Palin church promotes converting gays

People who honestly think that they can change a person from being gay into being straight are insane.

i agree r. donald snyder... it has been tried and has failed !!!! i am a lezzie... and heaven forbid... i would register dem but i would vote for palin... she has more balls than mccain, obama, and biden combined!

The gay population needs to spend more time reading the bible. It may be true, that being gay is not a choice. So if anyone out there has any idea why God has allowed this type of lifestyle to survive then I am all ears.

lezzie you must be blessed, so do you read the Queen James version of the bible.

yes i am blessed in all aspects of my life... i am in a 20+ year relationship with another woman..... and it is the Queen Jamie version....

Out of touch again the gospel according to the naive. How do they do it year after year. Let's s throw another social issue at the platform that will distract us from this totally screwed up economy. Even if you don't understand a lifestyle you should not make it your objective to change it, just accept the person as being equal and accept the fact that you do not understand it, or better yet Grow in accepting people for how they were created and love them for who they are unconditionally....that's grace.

Wake up America. We have people losing their jobs, their homes, and nearly 47 million Americans, or 16 percent of the population, were without health insurance in 2005, the latest government data available.

What we are spending in IRAQ.
Per Month - $10.3 billion
Per Week - $2.4 billion
Per Day - $343 million
Per Hour - $14 million
Per Minute - $238,425
Per Second - $3,973

We have a 10+ Trillion DOLLAR deficit.

$343 Million a day would go a long way towards that deficit, putting people to work in this country, keeping people in their homes, and towards research and development of alternative energy sources so that we can stop sending money to countries overseas to for foreign oil. This country is in trouble an on the edge of total financial collapse.

Please ask yourself which candidate has any sort of plan to turn this situation around.

This is the second article I have seen espousing her religious beliefs as being on the extreme side. We definitely need to know more about this person. If she refuses to give interviews and answer the questions directly then we will be forced to make a decision on what ever information is available.

I agree with Arcanebliss about wanting to hear her views, but if she refuses we must decide her stances and views based on who she associates with.

Wow hot topic of debate, hey I was only playing the devils advocate, Such hostility, I unfortunately live in the area of the world that Fred Phelps lives. For those of you who do not know Fred, you can google him, he is a hate monger.
People of differences should be tolerant not defensive and hateful.
I have religious beliefs but I am not a bible thumper.
So to Scott. God does exist I do not need to prove anything to a non believer. ( so take a chill pill).
I will also pray for you Scott, who knows maybe someday you will get it.
I do agree with much of what some others have responded, your responses were well thought out and not done out of anger.
The fact of the matter is that there are many differences in the world, and our country is not having its best year ever (best 8 years ever).
If a topic such as "converting gays" can cause such emotion, what happens when a topic that REALLY matters comes about?
Other views welcome
thanks

BJ Oh I never said I did not believe, I'm just asking you to have God send me a email. "If a topic such as "converting gays" can cause such emotion, what happens when a topic that REALLY matters comes about?" Did you type that? what happens when that 12 - 18 year old is so confused and now they have the church telling them they can be fixed when nothing is wrong, there is no wonder why teen suicide is up. So are you Holier than thou? Are you better than the rest?

Oh just got a text from Buddha, wants to know if you can spare any chill pills.

The power of prayer is a wonderful thing. Now, lets talk and report about real issues that face this country!

Gee, Scott don't be so angry. What is the real issue that is eating at you so that you have to respond with such venom?
Gary I agree with you, the problem is that many people do not share the same beliefs regarding the importance of issues, unfortunately there are alot of people out there who believe that their issues are the most important.
It is kind of like when a person is ill and they go to the ER, and it is full of people who do not feel well, then a severely injured patient comes in via airlift the staff must take care of this person first causing all those who have been waiting in the ER waiting room for the last 2-3 hours to wait even longer, to get angry and aggressive, or to just go home without being seen, which is not good.
How would our government be best able to prioritize our countries needs?
Thanks

In all honesty how does ones sexuality really impact the world, what effect does it have on the big picture? Is a gay person not capable of performing at the same level as a straight or bi-sexual person? Why is this topic so important to the religious community? There are many religious beliefs that co-exist some do not "play nice", some even think that they will be the only people granted access to heaven. People who choose to live an alternative lifestyle are more than likely to frighten many people, why I do not know but I do believe that failure to understand something is often interpreted to be frightening and sometimes downright threatening to some people. There are often misconceptions that gay men are pedophiles, and should not be trusted to work with children, teach school or be community leaders in some areas such as the Boy Scouts of America etc. For those of you who have gay people in your family or who have a close friendship with a gay or lesbian. The real question to this topic, is how does one side get the other side to understand and be more tolerant of the other, Why can the two "sides" not co-exist peacefully? Why is it so diffucult for the religious people to believe that gay people are NOT pedophiles, or criminals, and they certainly do not want to "convert" everyone they meet.
How is it really different for a young man or woman to come to terms with their sexuality whether they are gay or straight? If we as a people were able to remove the stereotypes?
The real problem with religion involving itself into the sexuality issue is that each religion has its own doctrine that is followed. Sometimes religion can take on some characteristics of cult-like behavior.
I was raised Catholic, but after about 20 years my mother and father left the Catholic church and our entire family now attends a United Pentecostal church that has extremely fundamental beliefs.
I was not a good Catholic and I certainly am not a great Pentecostal. But I am a human being just like everyone else on this site. People should not be singled out for their beliefs, just like people should not be singled out for their sexuality right? I do admire those who steadfastly defend their religous beliefs, after all is that not what the Constitution of this great country is all about?

"Pray away the gay!" That is fantastic. I think a brief examination of the effectiveness of prayer (also known as TALKING TO YOURSELF!) makes clear that it is incapable of changing and affecting anything. The sooner government is separated from candidates motivated by these principles the better...and the better the results of government will be. Americans base a significant percentage of their willingness to support and candidate based on their affection for unicorns and antiquated myths and legends.

Hey we all know that God is good.
Oh and let's not forget Buddha.

I wonder if the church teaches the history of King James I and the commissioning of a new translation and compilation of approved books of the Bible, known as the King James Bible. The new version is generally believed to have been written to confirm the divine right of kings to rule and to maintain their social hierarchy.

Many people are not necessarily aware that many versions of the bible exist. The King James Bible is very popular in the United States, however, among Protestants. Of course, this can exclude many other Christians.

By the way, Gov. Palin is said to have been originally baptized as a Roman Catholic; however, her parents switched to Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church, when she was a child and the family moved to Wasilla, AK. She supposedly is still a member of the Assembly, but in a local Juneau church.

Oddly, most people are not aware that many historians have concluded that King James was either homosexual or bisexual, despite that he married a woman and had children. I wonder if this local church is aware of that, despite that they teach "conversion."

ALSO IMPORTANT:the caption under the picture wrongfully states:
"The Wasilla church where Democratic vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin..."
Of course, Governor Palin is the Republican nomination for Vice President, not Democratic.

Do you people seriously want to get into what the candidates churches promote? Rev. Jeremiah Wright is VERY sympathetic with Louis Farrakhan. What are their beliefs regarding homosexuality? This is but one example. Should I go down the entire laundry list of what Trinity United stands for, and how much of it is not to lift up the lives of ALL Americans? Strange (really, it is) how those that swept under the rug, or simply let slide, the awful, divisive record and racist rhetoric of Barack and Michelle Obama's lifelong church. Yet suddenly you find disappointment in Sarah Palin because of the position of her church? Surely you cannot be so witless as to not to see the hypocrisy in your selective disdain.

Here's a prime example of why I see most "journalists" as clowns. Not even able to do a follow up or give the complete details.

"a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer."

That quote in the Wasilla Bible Church bulletin is taken from the Web site for Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conferences. But do they really promise to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer? Not even close.

Simply going to the site shows:

"the only promise it offers is that people struggling to overcome homosexual or lesbian desire through faith will face "a difficult path," albeit one that need not be a lonely one"

[frequently asked question:] But your goal is still to make gays straight, right?

[Answer:] That is a gross and narrow oversimplification. We aren't here to "make" anybody do or become anything; we are here to offer a scientific and experiential perspective on the issue of homosexuality that is, sadly, under-reported in the mainstream media. Our goals include aiding parents who want to learn how to better love their sons or daughters without compromising their faith; helping people who want to better understand the many factors that can lead to someone adopting a homosexual identity; and assisting those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions and want to discover how they might also start upon the path - a difficult path, as noted above - to overcoming those desires.

So it seems the "journalist" wasn't even able to read the church's statements of faith or to follow through entirely. Reminds me of the rags you seen in the grocery store check out lines.

So much for journalistic integrity......

So, if a person who is homosexual is unhappy and wants to change, would you say to that person "no, you are gay and you always will be gay and there is nothing you can or should do about it!"?

With God, nothing is impossible. I think that it is far more cruel and closed-minded to say that a person can't or shouldn't change than to say, "Ok, I will pray with you." Which is actually an extremely loving thing to do.

These scriptures clearly state that these vile affections of men lusting for other men (gay men) or women lusting for other women (lesbians) are not the natural affections God created men and women to have for one another. Let me say here that God loves all homosexuals! However, He hates the deeds of homosexuality because they are sinful. God did not create any human being as a homosexual. They are not born that way, just as murderers are not born that way. However, these spirits can be transmitted to children, especially if someone who had this demonic spirit seduced or raped a child--or even if they were close to gay people. These demons can also be imparted to others through unholy sexual acts.

People become homosexuals because they yield to abnormal acts or lust. It is through some source that they have received a demonic spirit that drives them to their lust. Viewing evil videos or pornographic books is a way of opening the door for Satan to give one an evil, perverse spirit. Though people are not born as homosexuals, the Bible does say all human beings are born with a sin nature. If we yield to the evils of our flesh it will lead to our destruction not only in this life, but in the life to come. However, through faith in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross we can break the hold that sin has upon us. We do not have to yield to the old fleshy nature but we can now overcome evil temptations and live our lives controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Sex is God's idea and its purpose is not only for procreation, but also for recreation and the development of a deep relationship between man and woman. Nothing is wrong or dirty about sex when it is engaged in the bonds of marriage as the Lord commanded in the Bible. However, when perversions are committed inside the marriage relationship, this can be sinful also. God made man and woman and brought them together "face to face." Oral sex is of homosexual origin that replaces the normal "face to face" relationship God intended in a marriage. The Bible describes the sex act in Song of Solomon Chapter 4. In this chapter it speaks of this "face to face" relationship by describing looking into his lover's eyes and kissing his lover's lips and fondling his lover's breasts. Oral sex is not normal or natural as it is an unclean act.

No one has to live in bondage with an abnormal life of homosexuality nor any other abnormal behavior. No one has to be controlled by pornography. No one has to have evil thoughts plague their minds. There is a way out through what Jesus has done for us. He loves sinners and wants to free us from any evil practices. He will empower those who cry out for deliverance to get free and stay free. Here are the steps you must take to get free:

(1.) Make a total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be willing to turn your life completely over to the will of God and yield to His plan for your life. This means you must be willing to do anything, go anywhere and give up any thing as He leads. Remember, God will never lead you to do anything that is not in agreement with the Bible. You can trust God. He created you and has a better plan for your life.

(2.) Your must pray and read your Bible daily. You must study and apply the Word of God to overcome Satan's attacks. The way that you resist the attacks of the devil is by quoting the Word of God to him. When the devil came to tempt Jesus, He simply quoted the Word to him. Good praise tapes will also be of a great help when you are tempted. Put one on and start singing along with it.

(3.) You must pray for and seek out a strong Bible believing group of Holy Spirit filled people. You will need their help and fellowship. As you humble yourself and seek help, the Lord will deliver you. Ask God to lead you to someone that can pray the prayer of deliverance for you, as you probably will need to be set free from a demon. You should also seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit as you will need His power to get free and to remain free.

(4.) You must cut off all sources and relationships that would lead you back into sin. The Bible tells us to flee fornication (sexual sins). You must get out of any corrupt entanglements, or areas that you know will be a temptation to you. If you have been hooked on internet pornography subscribe to an Internet Service Provider that will filter out the pornography for you. Destroy all evil books and videos.

(5.) Should you slip or fall back occasionally, repent and get right back up and go on with God. Do not allow the devil to condemn you once you have repented. Put your sin under the blood of Jesus. He will strengthen you and you will win this battle because of the Lord's promise to you. Remember, He loves you and is there to help you. Run to Him when you get in trouble, never run from Him. He will not ever give up on you! We too, will be standing with you for your total healing and deliverance. Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

(6.) You must forgive everyone that has ever hurt you. You can only do this through the power of God. You must by a simple act of your will voice the forgiveness and then the Lord will give you the feeling of forgiveness. This may be a while in coming but just keep forgiving when you think of any wrong that has been done to you. The Lord will give you His love for those people who have wronged you.

PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE

Finally we want to pray for you right now if you need it:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come to you in the mighty name of Jesus and we ask that you touch this one right now, first of all with your love and forgiveness. Lord, wash their sins away. Wash away all the uncleanness and guilt. Lord we ask you to free them right now from the powers of darkness.

Now, we speak to Satan and his demons and we command them to leave in the name of Jesus! Satan, this one is no longer under your power. The blood of Jesus has set them free! We resist you and you must flee! This one belongs to God and you have no more authority over them! Be gone!

Dear Lord, thank you that you have set this one free and we are believing that you will lead them to the right people that will help them to walk out this deliverance. We break every chain of iniquity over their life and cancel every evil word that has been spoken against them. We declare they will walk in your victory and that you will enable them to do it. Lord, fill them with your Holy Sprit and guide them in the ways of God! We speak blessing and success to them. Most of all, we pray that they will feel your love for them right now. We ask this all in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.