QuoteFrom Eddie Long to Kim Burrell: Why Millennials Need to Abandon the Church
(http://www.bet.com/celebrities/news/2017/01/17/from-kim-burrell-to-eddie-long/_jcr_content/image.heroimage.dimg/__1484676259108/011717-celebs-eddie-long-bishop-kim-burrell.jpg)
In recent years, church attendance by millennials have been on the decline. Studies show that America has dropped to only 70 percent Christian while non-believer rates are rising. This is no surprise to me. At 25 years old, I can honestly say that I don?t plan on returning to the church. The concept of organized religion is deeply problematic and dangerous to my existence as an openly gay Black man from Houston.
I was once a victim of spiritual violence in the church. Sitting in an aisle and hearing a preacher tell me I would burn in hell and that my entire life is not worth continuing was traumatizing. Empathy and compassion were virtues that are often spoken of in Christ, but not in the congregation. I would see LGBTQ youth shunned and abandoned by their families later collapse into deep depressions. Why would followers of God?s teachings leave vulnerable children out to die? Isn?t the church supposed to be a place for support and healing rather than fear and shaming?
As I became more comfortable and enlightened on my sexual orientation and gender expression, I realized that poverty played a role in the misteachings and miseducation of the church. For my family, the church was a sacred place to avoid the influence of worldly things. In this space ? politics, systemic oppression and personal stress were allegedly lifted off of you through prayer and forgiveness. But instead, it was the opposite. A church would ?turn up? when a politician cut a check. Money always was the true ruler. The discrepancies of organized religion taught me that hypocrisy was the name of the game in a place where imperfect people had holier than thou egos.
Such was the case for Kim Burrell and the late Bishop Eddie Long. Both religious powerhouses in the Black church, Burrell and Long had the influence to garner large profits from congregations and corporate interests through the name of the Lord. As a Houston native that grew up COGIC, Burrell was royalty. Her music gave me and my fellow gay choir friends life. We loved Burrell because she could sing with the greats like Whitney and still maintain a sense of pride in her faith. When she sang on Frank Ocean?s last album, I felt that she was an ally who understood the struggle many LGBTQ members of the church endured. I thought it was her subtle way of telling us she was here for us. But when that Facebook Live video leaked of her calling same-gender loving people ?perverted? and condemning us with derogatory references, I felt betrayed. I was one of the first on social media to demand that she be ousted from appearing on Ellen Degeneres?s show. It was a bittersweet moment to see a gospel artist I once respected now get dejected from mainstream visibility based on her backsliding.
The late Bishop Eddie Long was a different story. From day one, Long made his condemnation of LGBTQ people public and visceral. He used church money to lead marches to condemn the queer community, who help to uplift the church. Long perpetuated an act of spiritual violence ? he was publicly shaming Black gay men in Atlanta, a city with high HIV rates and rising cases of LGBTQ youth homelessness. He spoke of death and damnation into the lives of innocent people as he himself had potential secrets of his own. When a sea of allegations came pouring out about Long using his wealth from the ministry to coerce sex with young adult males (although these accusations were longtime rumors all over Atlanta for years), I was completely disgusted. Long was the Black version of Ted Haggard and it began to make sense why he spent his career bashing LGBTQ people in the church. I expected the Black church to come together and have an honest conversation about homophobia. That didn?t happen. The congregation denied the countless allegations, stood by Long?s side and continued to shame those afflicted. When he passed away this week, I couldn?t remain silent as others attempted to sanitize his hatred. I didn?t just blame Long, but the overall positioning of the church in general. They were complicit with inflicting spiritual violence. I refused to remain a victim any longer.
I officially left the church two years ago. Now, I loosely identify as a deist. I believe in a higher being, but I don?t see their role as dominate in our world as much as others within an organized religion would imagine. I can no longer endorse an ideology that perpetuates death and destruction on me for being something that I was born as. ?Hate the sin, not the sinner,? some church folks like to tell me as their cheap way of offering compassion. I don?t believe being gay is a sin or a choice. ?It?s spiritual warfare,? some of these church folks have argued. Warfare for who? I?m not battling anything. I love myself and I am comfortable in my skin. However, what is spiritual warfare are places of worship not evolving with their faith.
This isn?t just an LGBTQ issue, but a generational one. Many of my fellow straight brothers and sisters of the church, who are also the sons and daughters of ministers, are becoming turned off by the division. Most millennials (even young Republicans) live in a world where we believe sexual orientation has nothing to do with the content of one?s character. Although we don?t completely agree on everything, millennials are more socially progressive than the generation before them. Those who are allies of their LGBTQ friends and family hate being told they have to choose between their faith and the support of their loved ones. The ?either or? scenario is a dangerous dichotomy that is forcing millennials out of the church.
Pence, who considers himself a devout Christian, believes in LGBTQ conversion clinics and Eddie Long advocated for ?sexual reorientation? therapy. Trump is endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan. As a millennial, there is no way I can subscribe to the notion that an institution that claims itself to be a place of faith and compassion could ever vouch for individuals backed by hate groups.
I can?t wait for the church to change. I will no longer waste my time explaining why my Black gay life should matter to Black churches. The church has proven repeatedly that it?s only committed to saving and healing some lives, not all of them. Too many LGBTQ people of color have committed suicide, been forced into poverty and remain victimized by the spiritual abuse and manipulation of clergy. Millennials should not continue a death sentence that is masked by faith. It?s time to liberate ourselves outside of the pain that has become the church and encourage the generation after us to never use the name of Jesus as a tool of oppression.
http://www.bet.com/celebrities/news/2017/01/17/from-kim-burrell-to-eddie-long.html
I'm actually really surprised that BET posted this
QuoteIn recent years, church attendance by millennials have been on the decline.
One sentence in and I already know the writing is SHIT. Pass.
I was about to ask did he send this from hell
Quote from: MΛΥDΛΥ on January 17, 2017, 02:23:26 PM
I'm actually really surprised that BET posted this
Same. Lemme get in.
Quote from: \dē-ˈā-gō\ on January 17, 2017, 02:25:45 PM
QuoteIn recent years, church attendance by millennials have been on the decline.
One sentence in and I already know the writing is SHIT. Pass.
HUSH! ... just READ the article and take something from it ..... contrary ass phaggit :uhh:
i dont see why 2 9 or 18 ppul would cause you to leave the church
ur salvation isnt dependent upon them
lolz
Good read
Organized religion is the pits. And this article was nice coming from BET.
Ch
Haven't been to church since Highschool
Pretty sad how people are literally forced into church and religion from a young age. They don't even make the choice themselves.
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist just there's too much bad in the world and don't believe the God I was taught about would just perch in a cloud and watch it happen
:overit:
Quote from: Chokeme on January 18, 2017, 10:13:18 AM
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist just there's too much bad in the world and don't believe the God I was taught about would just perch in a cloud and watch it happen
:overit:
Arguments like this gag me. As if there is supposed to be an immediate consequence for every wrong doing. I was taught that we have "free will" to make the choices we want and to live as we please. Even to make the choice to seek relationship with God or to not believe. You cannot expect divine intervention, for even the most horrible things.. when you have free will.
I have been to church ONCE in the last couple years, and even though I do not attend.. I still believe. I've noticed people on here and in real life always like to give a"Oh Hypocrites in church"
"Said im going to hell !!"
" all pastors want money "a consistent focus on...people....people who have their own issues and problems, ..and not putting the focus on God.
I am glad I realize that my personal relationship and walk with Christ is mine, and mine alone... it keeps me from this bitter, scorned attitude that a lot of the gays have.
Quote from: Chokeme on January 18, 2017, 10:13:18 AM
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist
:usuresis:
Quote from: Drais. on January 18, 2017, 09:58:41 AM
Pretty sad how people are literally forced into church and religion from a young age. They don't even make the choice themselves.
It's tough on ppl that are different than the norm
a place that was supposed to be full of love, I experienced some really dark moments there growing up
and almost ended up hating myself for a lifetime because of my FIRM belief in it
I actually even went into seclusion to try to fix whatever was wrong with me.
ppl may not agree with me, but pushing religion at a young age is a major form of brainwashing
especially when it peddles hate
we have to learn from the past mistakes... the worst crimes in the history of humankind were perpetrated by Christians in the name of the Lord :plzstop:
wow inclined to agree Bent
Quote from: BENTLEY. on January 18, 2017, 10:40:00 AM
Quote from: Drais. on January 18, 2017, 09:58:41 AM
Pretty sad how people are literally forced into church and religion from a young age. They don't even make the choice themselves.
It's tough on ppl that are different than the norm
a place that was supposed to be full of love, I experienced some really dark moments there growing up
and almost ended up hating myself for a lifetime because of my FIRM belief in it
I actually even went into seclusion to try to fix whatever was wrong with me.
ppl may not agree with me, but pushing religion at a young age is a major form of brainwashing
especially when it peddles hate
we have to learn from the past mistakes... the worst crimes in the history of humankind were perpetrated by Christians in the name of the Lord :plzstop:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It really is damaging to the psyche tbh
Quote from: BENTLEY. on January 18, 2017, 10:40:00 AM
Quote from: Drais. on January 18, 2017, 09:58:41 AM
Pretty sad how people are literally forced into church and religion from a young age. They don't even make the choice themselves.
we have to learn from the past mistakes... the worst crimes in the history of humankind were perpetrated by Christians in the name of the Lord :plzstop:
this seems to be the worst part
this is tha 1 thing everyone overlooks
how can you ignor something that CLEARLY isn t workin !!!
Quote from: Myron on January 18, 2017, 10:33:28 AM
Quote from: Chokeme on January 18, 2017, 10:13:18 AM
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist just there's too much bad in the world and don't believe the God I was taught about would just perch in a cloud and watch it happen
:overit:
Arguments like this gag me. As if there is supposed to be an immediate consequence for every wrong doing. I was taught that we have "free will" to make the choices we want and to live as we please. Even to make the choice to seek relationship with God or to not believe. You cannot expect divine intervention, for even the most horrible things.. when you have free will.
I have been to church ONCE in the last couple years, and even though I do not attend.. I still believe. I've noticed people on here and in real life always like to give a
"Oh Hypocrites in church"
"Said im going to hell !!"
" all pastors want money "
a consistent focus on...people....people who have their own issues and problems, ..and not putting the focus on God.
I am glad I realize that my personal relationship and walk with Christ is mine, and mine alone... it keeps me from this bitter, scorned attitude that a lot of the gays have.
Yes say thatttttttt
I always hear well ur slave masters used this....ok and?
U dont worry about the actions of others they are human just like you
U and and ur relationship with god is ur own and u cant and should not proxy it through someone else pastor or not
God is more forgiving than man so u need to be able to tune their carnal minded mess out
One thing that irritates me is oh the bible doesnt say its ok to fuck another man well it aint nothin...smh
Not realizing that sodemy is frowned upon for all
But yeah
Quote from: Myron on January 18, 2017, 10:33:28 AM
Quote from: Chokeme on January 18, 2017, 10:13:18 AM
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist just there's too much bad in the world and don't believe the God I was taught about would just perch in a cloud and watch it happen
:overit:
Arguments like this gag me. As if there is supposed to be an immediate consequence for every wrong doing. I was taught that we have "free will" to make the choices we want and to live as we please. Even to make the choice to seek relationship with God or to not believe. You cannot expect divine intervention, for even the most horrible things.. when you have free will.
I have been to church ONCE in the last couple years, and even though I do not attend.. I still believe. I've noticed people on here and in real life always like to give a
"Oh Hypocrites in church"
"Said im going to hell !!"
" all pastors want money "
a consistent focus on...people....people who have their own issues and problems, ..and not putting the focus on God.
I am glad I realize that my personal relationship and walk with Christ is mine, and mine alone... it keeps me from this bitter, scorned attitude that a lot of the gays have.
but everyone's introduction to the Lord is through other people and a book
I mean, if the lawd came down and said "hey supreme lol, I'm real btw", I think folks would be more inclined to believe.
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 10:50:04 AM
Quote from: Myron on January 18, 2017, 10:33:28 AM
Quote from: Chokeme on January 18, 2017, 10:13:18 AM
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist just there's too much bad in the world and don't believe the God I was taught about would just perch in a cloud and watch it happen
:overit:
Arguments like this gag me. As if there is supposed to be an immediate consequence for every wrong doing. I was taught that we have "free will" to make the choices we want and to live as we please. Even to make the choice to seek relationship with God or to not believe. You cannot expect divine intervention, for even the most horrible things.. when you have free will.
I have been to church ONCE in the last couple years, and even though I do not attend.. I still believe. I've noticed people on here and in real life always like to give a
"Oh Hypocrites in church"
"Said im going to hell !!"
" all pastors want money "
a consistent focus on...people....people who have their own issues and problems, ..and not putting the focus on God.
I am glad I realize that my personal relationship and walk with Christ is mine, and mine alone... it keeps me from this bitter, scorned attitude that a lot of the gays have.
but everyone's introduction to the Lord is through other people and a book
I mean, if the lawd came down and said "hey supreme lol, I'm real btw", I think folks would be more inclined to believe.
I think alot of us get that but but we dismiss it because it doesnt come in a paramormal form
(https://uploadir.com/u/wy99r76p)
Can you prove god to me then, in any form
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 10:55:51 AM
Can you prove god to me then, in any form
God is omnipresent i cant make him interpretal to your senses alone
We have proof of his existence tho
That's what I just asked for
:diddraispoot:
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 11:01:47 AM
That's what I just asked for
:diddraispoot:
Lol if u dont belive the proof wont matter
Its something u have to pray read and fast about for an answer
As much as ive been thru i know god is real and has authority over my life
And im not even religous nor do i pray all the time but hes there always
Quote from: TheNextLew on January 18, 2017, 11:04:31 AM
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 11:01:47 AM
That's what I just asked for
:diddraispoot:
Its something u have to pray read and fast
n
Girl
Now I know it's bullshit coming from you
:overit:
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 11:01:47 AM
That's what I just asked for
:diddraispoot:
I'm crying
I can't prove it to you but there's proof though
leave & let it crumble
Eh. I guess it depends on the church, but I still attend and I still believe.
Quote from: Myron on January 18, 2017, 10:33:28 AM
Quote from: Chokeme on January 18, 2017, 10:13:18 AM
Am sorry don't believe in God sor
Not an atheist just there's too much bad in the world and don't believe the God I was taught about would just perch in a cloud and watch it happen
:overit:
Arguments like this gag me. As if there is supposed to be an immediate consequence for every wrong doing. I was taught that we have "free will" to make the choices we want and to live as we please. Even to make the choice to seek relationship with God or to not believe. You cannot expect divine intervention, for even the most horrible things.. when you have free will.
I have been to church ONCE in the last couple years, and even though I do not attend.. I still believe. I've noticed people on here and in real life always like to give a
"Oh Hypocrites in church"
"Said im going to hell !!"
" all pastors want money "
a consistent focus on...people....people who have their own issues and problems, ..and not putting the focus on God.
I am glad I realize that my personal relationship and walk with Christ is mine, and mine alone... it keeps me from this bitter, scorned attitude that a lot of the gays have.
SAY THAT MYRON!
thought I was at Bible study for a second
rtgfdsxs
i wont be fooled like many others by mans illusions of wat they THINK god is!
sorr' ray & myr'!
i do think theres a god
jus not tha one whose so concerned 'bout who sumone sleeps wit
or or
HOW ppl dress!
Quote from: BENTLEY. on January 17, 2017, 02:31:06 PM
Quote from: \dē-ˈā-gō\ on January 17, 2017, 02:25:45 PM
QuoteIn recent years, church attendance by millennials have been on the decline.
One sentence in and I already know the writing is SHIT. Pass.
HUSH! ... just READ the article and take something from it ..... contrary ass phaggit :uhh:
vvvvvvccvvvvvvvvvvvhygcvv
It should be *has been though
Well the God I believe in isn't really worried about that either
:gotchafag:
Parting oceans, flooding the entire planet, a ship that carried every animal species, giant slayers, talking burning bushes
What kind of JK Rowling fantasy
(https://uploadir.com/u/wy99r76p)
Where do u think.she got it?
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cad06b_49093ad116454da3ac3b38c922d67536~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_438,h_292,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cad06b_49093ad116454da3ac3b38c922d67536~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpg)
q
You add a couple dragons and a warlock to the bible and it could easily pass for one of Aesop's fables.
I'm glad to see folks are finally smelling the bullshit.
Quote from: ANIMMAI on January 18, 2017, 12:59:58 PM
q
You add a couple dragons and a warlock to the bible and it could easily pass for one of Aesop's fables.
I'm glad to see folks are finally smelling the bullshit.
:plzstop:
I think what really got me is the fact that people tried to make me fear God and the Bible, and I was so confused because why should I be afraid of God? "Do this or you'll be punished!"
Not to mention there's an aspect where questioning things is considered a sin, like if you ask any questions doubting God it's considered a sin and you're doing wrong and have to just believe and that just sounds like blind faith to me.
I bet the creators of the simulation we live in look at the Bible stories like
(https://uploadir.com/u/wy99r76p)
Quote from: MΛΥDΛΥ on January 18, 2017, 12:52:18 PM
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cad06b_49093ad116454da3ac3b38c922d67536~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_438,h_292,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cad06b_49093ad116454da3ac3b38c922d67536~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpg)
Yuck
Any pics of God guys
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 01:11:14 PM
Any pics of God guys
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KpTauCrw3bQ/SkHPhLpxguI/AAAAAAAABJo/j1pLB_vmxRU/s320/truth+hurts1.jpg)
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 01:11:14 PM
Any pics of God guys
hhhgggffff
(http://www.zanews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/beyonce.png)
Bbvvvvvvvbbbbv
Where's that performance of her
Quote from: Drew Berrymore on January 18, 2017, 01:06:06 PM
I think what really got me is the fact that people tried to make me fear God and the Bible, and I was so confused because why should I be afraid of God? "Do this or you'll be punished!"
Not to mention there's an aspect where questioning things is considered a sin, like if you ask any questions doubting God it's considered a sin and you're doing wrong and have to just believe and that just sounds like blind faith to me.
(https://uploadir.com/u/8autldbu)
wen my cousin frm my mom side said she went to get baptize...tha way she described it
she say there was a CIRCLE of ppl 'round her
at firs she wanted to do it but got scared & they told her hell awaits if she didnt go thru!
tht mess...yall tht mess is DARK sided
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 01:11:14 PM
Any pics of God guys
hhhgggffff
(http://s1.postimg.org/enp8joo1r/19546_275168538615_179637433615_3487456_1568603.jpg)
wow!
Quote from: Kurama on January 18, 2017, 01:14:35 PM
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 01:11:14 PM
Any pics of God guys
hhhgggffff
(http://s1.postimg.org/enp8joo1r/19546_275168538615_179637433615_3487456_1568603.jpg)
wow!
v
Don't think God has a hard drive and software updates hun
Looks like Truth, Bey and Brit are the Holy Trinity
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 12:23:04 PM
Well the God I believe in isn't really worried about that either
:gotchafag:
s
The God YOU believe in would send ppl to hell to burn for eternity tho? :dead:
The God I believe in is Love and purely just THAT.
No smoke, mirrors, or burning crosses attached :dead:
Quote from: BENTLEY. on January 18, 2017, 01:16:15 PM
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 12:23:04 PM
Well the God I believe in isn't really worried about that either
:gotchafag:
s
The God YOU believe in would send ppl to hell to burn for eternity tho? :dead:
well if they don't believe in him, why not?
And I'm so tired of the ... " oh not ALL Christians" argument
Hun it's a religion, it IS what it is, and it teaches what it teaches :dead:
Why waste time socializing and attending with "those" ppl if you don't believe exactly in the hate they're spouting
But! Sit back! Do nothing! Deflect and defend!
... and try to CONVINCE that you wouldn't be one of the ppl in the crowd watching the Inquistion murders or the Crusades taking place, or innocent women and children being slaughtered. Like PLEA!
It's time that things just are what they are in the world. You believe and promote hate. It's that simple.
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 01:17:19 PM
Quote from: BENTLEY. on January 18, 2017, 01:16:15 PM
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 12:23:04 PM
Well the God I believe in isn't really worried about that either
:gotchafag:
s
The God YOU believe in would send ppl to hell to burn for eternity tho? :dead:
well if they don't believe in him, why not?
oh ok ....
Let's go over to 1 John ..... God is Love ... we can start there
Don't make me break out the KJV on ya this afternoon Ray! I'll strangle ya with the WORD!
:cmerefag:
Abrahmic religions really fascinate me. I do think some true tea could be all up in there, but if so all of us Westerners are going to hell.
Quote from: Kurama on January 18, 2017, 01:32:30 PM
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 01:15:48 PM
Quote from: Kurama on January 18, 2017, 01:14:35 PM
Quote from: AYR on January 18, 2017, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: GRAND SUPREME MARSHALL on January 18, 2017, 01:11:14 PM
Any pics of God guys
hhhgggffff
(http://s1.postimg.org/enp8joo1r/19546_275168538615_179637433615_3487456_1568603.jpg)
wow!
v
Don't think God has a hard drive and software updates hun
\
Can I have an update on how Jackie's doing?
01000010101001010100101001000110101101010010010001
00101000100101010100100101010010101001010010001101011010
10010010001001010001001010101001001010100101010010100100
01101011010100100100010010100010010101010010010101001010
10010100100011010110101001001000100101000100101010100100
10101001010100101001000110101101010010010001001010001001
0101010010010101001010100101001000110101101010010010001001010001001010101001001010100101010010100100011010110101
00100100010010100010010101010010010101001010100101001000
11010110101001001000100101000100101010100100101010010101
001010010001101011010100100100010010100010010101010010
FAGGOT
FGHBJNVMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMTNFGB
:guys:
Quote from: MΛΥDΛΥ on January 18, 2017, 12:52:18 PM
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cad06b_49093ad116454da3ac3b38c922d67536~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_438,h_292,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cad06b_49093ad116454da3ac3b38c922d67536~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpg)
lol @ your fantasy being laying in the arms of a white hairy man :kii: :kii:
gvbnmmmmmmmm
u see a white mans...i see good credit & no criminals record! :woohoo:
Quote from: BENTLEY. on January 18, 2017, 01:21:53 PM
And I'm so tired of the ... " oh not ALL Christians" argument
Hun it's a religion, it IS what it is, and it teaches what it teaches :dead:
Why waste time socializing and attending with "those" ppl if you don't believe exactly in the hate they're spouting
But! Sit back! Do nothing! Deflect and defend!
... and try to CONVINCE that you wouldn't be one of the ppl in the crowd watching the Inquistion murders or the Crusades taking place, or innocent women and children being slaughtered. Like PLEA!
It's time that things just are what they are in the world. You believe and promote hate. It's that simple.
!!!!!!
:plzstop: