were hooked up to electrodes for shock treatment, forced to learn flirting techniques with the opposite sex, and subjected to iv injections inducing vomiting.
Any decent person reacts with violent disgust to such a scenario, and no doubt Goldani’s testimony moved the Committee deeply.
But it was complete fabrication. Goldani’s former church denied ever hearing of such a program, the Ohio Secretary of State and Attorney General confirmed that no such camp ever existed, no paper trail could be found leading to it, no other person has ever filed a complaint against the camp (as they surely would have if it existed) and the only solid thing Goldani’s testimony could be linked to was a 1999 film about conversion camps titled But I’m a Cheerleader.
In response, Dr. Elton Moose, a licensed counselor from Springfield, Ohio, said in a written statement: “I have been in this business for 24 years and have not heard of this camp. … These types of shock-therapy accusations have been around for many years, but I have not actually known a practice that has used this therapy.”
Nor does anyone else, because it simply doesn’t happen. Shock therapy has to be administered by a medical doctor in a medical setting utilizing expensive and specialized equipment. The idea of it being performed in a church or para-church environment stretches all credulity.
It also reminds us that, to achieve a social/political goal, silence an inconvenient opposing viewpoint, or avoid personal responsibility, some people will resort to any means necessary, however dishonest or unfair.
That’s why a gay pastor in Texas claimed a local Whole Foods market decorated a cake he bought from them with the word “Fag”, then admitted he’d lied when the evidence against him became overwhelming. That’s why a gay man in Iowa City filed a police report claiming an African American male beat him severely while calling him anti-gay names, only to later admit under investigation that the claim was entirely bogus and his wounds were self-inflicted. That’s why a lesbian couple in Parker, Colorado, were charged by the police with criminal mischief and filing a false report after they claimed someone painted the phrase “Kill the Gay” on their garage door, a story which fell apart when investigated by the FBI. Claiming a victim’s status based on sexual orientation can divert attention from real wrongs done, while eliciting sympathy for the individual and the cause.
Trouble is, most lesbians and gays are far too responsible and sincere to practice this sort of nonsense, so they, too, are unfairly smeared when it’s practiced. And violence against homosexual and transgender people is real, common, and evil. Just as the false claims of satanic ritual abuse unfairly discredited victims of real abuse, so false claims of gay-bashing today make it all the harder for real victims of it to be heard.
But by the same token, each claim of abuse, whether of violence by another person, or malpractice by a minister or counselor, should be taken case by case, requiring evidence beyond someone simply claiming “I was harmed.”
Even the American Psychological Association, which clearly positions itself as favoring gay rights, normalizing homosexuality, and being opposed to “conversion therapy”, had the integrity to assess the claims of damage done by what they called Sexual Orientation Conversion Efforts (SOCE) when they said:
“We conclude that there is a dearth of scientifically sound research on the safety of SOCE. Early and recent research studies provide no clear evidence of the prevalence of harmful outcomes among people who have undergone efforts to change their sexual orientation or the frequency of the occurrence of harm because no study to date of adequate scientific rigor has been explicitly designed to do so. Thus, we cannot conclude how likely it is that harm will occur from SOCE.”
Listen, Learn Love
Let’s listen to the stories ABC presents tonight. Let’s weep with kids who were abused, demand corrective action be taken, pray hard for them and their families, and let their pain educate us on what it’s like to be different, disliked, dismissed.
Let’s also learn to distinguish between the actions of some versus the actions of most, applying the Proverbs literally when they remind us that “Unjust weights and measures are an abomination.” (Proverbs 11:1) Outrage against social injustice is called for; determinations of social injustice need to be made fairly.
Then let’s love. Let’s love our fellow citizens enough to, as Paul said, strive to live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18) As Jesus commanded (Luke 10:25-37) let’s also be real neighbors to our neighbors, regardless of their orientation or behavior, serving them when we can, respecting them as people, and prayerfully sharing the gospel with them as wisdom and opportunity allow.
Let’s also, though, love God and the Body of Christ enough to refuse to bend when the culture says Anathema! to our service towards those who, by God’s grace, realize their sexual leanings are outside His will. As long as there are people wanting to live sanctified lives, contrary to whatever their sexual desires may be, I hope always to have the honor of walking with them. Hundreds of other counselors, pastors, and ministry leaders share that hope with me. Please, then, remember us in prayer as you remember the teens profiled in tonight’s show.
All of us need God’s grace in our lives. May all of us receive it.
(Source: https://joedallas.com/2017/03/10/4-straight-facts-about-gay-conversion-therapy/. February 16th, 2020)
From our members and friends:
"HA has been the most transforming change agent in my born again life. My being, identity, self esteem was shattered into little pieces."
"I can honestly say HA deals with individuals struggling with sexual issues in a loving and caring manner. It uses the Bible, prayer, and group dynamics to provide individuals with hope and practical insights.
The emphasis is on reconciling one's self with his or her creator. In turn,one clarifies his or her true moral values for guiding his or her life.. The whole focus is on seeking holiness in one's day to day living.
HA invites individuals to participate in its meetings without coercion. If any changes are made by the individual, it is a result of his or her own choice. Everyone has the right to seek out like-minded individuals who wish to share their life stories and to share their religious beliefs.
I have seen individuals benefit from their participation in the group meetings, and the Bible studies. Needless to say, I have benefited greatly too!"
"Why do people think HA practices conversation therapy? Does AA or SAA (Sex Addiction Anonymous) practice conversion therapy? I think not. As a member of HA, I experience such ‘accusations’ or statements as oppressive, ignorant and unethical. I choose how I express my sexuality, integrate my beliefs, morality and preferences according to who I am. Nobody can or has a right to impose their beliefs onto me. I work out my own journey on a daily basis, only I can work it and walk it. It is a unique journey and I treasure the life it brings. HA is a non-judgemental, non-intrusive support for me in this process. There is certainly no hidden agenda to convert anyone to heterosexuality. However, I question the agenda of those who deny me this right to self determination. On the contrary, in HA there is space for each individual to uniquely emerge in an non-directive way, based on self-acceptance, love and mutual support. As a psychotherapist, I can say with great confidence that there is nothing unethical about the approach of HA and I would recommend it to anyone who desires to be free from the power of homosexual addiction and of unwanted same sex attraction. If during this process one discovers a more true-to-self sexual identity, so be it. Such has been my experience."
"Homosexuals Anonymous and Jason International are doing great work! In a day and age when there is more confusion than ever about sexuality, gender identity and the nature of the human person as lovingly created male or female by God, you are a beacon of clarity and light. You give hope to many by courageously proclaiming the message that embracing God's design and purpose for sexuality, no matter how difficult, is the best way to live a happy life."
Is there a "gay lifestyle" ?
Many people would answer that this is a homophobic invention. Gays live there lives in many different ways, as straight folks do.
So is it completely non-appropriate to talk of a "gay lifestyle"?
Let's take a closer look at what Wikipedia has to say:
"Lifestyle is the interests, opinions, behaviours, and behavioural orientations of an individual, group, or culture. The term was introduced by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler with the meaning of "a person's basic character as established early in childhood", for example in his 1929 book "The Case of Miss R.". The broader sense of lifestyle as a "way or style of living" has been documented since 1961. Lifestyle is a combination of determining intangible or tangible factors. Tangible factors relate specifically to demographic variables, i.e. an individual's demographic profile, whereas intangible factors concern the psychological aspects of an individual such as personal values, preferences, and outlooks.
A rural environment has different lifestyles compared to an urban metropolis. Location is important even within an urban scope. The nature of the neighborhood in which a person resides affects the set of lifestyles available to that person due to differences between various neighborhoods' degrees of affluence and proximity to natural and cultural environments. (...)
A lifestyle typically reflects an individual's attitudes, way of life, values, or world view. Therefore, a lifestyle is a means of forging a sense of self and to create cultural symbols that resonate with personal identity. Not all aspects of a lifestyle are voluntary. Surrounding social and technical systems can constrain the lifestyle choices available to the individual and the symbols she/he is able to project to others and the self.
The lines between personal identity and the everyday doings that signal a particular lifestyle become blurred in modern society. For example, "green lifestyle" means holding beliefs and engaging in activities that consume fewer resources and produce less harmful waste (i.e. a smaller ecological footprint), and deriving a sense of self from holding these beliefs and engaging in these activities. Some commentators argue that, in modernity, the cornerstone of lifestyle construction is consumption behavior, which offers the possibility to create and further individualize the self with different products or services that signal different ways of life.
Lifestyle may include views on politics, religion, health, intimacy, and more. All of these aspects play a role in shaping someone's lifestyle. In the magazine th, and television industries, "lifestyle" is used to describe a category of publications or programs." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifestyle_(sociology) September 7th 2019)
Are there common interests, opinions, behaviors, and behavioral orientations in the gay scene? Anyone who has ever been there would definitely agree. There is a special way of talking, of celebrating, a different way of dressing up, different interests and values than compared to the rest of the population (yes, there will always be some who drop out of this classification, but on the average this might be a true statement). I have been there for many years and from my experiences I can definitely agree.
My "lifestyle" and that of many others I encountered reflected our attitudes, our way of lives and world views - no doubt about that. The environment we were living in also constrained our lifestyle choices. I could absolutely agree on that one as well. And yes, my views on politics, religion, health and intimacy were shaped by it as well and formed what you might call a "lifestyle" that I shared with many others then.
So all in all there is a "gay lifestyle".
The question is rather why so many gays are annoyed by this term? I guess they want to present an image to the public that makes them look like an ordinary John Doe, just like everyone else. But they are not! Gay activists use that as a propaganda technique - being well aware that the reality is way different. If I'd still be in the gay life, I would be more than happy to embrace a "gay lifestyle" - probably even be proud of it. Could it be that the gay self-confidence and self-assurance is so low it needs to look like everyone else and is ticked off by being called "gay"?
Recently, I communicated with gay men in online dating sites (not that I recommend that!). My impression? The more things change, the more they stay the same. Nothing much seems to have change since I left 15 years ago. Just take a look at the CSD-parades each year and tell me there is no "gay lifestyle"! To claim there is not is ridiculous and every gay person knows it.
I am ever so glad I left the environment that shaped my life back then. The way I live my life now does not fit any category and I am more than happy about that.
Robert
“Love is love” is a lie, here’s why
Rod Lampard On July 12, 2019
“Love is love” is a slogan that assuages all sexual sin.
If “love is love” is the new moral standard, then adultery, promiscuity, bestiality, and a number of other sexual sins are not only justifiable, they are permissible.
This is because “love is love” falsely elevates sexual sin to a morally superior position, where anyone who stands opposed to the assumed “love is love” standard, is belittled as “unloving and immoral”.
Heterosexuals who spout “love is love” know that in the current climate, “love is love” covers a multitude of sexual sin, so why not jump on the bandwagon? Especially when embracing the slogan enables them to pursue an anything-goes ethos.
In light of this, it’s easy enough to see how the widespread support and use of the “love is love” slogan isn’t as altruistic or as selfless as it seems. From this perspective, heterosexual support for same-sex marriage, and homosexuality, in general, is pure self-centeredness.*
In the words of psychiatrist Karl Menninger, “the lure of profit exceeds the prestige of prophet.”[i]
Pornography also contributes. Many a breakup and the continuing dysfunction of marriages can be attributed to the mythic, false and distorted view that pornography creates in men, about women and sex.
What’s more, these points uncover just how asinine the “love is love” slogan is.
Love cannot define itself. Love is defined by God. Love comes from who God is. He cannot be anything, or anyone other than who He is.
The very fact that God is love means we cannot say in reverse that love is God. The noun precedes the verb, not the reverse.
Love is defined by the One who exists outside of humanity. His love enters time and space, and graciously seeks out a relationship with us.
Love is defined by the One who comes to humanity from outside itself, as both grace and command. God is love and He presents knowledge about Himself to humanity, through His covenant with Israel, and by His revelation in Jesus Christ.
Love is defined by the One who seeks a human response, the One who builds life and gives order to creation; the One who doesn’t abandon His creation to its own inclinations, or the terror of the abyss. In the words of John, ‘we love because He first loved us.’ (1 John 4:19, ESV).
This is the ‘sovereignty of His love’, which doesn’t ‘exercise mechanical force, to move the immobile from without, [or] to rule over puppets or slaves, but rather to triumph in faithful servants and friends, not in their overthrow, but in their obedience, in their own free decision for Him.’
The ‘sovereignty of God’s love’ liberates humanity from subjective, abstract and artificial alternatives. We are emancipated from the burden of the oppressor, who defines love by whatever he or she decides it should or could be.
To borrow from G.K. Chesterton in Orthodoxy, those who seek to define love by itself, seek the moon, and its morbid light. Then in confusion, ponder about why it doesn’t produce life. Leading G.K.C to conclude: hence, ‘the moon is the mother of lunatics and has given them all her name.’
The individual who jettisons the ‘the sovereignty of God’s love’ from love inevitably asserts a definition of love made in their own image and desires.
Under the “love is love” slogan, no one is allowed to challenge this definition. Any reasoned disagreement outside this abstract idea of love is measured as an act of hatred, betrayal and treachery – anti-love.
Therefore, to assert that God is love is to enter into a revolt against it.
As a revolt, it asserts that love is not Lordless. Love is not meaningless or without purpose. Love is defined by what God does, and what God does comes from who God is.[ii]
Love cannot define itself any more than the slave or abused child can define freedom. The sin of others has distorted their view of the world. Lies replace truth. They’ve been taught to believe the abuse he or she receives at the hands of their oppressor is normal. In this way, “love is love” fails the oppressed and gives legitimacy to the oppressor. Love that defines itself negates itself.
Alternatively, the ‘sovereignty of God’s love’ encompasses both His “yes” and “no”. God’s “yes” to the genuinely oppressed, raises humanity up to challenge the claims of the oppressor. In this way, God’s firm “yes” and loving “no” to the oppressed and the oppressor is an outworking of His sovereignty. Love is not Lordless.
That God is love, means love cannot be love without God at its center.
Likewise, human freedom grounded in love cannot be true freedom without the One who loves in freedom. It cannot be true freedom without the ‘God who frees man and woman to be free for Him and free for each other.’[iii]
Without God, love becomes a cheap commodity, whose meaning is traded and swapped for whatever sells best. Love is downgraded to emotion, sex, money and the satisfying of an individual’s selfish desires.
“Love is love” is newspeak; a tool used to uphold human claims to ownership of what love is. Love is then determined to be anything the oppressor wants it to be.
Roger Scruton helps to brings this into clearer focus, noting the Communist practice of controlling language and meaning, under ‘the communist conviction that you could change reality by changing words […] The purpose of communist Newspeak, has been to protect ideology from the malicious attacks of real things.'[iv]
For example, if the slogan “love is love” is taken to its logical end, aren’t the obscenely wealthy, or the national socialists justified in their love for money, nation or race, and to hell with the consequences?
If “love is love” justifies lifestyle choices, such as its promotion as a legitimate argument for same-sex marriage, then doesn’t “love is love” justify servitude to a Führer, the State, and his/her ‘ism, and the reign of terror that often follows?
In light of this, aren’t “love is love” advocates, especially those who protest crony capitalists, who love their money, in the end just hypocrites selling something no one should ever want to buy?
Under this shadow, “love is love” is lordless, abstract, confused and empty. “Love is love” is a cover-up, and like all self-justification, “love is love” is proven to be a lie.[v] It cannot sustain a working definition of what love actually is.
The first cause of change in attitudes towards homosexuality and same-sex marriage is the erosion of heterosexual marriage. This erosion includes the downgrade, and dismissal of Biblical theology which asserts that God is love and that under ‘the sovereignty of His love’, ‘woman is free for man, man is free for woman, and together both are free for God’. This comes by way of the covenant fulfilled in The Gospel, where, in His costly reconciling of humanity to Himself in Jesus Christ, God proves who and what love is.
“Love is love” is no substitute for this. It is no substitute for the One who was, and is, and is to come.
Maranatha.
References:
[i] Menninger, K. 1973. Whatever Became of Sin? Hawthorn Books Inc.
[ii] Barth, K.1942 CD II/II: The Election of Jesus Christ Hendrickson Publishers p.178
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Barth, K. 1951 CD III.IV The doctrine of creation Hendrickson Publishers pp.170-180
[iv] Scruton, R. 2015. Fools, Frauds & Firebrands: Thinkers of the New Left Bloomsbury Publishing, (p.8)
[v] Torrance, T.F. 2008. Incarnation: The Person & Life of Christ, IVP Academic
* I don’t doubt that there are sincere believers in the slogan, the evidence provided by James, however, suggests that such believers might be few and far between.
(Source: https://caldronpool.com/love-is-love-is-a-lie-heres-why/amp/?fbclid=IwAR1RgGB-ZkUw-vASCxYmuW74sejcI69oDeDisb_1gL1enE0NI4RHq0srOi8 July 26th, 2019)
"In the very first chapter of the very first book of the Bible, we read these words: 'Male and female he created them' (Gen. 1:27c).
“The transgender revolution is in fact nor a revolution but a rebellion, a rebellion against
the very clear teaching of Scripture and the very nature of the universe. Gender is not a construct. It is reality." [Stephen J. Nichols, A Time for Confidence: Trusting God in a Post-Christian Society, (Orlando, FL.: Reformation Trust, 2016), p. 45}
Ausgaben der Landeshauptstadt München für homosexuelle Projekte, Veranstaltungen und Organisationen laut Auskunft von Frau Dorothee Schiwy (Sozialreferentin) vom 21.02.2017:
Förderung durch das Sozialreferat/Amt für soziale Sicherung (rosa Alter): 84.645 EUR
Förderung durch das Referat für Gesundheit und Umwelt (Sub e.V.): 14.300 EUR
(Angaben pro Jahr. Diese Beträge wurden zumindest seit 2015 unverändert in dieser Höhe bezahlt).
Es ist mir unverständlich, weshalb hier besondere sexuelle Neigungen mit einem derart hohen Etat gefördert werden, wenn zugleich Schulen, Altenheime, Krankenhäuser und vieles mehr die Unterstützung weitaus dringender benötigen.
Menschen werden gefördert und unterstützt, wenn sie der Förderung und Unterstützung bedürfen. Dabei jedoch besondere Bevölkerungsgruppen wegen ihrer sexuellen Vorlieben hervorzuheben, ist eine Diskriminierung der anderen Bevölkerungsschichten.
Ich fordere deshalb eine Einstellung jeglicher finanzieller oder sonstiger Förderung gleichgeschlechtlicher Projekte durch städtische oder staatliche Stellen.
München, den 21.02.2017
Robert Gollwitzer
www.robert-gollwitzer.com
“In this world are many people who do not master their bodies. Such people say that no one can tell them what to do, not even God, and they think that in this way they have no master. In the end they become slaves to anything.”
― Michael D. O'Brien, The Island of the World
The six ways homosexual activists manipulate public opinion:
1) Exploit the “victim” status;
2) Use the sympathetic media;
3) Confuse and neutralize the churches;
4) Slander and stereotype Christians;
5) Bait and switch (hide their true nature); and
6) Intimidation.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/the-six-ways-homosexual-activists-manipulate-public-opinion?utm_content=bufferc9d45&utm_medium=social&utm_source=defendmarriage%2Bfacebook&utm_campaign=buffer)
Genesis 19:1-29
Genesis 1:27-28
Genesis 2:18-24
Leviticus 18:22
Leviticus 20:13
Deuteronomy 22:5
Romans 1:24-27
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
1 Timothy 1:8-10
Proverbs 28:13
A Word to "Ex-Gay Leaders"
Some might not like to hear what I am saying, but it needs to be said. No wonder the ex-gay (or "purity" or whatever you call it)-movement has so little impact on society! Look at its "leaders": They brag with scientific credentials in psychiatry and/or psychology while most have no credentials at all or at best low-level ones. Extremely few really are psychiatrists. Others point out their theological "achievements". It is not an achievement when you were appointed pastor by some small church - which would not be recognized by 99% of Christianity! Others try to make their own name big, forgetting who really set them free. Then you have those who studied theology or whatever else and now claim to be expert on any given field. Most of their "knowledge" comes from stuff they have read somewhere. Finally you have those who travel across the globe and write books about how to find freedom from same-sex attractions, how to look at them from a Christian and scientific point of view, how to deal with them from a political perspective - you get the picture. The "I-know-everything"-types. However, if you look at their private lives things do not look so shiny - they might be divorced or married a divorced partner, which makes their cohabitation a form of adultry no better than any homosexual act.
So what am I getting at? That we are all liars and hypocrites?
I can't look into someone's heart, so it is not up to me to say that. But! we should stick at what we truly know about and not try to beat the world in areas where it is better than we will ever be. God does not need credentials. Your own life story is worth a whole lot more if you present it - and yourself - authentically! Don't try to brush it up, to make it look better. Don't push your own agenda, but God's.
As Doug from Homosexuals Anonymous used to say: "The only thing that keeps us from finding true freedom is the belief that it can be done!"
He sometimes told me how they started off in 1976, having no fancy psychology books, but the Bible. Yet to this day I have not met a man with a stronger faith than Dr. Douglas McIntyre, who passed away in 2015.
He did not put human science down, but he gave credit where credit was due.
Finally, at the end of the day, we need a love bigger than whatever our hearts and bodies held on to so far. A love that can give eternal life.
Robert Gollwitzer
Director Homosexuals Anonymous
"The correct Catholic response to “Gay Pride” events
In recent decades, “gay pride” parades started spreading through cities of the Western world. The clear objective of this constantly growing phenomenon is to take over the town squares of all the cities of the western world and, in the long term, the cities of the entire world, with the exception of Islamic countries because of fear of predictable violent counter-reactions.
These demonstrations are carried out with enormous financial and logistical commitments, accompanied by propaganda supported by the most influential powers of public life, namely political elites, social media and powerful economic and financial bodies. Such unanimous support on the part of these public bodies was typical of historical totalitarian systems in order to impose a certain ideology on society. The so-called “gay pride” demonstrations unmistakably resemble the propaganda marches of various totalitarian political regimes of the past.
However, there is one very important voice in public life that has not yet officially, or to a large extent, joined this unanimous chorus of support for so-called “gay pride” parades. This voice is that of the Catholic Church. The totalitarianism of homosexualist gender ideology is pursuing its most ambitious goal, which is to conquer the last bastion of resistance, i.e. the Catholic Church.
In the meantime, this goal has unfortunately been in some way achieved, since it has been observed that an increasing number of priests, and even some bishops and cardinals, publicly express in various ways their support for these totalitarian marches, called “gay pride.” These priests, bishops and cardinals thereby become agents and promoters of an ideology that represents a direct offense to God and to the dignity of the human person, created male and female, created in the image and likeness of God.
Gender ideology, or the ideology of homosexuality, represents a revolt against the creative work of God, which is so admirably wise and loving. It is a revolt against the creation of the human being in both sexes — male and female — which are necessarily and wonderfully complementary. Homosexual or lesbian acts profane the male or female body, which is the temple of God. In fact, the Holy Spirit says, “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are” (1 Cor 3:17). The Holy Spirit declares in Sacred Scripture that homosexual acts are ignominious, since they are contrary to nature as it was created by God: “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct” (Rom 1:26-28). The Holy Spirit then declares that persons who commit gravely sinful acts, including homosexual acts, will not inherit eternal life: “Do not be deceived: neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:9-10).
Yet the grace of Christ has such a power that it transforms an idolater, an adulterer, or a practicing homosexual into a new man. The quoted text from the Word of God goes on to say: “And such were some of you [idolaters, adulterers, sodomites]! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor 6:11). Faced with this truth and reality about grace, the light of hope and true progress shines brightly on the anti-Divine and anti-human scene of the ideology and practice of homosexuality; that is, the hope and real possibility that a person who performs homosexual acts can be transformed into a new man, created in the truth of holiness: “You did not so learn Christ! —assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:20-24). These words of God are the only message worthy of hope and liberation that a Christian, and even more so a priest and a bishop, should offer people who perform homosexual acts or propagate gender ideology.
The totalitarianism and intolerance of gender ideology, by their own logic, also requires totalitarian adherence. All sectors of society, including the Catholic Church, must therefore be obliged to express somehow their acceptance of this ideology. One of the most widespread and concrete public means for imposing this ideology lies in the so-called “gay pride” parades.
It cannot be ruled out that the Catholic Church, in the not too distant future, will be faced with a situation similar to the situation of persecution by the Roman Empire in the first three centuries, when adherence to the totalitarian ideology of idolatry was also obligatory for Christians. At that time, the test or verification of such adherence consisted in the civil and politically correct act of burning several grains of incense in front of the statue of an idol or of the emperor.
Today, instead of burning several grains of incense, the gesture of solidarity with the “gay pride” parades is offered through a warm welcome from clergy and even through a special prayer service in support of the alleged rights to homosexual activities and to the spread of their ideology. We are witnessing an incredible scenario, in which some priests and even bishops and cardinals, without blushing, are already offering grains of incense to the idol of homosexuality or gender ideology, to the applause of the powerful ones of this world, that is, to the applause of politicians, social media giants and powerful international organizations.
What is the correct response of a Christian, a Catholic, a priest and a bishop to the so-called “gay pride” phenomenon?
In the first place, one must proclaim with charity the Divine truth about the creation of the human person, proclaim the truth of the objective psychological and sexual disorder of homosexual tendencies, and then talk about the truth concerning needed and discreet help for people with homosexual tendencies, so that they receive care and liberation from their psychological disability.
Then one must also proclaim the Divine truth about the gravely sinful character of homosexual acts and of the homosexual lifestyle, since they are offensive to God’s will. One must proclaim with truly fraternal concern the Divine truth about the danger of the eternal loss of the souls of practicing and unrepentant homosexuals.
In addition, by showing civil courage and using all peaceful and democratic means available, one must protest against contempt for Christian convictions and against the public display of degrading obscenities. One must protest against the imposition — on the populations of entire cities and towns — of marches characterized by political-ideological militancy.
The most important thing, however, lies in the spiritual means. The most powerful and precious response is expressed in public and private acts of reparation to the Divine holiness and majesty, so gravely and publicly offended by so-called “gay pride” parades.
Inseparable from acts of reparation is fervent prayer for the conversion and eternal salvation of the souls of the promoters and activists of homosexual ideology, and especially of the souls of the pitiable people who practice homosexuality.
May the following words of the Supreme Pontiffs strengthen the correct Catholic response to the so-called “gay pride” phenomenon.
Pope John Paul II protested against the “gay pride” parade in Rome, in 2000, saying:
I feel obliged, now, to mention the well-known [gay pride] demonstrations held in Rome in the past few days. In the name of the Church of Rome I can only express my deep sadness at … the offense to the Christian values of a city that is so dear to the hearts of Catholics throughout the world. The Church cannot be silent about the truth, because she would fail in her fidelity to God the Creator and would not help to distinguish good from evil. (Angelus address, July 9, 2000)
The reigning Pontiff, Pope Francis, has on various occasions warned of the danger of gender ideology, when for example, he said:
You, Irina, mentioned a great enemy to marriage today: the theory of gender. Today there is a world war to destroy marriage. Today there are ideological colonizations which destroy, not with weapons, but with ideas. Therefore, there is a need to defend ourselves from ideological colonizations. (Meeting with priests, religious, seminarians and pastoral workers, Tbilisi, October 1, 2016)
On another occasion, he said:
We are experiencing a moment of the annihilation of man as the image of God. I would like to conclude with this aspect, since behind all this there are ideologies. In Europe, America, Latin America, Africa, and in some countries of Asia, there are genuine forms of ideological colonization taking place. And one of these – I will call it clearly by its name – is [the ideology of] ‘gender’. Today children – children! – are taught in school that everyone can choose his or her sex. Why are they teaching this? Because the books are provided by the persons and institutions that give you money. These forms of ideological colonization are also supported by influential countries. And this is terrible! In a conversation with Pope Benedict, who is in good health and very perceptive, he said to me: ‘Holiness, this is the age of sin against God the Creator’. He is very perceptive. God created man and woman; God created the world in a certain way… and we are doing the exact opposite. God gave us things in a ‘raw’ state, so that we could shape a culture; and then with this culture, we are shaping things that bring us back to the ‘raw’ state! Pope Benedict’s observation should make us think. ‘This is the age of sin against God the Creator’. (Meeting with the Polish Bishops on the occasion of the XXXI World Youth Day, Krakow, July 27, 2016)
The true friends of people who promote and perform degrading actions during so-called “gay pride” parades are Christians who say:
I will not burn even one grain of incense before the idol of homosexuality and gender theory, even if — God forbid! — my parish priest or my bishop should do so.
I will make private and public acts of reparation and offer intercessory prayers for the eternal salvation of the souls of all those who promote and practice homosexuality.
I will not be afraid of the new ideological-political totalitarianism of gender theory, for Christ is with me. And since Christ has conquered all the totalitarian systems of the past, He will also conquer the totalitarianism of gender ideology in our own day.
Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!
July 28, 2018
+ Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mary Most Holy in Astana
Translation from the Italian by Diane Montagna"
(Source: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bishops-athanasius-schneider-on-the-correct-catholic-response-to-gay-pride)
Our goal is NOT to turn gay people into straight ones. We assist people with same-sex attractions who decide by their free will that they do not wish to live a "gay" life. In that context we help them to develop an alternative life the nature of which is alone in the hands of our clients.
Even people who wish to live a "gay" life will find pastoral care and Christian counseling at Homosexuals Anonymous, if they wish to have it.
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"For I will see the rainbow in the cloud and remember my eternal promise to every living being on the earth.” Gen 9:17 TLB
To all those gay activists who still think the rainbow stands for "gay liberation" or whatever else: it does not. It is copyrighted by God. The rainbow the sign of His promise to all of us on earth.
You made something sexual out of it. Something clearly against God's covenant with us.
Some colors just don't fit everybody.
Or goal is not to turn "homos" into "heteros". We help people who - for whatever reason - do not want to act out on their same-sex attractions. We do this through pastoral care, Christian counseling, individual talks or group meetings. Who are we to tell them that their goals are not to be pursued?
Nevertheless it is striking that meanwhile professionals as well as gay activists are talking of a "fluidity" of human sexuality. This means in other words that nothing is set in stone here but open for - however defined - change.
In spite of this "conversion therapy" is fanatically being attacked. You can't have it both ways though. Either there is fluidity of human sexuality - implying openness for change - or not.
Human sexuality is influenced by many different internal and external factors. Even the activation or deactivation - or even the development (!) - of genes depends on envirnonment and behavior. Black and white statement may have a political background, there is one thing, however, they are not: scientific.
Robert Gollwitzer
Homosexuals Anonymous
