The rise and fall of gay men leading anti-gay forces
Whether we like it or not, this pastor is family. Like many of us, he knows what it feels like to be same-sex attracted in a world geared for heterosexuals. He likely learned early on the pain of being made fun of and, as he grew up, discovered how to hide behind a mask.
His internalized homophobia led him to make some very, very wrong choices, including condemning fellow homosexuals, working against civil rights for non-heterosexuals, and then lying after getting caught seeking anonymous gay sex with an undercover cop.
Who knows whether God has allowed this man to be broken so that he may rebuild on truth.
Perhaps in our struggle I am being too optimistic and this pastor will go off to promote ex-gay ministries in an effort to reclaim what he will surely lose from this ordeal. But there will come a day when an anti-LGBT Saul will become a pro-LGBT Paul. On that day, let us not be found ridiculing that man or woman.
|