Obama's Church (As professed to Oprah Winfrey)...(It's a black only church that supports Africa- nowhere does it say its support of America. Very alarming- research it for yourself to prove its validity.

I don't think I'll be voting for Obama. *sigh* I don't know if any of them on either party (since we are stuck in a 2 part system) are worth voting for.

We need good leadership so badly!

Most white evangelicals feel the same way. They've had far more success at derailing and vilifying the plight of homosexuals in this country than black Christians. You have many politicians win elections because of the the anti-gay push brought on by white evangelicals.

FACT: These same homophobic black evangelicals always vote for the pro-gay democrat politician. So, gays really need to re-think this....

Posted By Wanda, Washington, DC : October 30, 2007 5:10 pm

How come I never heard of this before? tell me more, I am interested in the historical facts of the bible

All I wrote was homosexuality is a sin. The Bible is clear on that and thats what Donnie said. He spoke what the Bible states.. Obama is not God..

The bible was named after a known homosexual (King James VII of Scotland and I of England), who ordered the publishing of the bible from Latin to English. That bible was translated by a man who despised King James, but he just did not have the balls to say it to his face. Instead, he added untrue words and beliefs to the bible because King James could not speak or read English.

After Nat Turner and Denmark Vessey were hanged in the 1800's, white peopele hurried out of fear to convert blacks to Christianity, and did so successfully! Blacks today still believe the bible and worship it better than white people do. The most sad part of it all is that democratic blacks voted for President Bush in 2004 because of their views on homosexuality.

Get to know god from within, and not from a pimped out pastor!

We as black folks can be so slow sometimes!!!!!

You're right... but I won't forsake my faith in God because some corrupt men have twisted his teachings.

In a speech regarding religion and politics some time ago Obama raised the subject of the separation of church and state, emphasizing the critical roll it has played in preserving our democracy, and how critical it remains, but he also firmly stated that it is wrong to ask believers to leave their religion at the door before stepping into a public arena.

If anything this issue demonstrates that he has not deviated from his earlier statements.

The separation of church and state created by the first amendment to the bill of rights, (further reflected in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom) prohibits Congress from establishing a national religion, the preference of one religion over another, or religion over non-religion. This prohibits the government from enacting legislation that establishes a prefernce for one religion over another or religion over non-religion, it also prevents it from prohibiting the free exercise of one's religion or belief's.

I am happy that Rev. McClurkin has found peace in his faith.

There are some elements included in his statement that deserve much more attention and focus, than his conversion though.

1) "But there is a side of Christ that deals in judgment, and all sin is against God."

This is an element of Christianity that people seem to be forgetting these days. It is Christ that deals in judgement, he made it clear in his teachings that it was not for us as imperfect beings ourselves to judge. He taught us through his examples, to reach out in compassion, love and forgiveness, when sharing his message and gift.

2) "Don't call me a bigot or anti-gay, when I have been touched by the same feelings," McClurkin went on. "When I have suffered with the same feelings"

Many people equate the term homosexual exlusively with the sexual act, which is considered a sin in many religions. Rev. McClurkins use of the word feelings, in some ways pertains to this. The word homosexual in fact has two definitions, one refers to the sexual act, the other refers to an attraction to one of the same gender independant of sexual contact. There are in fact people who have never actually had sex, who consider themselves homosexual, because they feel an attraction to those of the same gender, and a lack of attraction to those of the opposite gender. (further down my post are references to some research that could shed some light on this aspect of things)

While I am happy for the joy and peace Rev. McClurkin has found in his faith. I've seen and read enough to cast reasonable and considerable doubt on the concept of homosexuality as simply a matter of choice.

My original goal in studying available information regarding this issue was simply to verify information stated as unequivical fact on a couple of anti-gay oriented web sites, regarding research showing indisputably no biological basis for homosexuality.

While unable to verify the validity of those statements or even research(the only references I could find to the research they cited were on like minded sites, as opposed to actual scientific sites) I instead came across research that contradicted what I originally was searching for.

Two research papers I found intesting, were based on earlier research that focused on heterosexual male and heterosexual famale based data, which was repeated with the inclusion of in one homosexual male based data, and the other homosexual female based data. They demonstrate clearly organic variations between the groups, and similarities that were surpising..but maybe not. Although it might be a bit dry reading for some, the information is quite interesting, and purely of an unbiased scientific nature.

These research papers can be found at http://www.pnas.org/

They are titled:

Brain response to putative pheromones in lesbian women

and

Brain response to putative pheromones in homosexual men

In the course of putting this response together and re-examining the information I was including to ensure I didn't end up appearing to be a blithering idiot. The combination of religous reading and information, and scientific reading and information led me to contemplate some things that to me stood out, but I hadn't seen mentioned in discussions regarding these issues. While unconventional it didn't seem completely unplausable to consider so I'll share it at the risk of massive flames.

In the old testiment God is at times vengeful, merciless, fearsome and terrifying, and it was in these times that God instructed abolute and total intolerance of homosexual sex, along with many other things, he instructed that people be stoned to death for various failings, and even instructed us to kill non-believers in Deuteronomy 13:6-10

In the new testiment God in the form of Jesus guides us down a different path. While we are still bound by the laws and commandments handed down before in our personal lives, the laws of the old testiment were handed down by God to form and maintain order in his newly formed Nation of Israel, and with the coming of Jesus this was no longer needed nor desired as part of his new Kingdom. (The first separation of church and state?)

From this point on Jesus instructs us that it is not for us to judge others, in Matthew 7 he refers to the person finding fault in another as a hypocrit, he teaches against condemnation, persecution, and so on. Instead he teaches us to reach out to people, with love, compassion. He does not teach us to avoid sinners, or turn our backs on them, he stated that he was not here for the righteous but for the sinners. He instructs his followers to follow these teachings and his example, to gently lead those who have not yet accepted him, as he himeself lead them, to him and his kingdom.

His instructions to his followers in the New Testiment are very clear in regards to their behavior and how he expects them to respond those who are not followers, even when it comes to sinners, so much so, that reaching back and pointing to the old testiment for instruction when faced with an issue you really feel strongly on, denies his authority and teachings.

Now it gets a bit twisted....all that considered. If homosexuality is in fact physiological, as the researh I referenced could indicate, that presents the possibilty it is an element of creation, and all of a sudden the tables would be turned on many.

Yes I think too much but I hope I have provided some interesting reading.

Of course it's OK, as long as his "womanizing" (whatever you mean by that) doesn't hurt anyone. The only immorality is causing suffering. How does being gay cause suffering of others?

Obama, I think there is a Sherman tank waiting for you to take a ride in. Dukakis has been keeping the seat warm for you.

My family acknowledges the fact that I displayed signs of being gay at an early age. I am very proud of my parents for having a progressive attitude. They are republican, catholic, and have been married for 27 years. They want their children to be happy. They understand that I did not choose to be homosexual. If my own conservative parents support me and don't have a problem with it, why should people detached from it have influence in how I live my life?

I have very little to say about this moron (McClurkin). If he wants to go back into the closet, let him. Don't expect me or any other proud gay American to follow him. I am pretty disappointed in Obama. Obama did have my vote prior to reading this story, but I believe that I may have to reconsider.

Seriously people... the fact that I was BORN homosexual has NO affect on you. It's not like homosexual people are out trying to encourage heterosexual people to "hop the fence." I can understand that some people may not have a good understanding of what it is like to be gay. Maybe it takes the revelation that a family member or a close friend is gay to lead someone to think about it.

Here's an interesting thought to ponder when it comes to homosexual rights and the government... I pay taxes just like everyone else. Give me equal rights, or reduce the taxes that I have to pay every year. Don't treat me like a citizen at tax time, just to deny me the rights of heterosexuals.

BE WISE AND SAY NOT TO OBAMA. NO BUSH LIGHT ANY MORE EITHER AS REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRATE.

Be wise and say NO TO OBAMA AN OPPORTUNIST POLTICIAN!

I understand that many humans need their silly superstitious beliefs to help them get through life. I just wish they could use these beliefs to do something positive for once.

I am gay and was had "straight thoughts".

I grew into my sexuality.
End of story.

Being willfully ignorant about gay people, however, IS a choice; and using such ignorance and superstition in the name of God to gain earthly power (fame, political power, wealth, etc.), which both McClurkin and Obama seem to be after, IS a sin.

Right. Why don't you tell your gay friends that homosexuality is choice, right to their faces? Let's see how many friends you'll have left after that.

Once was a dude named Saul, in the Bible look him up under Paul. Raised Jew, he made it his business to pursue Christians right after Christ died and left for the sky, he even stood by and watched Stephen, the first "official" martyr die.

But one day on the way to Damascus came a light and the Lord, and he fell to his knees.

Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?!!!
I am not a threat to the Jews, I fulfill all you hold true.

And Saul was struck blind, yet Paul’s sight was restored!
"... I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy has been found trustworthy."

Jotted down by the apostle who wrote to Rome and told them to stop sleeping with their own sons, it’s a favorite moment of mine, a time tested version of ultimate conversion, a point I hope will illuminate a true existence of love, finding a way to stop the hate.

For who can say that gay people today are not by the Lord's mercy, trustworthy?
Police profiling, infighting, lack of community kindness, straight people’s license to kill, corporate ill will, crystal meth, a new black death…Many of us have LOVED without even picking up the phone to call home. We have wished we would be asked to tell and survived.

Now, before you get up from your seats and wander away, take a second to consider what change means today, we have internet, millions of books and time to look—seen past sinners become saints: divorcees, Joan of Arc, haters and interracial daters.
Didn't know that's an abomination to? According to the Bible only 7 or 8 exist...Interracial marriage was one tossed into the mix, women wearing gold jewelry or men's clothing, check. And now we come to… gay sex.

THAT sex is SO NASTY you say...funny, last time I checked isn't all sex that way? Wasn't your first time a mess of wetness, slapping sounds a mix of pleasure and pain? Isn't all sex the same? Love IS TOO and here we find the righteous and true course. When one loves but cannot say, hey that's my wife after 30 years and many tears... something’s gone horribly wrong, hear?!!! To not be able to say goodbye before you die? To never feel safe and comfortable in school, to be a lil black boy who's breaking all the rules?

I'm telling you, you know who we are. You seen us as kids, see the parents desperately trying to put back the lid, boys a lil too “sweet” or girls too sour...now you see us behind makeup counters shouting “girl power”, we’re the women on softball teams with 10 up, the drag kings holding court, we’ve also got soldiers in every fort! Some of us even become actors, but please believe that being closeted and queer is totally a factor.

This Love exists. And biblical examples do too! Coming out to your parents? Another Saul who was never a Paul, once felt deceived by a boy about to be king. I now speak of the union of David and Jonathan, a covenant between two men; a future king and his “best friend”, the son of his biggest enemy? Total queer drama right? Oh sure, yeah maybe they were really just “tight”. But when HIS MAN died, David wept and he cried: “thy love was wonderful, passing the love of women!”.
Listen to me, David and Jonathan were MORE THAN JUST KIN!
THIS LOVE EXISTED!

The past knows this truth, who knows how well, as Brother Huey of the Black Panther Party so eloquently put it, "Quite the contrary, perhaps a homosexual could be the most, revolutionary". They are now never alone as they wait for you: Bayard Rustin who led the March for the Dream with Martin Luther King, Langston Hughes still perched on a crystal stair waiting for YOU to know what it's like to be really disappeared. James Baldwin, up in Giovanni’s room listening to Billie sang queer blues...they turn to tell you this love has always existed.

All the way back to African times, where there were women warriors and boy wives before Christ came and was battered into our brains. Don’t get me twisted, I’m not dissing Christ or saying we should give ‘em up. I’m just wondering why no one is listening to the son of god crying out to us from our communion cup?
Love one another! Love one another! Love one another!
It’s never been a riddle, ain’t no missin jot or tittle.
He said, I am the vine and you are the branches, so stop leaving your fruit on the tree!

So sad, that for some black folk an invisible closet has instead been key. And I’m finally here on the other side, finding it locked, kicking it down, and letting you have it; opening your ears to the tragic w\ word magic.

So speak to your pastors and wonder aloud…ask yourself what to do now. Do it before your son or daughter starts showing the trait and before “your best friend” asks for a date. We can all be delivered if you vote to turn the tide against hate, your voice has much weight so use it and tell others for we are your sons and mothers, brothers and daughters, baby's mamas, sisters, father’s brothers, grandmothers, your baby boys and girls. We are the love that exists.

It was by the Lord’s Mercy that I was found trustworthy...and hence suffered and suffered, like Paul I was once even beheaded and put back together…all because one day on the way to Damascus came a light and the Lord, and we fell to our knees. I am not a threat to you, I only fulfill all you hold true. I am the love that has always existed.

I am gay, but Donnie Mclurkin would have me be "delivered" from myself.

A few decades ago, my father was rounded up by Nazis for not being perfected. Others my father knew were rounded up by the Nazis for being gay.

I am new to this country, but I understand it was founded on the principle of religious freedom – freedom to believe and freedom to not believe. I also believe this country was founded on the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

McClurkin can say what he wants; I would fight for his freedom to do so. But by associating him with his campaign, Barak Obama associates himself with McClurkin's views. After all, this was not about supporting McClurkin's First Ammendment Rights, it was about having him represent the Obama Dream for America.

Sorry about ol' Donnie McClurkin's desires of wanting a man in his bed getting in the way, and his self-hatred rearing it's ugly head and the OBAMA camp allowing him the stage at an OBAMA event to spew anti-gay filth. If he want's to do this, as a GAY man, on his own time, great, but to allow it at an OBAMA event tells me there's no way EVER I'd vote for OBAMA now. He might as well say he's a Republican after throwing us to the back of the bus and allowing the stage to be given to a self-hating sanctimonious pig to tell us that we're sinners for being who GOD made us. I don't want to be Donnie before GOD, I'll gladly answer for myself and beg again for my place with the LORD, but I feel nothing but pity for the swine that is Donnie, and his self-hatred being so strong that he has to attack other gay people to make himself feel like he's accomplishing something in his own life – which is trying to erase his being gay.

You poor sick miserable man.

They cured me from my anti-racist, pro-social 'justice for all' urges. Now I can do the easy thing and not worry about whether african americans and people of color ever receive equal justice and equality of rights because God has decided for me that RACISM IS GOOD in the same way that HOMOPHOBIA IS GOOD since it comes directly from God (and the Republican Party, and now from Obama).

Now I am delivered from no longer being a bigot - I am a racist bigot just as god and the republican party and Obama intended.

Hallelujah, praise jesus and pass the ammunition.

Just sign me: Former Anti-Racist Now I am a Happy Racist the Way God Intended Me to Be