Category — Books

In an exclusive and extensive interview with GCM Watch, noted international author and teacher and Dr. Michael Brown shares insight on just what has happened to America when it collided with homosexual activism.  His well documented book A Queer Thing Happened to America chronicles the startling darkness that has accompanied the homosexual movement into American culture.  In contrast to the masked public image of the gay movement, Brown’s books proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the homosexual movement’s deception is as alarming as it gets.

Gay Christian Movement Watch: Congratulations on this phenomenal book Dr. Brown. I’d like to start by asking you if this book represents an evolution of sorts in terms of how you have viewed the homosexual movement in America?

Dr. Michael Brown: Thanks for the kind words about the book. Yes, it absolutely does represent an evolution in terms of how I have viewed the homosexual movement in America. As I did the research and observed the developments in our society, my feelings went from serious concern to grave alarm, yet at the same time, my heart began to break more and more for the people involved. So, I deeply love those who indentify as GLBT while firmly opposing their activism, which to them, of course, is a complete contradiction.

GCMW: How you think the average American will react to seeing this? I mean some of the information can be quite stunning to someone who isn’t aware of the depth of depravity among this subculture.

MB: The average American will be shocked on quite a few levels. In fact, I’ve heard from people who have been actively involved in dealing with the relevant social and moral and religious issues that they have been shocked by what they’ve read. First, it’s shocking to see how widespread and pervasive gay activism is in our culture; second, it’s shocking to see how successful that activism has been, especially in such a short period of time; third, it’s shocking to see how this activism is trumping religious liberties and freedoms of conscience; fourth, it’s shocking to see how the trajectory of homosexual ideology actually undermines the very foundations of male-female gender; and fifth, it’s shocking to see how, in some segments of the homosexual community (even religious ones), the sexual fixation is extreme.

GCMW: The book has almost 90 pages of endnotes. Why was it necessary for you to so heavily document your writing?

MB: There are more than 1,500 endnotes in the book, and if we didn’t use such a small font for the notes, we would have ended up with many more pages. For me, though, it was very important to document everything carefully and fairly. Not only is it my habit to do meticulous research (I earned my Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from New York University, and so I I’m trained to look carefully at the original sources), but I also wanted it to be clear that I wasn’t simply citing the latest internet rumor, that I had done my homework, and that those questioning me – and I knew there would be plenty of critics – would be able to check the sources for themselves. I also wanted to allow those with whom I differed to present their positions in their own words, in context, with reference to the original sources.

GCMW: We’ve  done a lot of documenting on the excesses of the gay christian movement and in “A queer thing” you devote a chapter [10] to this. What stands out most about the gay religious movement to you?

MB: That’s a big question, and one that’s especially painful, since I’m sure there are many sincere people going through very intense personal struggles in the gay christian movement. Can you imagine how “liberating” it is for some of them to conclude that, “God made me gay and the Bible doesn’t oppose loving, committed, same-sex relationships”? It’s a very powerful deception, for sure. But there’s another side to that deception, one that I focus on in Chapter Ten. There is often a terribly disturbing, perverted reading of many holy texts in the Scriptures, a sexual focus that produces horrific and deviant interpretations. I was so troubled after writing the final lines to that chapter that I went into another room in our house where my wife was doing some work and broke down crying. To be sure, there are “gay Christian” advocates who have accused me of cherry picking and just looking for perverted interpretations, but the truth is that I simply began to build up a library of major “gay Christian” volumes (actually, getting some “gay Jewish” books as well), and then I began to go through the material and document what I found. Even then, I could not get myself to reproduce some of the quotes – they were just too vile – and I had to summarize some of the content. Of course, I’m aware that not all “gay Christians” read the Bible this way, but to the extent they claim that God made them gay, that their same-sex, sexual relationships can be sanctioned by God, and that, perhaps, men like David and Jonathan or women like Ruth and Naomi were gays and lesbians, to that extent they have seriously misrepresented the Lord and hurt themselves.

GCMW: Look forward about 10 years in America and tell me what you see with this issue.

MB: Barring some kind of spiritual awakening that leads to a moral and cultural revolution, that’s a very frightening prospect. I see the complete normalizing of homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism to the point that anyone who does not affirm all manner of GLBT identification and behavior will be viewed by society as a bigoted extremist, akin to a member of the KKK. I see schools across the nation fully embracing a full-fledged, gay-slanted curriculum, with no option for parents to opt their kids out, and with strong encouragement for kids to “come out” as GLBT at younger and younger ages (becoming sexually active at younger and younger ages as well; in fact, given enough time, there will be a push to lower the age of consent). In fact, I could easily see gay-slanted curricula being mandated for private religious schools and even home schools. I see the complete breaking down of the “gender dichotomy,” so that more and more people will identify as genderless or multi-gender or gender non-conforming, to the point that men in dresses using a ladies room will be considered quite normal. I see same-sex marriages becoming the law of the land, meaning, once again, that those who do not affirm such unions will be codified as bigots (which, of course, will also be the case as for more “non-discrimination” laws are passed based on gender identity and sexual orientation). I see religious liberties and freedoms of conscience being negated by sexual liberties and freedoms, and I see it becoming illegal for counselors and therapists and, one day, even pastors, to tell homosexuals that they can change their sexual orientation – and this is just for starters. And yet deep down, I believe that God will have mercy on our land and send an awakening, but only if we get to a point of spiritual desperation.

GCMW: A New York Times story recently revealed that gay marriage is devoid of the same sexual standards (like adultery) of biblical heterosexual marriage. Is this something that could eventually spread to the general population of marriage?

MB: You’re talking about what some homosexual men call “open monogamy,” which means that they are primarily involved with one person – living together with some level of commitment, possibly even a formal marriage certificate – and yet they acknowledge there will not be complete sexual fidelity. In fact, some of them are convinced that this is the key to a long-term, successful relationship. In my opinion, this reflects two things: First, it reflects the fact that two men do not have the moderating, tempering effect of a woman in their lives, hence their sexual appetites and fixations are not moderated as would happen in a normal, male-female relationship. It is a well-documented fact (and I discuss it in the book) that homosexual and bisexual men are more sexually active than heterosexual men. Second, it reflects the general moral collapse of our culture, where premarital sex has been the norm for more than a generation; where more and more kids are born out of wedlock; where TV shows celebrate adultery and polyamory and polygamy and where being a prostitute or stripper is something to be celebrated.

GCMW: It’s hard to believe that Christian publishers were afraid to publish the book. Has it gotten that bad?

MB: Yes, it has gotten that bad. I did discuss the project with one particular Christian publisher, and we agreed that what they were looking for and what I was writing were not the best match. Beyond that, it was simply a matter of rejecting the manuscript for a number of reasons (despite my good publishing record as the successful author of twenty books). For some, this was a lost war already. No need to beat a dead horse! For others, this was the wrong strategy. In other words, let’s not fight these cultural battles anymore, let’s just love the people. Others felt the contents were too controversial; all felt the name needed to change (which is so ironic in that the many secular and LGBT folks I talked with about the title had no objection to it all, with some really liking it). I was told by some that they agreed with the book but it would be too costly to publish (this was from a strong conservative publisher who feared bookstore boycotts of his other titles and loss of good authors), and all this was before the book got to be as long as it was, so the length wasn’t the issue then. Others told me plainly the subject just wouldn’t sell today. In no case did anyone criticize the research, the quality of the writing, or the accuracy of the content, nor did anyone take issue with the tone of the book itself.

GCMW: We think homosexual activism is the new social bully on the block. With such overbearing demands of acceptance being forced so relentlessly, why don’t we see the church community fighting with more passion?

MB: It is because to a great extent, many church leaders have lost their courage. On the one hand, we don’t want to be perceived as intolerant, and the moment we are compared with segregationists and slave-owners of the past, we cave in, not having good answers when we are accused of lacking love. Sadly, many Christians were on the wrong side of these issues in our past, and we don’t want to be on the wrong side again, and so, even though we disagree with homosexual practice, we dare not speak up against it. But it goes deeper than that. It’s too costly. We might offend some congregants. We might rustle some feathers. We might get an angry protest outside our lovely building. We might get blasted in the local newspaper. The way of compromise is much easier, and we subtly and unconsciously justify it in the name of wisdom or love. And yet it goes even deeper than that. In many ways, this is just a symptom of our larger compromise with the world, our failure to take up the cross and follow Jesus, the culture changing us rather than us changing the culture. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke this very relevant warning, and I truly believe it is a picture of what we have become today. He said, “The Church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. . . . If the Church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.”

GCMW: You cited an incident where a gay activist openly posted a graphic, racist death threat to me [page 81], yet nothing was done to him. What do you think would have happened had I done the same to him?

MB: Your face might have been blasted all over the internet and the news media as the latest example of a “God hates fags” preacher, and worse still, you might have been charged with instigating a hate crime of some sort. This much is sure: It’s a lot worse to be labeled anti-gay than anti-black today.

GCMW: I’m interested to know if any prominent church leaders have weighed in on the book. If not, do you think they will?

MB: I’m getting some very encouraging comments from family ministry leaders so far – to the point of saying that this is now THE book on the subject and it should be mandatory reading for all Christian leaders – but their endorsement is not surprising, although I’m blessed by their enthusiasm. As for other, prominent church leaders, some are coming out with strong endorsements, but they are the more socially active types. In contrast, one mega-church pastor, who is a good friend of mine, told me that there is not another mega-church pastor he knows in his city who will even address the issue of homosexuality from the pulpit – even in terms of sexual behavior as opposed to gay activism. That being said, because I’ve had a good track record of ministry for several decades, including being a seminary professor, being involved in world missions, in Jewish outreach, and in revival movements, and because, by God’s grace, don’t rail against those who oppose me, some are willing to rally together with me. Also, things are declining so rapidly around us that they’re realizing they must wake up to what’s happening and take a stand. But I might be too optimistic. This is a tough nut to crack right now, not because of spiritual enlightenment but because of spiritual apathy and confusion.

A Queer Thing Happened to America on Amazon

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

Dear Oprah,

On Wednesday, May 25th, your last and final show that, for 25 years, your guidance, inspiration as well as spiritual enlightenment, will have all come to an end.

Many have watched you throughout the years transform from a mere talk show host of sub-standard entertainment about cheaters, womanizers and cross-dressers, to become one of America’s most beloved spiritual advisors on life, community and spiritual awareness. To suggest your impact on our culture was a small one is an understatement to say the least. You have captured the hearts and minds of people around the globe like no other today. The world will be celebrating your work and labor for humanity, and rightly so. You deserve everything the world would lay at your feet, for you are one of it’s own.

But I for one will not be celebrating your life’s achievements, nor will I be dripping with emotional goo when you absorb all of the accolades people will be pouring at your feet. For it is you dear Oprah, that has caused more confusion, perversion and deceit than any other person in our current time. Actually, I can think of no one to this day who comes close to you when it involves a false teacher or religious leader that could invoke their lies and impact a people the way you have done.

From your spiritual teachings and subtle indoctrination of pagan beliefs into the minds of people everywhere, your concept of “higher power” through discovering oneself by opening up to the spirit world, has caused many to believe a lie and be damned for it. How many people in these 25 years of your time in influencing people across the nation and the world, have died lost and are now in hell because of listening to you and your foolish babble? How many Christians to this day, have sadly bought into your lie of “spiritual awareness” by accepting the idea that there is more than one way to heaven, like you stated in a past episode in which you said, “There can’t possibly be just one way to God.” Then there was your other less notable quote in which you stated, “If Jesus claimed exclusive divinity, it would make Jesus the biggest egotist that ever lived”.

Then there was Jo Baldwin, your first cousin, now a professor at Mississippi Valley State whom you hired back in the late 80‘s for nearly three years and quickly fired within two. Your reason? Ms. Baldwin spoke about Jesus Christ during her time at Harpo, which you seemed to dislike. But your aversion to the gospel is not just limited to simple sound bites and testy confrontations of past employees, your distaste for the true Christ is seen in your continuing support of another gospel – and their preachers.

Della Reese, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Aquino, Raymond Moody, Shakti Gawain, Betty Eadie and Deepak Chopra are all celebrated new agers and spiritualist’s you lifted up and praised as many who listened to you bought into their lies, hook, line and sinker. Again, you have achieved much more than most false teachers in your 25 year span. But it is your connection and love for Maya Angelou, a noted new age believer, that has hindered you from the truth. For every false teacher, there must be a student, and Maya was your teacher just as much as noted new age philosopher Eric Butterworth was hers, you are both intertwined together at the root and this root was anything but Godly, or holy. Like the student you were, you grew under her guidance and soaked in every whim and doctrine that uttered out of her mouth and now YOU are the teacher.

Then it was your push for tolerance teaching in our culture and the acceptance of all ideas and beliefs, especially homosexuality, which you seemed to have a much high regard for, that made me suspect to your agenda. Your ongoing endeavor to push for the acceptance of homosexuality seemed to be at the top of your “bucket list” and it is this agenda that you have pushed that has brought even more confusion on people caught up into this lie. But this was the plan all along as with every demonic lie Satan uses to deceive people with, you were simply his pawn.

Forgive me if I won’t be celebrating your 25 years of service to our culture, our society and your enduring attempts to radicalize a culture to reject the gospel and what we, as Christians have come to love and cherish. For it will be this same gospel you have rejected all of your life that will judge you if you do not repent and turn to Jesus Christ today.

So enjoy your moment, you obviously deserve it. But I’ll be praying that God has mercy on your life and offers you that chance to repent and come to Christ before you leave this world, for if you so choose not to repent, those 25 years of achievement will seem like mere seconds to eternity when you stand before God and give an account for the lies and false teachings you have fostered in the hearts and minds of people across the world. And on that day, your answer will be telling indeed.

Your friend,

Christopher Gregory

In this case, queer is never a good thing.

Charlotte based Coalition of Conscience founder Dr. Michael Brown appeared on Sid Roth’s television program, “It’s Supernatural” to talk about his  new book  “A Queer Thing Happened to America.”  During the interview Brown revealed that no Christian publisher wanted to touch his book because of the fear that the homosexual community would come down on them hard and virtually cause them economic loss. One literary agent told him to change the title of the book because a publisher believed the title was to controversial. This eventually caused Brown to self- publish the book.  It has been one of amazon.com’s top selling…and most controversial. Based on some of the comments from the customer review section this book definitely has edge.

In the interview, Dr. Brown touches on the subject that the homosexual agenda has impacted all facets of America life and driving American society more tolerant and accepting to homosexuality. Sadly, the church is following the lead of culture and not the Word of God.

In April, just a month after Dr. Brown interviewed with Sid Roth, the California Senate passed  Senate Bill 58.  This legislation would require California public schools to add gay history to its already overcrowded curriculm.   This  bill is now waiting to be approved by the California  State Assembly.   A Queer Thing is Always Happening in California that is for sure ( here, here, here).  This is further confirmation of what Dr. Michael Brown has spoken in his interview and written about in his book.  Please take out the time and view Dr. Michael Brown’s interview with Sid Roth.

Irony runs deep among the leaders of the gay christian movement. Case in point: gay christian false prophet James (Mel) White.

Mel White’s theological darkness may be as black as midnight, but shining the light on it helps unsuspecting people to avoid being ensnared by his spider web of lies. Back in 2007, we told you how White had instructed his followers not to discuss the bible with people who disagree with their lies. That’s how they weasel out of having to defend themselves.

Lately, we haven’t heard much from the former conservative ghost writer, whose claim to fame included tracking the late Jerry Falwell and starting the quasi-Christianesque gay terrorist group Soulforce.  White has been absent from the scene for several years. The reason for his unannounced disappearance isn’t clear.  But  whether he’s sick, retired or involved in some scandal it is clear,  he’s turned over the reigns to a new crop of whitewashed foot soldiers.

Journal of a Battling Christian does an excellent job taking White’s blackened lies to task as well as effectively deconstructing White’s signature book “Stranger at the Gate: what it means to be gay and Christian in America”.

Under Mel’s Spell

JBC writes that Justin Lee, whose Gay Christian Network operates as a rubber stamp mouthpiece, for the movement fails repeatedly fully disclose the true lifestyles of gcm activists he promotes.

“One of the things that amazes me most about Justin Lee, founder of the Gay Christian Network, is how he can promote so many “Gay Christian” activists and their books without fully revealing what these people teach, promote and engage in. One of the most frequently referred to is Gay Theology advocate and “Soul Force” activist Mel White. In his book Stranger At The Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America he tells of his first homosexual encounter while he was still married to his wife Lyla. In doing so he describes it as an unavoidable event that he was compelled to engage in that was not due to his sinful lust, but to the years of suppressing his felt “needs.” He goes on to describe it as a religious experience, equating it with the Passion of Christ and subsequently goes onto assert that his encounter with Mark, a gay prostitute, was a “gift from God.”

You read it right. One of the most “revered” false apostles of the gay christian movement described his adulterous sex hook up with a male prostitute as a “gift from God”. Perhaps if Ted Haggard — who committed the same act— would have spun his encounter as a gift from God to release his innate gayness, he too would be a gay christian hero.

JBC asks Lee how they can justify promoting someone with such debased morals as a role model? Its doubtful they will answer. White has already seen to it that they avoid anyone who challenges them based on biblical standards.

Editor’s note: From what seems to be a complex web in a life of bondage, a beautiful story of redemption emerges. Brittany Ursery used to be what lesbian subculture calls a “stud”. Then, she submitted her life to Jesus Christ and He changed everything. Now, a passionate advocate for freedom and deliverance from “the lifestyle”, the talented 22 year old wrote a book about her experiences “The Truth Behind the Scenes.” [website] And she graciously granted GCM Watch an interview about the book and her life after lesbianism.

Gay Christian Movement Watch: Part one of your book describes a sort of preconditioning you went through as a preteen. Things like name calling, your hormones, even distancing yourself from your family. Do you think that’s the path a lot of kids follow into homosexuality without knowing it?
Brittany Usery: Yes, based on what I’ve been told by quite a few youth I’ve talked to, they are preconditioned to accept homosexuality because of those circumstances. Just the other day a young lady told me how she always thought her sisters were more pretty then her, and how she used to get teased. She figured since nobody accepted her she would just rebel and turn to homosexuality. So those factors can and do influence a young person’s choices about their sexuality.

GCMW: For a person so young, your book is surprisingly insightful. Where does that come from?
BU: That’s a great question. After God brought me out of the lifestyle, various people that knew me asked about the change. So instead of telling everyone individually, I asked God how do I share it with a multitude of people at once. So he told me to write it down. So at that moment I sat at my laptop and before I knew it God brought my past to my remembrance and God basically wrote the book, and just used my fingers. He knew I was a willing vessel. But the insightful part just comes from whatever God had me write. I look back at my book sometimes and just know that God had to write that, because I can’t even duplicate some of the stuff that was said

GCMW: Is Behind the Scenes mostly for people your age or do you think its better for parents to read it and get some knowledge?
BU: The demographic age of the book is intended for people 14 and up. I suggest if the child has an immature mind, that the parent read it first, because I don’t want the book to do damage. The first few chapters when I express the rules in the gay community is definitely for parents, so that if they over hear their child saying certain words they will know what’s going on.

GCMW: You’ve described yourself as an EX-Stud. To some people that’s a radical thing. Why do that?
BU: I identify as an ex-stud, because when people see “studs” [female lesbians who appear to be men or masculine], they see them as rough hardcore females trying to emulate guys. So when they see me and they try to imagine me as a stud, all they can say is God is good, because I no longer have those stud qualities. Also you have to be bold in the life to be a stud, because of the identity issue. But as a fem or female that looks and acts like a regular heterosexual female they won’t get as many stares and evil looks; because their identity isn’t distorted as much as studs.

GCMW: Being an EX-stud do you need to work harder on your appearance and mannerisms than other women who get saved and is that important?
BU: Well before I got involved in the life, I was never sure how to portray myself as a feminine girl. So the only thing I have tried to work on is changing my voice back to feminine. While in the life I trained my voice to sound masculine, so that I could get more girls. Besides that I don’t struggle with wearing heels, I know how to go to the shop and get my hair done, and feminine clothes don’t bother me.

GCMW: Are there really “rules” in the homosexual subculture? And what purpose do they serve?
BU: Yes, there are rules in the African American lesbian lifestyle. For instance, studs don’t date each other. Roles within relationships must be flexible and two fems [lesbian who is feminine in appearance] can be together because society accepts that. These are unwritten rules that no matter where you go, they just come into play. When I look back now on the life and I see how juvenile we were, I just laugh. The rules are set forth to determine the popular lesbians from the not so popular ones. It’s definitely more in the young gay communities. Once you get past the age of 30, you no longer abide by the rules.

GCMW: That’s very interesting. And why do you think these “rules” exist?
BU: Well they do provide the subculture with a measure of structure, attention and popularity. But really homosexuality and its role rules they follow is a defacto existence. If they simply lived and loved the way God planned and intended those rules would not have to exist.

GCMW: Tell me about your own deliverance. I mean was there something in particular that broke it for you or it was just God’s time that you come out?
BU: Well, it was both. On august 8th 2007, I was at home by myself, washing dishes and I heard a voice. Very clear, the voice said “you need to call your youth pastor or today is going to be your last day on earth.” I heard the voice, but didn’t pay it any mind and continued washing. The voice repeated itself a second time. Then I stopped and allowed my mind to retrace. When I was 19, God spoke to me and I didnt listen and the result was me getting hit by a car. On august 8th, I ignored again but God spoke the same thing to me one last time. Finally, I got up and went to my mom’s room to find my youth pastor’s number and called her, but there was no answer.  While in my mom’s room, something I cant explain in words came over me. I began to cry uncontrollably, all this pain and hurt from my childhood came up. The room seemed like it was spinning. I couldn’t stop crying. I called my sister and I couldn’t even explain what was going on. She called my mom and my mom came home.  When my mom got there, the crying had stopped somewhat. But after I calmed down I felt this peace that I hadn’t felt in so long. It was a “chains being broken” peace, a “no longer bound” peace, an “eye opening” peace. My mom got the bible and laid it on me. And I said “Im out, Then my mom said, “you are free, no longer bound by that life”.

I went to work and asked to leave early so I could go to church. And now when I think about it, I know I was cleaned up because on my way to work and after I didnt even desire to listen to that music that had once polluted my ears.  When I got to church I told my youth pastor what happened and she said she knew God designed me to be a leader, and the same way I turned females out in the church, I would direct them back to Christ. So the next day I got my hair done, bought girl clothes and did the girl thing. But I wasn’t fully sold out until the next day, when the most amazing thing ever happened to me. August 10th,  I was at work. I didn’t tell anybody in the gay lifestyle about my transformation, because I didn’t want them to bring me back in. But while  at work, I got a phone call saying “we are going to kill you today”.  I went and found a bible in the store and started quoting the only scripture I knew.  No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I told the Lord I know you didnt just deliver me for me to die. As time went by, I forgot about the phone call. Ten minutes before time to leave there was a knock on the door and 5 girls outside with bats ready to assault me.  I nervously changed into some feminine clothes, (out of my work uniform) and got ready to leave the store. I was the third in line. As we walked out the store I heard the girls say,  “where’s Brittany, where’s Brittany?  I guess she didnt come to work today.” As soon as I got in my car I began praising God that his angels encamped around me and protected me from the enemy and they didn’t even recognize me. That’s when decided to go 150% for God and not look back. God delivered me from homosexuality Aug 8th 2007, but everyday I’m free from satans attacks.

GCMW: What’s your passion now that you have a book out and you’re sharing your testimony with others?
BU: I remember being asked what my passion was my senior year of high school, and all I was interested in was girls and basketball. Now my passion is doing the will of my Father, and if that means going out and sharing the gospel through my testimony, I’m willing to go. My main passion is just letting people know that freedom is possible, and there’s a God out there that loves them and wants a relationship with them.

GCMW: Is it important to tell others that you came out of lesbianism? You could just be generic about it. So why be specific?
BU: I like to be specific because homosexuality is one of those taboo topics which nobody really wants to discuss. So when you see a young lady like me, out here proclaiming freedom from something that to most people is unchangeable,  people start to tell others, the message spreads and more people can become free.

GCMW: Brittany for females who are still in the lifestyle kicking it and saying sex with another female is cool, what would you tell them?
BU: Well, I give them the breakdown of my testimony. Then I explain to them that God gives people what they want. The due penalty for sin is death. So they will have to make the decision on their own. It also depends on the situation, because the Holy Spirit has directed me other ways on what to say. So when it really comes down to it, it’s whatever God wants me to say.

You can purchase [$15.00]  The Truth Behind the Scenes at Brittany’s website.

A couple of years ago, church leaders —especially African American ones— were all up in arms about “the downlow”. A great deal of it seemed to be a knee jerk reaction to JL King’s inglorious book about the subject. Several Pastors hurriedly wrote books denouncing it. Sermons on the downlow (npi) started popping up on Sunday mornings, but a lot of it was church laff-a-palooza. Now, it seems to have passed and all has returned to normal.  But has anything really changed and has the downlow went underground in the church? Hardly. But now I question why there was so much hype in the beginning? Was it just a opportunity to sell books and make some money? Certainly, with all the secret (or not so secret) homosexual immorality going on in the church, one would think a plethora of ministries would have been birthed in the wake of these revelations. But don’t trouble yourself looking too hard.  Ministry to men and women struggling with homosexuality —secretly and openly— is just as barren in predominately African American churches as it was before the downlow craze.

Pastor Michael Stevens of University City COGIC in Charlotte wrote a book called Straight Up: The Church’s Official Response to the Epidemic of Downlow Living [source]. Of his book, Stevens says:

“Tired of the homosexual agenda trying to “soothe our conscience and level of tolerance,” Stevens fires back with a hard-hitting, in-depth look at the emotional, spiritual, and psychological damage this “nurtured” disease is having on the very core of the black family—the male seed. He adamantly pushes forward on this controversial subject because “we must deal with a disease that is invisible with no symptoms of potential threat or current characteristics of existence.”

Stevens also points out that “for every deception and myth, there is hope and healing.” He offers a four-step process that begins with acceptance, followed by repentance, avoidance, and confidence. The detailed plan, he is sure, will help men walk out of the double lifestyle into a new life full of straight living.”

I’m not singling out Stevens only using him as an example. He does say a lot in the video which is debatable. For instance, he veers off  onto feminine men in the church but honestly downlow men arent considered overtly feminine. That would thwart the whole idea of being hidden and secretive and certainly “heterosexual”. But I digress.

Another book called “Deliverance From The Down Low: Deliverance For Men Who Sleep With Men But Profess to be Straight” by Pastor Gary Williams came out about the same time. Here’s another sermon on the subject. Despite the pastor’s self admonishing “preach boy”, its fairly shallow.

So does the church have an answer? The answer? Yes and no. The church needs to acknowledge first that it is part of the problem as well as part of the answer. Stevens says it takes mentoring, modeling and molding to reduce spiritual recidivism among homosexuals who leave that lifestyle. I agree with Pastor Stevens, discipleship (Matt 28:19) is our command. It includes teaching, training and modeling right living in brotherly relationships. But if the problem is as severe as he says it is, why isnt the answer as prominent as the problem? Maybe I’m missing something, but I didn’t see anything addressing the problem at Pastor Steven’s church. The men’s ministry is well…typical. See it here.

The real solution to the downlow isnt a book (which downlow men most likely didnt read), or a fiery sermon about how downlowism is ruining the black community and church (alone, its not). The real solution is out in the open, long term ministry. The other solution for those who think secret sin (that’s all the downlow is) should be tolerated and accepted, is a good old fashioned house cleaning.