The Truth Will Set Us Free!

We are seeing the blatant hypocrisy from the nonaffirming religious community as they scramble to save face—actually, to save power.

People like Franklin Graham have flung their hateful and incendiary remarks for years (see my blog post here), and now that it’s a full-blown dumpster fire, they want to back away, as they desperately pretend to now condemn a message they have repeatedly openly condoned.

Too late!

Do I sound angry? You bet I am. But am I hopeful? You bet I am. The more they speak, the more the truth is revealed. And the truth might just set us free!

They now make statements like the ones saying the attack on the Capitol had nothing to do with Christianity. Well, it has nothing to do with Christ, but everything to do with nonaffirming, patriarchal, modern American, evangelical Christianity.

In our most recent podcast episode, we talk about this in detail—about the difference between Jesus & the non-affirming church. Click here to listen.

So much in recent years has unquestionably revealed this nonaffirming religious community of hypocrites: it is who they are, it is what they believe, and it is what they stand for. It is the culmination of their beliefs, played out for all to see. Nothing to do with God, but everything to do with their worldview.

The more the non-affirming religious leaders talk, the more they panic, and the they reveal their true colors, their true agenda; and the truth of their beliefs, hate, and hypocrisy. And things are changing. Fast enough? No. But these are deeply rooted issues and systems and I am seeing cracks in the foundations, and light being shed in the darkness.

Yes indeed my beloved friends, have hope… the truth will set us free!

There were so many examples I could have used… from a variety of religious leaders like Graham; or politicians including one named Graham; but I thought of an oldie but goody. It’s worth a reread, as it is a funny—and we could use a few more smiles—yet clear example of these twisted religious lies and hypocrisy. Enjoy.

“Dr.” Laura Schlesinger said, in a variety of settings, that to an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. (Actually, the original language of Leviticus has nothing to do with homosexuality. Just sayin’. For details on this, click here.)

But, for the sake of revealing truth, and a good laugh, let’s play along.

The following is an internet classic. It is an open letter to Laura and became the inspiration for a great scene in the TV show The West Wing. Still funny and relevant.

Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan. (It’s a darn shame we can’t own a Canadian.)

The Bible has been twisted and changed to condemn LGBTQ and same-sex relationships. For details; extensive resources; and vibrant, inclusive, affirming community, just come say hello. Click here.