2014 Grammys Reflect a Not-So-Subtle Cultural Shift

Beyoncé's Erotic
Performance

Only if you never watch TV or read newspapers would you not know that the cultural highlight of the Grammys two weeks ago was a mass marriage ceremony (conducted by Queen Latifah) that included 33 straight and gay and transgendered couples. During the ceremony, the song “Same Love,” aka, the gay marriage anthem, was sung by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. This Grammy moment was a not-so-subtle reminder of the cultural shift that has taken place in the last decade. 

Most Americans opposed gay marriage just ten years ago (both Presidents Clinton and Obama did), but now it is not only acceptable; it is celebratable. And, anyone who espouses, pun intended, a conservative biblical standard of marriage is said to be (phrases from the song “Same Love”) “playing God,” and “paraphrasing a book written thirty-five hundred years ago.”
                               
Yet, the Grammys didn’t just reflect a shift in views about marriage. The level of sensuality throughout the evening seemed to reach a new high—or should I say ‘low.’ Do the Grammys reflect the values of mainstream America? Probably not. But they do impact them. One wonders what cultural shifts lie ahead in 2014.

The Pope and Gay Priests

Pope Francis made the news yesterday saying he won't judge gay priests. It is the first time a Pope has spoken openly on the topic, the  significance of which is in acknowledging there are “gay” priests whom he defined as those with a “tendency” to same-sex orientation. He did not suggest any forthcoming change in the Church’s position against homosexual activity.

Surprisingly, the Pope’s comments came on the heels of an announcement by Exodus International (an evangelical ministry helping those who struggle with same-sex orientation) that it was closing its doors. Exodus President Alan Chambers said it was time for a new season of ministry: to “reduce fear and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming, and mutually transforming communities.” The emphasis of future ministry will be on helping those tempted with same-sex feelings to live a life of celibacy and purity—just as the Church presently does with ‘heterosexual’ singles.

The Pope's words acknowledged that persons with ‘same-sex’ tendencies are no different from anyone who “searches for the Lord and has good will [good intentions].” While it may take some time to digest all of this and its impact, one thing resonates with me: evangelicals have a lot of work to do to change perceptions of hate and rejection for those of love and compassion.

Pro-Gay Education Comes to California's Kids

I have great compassion for children who are struggling with same-sex attractions and sexual identity. When I was a child, there was nothing worse than being called a ‘homo’—the derogatory term used in the 1950’s. In America in 2012, it’s hard to know if there is an epidemic of homosexuality or just more attention given to it.  And still today, anti-gay bullying in schools continues.

The solution by the federal and state government is to legislate gay affirmation. October is national LGBT History Month. Though it will not be taught in all America's classrooms, it will be in California, where pro-gay education is mandated by law. The teaching will include the history of prejudice and bigotry toward homosexuals—and the problem with “homophobia” today. But not with impartiality; California children will be taught that homosexuality is perfectly normal (and unchangeable).

Right on the heels of this, California's Governor has signed a law banning therapies that attempt to change sexual orientation of minors, claiming that ‘reparative’ therapies are driving children to depression and suicide.  But according to the National Association for Reparative Therapy to Homosexuals, that claim is unsubstantiated. There have been absolutely no studies on the effects of reparative therapy on children.

We cannot, however, just point fingers at the State. We must find biblical solutions to this increasing problem. If the State is going to ban Christian values in California therapy, is it not all the more incumbent opon churches to step up and provide alternative Christian ministry to sexually-confused, love-starved children and teens? In a phrase, loving them as Jesus would? (Matt 19:14) Sign me up!

Fowl Play

Last month, Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy took an uncompromising stance against gay marriage. Since his business is family-owned, the restaurant chain itself became the latest victim of the law against intolerance. Mayors of Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C. immediately condemned Cathy’s remarks, and declared their cities a no-commerce zone for Chick-fil-A restaurants.

The conflict took the form of a national food fight yesterday when Mike Huckabee declared Wednesday national “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.” The result: a lot of conservatives had chicken for lunch (while their critics are crow). Not to be outdone, gay rights advocates have called for a "National Same-Sex Kiss Day" to be held Friday at Chick-fil-A restaurants all over the country.

But the real chicken bone of contention is the damage being done to free speech. Chick-fil-A has the right to express its views. And opponents have a right to express theirs. But neither side has a right to silence the other, which is what happened when the mayors said they would shut out Chick-fil-A from their market place. In effect, saying (ironically), “We will not tolerate intolerance.” in the future, don’t be surprised to see more of that kind of fowl play.