Monday, April 26, 2010

One gay young man's story of abuse, prejudice , and believe it or not, exorcism in the Anchorage Baptist Temple.

RJ: I returned to Alaska and, since I had no place to stay, I told my father it was just a phase, moved back with him, and back into the closet. I tried to pray my gay away. I begged God. I would have given anything to be straight.

Editor: Is this when the exorcism took place?

RJ: Yes. I went back to ABT. They had been studying Bob Larson's "Deliverance" exorcism ministry. They had a class to teach how to cast out demons on Friday nights. There was a questionnaire to determine if I had done something to open a portal which leads to demonic possession. The questions were things like did I try to control the weather, change stop lights, read horoscopes, use tarot cards and, of course, have sex with a man.

Editor: What happened at the exorcism? Who was there?

RJ: The exorcism took place at ABT. There were others there as well. I sat down and started crying. The Board of Directors, deacons, classmates, and family prayed over us. They anointed us each with oil and tried to cast the demon out.

Please visit my friends at Bent Alaska to read the rest of this brave young man's incredible tale.

As some of you may know I have written about the Anchorage Baptist temple a number of times in the past.  Including a description of my visit to the belly of the beast.

We have a lot of things to be ashamed of in Alaska.  Sarah Palin, more than our share of corrupt politicians, Sarah Palin, the horrible way we treated the indigenous people of this land, Sarah Palin, the shooting of wolves from helicopters, Sarah Palin, just to name a few.  But perhaps one of our biggest sources of shame is that the Anchorage Baptist temple is the biggest, and most influential church in our state.

ABT is right about one thing, we are indeed sinners.  But not because of the lust in our heart, or the times we take the Lord's name in vain, or for loving somebody of the same gender.  No we are sinners for allowing a horrible place like the Anchorage Baptist temple to continue to poison the minds of our young people in their so-called "Christian schools" and send them out into our community without the ability to understand, or accept, or love those different than themselves.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:11 PM

    Word.

    ABT is a disease upon our community.

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  2. Anonymous10:12 PM

    ABT is not the largest church in the city or state. That distinction goes to Change Point Church which is located in west Anchorage.

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  3. Anonymous10:31 PM

    Isn't this just heartbreaking and disgusting? I can't wait for Leah's book to come out. These religious freaks need to be brought to their knees.

    In the meantime, I highly recommend the film "For the Bible Tells Me So" to everyone. It follows five families who had to deal with religious baggage and acceptance after learning their child was gay. It is really interesting, educational, and maybe the most inspiring film you'll see all year. I've watched it three times already and cried each time. I PROMISE - the folks that hang out here will love it!

    http://tinyurl.com/2ek2e84

    Thanks for sharing this, Gryph, and kudos to RJ.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous12:27 AM

    Well Alaska isn't alone. I don't think any state is without at least one church who believes that a persons sexual orientation, if not hetero, is demon-driven. If there's a demon involved, then the 'exorcists' can let the gay man off the hook - it's not his fault - he is possessed.

    It's the zealots way of tolerating gays.

    But what a price the kids who grow up thinking they need to or even can just pray it away must pay eh? As if adolescence isn't enough pressure on the mind and spirit, the adults who are supposed to know better, exacerbate it to the point of insanity.

    Well, like I said, you folks in alaska Aren't alone in this tragedy. On the other hand, you guys have Sarah so I guess - you win!

    OzMud

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  5. Anonymous3:33 AM

    Gryphen, you are the best.

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  6. Anonymous11:18 AM

    Thank you for sharing the link. What a terrible, yet wonderful story. I hope one day he and his father can be OK again.

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  7. Recovering EX catholic5:57 PM

    When wiil we be rid of this sick twisted disease that is religion? Sadly I will not live long enough to see that wonderous day!!

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  8. Anonymous7:20 AM

    Wow! I try to change traffic lights all the time. I had no idea.....

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  9. Anonymous7:53 PM

    PREVO spoke the truth and if you have a problem with the Word of God be spoken then don't go to ABT

    ReplyDelete

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