Pride, Sexuality, and the Gospel of Jesus

Gay, Straight or something else on the spectrum? Atheist, Agnostic, or Adherent to a particular faith, or adherence to none. Dr. Christopher Yuan writes a mesmerizing book that successfully addresses the idea of healthy, holy sexuality. Reading it will help the LGBTQ+ reader understand the perspective of those who don't understand them and visa versa, people of faith and people of no faith. It's a book that addresses the Bible, Christianity, Pride, Brokenness, and who can follow the call of Jesus Christ. It was an eye-opening journey which brought many questions to light and made me consider what it meant to look at complex issues from multiple sides of the equation. Read it if you want your world view stretched.

The Rainbow Promise

Ah, the rainbow! What a wonderful reminder that we are all worthy or love and respect as we are created in God's image. But did you know the rainbow represents a promise? It's the very sign set in the sky by Him to remind men, women, and children, that He will no longer destroy the earth by flooding it. The book of Genesis, chapter 9 tells us all about it. Not only are rainbows beautiful, they bring hope! And God brings new life to us through Jesus Christ. All of us have sinned and fall short of what God intended, but He alone paid the price. It's time to turn toward Him and regain what God intended, isn't it?

Sexualization of Children Needs to Stop

It's time for some common sense. The ongoing sexualization of children needs to stop, but unfortunately some artists are using creative freedom to target children. The latest of Billboard magazine's lead articles this Tuesday feature Nina West (of RuPaul's Drag Race) and her desire to create the "Drag Alphabet". 

In an interview with the artist, Nina shares, "I have wanted to build a really solid foundation of a relationship in children's spaces for drag, and for drag entertainment to enter those spaces," she says. "So what a better way to revisit this idea and this topic than to start with the alphabet?" 

Let's be honest: Parenting is a way in which adults use their time with their own children to impart values near and dear to them. Issues relating to sexuality and expression of it should be handled by the parents of children, not the media, and certainly not the government. However, media giants under the guise of artistic freedom have decided to break those boundaries. Disney has done it before with the live action Beauty and the Beast, Pixar is now doing it with Onward, and it's only the beginning. Anyone in the industry can tell you their ranks include those who prey on children and young teens. Where is the line drawn?

This is not just an inclusive reflection of our society. For those so inclined, this type of media is also a form of grooming- preparing children to be sexualized and used by adults for their own gratification. 

If the #MeToo movement has taught us anything, it's taught us that it's time to stop allowing this madness to continue.

This ongoing assault against children needs to stop. The producers of this garbage are leaving us no choice but to make hard decisions.  Who will lead the way?

Chick-Fil-A's Decision is Bad for All of Us

Chick-Fil-A's decision to back away from supporting ministries that stand behind traditional marriage is a loss for all of us: straight, gay, and anywhere in between. Why? Each individual and each organization- be it business or non-profit- has the right to choose where their money goes and should be able to respectfully stand by and explain their choices. Without threats and with out bullying from those who disagree. 

Succumbing to pressure, Chik-Fil-A showed a fear of man by backing down on their support of the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, two groups that do tremendously great work in the community for decades. Unfortunately, they did not show a fear of man toward their loyal customers who support their business and their beliefs.

More troublesome is this: The company's decision supports and even encourages an ongoing erosion of American freedom of speech and truly free enterprise. That is something all of us should be wary of whatever our beliefs and lifestyle choices.  

Halsey Forgets Love Not Hate is the Answer

According to Billboard magazine, singer Halsey wore a t-shirt during a performance in London that revealed her heart. It read, "F**K YOUR STRAIGHT PRIDE". 

The artist clearly has forgotten that hate breeds hate. Or does it only get to be tossed aside when it furthers her cause? 

No, the answer is love even through disagreement. Love that furthers open discussion not shuts it down. Jesus said "Love your enemies", making him a radical as well as being God's Son and redeemer of a broken world. 

Nor does her actions truly further her cause. They only increase the division.

Read about Haley's story here.

Celebrate Love

It's Valentine's Day tomorrow. Let's celebrate love. Real love- the kind that lasts. This kind of love you won't find celebrated at Disney's Magic Kingdoms. Not at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris or even the original park.

Everyone looks for true love, but how do you find it? Can it be found in marriage?

Back almost 5 years ago, the United States Supreme Court has decided that same sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states. People  that are disagreeing with the decision said it is not our court's position. They were opposed on grounds of their traditional understanding that God designed marriage for one man and one woman, referencing both the Old and New Testaments that make up the Bible.

Those folks celebrating the court's decision said "Love Wins", claiming marriage is only a legal bond between two people of any gender. They believe the availability of the institution should be made for all. Regardless of how they identify.

What do I think? The truth is "Love Already Won". It won two thousand years ago, when the ultimate act of true love was taken by Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind. His death and resurrection made a way to eternal life for all who would turn away from their sin by trusting in Him and His work on the Cross. He was raised from the dead proving He is God. The offer is yours. Choose to live a life that honors God by following the law he gave. The problem is, following Jesus means changing our lives in humility to His Authority regardless of how you feel.

What constitutes civil rights will change from county to country, decade to decade, and even President to President in the United States. Although Obama stated one thing and Trump another, God's Word and his law are never changing. They are eternal - in fact through the Ten Commandments, He did legislate morality- and He does not change. 

Regardless of where you stand on these issues, the most important question we will ever have to answer still remains: Jesus asks "Who do you say I am?" 

Your answer is of ultimate importance. The relationship you have (or don't have) with God in the Flesh, the creator of the universe, the only one who paid the price for your sin and mine, is the first and most important relationship you need to have settled. The one that determines your eternal future. Every other aspect of your life is very important, they are but secondary compared to how you answer this question. 

Did love win? How you answer and then how you love people, even those you disagree with, will show whether or not real love has won in your life. It really is that simple. 

Show real love to each other and celebrate Valentine's Day by loving those you agree with- and those you don't.

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Here's a great video from Dr. Michael Brown discussing God's love for ALL people, including the gay community. 20 Minutes worth your time- minus the slightly dorky music...

What?!? Zendaya to Play Ariel in The Little Mermaid?

If the rumors are true, actress and singer Zendaya has been offered the part of Ariel in the live action remake of the classic The Little Mermaid. What are those in charge thinking? Can she really play the part? I mean, Hello! Yes! Absolutely! Hers was a relative star turn in the musical The Greatest Showman, holding her own with Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman. Perfect casting as far as I'm concerned. 

Do I care that she's a woman of color? No. The most qualified person should always play the part. Does an actor have to be straight to play a straight guy? No- and it happens all the time. An actress doesn't have to be "conventionally" gay and be a "gay looking" lesbian to play the new Batwoman either. Or does she? 

Time to grow up, people. Why do we twist the truth when it is to our advantage but cry "Foul!" when the same truth results in something we don't like? I guess the agenda gets revealed and the ends must justify the means. Pure hypocrisy. 

Sorry, Ruby Rose. Seems your strongest fans and advocates have turned against you.

Beware Netflix Users

Take a word of hard earned advice from someone who didn't know better: Netflix mixes porn of all sorts in with their "Romantic Comedy" offerings. My wife and I had viewed a fluff-filled and harmless Hallmark romantic comedy. Looking for another one, we found one that looked interesting and pressed play. 

What immediately came on our screen was hardcore gay porn. I was not amused. Off it went immediately. I don't do porn. If you do or not, it's your choice, but I will tell you it has ruined many lives- and I know that from first hand tales told to me by broken husbands and distraught wives. 

But that's not the point. Just be aware of how Netflix sorts their films. 

Beauty and the Beast: A Skeptic's View

It's not a perfect remake of a near perfect film, but it is very close to it. Disney's new live action version Beauty and the Beast is easily the most compelling of the remake lot, including the winning adaption of Cinderella. I'm reminded here of Director Bill Condon's comment -"I just thought it was the most beautiful and perfect movie. Why remake something that's perfect?" Good question, and it's one fans should be asking about every Disney animated into live action conversion. Regardless of all the press, I had to see it for myself and make up my own mind.

The film is aimed at teens and older. It's in an entirely different league than the animated classic, much gruffer and grittier with fewer humorous elements. Much more akin to Beastly, the more modern (2011) take on the tale as old as time. It is not for young children. Darker, moodier, more violent, and just plain adult in theme, the emotional complexities of death, war, and disease are not your normal topics for a kid film, yet they are subtle but key elements to this story that are missing from the original.

As a big fan of the original, the differences were very noticeable, and they began with the new narration and opening sequence. Effective but very different, signaling clearly that this is not the  animated film of days gone by. The music reflects this transition as well. The score feels dark, with the arrangements and performances less buoyant and bright. Even the upbeat numbers reveal more than a twinge of desperation under the surface.

In this version, it's less important that these characters can sing well than it was in the animated film, especially one that followed up The Little Mermaid, the film that was the beginning of Disney's animation rebirth. Now, years later, this new story is so powerful and such an accomplishment that it wouldn't have needed to be a musical at all- even though fans of the original would be disappointed. That said, of all the vocal pieces, Dan Stevens' solo, the new Evermore, is unexpected- a simply beautiful standout performance. But more on the music later.

Smart, beautiful, and a stunning voice.

A very fine portrayal of Belle- even without Paige O'Hara's great pipes.

This is a movie where Disney's promotional machine was clearly out of touch with reality in more than a few key points- or at least it became obvious they were attempting to manipulate the potential audience. Let's start with our leads. If you've read this blog, you know I was not a fan of Emma Watson playing the iconic lead character. I saw her as too young, too boyish, and lacking elegance and maturity. Additionally, the entire cast including Ms. Watson herself made it seem as if this Belle was a revelation, when in fact, she was no more of a groundbreaking role model than before. The hype machine made me believe Belle had become strident, domineering, and overbearing. Ugh. 

In reality, her performance was delightfully nuanced and increasingly rich as the film progressed. Watson displayed a convincing vulnerability in all the key spots. This was so necessary to making her Belle lovable. I found her even charming and warm- something I did not expect. You heard it first- her adequate singing aside- I was wrong. She was terrific, winning me over by the time she explored the West Wing. As much as I love Paige O'Hara's voice, I equally appreciate Emma Watson's portrayal of my favorite Disney heroine.  

More of a klutz.

More mature but still unsure any girl could love a beast.

In the animated film, Beast was a fairly one-dimensional character. He's moderately more developed here but still secondary to Belle and Gaston in time allotted on screen. A bit more of Beast's backstory unfolds, and it is to the new film's advantage, particularly when it comes to developing his budding romance with the village girl. 

There are more not so subtle changes. His Beast is a well read adult with a dry sense of humor and more mature, with an overall better understanding of relationships. This must be partially due to the fact he was not restricted to breaking the curse before he reached the age of 21- certainly a concession to Dan Stevens being quite a bit older. One small gripe- I do wish Beast had thought of giving her the library as in the original. It may have displayed some of his growth in truly understanding his woman. Strengths aside, Beast is still full of rage and melancholy, but there's got to be a downside if you're rich, handsome, and have an absolute killer of a castle. Right? 

Much to his credit, Dan Stevens' beautiful performance is intentionally understated, not only strengthening his position as the moody and mysterious leading man but also showing his commitment to the success of the story, allowing others to take center stage for the benefit of all.  

Personal confession time- half way through writing this post, I stopped to watch the animated version while the new release was still fresh in my mind. This only reinforced what I had witnessed: Comparisons to the animated version couldn't be avoided, but from a practical sense, they are two very different movies and need to retreated as such.

Here Gaston is vain, dumb, and evil.

Now he's vain, wounded, and even more evil.

Much has been made of the biggest variation of all- LeFou and his man crush on Gaston. I'll definitely make an observation here, but it's more important to first discuss the character portrayals by the actors. Truly, Luke Evans is Gaston. He now owns the role, and I doubt if anyone else will ever be able to match him in a live action version. 

Long before Frozen, Disney broke new ground in animation by making the story's villain physically appealing. Now, Gaston's character is taken a step further as his background is told during key places in the action. He doesn't illicit sympathy, but we understand a bit more of why he is who he is. While he does not have the strength of singing voice as Richard White from the animated version, Evans more than compensates by bringing greater depth to what could be a stereotyped villain. Even if Evans vocal performance feels lacking in the tavern's opening musical number, he does sound more convincing and relaxed on the reprise of his self-titled song, even more so later when he convinces the townspeople its time to get rid of his competition. Again, this trade off is a small price to pay for such a powerfully stunning  performance.

Gaston's initially charming personality gives way to outright evil, gradually increasing with every scene and culminating in his treatment of Maurice and the murder of Beast. Chilling. Powerful. And perfect for this adult treatment of the fairy tale. Like many folks, Gaston never realizes the depth of his pain and brokenness, unlike Beast who longs for forgiveness and another chance to redeem his life. In this way, Beast tells everyman's story. We all have regrets of choices we've made, and we wish we could go back and change them. We ask ourselves, "What benefit did we reap at that time from the things we are now ashamed of?" And we understand those things result in despair and even death of sorts. Loss of innocence. Loss of trusting in our own way. These very mature themes of redemption come into play here in the film, making good fodder for discussion. (If you want to read about the original thought and creation behind Beast, read the animator's story here.)

I find Josh Gad's portrayal of the loyal sidekick LeFou to be a disservice to gay men. His flamboyant posturing and over the top personality is a gay cliche' at best, a parody, and I find it to be insulting. I've had a few gay friends, and not one fits the stereotype shown here. It is the totally wrong presentation for Hollywood to assert on traditional values America. The film clumsily attempts to let LeFou redeem himself by the end, but the underdeveloped effort falls flat, leaving LeFou to be an even bigger villain of a different sort: a coward. It would have been better for Bill Condon to stand by the original reading of the character.

The "gay moment" has been overplayed by both sides of the media and some of the cast and crew. Honestly, if you blink, it's over. The Liberal side has cheered and championed it all- and they fell right into the marketeers' hands by ensuring they would spend their dollars (and yen and euros etc.) to see the movie. Frankly, they took the bait. There's nothing to be proud of here, and as I have written above, how the character is portrayed is certainly not worth celebrating. Not in the least. He's just as lost as Gaston.

The Conservative side of America has bemoaned LeFou's character and mostly avoided seeing an excellent film worthy of so much praise. In addition, unfortunately, too many sources claimed scenes in the film that never materialized, and some readers took the bait as well. Frankly, this angers me even more. As a Christian, the most we are called to is Truth and Love (Jesus said He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no one comes to God the Father but through Him). Shouldn't believers in the media adhere to a standard of being truthful? Actually, shouldn't all members of the media try to be truthful?

Regardless of the end result, the inclusion of LeFou being gay makes this a film for mature teens and adults. Again, these themes are not for small children who cannot understand the varied and numerous complexities associated with human sexuality, sickness, war and death. Each parent and not the media should be making the choices of when and how to educate their children with the values they hold as the ones responsible for their upbringing.

In watching the animated film immediately after seeing this one, I noticed just how many kid friendly segments were removed from the new version. Before, Chip almost functions as on screen narrator, asking questions of his mother that young viewers would need the answers for to follow the plot and have the characters actions make sense. The earlier film did not avoid LeFou's lifestyle. In fact, it made a slight reference to LeFou's potential sexual desires. Remember him walking down the tavern aisle in that mock wedding to Gaston? He seemed perfectly fine playing the bride. It was subtle, but it was there. All said, the amount of evil, violence, and the mature themes alone make the film anything but a Saturday matinee for the little ones- even if there was no "gay moment". For every other reason but including this one, I wouldn't bring my young children to this film. It's an excellent for an older audience and geared toward them. 

Loyal servants and true friends.

Perhaps my largest disappointment in the film was the minimal use of the very charming secondary characters. I particularly wanted to see more of Kevin Kline. Beyond being almost unnecessary to advancing the story, there were plenty of adult savvy comments made by Cogsworth ("Flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep") and Lumiere in the original that are missing here. They are not needed due to its already serious tone, but they were missed. I appreciated Mrs. Potts words regarding their commitment to the master and their part in making him who he was- and the chance to do it differently this time. Again, the multi-faceted complexities of adult relationships are in full display here, and that is to be celebrated.

Worthy of and faithful to the original.

Upon hearing of the live action remake of my favorite animated film, I was very curious as to how Disney would handle such iconic musical numbers, especially "Be Our Guest". I am pleased to report that it was delightful and fully worthy of praise for how it was handled. Lively, charming, and faithful to the original without concession to the more serious nature of the rest of the movie. In fact, it was a very needed break, one of the few pieces where humor was injected.  

The gang's all here.

Although darker, far more complex, and certainly less kid-friendly, faithful fans of Disney animated films have nothing to fear here. The studio's remake of this classic is more than admirably handled, a few quibbles aside. Go in with your eyes open, as well as your heart. Go see it, and judge for yourself. You'll find much to like and much to discuss. The new version not only displays the meaning of real beauty, acceptance, and love, it also reveals the unchanging nature of a fallen mankind and a chance for redemption. These eternal truths, which have made the story an enduring classic for generations, are presented in a powerful, beautiful, and creative way. 

Count me in as a converted skeptic. 

(Photographs and art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Gay Man's View: Beauty Robs Innocence of Kids

"Prime-time network television is geared for an adult audience; one that understands the world we live in. Adults have long lost their innocence. Whether it be sex, drugs or violence, many of us have had our eyes open to the hardships of the world. We lost our innocence when we grew out of adolescence, but do we really want our kids to lose theirs in adolescence?" 

Openly gay attorney Joseph R. Murray 

In this quote from his opinion piece for the Orlando Sentinel, attorney Joseph R. Murray reflects on the logic behind Disney's inclusion of gay characters in Beauty and the Beast- and what it may cost our children. The entire piece is certainly worth a read. 

Note: Again, as I said earlier, the decision of how to educate our children on topics we deem important should be the choice of parents and not the decision of the government and entertainment companies. I plan on seeing the film for myself as my schedule permits.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Revealing Beauty's "Gay Moment"

Disney's new Beauty and the Beast goes forward boldly with a very flamboyant openly gay LeFou. Or does it? As a parent, relative, or grandparent considering taking the kids to the film, it's up to you to decide. You can make that decision by knowing the facts. Read them for yourself by taking in this spoiler article. Please note the author makes some sexually crude comments at the end of the article. But it does reveal all.

It's worth the read in as much as it is each parents responsibility to discuss human sexuality with their children. The timing is also their responsibility- not the state's, not the school's and certainly not Hollywood's.

First Openly Gay Disney Character in Beauty and the Beast

Disney and Hollywood are celebrating the recently outed fact that Josh Gad's LeFou is Disney's first gay character. 

Newsflash to Disney: We fans of the animated Beauty and the Beast had no doubt about it already. But this time, Disney's taking it a step further. In the new film, director Bill Condon in Attitude magazine says:

“LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston. He’s confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realizing that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that’s what has its payoff at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.”

Given that this movie will be seen by young children, parents and grandparents need to be prepared for the discussions that should happen after the film. And they need to happen- but not forced upon them by Disney or anyone else. Yet, it is the world in which we live- it's a world where the media forms news versus reporting it and all too often personal values and rights are forced upon others instead of gently discussed when appropriate. 

Love Wins

The United States Supreme Court has decided that same sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states. Those folks that are disagreeing with the decision say its not the court's place to decide or are opposed on grounds of their traditional understanding that God designed marriage for one man and one woman, referencing both the Old and New Testaments that make up the Bible.

Those celebrating the court's decision say "Love Wins", claiming marriage is only a legal bond between two people of any gender, and the availability of the institution should be made for all.

I say "Love Already Won". And it won two thousand years ago, when the supreme act of love was taken by Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind, making a way to eternal life for all who would turn away from their sin, trust in Him and His work on the Cross before being raised from the dead, and choose to live a life that honors God by following the law he gave.

What constitutes civil rights will change from county to country, decade to decade. God's Word and his law are eternal - in fact through the Ten Commandments, He did legislate morality- and He does not change. 

In spite of where you stand on the issue of gay marriage, the most important question we will ever have to answer still remains: Jesus asks "Who do you say I am?" 

Your answer and the relationship you do or don't have with the creator of the universe, the only one who paid the price for your sin and mine, is the first and most important relationship you need to have settled. Everything else is important but secondary. 

How you handle this decision and how you love people, even those you disagree with,  will show whether or not real love has won in your life. End of story. 

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Here's a good video from Dr. Michael Brown discussing God's love for ALL people, including the gay community. 20 Minutes worth your time- minus the slightly dorky music...