Every so often one will stumble upon an article that grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go, even days or weeks after reading.
Never before have I read an article that so profoundly shows a very dark side of Christianity. I can immediately relate to almost every church-related instance he mentions. In many ways, this is the church environment I grew up in.
What Christian can't relate to this:
I'd stopped masturbating for weeks at a time, trying to keep any thoughts of women out of my mind entirely, as we were taught over and again by pastors that even thinking about sex was as bad as actually having it. And masturbating? It might be okay, I once heard a pastor opine, if one could do without thinking any sexual thoughts. But we were told: why take the risk?Instead, I would hold out for as long as I could until, usually in the shower, I'd be unable to stop myself. Before the orgasm had even left my body, I would begin to pray: I'm sorry Jesus. I'm so sorry. This is the last time. Never again.
Yes, that was me as well. Many times over. But that is a minor point, as my parents did an excellent job (sometimes too well) of shielding their children from the hideous, sickening, ugly side of Christianity. It isn't the religion itself, but the people who give themselves over to perverse and deceptive lifestyles, while still maintaining a Christian facade to anyone they can deceive.
I don't know Joel, nor do I tear up with clenched fists easily, but I have utter respect for the man. And I pray that he may one day see past the lies and deception he was dealt, and experience the passionate pursuit of Christ.
