The YouTube video showing a 16-year-old being exorcised of ‘gay demons’ by a Connecticut congregation profoundly disturbed me. I respect people’s right to believe whatever they wish, but I take issue when they assault another human being based on their religious convictions. It makes me angry.
Can you imagine the humiliation of being singled out, accused of being possessed by a gay demon and then exorcised in front of a group of people at that age? Teenagers, as a group, are very sensitive to external perception. Having gay demons expelled might not lend itself to a healthy perceptive on homosexuality. The fact that an observer felt obliged to record the experience and upload it for the world to see does not fill my soul with respect and love for my species.
Patricia McKinney, who describes herself as a prophet, is a pastor at the non-denominational church where the exorcism occurred. She bemoaned the reaction from the gay community in an interview with CNN, though it was a member of her congregation that felt compelled to share it with the world. She told CNN:
"It's not just the homosexuality spirit. It could be the alcohol spirit, the crack cocaine spirit, the adultery spirit. Everything carries a spirit."
McKinney went on to say she was a recovering crack head, but she had an epiphany that she was possessed by a demon forcing her to do crack. I suppose that philosophy does make addiction, and the swath of destruction wrought as a result, much easier to deal with, eh? It isn’t your fault. It’s the demon. This woman actually believes that human shortcomings, from substance abuse to infidelity, are a function of demonic possession?!
That sounds like a severe case of displacement to me. I don’t care how people deal with their issues, as long as they put the crack pipe down, but this self-proclaimed prophet decided to take her twisted perception of personal responsibility to a whole new level. According to this woman my homosexuality is indicative of being possessed by a gay evil spirit or queer demon?
I can prove she is wrong. Her argument is hinged upon the belief that homosexual desire and lust is demonically inspired. If that is the case, I want to know what is wrong with my inner lesbian demon, because she has got to be bored witless by now. If carnal activity was a prerequisite for maintaining demonic interest, my queer demon would have abandoned me long ago. The fact that I still consider myself a lesbian is a testament to the fact that homosexuality has nothing to do with possession, unless there are demons who are interested in celibate slumming.
The concept of ‘gay cures’ freak me out. Whether the negative connotation of homosexuality is ascribed to moral judgment or psychological stigma, the premise is based on ridding an individual of undesirable behavior. It is simultaneously shocking, ridiculous and offensive. To openly solicit ‘assistance’ from organizations claiming to ‘cure’ gays suggests a deep level of self-hatred. I respect the individual’s right to pursue whatever path in life they choose, but I am not convinced that a gay person can be ‘cured.’ I think psychological manipulation and moral assault could potentially convince a person to deny their feelings.
Anyone can alter their behavior. Being gay isn’t like being a vampire, where you are overwhelmed with an insatiable need to suck ____________. Well, maybe sometimes, but sexual identity can usually be suppressed if someone has motivation to do so. Homosexual behavior has had unpleasant repercussions throughout most of ‘civilized’ history and women didn’t count. Alienation, persecution, exorcism, torture, violence, shock therapy, incarceration or death qualify as motivational. The ramifications of full disclosure have provided a phenomenal incentive to be discrete for centuries.
Discretion means marriage. Thus, gays have enjoyed the rights and privileges of marriage for centuries, but they have been forced to exercise those rights in the context of heterosexual relationships. Getting married or being intimate with people of the opposite sex does not mean you are heterosexual. People have been having dalliances outside of their relationships throughout human history. If you don't get caught, then there is no evidence. If you do get caught, but aren't convicted, history will likely blot out the memory due to a human need to avoid all things gay. ‘Improprieties’ committed by many well known historical figures, that were common knowledge at the time, have been swept under the rug of historical recollection.
It would be hard to prove that there are more homosexuals now than at any other time in history, in terms of percentage of population. There is no numerical data. However there is ample historical evidence about relationships between people of the same sex. Gays have been a part of human society forever. It's not new. It's not more prolific. Many of us are simply tired of pretending to be something that we are not to appease narrow-minded bigots.
I am thankful there are more people these days who realize that homosexuality is not a disease, not a choice, not a curse, not a negative, not unpleasant, not perverse, not immoral and not a mental ailment. However, watching that video, I realize that we, as a society, have a long way to go. I hope that kid is ok. That type of experience can do your head in.
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Comments
Palin's been praying my gay away. Is that why I stared at the Ryan Reynolds EW cover for a second longer than I should have??? ;)
Excellent article. Thanks especially for the videos.
I have always known I was "different"...but never came out until this year. I was convinced that God would "heal" me. HA! It was when I searched the heart of God that I realized...He loves me for me. And He doesn't make accidents. The God that I believe in and love created me to love women and He loves me. My parents and pastors, along with many other members of the church I used to attend and be a leader at, pray for my healing and cure to my face and behind my back. That's their judgement, ignorance, and stupidity... and it's about them, NOT me. People like that make God out to be this horrible being...that's the sad part. Call me what you will...but I am secure enough in my relationship with God to know where I stand with Him...
When you love God, you should respect what God wants you to do.
If you love God, then you would and should read the Bible to learn of God's history with his people (Old Testament) and how we should live(New Testament) and as for Homosexuality, it tells us what God says about that.
Unfortunately, for those who 'feel' they been born this way, either they do what God needs and wants them to do, or they choose by their free will to do other wise.
Those who live the homosexual lifestyle obviously don't want to feel that their wrong. As far as the Bible's concerned, which should make every difference, it says its an abomination to God. So how ever anyone wants to put it, they will be held accountable by God for it, and it doesn't matter what anyone says or thinks cause it stops at God. Peace.
Dear Adam & Eve for a reason: I spent 25 years trying to deny my sexuality. Two heterosexual marriages and four children later, guess what? I still like girls, and boys still disgust me sexually.
If your god thinks I have to be straight to love me, then I guess I can just live without your god. I'm a whole lot happier without him, anyway.
I am not sure why gay is an issue. It is not contagious, it is not infectious and it doesn't matter. I am a straight guy, I know some people who are openly gay. I like some of them and don't like some. I don't base friendships or working relationships upon what happens in thier bedrooms...not my business, just as it is not thiers when it comes to me and my wife. Long story short: Great article! I hope that you find someone to connect with too, whether that person is a man or woman or a "Spirit of healthly loving relationships." As long as the spirits of self loathing and ignorance don't creep up and possess you, like they did that poor congregation of misguided people.
-Rob
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