Here we go again. Yet another clergy member has decided to preach hate instead of love, and in the process has drawn heavy criticism for his angry remarks.
Clint Echols, pastor of First Baptist Church in Zeeland, Michigan, recently said in a sermon that homosexuality is considered to be an “abomination” according to the Bible. But what Echols said next is what drew protesters to his church. Saying that for the church to accept a sexual preference it disagrees with is the equivalent of saying, “I think I’m an axe murderer.” Echols then continued his comparison with this:
?It’s an internal compass and a person can discover their sexuality at any moment?oh wait a second, I’m gay, I’m bisexual, I want to change my gender, these things, and that’s being true to themselves and being true to their internal compass.?
But Echols wasn’t quite finished casting stones while living in a glass house. The minister then said:
?For instance on another, a completely other playing field, if tomorrow I woke up because I have this internal compass that’s telling me what truth is. Tomorrow, if I wake up and say, well, I think I’m an axe murderer, now I’m an axe murderer, would you be happy with that? Would you agree? Would you want me to follow that internal compass??
Sounds like the Brother Echols’ internal compass has led him over the cliff and into the ravine of ignorance which lies below. How in the world did he get from sexual preference to committing murder with an axe? Did I miss something?
Zeeland resident?Daniel Vanderley said he doesn’t care if the church takes a stand against marriage equality, but Echols should apologize for his narrow-minded statements:
?They can exclude anyone they want, but I would like them to tell the world that they’re doing it,? Vanderley explained. ?And I would like them to apologize for comparing people who come out as gay to people who come out as axe murderers.?Don’t bully by making this comparison. Coming out is a hard enough time for people.?
Despite protests outside the church, Echols doubled down on his intolerant message. In a statement issued to the media, he said:
?In regard to human sexuality, God’s word is clear. God, through His design and clear prescription in his holy Word, instituted marriage between one man and one woman as the foundation of family and the basic structure of human society. Sexual behavior outside of monogamous marriage is contrary to God’s design and is therefore sin.?
It’s also a sin to hate your neighbor, but Pastor Echols is obviously the kind of Christian who only chooses to believe the parts of the Bible he agrees with.
