Same Sex Issues

Part1

Jennifer Knapp Announcement-Part A

Can A Christian Be “Gay”?

Saturday night, April 24^th 2010, "Christian" singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp made it official on Larry King Live...she's "gay." I watched with tears and embarrassment as she made her public announcement. In fact she didn't even say it originally, Larry King did! Now before I go too far with my criticism let me back up and run at this from a different angle than most have.

Back in 1999 my ex-wife walked out of my life. She took her two kids and almost eight years of my life with her. It was a difficult time for me. I was on the verge of moving ahead in the ministry as churches were starting to look at me as a candidate as the under-shepherd (pastor). Financially some things were coming together though we continued to struggle. On the extended family issues regarding religious differences they appeared to be settling down. It had been a hard eight years but I felt that every hardship was worth it, until she decided to walk out.

Times were tough as I struggled with the issue of divorce and financially because things were on the outset economically of going downhill. Many nights were spent crying over the loss along with the guilt of making things difficult in the marriage, but nothing worth a divorce. During that time I came across Jennifer Knapp in a video (yes video, they were still around at the time). I really felt consoled by the song and purchased the album. What was unique about her songs was that I felt everything she relayed was very Biblical and had a personal message about her relationship with Jesus Christ. I needed to hear this and I believe the Lord knew it, but then again He is omniscient. I also identified with something else in her songs...struggle. I could tell there was something unique because what she sang about and the way she sang it. Whether she knew it or not it spoke volumes regarding her personal life. Now remember where I am at this point in my life...I'm hurting and am very sensitive to those in pain. Before I would enter a new journey in life I would find myself ministering to an odd collaboration of people along the way. I believe that God heightened that sensitivity on purpose.

In 2002 I would meet Mary at Sunnyvale First Baptist, a large church in the Dallas area. We would get married in 2003. By that time I had become quite a fan of Ms. Knapp. I would have all her CDs and in 2002 went to hear and see her perform at a Franklyn Graham crusade in College Station. So imagine how I felt when all of the sudden Jennifer Knapp suddenly fell off the radar screen in 2004. Also try and guess what it felt like when all of the sudden the blogosphere opened up with rumors about her lesbian lifestyle. I, along with other fans, chose to wait and see what would happen. It was a long wait and after awhile the bloggers died down with their assumptions. Now think about the excitement when in 2008 it begins to surface that she would be making a major comeback. While I waited, along with others, in anticipation I did so with one eye on the awaited announcement and the other on the blogs. It had been bothering me for four years. The bloggers who had unfolded these accusations were very sure if themselves. I could only hope and pray that they were wrong, but something kept telling me they were right.

2008 came and went. So did 2009 as stronger rumors of her return began to emerge. At the same time my fears were beginning to be heightened because of where the publications were coming from. When her return was finally broadcast nothing was initially said of her same sex relations, but the declarations were not coming from the more well recognized Christian media. They were coming from more moderate emergent church leaders and gay and lesbian groups. As Sherlock Holmes would say to Dr. Watson, "The game is afoot." Or as we would say today, "Something ain't right."

I will end this blog here. Next time I will discuss the interview itself. From there it is my hope to explore the same sex issue and it's ramification on society. Hopefully it will be discussed from a loving, yet critical view using science, statistics, history, culture, and Scripture. These will be employed to show what this is all about and expose the lies which are being perpetrated by the media, political interests, and emergent church apostates. Your prayers will be needed, because some will falsely accuse me of hate speech. Remember it can only be contributed that way if, and only if, I insight physical harm on someone. Harming someone physically or their reputations is both wrong and not my desire. I believe that, except for self defense, harming anyone physically or reputation wise is both unbiblical and wrong. I will be honest and open about what I find, like it or not. If you continue to believe differently than I do then that is you right. Anyone who chooses to debate me needs to debate the issues not the person...no name calling...use respect!

God Bless,

Steven