AN OPEN RESPONSE TO REV. AL SHARPTON’S OP-ED SUPPORTING MICHAEL SAM
BY WILLIAM DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
Fighting for morality is not an easy thing to do. Fighting for the soul of a nation, a people, and a culture that’s historically been rooted in a Judeo-Christian value system, but is rapidly moving at a record breaking speed toward secularism and humanism as its core value system, is also not easy. To stand for truth, righteousness, and the wisdom of God in an age where God’s published thoughts on a subject are rejected even by His preachers, is increasingly becoming a difficult thing to do. We are living in the days that the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
Martin Luther King, Sr., Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., nine major Black Church denominations, and more importantly, neither God the Father or God the Son would have stood side-by-side with Michael Sam on this issue. Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. wrote a paper predicting that this day would come—the open embracing of homosexuality in the Black Community—because of Black preachers like you, who compromise biblical truth.
Rev. Sharpton, we have truly arrived when we not only stand for “justice rolling down like water,” but also when we stand for “righteousness as a mighty stream.” In your pseudo attempt to stand for “justice” in the Michael Sam episode, you are trampling over biblical righteousness. Where so-called justice conflicts with righteousness, we must let righteousness triumph over, what would obviously be a misrepresentation and false view of justice. Where there is true justice, it does not conflict with righteousness. And where there is true righteousness, it does not conflict with justice. Righteousness exalts a nation. Same sex relationships destroyed a nation (Genesis 19).
Whereas, you applaud Michael Sam announcing that he is gay, I deplore the fact that you are removing the ancient landmarks that the fathers have set. Shame on you for denouncing biblical truth; Shame on you for not calling sin—sin; Shame on you for telling people what they want to hear, rather than, what thus saith the Lord; Shame on you for being an “ear-scratching prophet.”
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. “(II Timothy 4:3-4)
Rev. Sharpton, to this extent I support Michael Sam and your argument: I do not believe that Michael Sam should be denied an opportunity to play pro football—if he otherwise qualifies—solely because he is a homosexual. Unless a “morals clause” is going to cover all sexual sin, and disqualify the eligibility of all NFL players who engage in sexual sin, I agree: Michael Sam should not be disqualified from playing in the NFL solely based on his sexual preferences. The fact that Michael Sam is announcing his sexual preferences and practices before the NFL Draft is admirable in the sense that he is being open, honest, and courageous on this subject. I respect a person who is honest and forthright, even if I disagree with their position and practice.
But just as Rev. Sharpton stands by Michael Sam, Bible-believing Christians and custodians of the American Judeo-Christian cultural heritage must also be prepared to stand by any NFL team owner, coach, player, general manager, etc., who prefers not to have to deal with the distractions associated with an open homosexual player. The potential of having two players on the same team romantically involved with each other; or Michael Sam in romantic pursuit of Emmitt, Cam, Eric, Nate, or Larry against their objections must also be safeguarded by team management.
A straight female basketball coach in my congregation says that trying to coach a team where the players are sexually involved with each other is extremely problematic. I pity the coach who has to manage players treating each other differently on the same team due to sexual interest or involvement.
A Brooklyn Dodgers coach was fired during the Jackie Robinson Era because the Catholic Church was unified to refuse to buy season tickets to support a team where the head coach was openly and unashamedly promiscuous. Look how far we have fallen morally that a player can announce that he is gay, and a Baptist preacher comes to his side to support his gay lifestyle! I support his right to play football, but I do not support his gay lifestyle. I support the teams’ and players’ rights not to want him on their teams.
If I were on a NFL team that drafted an openly gay player, I would literally quit the team. I would be disappointed that team management expects me to share the locker room with someone attracted to the same sex. My rejection and disappointment would be toward the team management who made the decision—not Michael Sam.
Michael Sam is a man that God loves, and so do I. He is a man who has made some unwise choices—so have I. He is a man whose draft stock is falling because of his choices. I’ve also had to pay a price for some unwise choices. I would welcome Michael Sam as a member of my congregation if he confesses faith in Jesus Christ as Lord even while he works through his beliefs and practices of homosexuality. Rev. Sharpton, the lesson to be learned from this for our young people is that if you make unwise choices in life, the hour of accountability or reckoning is inevitable. And you have only yourself to blame for choices that you have made.
All Bible-believing Christians should do like the Catholic Church and simply refuse to buy tickets to a game, or support a team who drafts homosexuals. It’s a team’s right to draft them. It’s a believer’s right to boycott them. If the National and Southern Baptist churches were in unity as they should be on this issue, an NFL Team would think long and hard before making such a decision.
Rev. Sharpton, you may ask, “What about all of the fornicators and adulterous on NFL teams?” You are right: Fornicators and adulterers are equally as wrong. But in the words of the late Dr. E.V. Hill—“at least that’s natural.” We all have sinned. And I say of myself as Paul said of himself, “I am the chief of all sinners.” Yes, every NFL roster is comprised of sinners. Every church and pulpit in America is comprised of sinners. But must we go down the slippery slope and affirm those who engage in unnatural, deviant, and team dis-unifying behavior?
Rev. Sharpton, how can you call supporting homosexuality “justice,” when Dr. King called it a “problem” and one that could be overcome? Rev. Sharpton, please reconsider expending your enormous influence and communication effectiveness toward leading this nation down the path toward Sodom and Gomorrah? For the sake of our children, won’t you reconsider this?
February 11, 2014 at 5:48 pm
Courageous and well said, Brother Dwight.
February 11, 2014 at 6:23 pm
Bob,
Thanks. Our country is going through a evolution on this issue that’s alarming. This is a matter that we need to be in prayer for God’s intervention. That’s the only hope that I see. Thanks again for visiting.
February 12, 2014 at 7:08 am
Excellent article. Finally a voice in the wilderness.
February 12, 2014 at 7:45 am
Velma,
Thanks for visiting. Thanks for the encouragement. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find voices who echo the view that you & I share in the public venue. We need to encourage each other, because we are standing on the side of right. At the same time we cannot make Miachel Sam the enemy. The young man deserves our love and prayers. Be encouraged.
February 13, 2014 at 12:13 am
I found this in search of the church’s response to the Micheal Sam announcement and was shocked to learn of Rev. Sharpton’s support. The more society accepts this behavior the harder it is to speak against it which is very saddening to me.
This is a link of a study that was done to see how kids reacted to gay marriage. It is starting to be accepted at a very young age as okay. Only one kid felt it was wrong.
February 13, 2014 at 1:25 am
DjTj,
Amen. Thanks for visiting. I look forward to watching the link. I agree with every thing you said in your comment here. For our children’s sake, let’s remain strong & hold up the blood stained banner.
February 13, 2014 at 12:24 pm
What is the black church’s fascination with homosexuality? Other than the fact that a large chunk of your members are in the closet on the DL, or have quit going to church altogether because of the obsession. But hey, its okay to father 9 children out of wedlock by 9 different women, but don’t tell us you love another man. Priceless. Oh by the way, the old testament of the “bible” that the black church loves to quote to condemn homosexuality also tells us that it is okay to sell someone into slavery as long as it is to someone in an adjacent country. Again, priceless.
February 13, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Robert,
It is not ok to father nine children out of wedlock by mine different women.
The Black Church does not have an obsession with homosexuality. The Black Church have an obsession with God. And God has expressed disapproval with the act of homosexuality, while loving the homosexual.
February 13, 2014 at 10:57 pm
Coach Crane,
As a coach I could not accept him being on my team. The locker room is a brother hood and there are certain rules that players abide by. It would cause a big distraction for any team. Players will feel Uncomfortable. A man that is attracted to another man. Anyway, a homosexual is a lifestyle such as adulter, alcoholic, thief, but…they not coming out stating thier life style before they get drafted. Can you imagine “I am player, I have sex with 3 women every week” would society accept that? They act like Sam is doing something great for blacks. I am embarrassed as a black man, that he represents my race. And the fact that people like Stephen A smith is forced to say something positive about it because if he tells the “truth” he would lose his job.
February 13, 2014 at 10:58 pm
As a coach I could not accept him being on my team. The locker room is a brother hood and there are certain rules that players abide by. It would cause a big distraction for any team. Players will feel Uncomfortable. A man that is attracted to another man. Anyway, a homosexual is a lifestyle such as adultery, alcoholic, thief, but…they not coming out stating thier life style before they get
drafted. Can you imagine “I am player, I have sex with 3 women every week” would society accept that? They act like Sam is doing something great for blacks. I am embarrassed as a black man, that he represents my race. And the fact that people like Stephen A smith is forced to say something positive about it because if he tells the “truth” he would lose his job.
Coach Crane
February 13, 2014 at 11:08 pm
Coach Crane,
Great observation. Alcoholics, drug abusers, serial adulterers, bigamist, polygamist, men who want to marry their step daughters, etc., are’t coming out announcing their preferences before the draft. Why then in Miachel Sam announcing his preference before the draft? Great observation, coach!!!!
It could wreak havoc on the unity in the locker room. It could bring motives into question as it relates to more than one on the field, and the effort put forth, or not put forth to block, tackle, defend etc, your teammate, in order to give an advantage to anotger person attracted to the same sex. I love the thought that you have interjected here.
February 14, 2014 at 9:10 pm
The problem with the Christian church and particularly our Christian leaders is they fail to stand for righteousness at any cost unless it pertains to certain issues.
I’m no Sharpton fan by any stretch of the imagination and the idea that others parade him around as my “black leader” is frustrating to say the least. But the very existence of this blog entry really proves the point he and others (see Dallas sports commentator Dale Hansen’s response to Mike Sam) are making. If one says they truly care about justice and morality why such an uproar over the gay issue and and merely a squeak concerning all others that are far more pressing and have a direct impact on society. Oh I know the song and dance all to well. We’ve all heard it. “Sure…I speak out on other topics”. I’ve heard ministers say his for years. No other topic have I seen preached on or discussed as passionately as that of the issue of gays in America. Listening to the modern American minister/politician you’d think homosexuality was the biggest threat to the American family/society (not the squeezing the middle class, violence in our schools, the current divorce rate or how easy they are to get, that 75% of African Americans are born into single parent homes and make up over 90% of the prison population). To Sharpton’s credit, he boldly takes on these issues publicly and vocally. Even to the disgust of many in the public. Love him or hate him…that takes courage.
The Bible is clear. We as Christians are to act justly (Micah 6:8), to abhor sin and not the sinner, and that the world is a pretty good judge of of our character (John 13:34-35). But what I see are church leaders who are all too willing to abhor a certain sin rather than all sin. You brought up Martin Luther King Jr. The reason he is a timeless figure isn’t because he was a one topic minister who knew how to raise a crowd. He didn’t just stand against injustice when it was unpopular amongst others. He also did it when it was unpopular amongst church folk…folks in his very own circle. Why? Because his spirit truly abhorred injustice wherever it raised it’s head. Whether it was at the lunch counters in Birmingham or a poor village in Vietnam. Just as loud as he spoke against white supremacy he also spoke and fought against the military industrial complex (and with scripture to back him up). That’s what courage looks like. Case in point, we in the West send the largest numbers of missionaries to Nigeria and Uganda. Both of these countries are about to pass laws that when originally written in 2009 called for the execution of gays. Due to pressure and financial threats from the global community (mind you the church was very silent during all of this) the laws have been re-written to enforced imprisonment…which the global community is again putting pressure against (crickets from the church yet again). But even before the laws were re-written they were supported publicly by Christian religious clerics and popular western American ministers which I can easily name. Yet to this day, I have yet to see a minister who says they value righteousness and justice stand against this. Granted, we are all called to a chosen lane…I get the song and dance too (I’m sure glad MLK wasn’t this limited). But no minister stands up? No one is called? As a lay person I do my part…and that’s why I can call others to do the same. Preach against the sin…the Bible says that. But preach also against those that want to deny a person justice because of their sin…an idea the New Testament introduced.
Michael Sam is an awesome player…his stats speak to that. And if a coach wants to avoid him in the draft…that’s their choice. But let’s not pretend that somehow this issue is pressing. Worrying about who Sam sleeps with and what locker room he showers in isn’t going to stop kids from playing the “knockout game”, bring down the divorce rate, or strengthen the sanctity of marriage in any way. Let’s stop with this nonsense and start focusing on our true calling.
February 14, 2014 at 11:06 pm
James,
Thanks for visiting here. You certainly have a perspective that’s popular with certain Christians. I stand by my post. And yes, I do address all the other issues that u mention as well.
Dale Hansen and yourself would draw the line at some point. The question is simply where. Would it be a player who had 2-3 legal wives? Would it be with a player married to his ex-wife’s 13 year old step daughter? Would it be with a player who engaged in dog or chicken fights? Would it be with a player like Incogniti who according to recent reports has engaged in a pattern of racist behavior? There is a breaking point, a line in the sand for all of us. The question is: where is the breaking point for u & Dale Hansen? For some it’s the blatant, bold, unrepentant @ proud advocacy & practice of same-sex relationships. Again, what’s yours?
February 15, 2014 at 7:32 am
Having a breaking point isn’t the issue. I agree every man has one. What’s at issue and why the church today has less influence is we have collectively ignored all other actions that should be “breaking points”. Our God says he hates all sin but we like to pick and choose which to shout about. And because we’ve done so habitually when the preferred issue comes along the resounding response from the world is “Where were you when…?”. As I stated earlier, the world has many flaws but scripture shows us they’re a pretty good judge when it comes to determining where we’re coming from. We’ve in essence become a political action committee, an extension of a political party. A prop used every election cycle to further the ambitions of politicians who do little to nothing to address poverty…just as long as they’re willing to keep those gays in check. So instead of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to convict on all areas of sin and injustice…we mistake political influence for power. That’s really speaks to the point I think Hansen was making. We can’t all of a sudden hold ourselves out honestly as salt of the earth or even a reflection of THE moral compass on this issue with passion and yet not excercize that same level of passion against other ills and isms. Lots of blog posts from church leaders around the web speaking on this sports issue. But I think Dale Hansen and the rest of the world are correct when they say “yeah…but where were you when?”
February 15, 2014 at 10:28 am
James,
I willlet you have the final word. But for some owners, GM’s, players, and fans, this would be there breaking point. Now, you & Dale can argue that it shouldn’t be, for the reasons that you’ve mentioned. But, as you have also stated, every one if us have a breaking point. And each person gets to decide what’s theirs. I am willing to accept the fact with no qualms or reservations, that this is not your breaking point. Are you willing to concede that it is ok if this is my breaking point, and many others?
February 15, 2014 at 1:33 pm
James if I may you are making a major assumptive accusation while providing zero substantiation for supporting your claims. Where is the proof that African American pastors like Pastor McKissic dont “excercize[sic] that same level of passion against other ills and isms”? Its patently unfair to even suggest that without at least a modicum of evidentiary support. Otherwise, it seems your point is to paint all who oppose homosexuality with the same broad brush in an attempt to discredit their legitimate objections.
February 15, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Thank you Pastor McKissic for your voice of leadership during these growing perilous times. You’re right, the reins are definitely tightening on those who hold fast to the truth of scripture. The pressure to either let it go or become invisible is increasing with each passing day. But we are nevertheless saints. We thrive when pressed and pressured. Our faith in God’s truth should buoy us in the midst of this storm. Nevertheless, not our will but his be done. God has allowed this to happen in our day and I believe its part of a greater purpose he will reveal in his time. I hope that as the days grow darker, the lights of the saints will shine brighter and that unless we are hauled off and executed, we will remain steadfast, unmoveable always abounding in the Lord. I for one am not afraid. Im cheered by a great cloud of witnesses before me who have stood despite the avalanche of evil against them. We have their examples to follow and emulate.
Its interesting that Michael Sams has endured all this family turmoil. Like the average African American black male in America today, his background is one that is almost certain to produce sexual dysfunction of some type. I have considered that at some point during all this upheaval he may have been molested or sexually violated. Its a common thread of experience among African American males who eventually end up living a homosexual lifestyle. Sams may not admit that but the anecdotal evidence is there. In my 18 years of ministry to men who have been involved in homosexuality an overwhelming majority of them voluntarily admit to some type of unwanted sexual activity being forced upon them. Those acts did not “make them gay” per se, but it certainly factored into how they processed their sexual identity and thus their sexual expression. Consider the following:
According to government statistics, 72 percent of African-American children are born to unmarried mothers. Dr. Natalie Carroll, an obstetrician who has dedicated her 40-year career to helping black women, feels that this is unfortunate. “The girls don’t think they have to get married. I tell them children deserve a mama and a daddy. They really do. A mama can’t give it all. And neither can a daddy, not by themselves,” Dr. Carroll says. “Part of the reason is because you can only give that which you have. A mother cannot give all that a man can give. A truly involved father figure offers more fullness to a child’s life.”
According to Children-our investment.org, homes without fathers ultimately affect children in numerous tragic ways:
* 63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
* 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
* 85 percent of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes
* 80 percent of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes
* 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
* 75 percent of all adolescent patients in chemical-abuse centers come from fatherless homes
* 85 percent of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes
These statistics apply to African-American homes in disproportionate numbers. Compared with the 72 percent in black communities, 17 percent of Asians, 29 percent of whites, 53 percent of Hispanics and 66 percent of Native Americans were born to unwed mothers in 2008, the most recent year for which government figures are available. The rate for the overall U.S. population was 41 percent.
While environment alone doesn’t excuse one’s sexual choices, it most definitely is a significant factor. I hope that Michael Sam, Jason Collins (and other black men struggling with their sexuality) will read your post and understand one thing. People who love you will tell you the truth.
February 15, 2014 at 2:13 pm
DL Foster,
Receiving affirmation and support from you blesses me today just as much as if I’d received it from Jeremiah, Moses, John the Baptist, or Paul. Much respect and love for you sir. Seriously and sincerely, you are a hero to me. I am honored to learn that you have even visited my blog. Thanks for the encouragement. Those of us who speak out on this issue, really need to encourage one another. I sense that public opinion is at a record setting pace moving in the direction contrary to the biblical viewpoint. Even many Pastors and Christians are now rationalizing & justifying support for same-sex relationships and homosexuality. I going to drop another post within the next couple of days entitled “When Saints Live in Sodom” . The purpose of this post will be to equip Christians to know how to function in a gay friendly society. Would be interested on your feedback there. Thanks again for visiting. You gave made my day.
BTW, have you ever studied Daniel 11: 37 in depth. It appears to be saying that the anti-Christ will have no desire for women. Was that Daniel’s way of implying that the antiChrist will be gay? If u know of a book that addresses Daniel 11: 37, please let me know. Thanks again.
February 15, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Bless you sir, the pleasure and blessing is truly mine. Let the record reflect I hold you in high esteem as a man of God.
Yes, I have studied with much interest the Daniel’s snippet of identification information on the antiChrist. And I think its a significant identifier. Here’s my personal understanding of it. And I base this on the wider body of information we know about satan, the antichrist and biblical prophecy.
The Daniel 11:37 reference to the sexual nature of the antichrist as envisioned by Daniel is telling considering the world’s end time affirmation of homosexual perversion. The word “desire” is drawn from Hebrew chamad, which points to lust and desire associated with male/female sexuality. Thus we can make a broad assumption that the antichrist will have no sexual desire for women. It could be also interpreted as a extreme form of misogyny. Satan has always hated the woman, seeing that she represents creative life. She would be seen as an object of disdain to the AC.
Jesus came and elevated the status of the woman and the AC’s hatred of her seeks to denigrate her. Some think Dan 11:37 has no significance or connection to homosexuality, but I beg to differ.
If Im not mistaken the celebrated dispensational truth preacher Clarence Larkin (1850-1924) addresses it in his book Rightly Dividing the Word.
Thank you again for voicing your wisdom in times like these. I’ll be looking forward to your upcoming post.
February 15, 2014 at 3:46 pm
Bro Foster,
Thanks for the feedback. Quite helpfuland and informative. Particularly, did I appreciate the Hebrew insight of the word “desire” and the book reference by Larkin that addresses this subject. I will order it next week. You have been very gracious with your time & encouragement today. Know that it is highly, valued and appreciated.
February 22, 2014 at 11:22 am
A gay man should not be able to marry who he wants because of a sexuality inclination with which he was born. It wasn’t too long ago that a black man should not be able to vote because of the color of skin with which he was born. Same principle, sir.
February 22, 2014 at 1:03 pm
It’s not the same principle sir. A black man had no right whatsoever. No one has taken the birth right of marriage away from a gay man. A gay man chooses to go against the sanctity of marriage. Should he be hated for that? No. Should it be outright allowed? No.
Did a black man choose to go against the voting system or have any alternative whatsoever? No
Please stop comparing gay rights to civil rights.
February 23, 2014 at 9:56 pm
Hi Pastor McKissic,
Please see the below link to a message on Pastor Voddie Baucham’s response to this issues:
February 24, 2014 at 10:22 am
Bro. Jiles,
Thanks so much for linking to the Voddie Baucham interview. He nailed it. He adressed the issues with scriptural, logical, consistent, and from my vantage point, irrefutable answers. Every believer needs to listen to what he has to say here, so that we can be ready to give an answer to those who ask why do we oppose same-sex relationships. Thanks again for adding value to this discussion.
March 5, 2014 at 9:33 am
Very very good article