I believe that today's passage could easily have numerous Bible Devotions
related to it. It is why I encourage folks to read the passage for themselves
and see what they get out of it, of course with a bit of understanding and
openness would be beneficial.
I believe that especially chapter 19 of Genesis is one of the most misused,
abused passages in all of scripture, especially when it comes to the misinterpretation
and way many have taken it regarding the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and their
destruction.
We see the continuation of the story after Abraham has been visited by the
Lord and two angels. He and the Lord are on a hill conversing as the two angels
go to the cities of Sodom and Gommorah to try
and see what is going on and then ultimately deliver Lot
and his families to safety as God decides to destroy the cities.
What we see is a group of men in the cities who try to take the angels captive,
to rape them. Many over the years have said this is specifically related to
homosexuality. Let me be emphatic, it is about rape, and much more not
homosexuality. In fact, in the book of Ezekiel Chapter 16 we see God give the
specific reason as to why the destruction of Sodom
and Gomorrah. In
Ezekiel 16:49, we read from the NIV - "'Now this was the sin of your
sister Sodom:
She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help
the poor and needy."You can look
at other translations, all say the same thing. It was not homosexuality, it was
a perversion of focusing on self more than others, and not caring for those in
need, especially the poor and needy. While there can be debate as to how to
care for the poor and needy, God's desire to care for the poor and needy, to
not be arrogant and prideful, are not up for debate. I will also say, if one
wants to address the area of homosexuality, there are other passages to discuss
and study, this is not one of them. I would however, even on this subject,
encourage a detailed study using the Hebrew and the Greek.
I challenge, it is easy to misinterpret and misuse scripture because it
makes it easier for us to get away from examining ourselves. Do we care for the
poor and needy? Do we engage in sins to bring self pleasure, even when done
inappropriately and outside the will of God. Are we perverts in seeking sexual
gratification, I'm not talking about with a loved one you are committed to, I'm
talking to the point that the sex you are engaged in is for the wrong purposes
and solely to bring self gratification without the love God intended. When
doing a self examinations, this passage becomes rather difficult because I
still maintain, while we have Christ as a redeemer in our lives that forgives
sin, the nature of God does not change.
Of course the passage is about much more. Do we laugh at those trying to
give us advice that would save us such as the potential husbands and families
of Lot's daughters did? Do we make excuses to delay the things God
would have for us? Think about it, the arguing and persuasion the angels had to
do for Lot and his family? If we look at the
world around us today, is it really that much different than what we see in
these passages?
I could go on, in chapter 20 is a continuation of a story we read about
earlier in Genesis. It shows how God intervenes at times to save us and to
protect our relationships, such as between Abraham and Sarah. It also shows a
measure of deceit of where we have to be careful, even among family who would
try to do the wrong things to obtain the things they want. It is all about if
you will, in a way, selfishness, a concept where we ignore the aspect of loving
our neighbors, to care for our fellow human being.
All in all, we see that while God is a God who will go out of his way to show
love, mercy and forgiveness, we need to also remember that God is also a God who
exercises justice and vengeance. Just because we think God will never do harm,
or have His way, doesn't make it so. God is God and God will not be mocked, nor
will God be made light of. He has aspects that He holds true. Us not liking
them or putting God in a place where we don't agree with what we read does not
change God no matter how much we try. Of course in this I can also say,
misquoting scripture and making it say things it does not say, especially in
situations like the story of Sodom and Gomorrah does not make it so either. We
will know this if we study scripture. Today's passage is one that can take days
and days to reflect and chew on. Yet, it is also one that shows the lack of
study that we sometimes engage in. We can't just take the word of the one doing
the teaching, we have to be prepared to do the study ourselves. The Holy Spirit
is fully capable of giving us understanding.
To see Genesis Chapter 19 and 20 Click the following link:
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I just finished
watching the HBO Documentary, Mea Maxima
Culpa: Silence in the House of God.Let me be clear from the start, this is a must view for all people of
faith, especially those who believe in keeping the deepest and darkest of sins
secret, but also for those who believe that wrongs should never be confronted
publicly and directly.
My own life of
abuse has been chronicled over the years via television, radio, a movie and my
book The Keystone Kid. I know all too well the reluctance of many, even within
the religious community to confront the sin of sexual abuse. Silence in the
House of God (SITHG) addresses sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and the
massive cover-up they present goes all of the way to the top. They chronicle abuse that
has gone on for going on 2,000 years among the papacy and yet, covered up. I
challenge from the outset, abuse within all religious organizations, not just the
Christian Church has been going on since the conception of religion and
unfortunately, has been covered up, and/or not spoken about or addressed within
those organizations since its origins. Unfortunately, that concept still
continues as it is my observation from research, and personal experience, not
just in the area of sexual abuse though, but in any area which has people from
within those religious organizations encouraging others to not speak up, to let
things be, and to let the sins of many go unpunished and dealt with
between the individual and God. What these people and the organizations that
have let this go on for so long have either forgotten about, or simply don’t
care about, is the lasting damage within the lives of those
impacted by sin. This is certainly true in the areas of sin that so drastically
impacts the lives of the innocents, such as sexual sin.
While this is not
per say intended as a review of SITHG, I will say this, this is a terrific
documentary and just as I begin to have some concerns with the twists of the
documentary, as to if it is showing ultimate compassion towards the victims, we
are hit with a hard hitting reality of the damages and impact on the victims in
a powerful conclusion. Neither though is this documentary an attack on all
religions, or even for that matter, The Roman Catholic Church. We see
throughout heroes who have taken to the cause of listening to, believing,
trying to help the victims, even within the church. We also see though a poison
within the hierarchy of the church which for many years tried to prevent the
knowledge of these abuses and refused to speak out for or understand the
victims of abuse. Just as within all religious groups, and frankly, all walks
of life even outside of religion, there are those who would prefer to keep ones
“dirty laundry,” (a term I have personally heard within my own family), within
their own inner circles. SITHG does a wonderful job at showing the heartfelt
impact of this mentality and the ultimate danger that comes about because of
this mentality.
One of the things
I often hear from those within faith circles is the need to deal with things in
a certain way, or to never address sinful acts face to face and head on, even
in a public way. In this regard, I will willingly admit there is a time and a place
to address sin. There are specifics within the church hierarchy of Christianity
as outlined in Matthew 25. It is debated though within many theological circles
as to how those directives apply and if they are in fact intended as a method of
addressing conflict between Christians and Non-Christians. In this regard I
will state that there should be little debate as to the need of the person
engaged in sinful activity to turn from their ways, to if you will, repent
which implies and requires a change of behavior, a 180 Degree turn. If that
does not take place then there are certainly actions which should not only take
place, but be done so in a public way.
There are those
who sometimes even have issues with the above mentioned methods, I will remind
you, the Bible has numerous incidents of people being called out for their
sinful behavior, some with specific names being listed in a scripture that is
recorded for all of eternity. There is for example, no hesitation about calling
out Ananias and Sapphira in Acts Chapter 5, then there is 3rd John
where John addresses the attitudes and sins of Diotrephes.These are but two of numerous examples of
individuals being called out by name as to their actions and deeds. While we
must make sure we are correct in our assessment and comments about others,
there is a time, that if one is unwilling to walk in the correction of Christ,
or in the ways of Christ, that we are to call them out, especially if what they
are saying and doing is contrary to the nature of Christ and the faith of
Christianity. I challenge, the lack of doing this is one of the reasons so many
have turned from the church and the teachings of Christ. It is because we hide
our own sin, and are so often unwilling to address the areas of sin. This
should, especially at first, be done in a loving way, but it must also at times
be done in an emphatic way.
One
of the people I love from a historical perspective is Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. I love him in part for many reasons but one of my great admiration's of him
was his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions, even if those
actions meant spending time in jail that he was just and right to stand up for,
even though it may have broken the laws of the day. We within the church and
society must be willing to understand, that consequences for actions should be
expected, even for those within the church or those presenting to be from the
church, even in some cases, where repentance may have been made. An example
here, which I write about passionately in my own book, is the consequences that
come about for sexual sin.
Unfortunately,
in our society, in many locations there is a statute of limitations on certain
aspects of sin, including sexual sin. This is sad to me because I know all too
well of the lasting impact of sexual sin on an individual. Even though I am
approaching 60 years of age now, the impact of the sins perpetuated against me
in my very young life still linger. They
will linger in all likelihood for the duration of my life. Unfortunately, and
ignorantly, many Christians say God will deliver me from those nightmares,
those confusions and pains, it is my experience, that in many a God loving,
fearing, and faithful people that does not happen in most cases. Yes, we get to
the place we can endure, and even thrive, but that doesn’t mean the pain
or memories mysteriously disappears. The thoughts and impacts on us are always there. Thus
a reason to make sure that we address the sin, straight on and without
compromise.I think this is one of the
reasons Jesus so strongly referenced his love for children.
There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes
them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little
followers to sin would be better off
thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. So be careful what you do. ~ Luke 17: 1–3a
So Jesus called the children over
to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People
who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a
child! Luke 18; 16,17
For me the question is simple;
will we as people of faith stand up for the victims of such things as sexual
sin? Or, will we let the sin continue giving ever justification as to why we
shouldn’t address the sin, meanwhile allowing the pain and suffering to
continue among the victims, even allowing the likelihood of additional victims? We can’t be afraid to call out sin! Yes, it must,
especially initially be done in a loving way with the intent to help, but our
first offer of help must be to the victim of sin. It doesn’t mean we don’t love
the perpetrator, but they must be, no matter what the circumstances be held
accountable for their actions, especially in issues such as sexual sin. Jesus
was about showing compassion in many ways, thankfully He shows the hurting, the
small ones, the outcast and I could go on and on, compassion when the religious
community turned their backs on those individuals. How easy it is to forget the
woman caught in adultery, the woman at the well, or even the multitudes around Him seeking to just touch Him. Jesus was all about compassion to the hurting,
for many of us, it is that compassion that drove us to His wide open arms,
unfortunately, many who say they love Him cast aside the hurting, and often
times the victims of abuse. I assure those victims, the rejection often felt by
many who say they love Jesus is not the act or heart of Jesus, He loves you, He cares,
and many who have chosen to follow Him, even in the hard things, feel the same
way. Just as in the movie SITHG, there are many of us who will huddle
with you, join hands and fight alongside you the injustice within our society
on this issue. We know, because we know and have experienced, that Jesus would
have no one cast aside that small child we all become, and remain, once abuse
has entered into our psyche and life. While there are those who would not
address the issue, would prefer to keep secrets, some of us know a loving and
caring Christ who would have us receive the glories of His love, and experience
the consequences of our actions. It is high time that many within the church,
realize, that being a supposed follower of Jesus does not give us the freedom
to escape the consequences of our actions, especially when they are criminal.
If we allow that mentality of not addressing and experiencing the consequences
of sin, then we will continue to allow perpetrators of sexual crime and sin to
continue to practice and continue in that behavior. God forgive those who would
do harm to a child by allowing this behavior to continue.
The following is my recent appearance on the television show Real People, Real Life where I discuss in part my own abuse and also with a guest, marital rape. Watch it and as always, feel free to share.
To see the video simply click on the vid, if the vid isn't working, click on the following link:
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There
are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You
can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at
mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now
I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The
short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all
means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Why do people become physical or sexual abusers? I wish I knew the answers to that, I have suspicions but no clear cut answers. This morning is an easy day to speculate. One thing we know from research is a high number of individuals who have been abused as a child become abusers. I think the reason for this is the lack of understanding as to appropriate sexual activity. Imagine, growing up, being abused from a small age, and then never having the appropriate sexual perspectives developed or taught. In the realm of psychology there is a concept called behaviorism, I am a behaviorist. I think people largely learn their behavior from their experiences. I would have had a good time conversing with the author of this concept, BF Skinner.
Then there are those who are physically abused. Can you imagine learning from a very early age that violence is the answer to your problems? That violence is the way to make correction, and get your point across? Yet, this is the very thing people learn. I am not talking about spanking; there is a difference between a spanking and a beating. The way spankings are carried out, the attitude of the person giving the punishment or correction is of critical importance. Punishment should not be handed out in anger if at all possible. I will be clear, it is important to discipline children, and one appropriate method I believe is via spankings. I could say a lot here, including I have been far from perfect with my own children in this area. I am a firm believer that hands are for loving and should never be used to discipline a child. I know a long conversation could happen here. Maybe someday I will do an article on the subject, but for today, this is not the point of my thoughts.
Here is my thought today; it is so easy to be critical of those who have been abused, it is so easy to be critical of abusers. I know the victim is the innocent person; I also know that without appropriate help the likelihood of a victim to become an abuser is high.
I have had to live this fact. It has taken a lifetime to understand the appropriateness of sex. I will admit, I still am trying to understand this as a result of my own abuse as a child. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of my abuse. I still suffer from nightmares, I struggle with acceptance, how others see me, the need to impress, and I could go on. I wish I could say I have never participated in inappropriate sexual activity, I can’t! I can say, I have come a long ways, I believe pedophiles should be punished to the extreme of the law, I despise pornography with a passion, I understand the importance of loving your children and being the best parent possible, and I could say more. I can also say this; I am an advocate for treatment of those who have been abused, no matter their age. I am grateful that at an important time in my life, I found the person of Jesus Christ and learned how to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. I am glad I eventually sought out professional help to help me understand who I am and why I am the way I am. Despite the naysayer saying I shouldn’t talk about my past, about my issues, I have learned and personally know the effects of abuse. I personally know how important and how beneficial help is for this issue. Thankfully, I got it, I hope, I pray I can be an appropriate advocate for victims and I am honored that I meet and talk with people on a regular basis to help them overcome the obstacles in life associated with both physical and sexual abuse.
I am saddened that society considers the discussion of physical and sexual abuse as taboo. We are so quick to judge, to dish out harsh words, but we still hide the reality of abuse in our families. We encourage people to not talk about it. We find ways to contribute to the victims’ pain by ignoring the thing we pretend to hate. When it comes to dishing out punishment, we are quick to say yes, but when it comes to understanding or providing help, we are slow to respond, if we respond at all. I can’t help but think, God has to be deeply saddened. I speak to someone almost every day who questions the reality of God because of the abuse they have incurred, yet those who say they believe in God are the slowest to respond to that hurt. I am reminded of a passage in the Bible where Jesus states it is better for someone to tie a heavy stone around their neck and throw themselves into a body of water to drown then to harm a small child. What people don’t understand is there is something about an adult, that stays as a small child until the appropriate help happens when abuse has been a part of their life. We know that until people talk about the abuse they have incurred, true help can’t begin to happen. The effects are permanent; there is a scar that stays with them until they die. It is my discovery that the largest opponents of talking about abuse were often times victims and abusers. Of all people, you would think they would get it, instead, they are still slaves to the abuse they incurred, and possibly dished out.
I know some get tired of me talking about these issues, they have told me so, some of those are uniquely aware of the abuse I went through from various perspectives, unfortunately they don’t see, speak to, or know the people I speak to on a daily basis who are victims, or even perpetrators.
I have to admit, there are daily events that cause my mind to perk on this issue. It may be an abuse story related to a celebrity, it could be a newspaper article, or as in the instance of this morning, less than 30 minutes ago, it may be hearing a name I know on the news.
When in college I took part in a community service project as was required by Tabor College. I chose to participate in a project I still believe in, Big Brother. While in the program I became the big brother of Randy Herbel and his brother. It was an unusual situation; the family dynamics were quite unique and at times disturbing. Randy and his brother were good kids, they were kids that had a tough time growing up, yet kids who needed love. They lived in a tough situation and it was an honor to get to know these two young men. As I got older I ended up moving on. For a period of time I tried to keep in touch with the two brothers, and on a few rare and occasional visits back to Hillsboro I would hunt the boys up and visit with them. I would discover that few had volunteered for the big brother program and that I was one of the only big brothers they ever had. I was with the boys for around 3 years, and enjoyed my time with them. I never really thought of the consequences of this for these boys.
This morning I heard that Randy was just sentenced to life in prison for rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a 5 year old child he was babysitting. I am confused, is there more I could have done? I had tried to track Ricky and Randy down since being back in Kansas, I only live about 50 miles away from Hillsboro, I didn’t know if they lived there anymore. I will admit, a part of my heart is broken this morning. I have those who call me friend but even friendship is confusing today.
I have issues with perpetrators, I think they deserve prison, I also think they deserve and need help, but we live in a society that seems so screwed up. No wonder I am confused. It seems as if in this world friendship is only of value as long as you get benefit for it, forget how much you try to help a friend at a cost to your own life and family, forget how much you actually may love and care for a person, if it doesn’t benefit the other person, is it really friendship? Then on the area of abuse, we have the attitude of “Hang ‘em!” There is no understanding, no real effort of trying to understand this horrible epidemic that exists in a society and in a world that seems to sweep the issue under the rug.
Yep, I am confused; I guess that is a part of why I write this. To my knowledge, despite numerous press releases related to Mosaic ARC, a program offering at whatever a person can afford to donate recovery service for people who have experienced abuse, there has not been a single article published regarding the program. The press seems to publicize a great deal about people who have been abused, or have been convicted of abuse, but little seems to occur regarding programs that want to help and prevent this abuse. Churches like to talk about salvation, about the freedom given by God, but to my knowledge, they haven’t said a word or promoted Mosaic ARC. There are businesses that have said they support the concept, it is needed, they will help out, yet, they haven’t done anything to change the patterns of abuse, or promote or help a program that wants to make a difference.
Here is the truth; The Virtual Pew has donated to Mosaic ARC an estimated $500 up to this point. We have received outside contributions of $100 so far. Of the contributions from The Virtual Pew, none of that was from outside sources. I am perfectly fine with that, my issue isn’t on the outside contributions of either needs or of finance, (which we have), it is of the help needed in promoting the program. I mean, how hard is it to post a flyer, to print a press-release, or to tell your friends about the program? Of course there are the financial needs, this takes time. I hope the sentiments of others aren’t true, I have been told by several people, they don’t expect people to contribute or support this program at all, of course these individuals also know how important the program is. Are the sentiments of those who know how important this service is true? Will very few help?
I don’t know, I honestly don’t know? Why do I have to live a life where I am surrounded by tragedy? Why am I someone who has seen and experienced the horrible things in life I have? Why do I still cherish friends who seem to care? I don’t know! I wish I did, I wish I really knew how people could pretend to be followers of Jesus, pretend to care, pretend to walk a good game, but in reality, never bother to give a flip.
Maybe I come across too harsh today, I don’t know. All I know is yesterday I spend time with several people who struggle as a result of the abuse they have incurred, struggle with a God who would allow it. Today I struggle with a little brother who may never walk outside of a prison wall again. I struggle because I wonder if there was a way to prevent the horrible crime to a 5 year old by someone I know. I wonder why it seems as if no one cares.
1 John 3: 16-18 ~ By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
The following video shares some interesting statistics related to sexual abuse, just click on the video to watch, if the video don't appear, just click on the link:
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
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Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
