Dooley Noted: Pride propaganda and the death of civility

For years the arrival of June meant nothing more than the end of another school year, days lounging by the pool, and the sweet aromas of neighborhood grills and smokers. Over the last decade, though, the arrival of summer has brought with it a monthlong propaganda campaign designed to promote LGBTQ causes while indoctrinating an unsuspecting public. The first official Pride month took place back in 1970, but recent controversies over The Walt Disney Company, Bud Light, Target, and The North Face are finally arousing a sleeping nation to the reality that we’ve all been duped.

Admittedly, the success of the movement has been breathtaking. More remarkable to me, however, is how the goal posts keep moving with every victory for the LGBTQ community. For years we were told that the only goal was freedom. Freedom to marry; freedom to live in peace; freedom to be left alone. Yet, with corporate America as an emboldened ally, the new aim is the ostracism of anyone who disagrees with the movement. The goal is no longer tolerance, but total submission. Acquiesce completely or be cancelled entirely.

In this environment it is easy to forget that, until 1992, the International Classification of Diseases listed homosexuality as a mental disorder. From a moral perspective, Christianity has always insisted that same-sex relationships are not just sinful (1 Cor. 6:9-11), but also an exaggerated expression of spiritual idolatry (Rom. 1:24-27). I make these claims, not to be hateful, but to be historically and biblically accurate. Yet, dare to question or object to a lifestyle that has been rejected for most of human history and you will be quickly labeled as a bigoted hatemonger who must be silenced or cancelled by the LGBTQ mob.

Think I’m exaggerating? Consider J.K. Rowling’s objection to minimizing gender and its instantaneous backlash. Few would consider the famed author as a darling of the right. Her concerns were not religious in nature but born out of a desire to protect the basic rights of women particular to their gender. Insanely, critics labeled her as transphobic, doxed her private information, and levied numerous death threats.

Even more stunning is the case of renowned tennis star Martina Navratilova, who came out as gay in 1981. For years she lived openly with her partner. At the height of her career, she hired a transgender coach. Yet, because she had the audacity to insist that men who compete as women in female sports are cheating due to unfair physical advantages, trans groups are demonizing her as a transphobe.

Underneath these rumblings is the false idea that tolerance requires complete agreement and full endorsement. What else are we to conclude as we watch the gay community devour their own? Tragically, to our demise, we have lost the ability to disagree respectively. As a pastor, I feel compelled to speak out on these issues not only because I believe homosexuality is a harmful lifestyle, but also because I see the Christian community I love continually marginalized to the fringes of society for holding views on marriage and sexuality that are as old as creation itself. Not all will agree with my conclusions but labeling traditional Christians as a hate group is both unfair and dishonest.

If a young lady who is 5’10” but weighs just 90 pounds visits a doctor with the perception that she is overweight, the loving response is to treat her mind, not her body. In fact, putting her on a special diet is the most unloving response imaginable. Suggesting that her self-image is inaccurate is not hateful or bigoted. Reality matters. Truth matters. Lying to others simply to appease their wishes is never helpful.

The homosexual lifestyle is damaging to individuals. Marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. Gender dysphoria should be met with kind, gentle correction instead of affirmative psychotherapy. Men dressed as women should not be allowed to participate in female sports. Affirming what God designates as sinful should never be the source of pride. These common-sense ideas may not be popular with some, but they are true, nonetheless. Will we profess to be wise and become fools (Rom. 1:22)? Or will we humble ourselves before God?

Dr Adam B. Dooley is pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, and author of Hope When Life Unravels. Contact him at adooley@ebcjackson.org. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBDooley.