Into the belly of the beast, an LGBT member's experiences at the Anchorage Baptist Temple.

Ah the Anchorage Baptist Temple. If you are visiting Anchorage in search of the most backward thinking, close minded inhabitants imaginable, THIS is where you start. From here the only way to discover more Neanderthal thought patterns would require a road trip to Wasilla.

Now I have ventured into the dark depths of ABT a number of times in my life. (They do have quite the Christmas pageant, as you would imagine.) But for the last twenty years or so I have kept my distance. I will, however, admit to the occasional viewing of the ABT television broadcast for a few minutes on a Sunday afternoon, just to remind myself how evolved I am by comparison.

So I was stunned, stunned I say, to discover that local LGBT member, and amateur anthropologist, Marcin Druzdzel had dared to venture into the den of homophobia that is the Anchorage Baptist Temple.

Surprisingly Marcin was able to escape without being offered as a sacrifice to their gay hating "God". And Marcel was even able to write about the close call on the SOS Anchorage website.

This mindset that I am so appalled and scared of, the stubbornness the Pastor was instilling in the congregation, has many implications. They are taught to believe that they are the only right ones, and that leaves no room for compromise, as there is only one way to earn God’s salvation–God’s way. This puts them in a black-and-white mindset that undoubtedly transfers into the rest of their lifestyle. How can they compromise in politics, or come to mutual agreements with coworkers at their earthly jobs if they feel like only they are entitled to the truth, and that they are on the path of righteousness? How can they be tolerant of other beliefs? They can’t… any time they refer to the First Amendment, it is an effort to either shield their views from criticism or to try to push them on other people.

(You can read more about Marcin's adventures by clicking the title.)

Now let me once again point out that I have nothing against anybody's personal religious beliefs. My bitch is with those who feel compelled to inflict their set of values on other people. And with those who manipulate their children into disregarding facts in favor of embracing superstitions.

Jerry Prevo's church is the most active Christian political lobby in the state. He constantly uses his supporters and their money to influence local politics and politicians without any concern over losing his tax exempt status. He has been shielded for over thirty years by politicians who he keeps in his hip pocket, like Ted's son, Ben Stevens who actually passed a law to make ABT owned housing exempt from city taxes. (One can only imagine how much the city would have earned if Pastor Prevo did not have friends in such low places.)

So I applaud Marcin Druzdel's courageous safari into the "Temple of Doom". And hope to hear more of Marcin's adventures in the future.

By the way, in answer to Mayor "best friends with Pastor Prevo" Sullivan's so-called "Diversity Dinner", the LGBT community has scheduled their own dinner called the "True Diversity Dinner" scheduled for September 25 at the Snow Goose restaurant.

There will be a number of speakers, including my blogger buddy Shannyn Moore, as well as some great food and fascinating people. If you are in the Anchorage area come on by, at THIS diversity dinner ALL are welcome.