Are Gay Rights Right? Share Your Thoughts...

Following President Obama's remarks at the Human Rights Campaign event and last weekend's march in Washington, everyone is talking about gay rights. But are gay rights right?

In other words, are there any additional rights gays lack in American society? The three big ones under discussion currently include:

1. Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Should the military discharge openly gay homosexuals?

2. Hate Crimes: Should a person who physically hurts someone due to their color or sexual orientation be punished for an additional crime?

3. Same Sex Marriage/Civil Unions/Domestic Partnerships: Four states have legalized same-sex marriage; one (Nevada) has approved domestic partnerships (for both same-sex and heterosexual couples). Eventually, the national level will have to make a decision. What decision is best for the nation?

As a person who follows the teachings of the Bible, I consider these three issues extremely important. For example, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is conflicting because it deals both with a person's personal actions and national security. There's a lot to debate here, but the numbers are already in favor of this law being ended soon, so I'm not going to dive into it more here.

Hate crimes are a second distinct category. Gay activists argue it is necessary, appealing to the case of Matthew Shepard. While his case was a tragedy, I see two problems with this bill. First, it is currently lumped in with the military spending bill. Does anyone else see this as a conflict of interests? Hate crimes are important enough to be handled separately, and I propose that they should be.

In addition, hate crimes appear redundant. If one person beats up another person, it is a crime (assault). But if the victim claims to be beaten due to racism or sexual orientation, it is suddenly two crimes: assault and a hate crime. Is this really necessary?

Finally, there is the same-sex marriage issue. As a Christian, I hold to marriage as a sacred covenant between a man an a woman. I've been married for 11 years and plan to stay that way. However, I understand there are legal and insurance issues at stake for same-sex couples. Couldn't a domestic partnership of some type (similar to Nevada's recently passed law) address this concern without changing the definition of marriage? If not, why not?

I realize in posting on this controversial topic, people from all sides will end up angry. I encourage you to comment on this issue in a civil way and not personally attack others who comment. Let's have a healthy debate on this issue and show the same respect Christ would for opposing views in the process.

Obama at the NAACP

Some inspiring words to end the week. President Obama, speaking to the NAACP, shared:

"We have to say to our children, yes, if you're African-American, the odds of growing up amid crime and gangs are higher. Yes, if you live in a poor neighborhood, you will face challenges that someone in a wealthy suburb does not. But that's not a reason to get bad grades, that's not a reason to cut class, that's not a reason to give up on your education and drop out of school," he said, eliciting applause from the audience.

See the full article here.

NBC Refuses to Air Pro-Life Ad during Super Bowl

According to Friday's Citizen Link article, NBC has refused to air a controversial pro-life ad during the Super Bowl. If you care about this issue and want to do something about it, here's how to act:

1. Watch the ad online: This increases publicity and awareness.
2. Let NBC know how you feel: Here's the link.
3. Tell somebody: The pro-life issue needs your voice. Speak up for the unborn who cannot speak out for themselves.

From the article:

The pro-life ad, created by CatholicVote.org, portrays President Barack Obama as a preborn baby. It features images of a child in utero set to music and reads: "The child's future is a broken home. He will be abandoned by his father. His single mother will struggle to raise him.

"Despite the hardships he will endure, this child will become the first African-American president."

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said: "In reality, these 41 seconds do more to inspire than the hundreds of other Super Bowl ads that use sex and alcohol to wow viewers. It's ironic that producers pull out the rule book when they want to police traditional values."

"Obama and Young Evangelicals" Interview Follow Up

Thanks again to everyone who listened in and provided feedback leading up to today's interview. I wish I would have had more time to communicate on some of the issues involved, but did my best in the time allowed to speak intelligently on major points of concern.

If you listened in and enjoyed the discussion, please let someone at WMBI know by emailing mornings@moody.edu or calling 312-274-9624. Thanks!

Dillon Burroughs on Moody Radio about "Obama and Young Evangelicals"

Friday I’ll be on WMBI Moody Radio Chicago from 8:30-9am EST to talk about “Obama and Young Evangelicals.” Listen live at wmbi.mbn.org and maybe even email or call the station to tell them you liked the show (That is, if you actually like it.). Also, please pray for God’s wisdom and blessing for this one. I’m going to need it.

Racial Slurs toward Obama at Tennessee Temple

For those who haven't heard, the university where I teach youth ministry courses, Tennessee Temple, made the local Channel 12 news last night because a student wrote a racial slur (a variation of the "N" word) about President-elect Barack Obama recently. You can view the clip yourself here.

I spoke with my students about it this morning and felt the need for someone to respond with what my university is really all about and inject a little truth in love in the process. I've copied my post to Channel 12 below which you may end up seeing on other online news sources. Please feel free to comment or tell Obama I'm praying for him today.

ORIGINAL COMMENTS AS POSTED AT NEWS 12 Chattanooga:

Racial Slurs toward Obama at Tennessee Temple

Submitted by Dillon Burroughs (not verified) on November 13, 2008 - 12:41pm.

I teach at Tennessee Temple and need to share a couple of comments on this Obama racial slur debacle.

First, Tennessee Temple has made significant gains in minority student enrollment and involvement in recent years and has a clear desire to increase diversity on its campus.

As a school, it is improving in its fight against racism. If it wasn't, I would not teach there. If it stops improving, I will personally quit my job so an African American professor can teach in my place. I care that deeply about ending racism.

Second, Tennessee Temple consists of hundreds of students from many cultures and maturity levels. Sometimes students do dumb stuff like call the President-elect N*#%&.

I'll apologize for the whole school on this one and say I'm sorry it happened. Every person I know on Tennessee Temple's campus is sick that this event took place. We are students and faculty who love Jesus and love people, including Barack Obama.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding who wrote the comment, whether white, African American, or otherwise, it was highly disrespectful and inappropriate.

It ultimately doesn't matter whether a student did it to get attention or whether the offender was white or African American. The fact is that a student wrote a highly inappropriate comment about our nation's President-elect. That sucks and should not continue.

So guilty student, whoever you are, stop making yourself, your school, and Jesus look like redneck racists and Klan member wannabes by your racial slurs.

Instead, let's agree to pray for our nation's new leader and do all we can to help promote the love of Jesus.

And stop calling people Nigga because Jesus hates racism. Plus, I think He even likes good grammar.