The Truth in Print Vol. 24 Issue 5, June 2018
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
Website
Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
The Charge that Jesus
was a Drag King Etc.
Keep this brief newspaper article from April
in mind as you consider the blasphemies presented in articles mentioned
below.
The Mouth Speaks From That Which Is in the
Heart
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught this truth:
Luke 6:45 "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth
what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is
evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. He stated that
“evil thoughts” and “lewdness” or lasciviousness are among the evil things that
proceed from the heart (Mk. 7:21-22). Last month we read about the College
professor who was quoted as saying Jesus was a drag king, pan-sexual, who was
cross dressing and had lascivious desires at the Passover supper. This capped
with Christ (God) lusting sexually after the Father (God) on the Cross. You’d
think a “high” prof in a theological class would know God is Spirit and theirs
is not a physical relationship.
Some never get to the core error of one who
held such a prestigious place among men – Sin and what Jesus had to say about
it. This with the fact that the Word revealed by the Spirit in the N.T. is the
Father’s Word given by Christ who sent the Holy Spirit (also God) to reveal it (Jo.
14:24, 26; 16:13; 17:14-20). There is no Sin in God (I Pet. 2:22). His Word
reveals lewdness is expressed in one’s words and not just otherwise behavior.
Evil imaginations and images stated in explanations such as we read are
condemned throughout the New Testament. The only right thing to say about
anyone accusing Jesus of lewdness (in word, thought or deed) is Christ’s own
references to man’s heart and what comes out of it in his speech!
Jesus was a Drag King with Queer Desires
“Jesus was 'drag king' with 'queer
desires,' claims theology professor” (by Caleb Park (foxnews.com) states:
“College of the Holy Cross professor, Dr. Tat-siong Benny Liew, claims Jesus
was a ‘drag king’ who had ‘queer desires.’"
You don’t pronounce Benny’s last name with a
silent “w” do you? Many academies of various sorts started umpteen years ago
with the lie that Jesus was a homosexual and you see what theirs allowed.
“A theology professor at a Catholic college
is making some bizarre – some would even say blasphemous – claims about Jesus
Christ that is causing a stir on campus.” (CP)
“Dr. Tat-siong Benny Liew, chair of New
Testament Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., said
Jesus was a ‘drag king’ who had ‘queer desires.’ He also claims the Last Supper
was a “literary striptease” and that Jesus was not a man, but gender fluid.”
(Source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/29/jesus-was-drag-king-with-queer-desires-claims-theology-professor.html).
What Kind of Reading is Benny
Doing? Unconventional, A Remarkable Re-Reading, Selective
*Underline
is mine for emphasis (B.L.)
“Writing for The Fenwick Review, Elinor
Reilly of the Holy Cross class of 2018 argues in a March 26 article that
Professor …Liew’s ‘unconventional readings of Scripture’ have brought ‘a
new theological perspective to Holy Cross.’”
(http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/03/28/holy-cross-theology-professor-says-jesus-drag-king-queer-desires/)
“In a remarkable re-reading of the Bible,
Professor Liew has argued that Jesus is not only ‘king of Israel’ and ‘king of
the Jews,’ but ‘also a drag king,’ as presented in the New Testament Gospel of
John.” (…breitbart.com)
“Liew did not immediately respond to a
request for comment. But he has pointed out his ‘selective reading of John aims
to…give recognition and life to those who desire to live otherwise gendered or
transgendered (sic) lives.’” (CP)
Consider the definition of “selective”: Am.
Heritage Dict. adj. “2. Empowered to tending to select. 3. electronics Able to
reject frequencies other than the one selected or tuned.” He was tuned in to
the vanity of his own filthy thoughts!
“The controversial teachings came to light
after Holy Cross student Elinor Reilly wrote an article for the independent
student journal, The Fenwick Review, and called Liew’s interpretations
‘unconventional.’ The student questioned why Liew was given a distinguished professorship
at the Jesuit college in 2013 to teach the main New Testament class to
undergraduate students.” (CP)
"He continues to be held up as an
example and a bold successor to the learned and discerning tradition of our
Catholic and Jesuit College of the Holy Cross," Reilly said.” (CP)
When You Read You Can Understand (Eph. 3:1-3)
Paul said to Ephesus concerning his epistle
“…when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)”
(Eph. 3:3). Those at Ephesus when reading it could understand the bible alike.
Jesus stated to Jews which believed: Jon 8:31 “If ye continue in my word, then
are ye my disciples indeed; Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free.” If they couldn’t understand His word alike then how could
they continue in it? Paul said let the Word dwell in you richly in all wisdom
(Col. 3:16). If you could not understand it then it wouldn't dwell in you
richly in all wisdom — for you wouldn't know the difference between God's
wisdom and what man's wisdom is constantly telling you!
The Bible is to be read by people who desire
to know the truth (Col.4:16). How could they know they’d turned away from the
truth if they didn’t understand the truth revealed? (2 Cor. 11:4; Gal. 1:6-9).
In the New Testament you can know the things Jesus condemned such as
homosexuality, lasciviousness, effeminacy etc.
The ear and eye God created are suitable for
hearing and reading His word (Pr. 20:12). In 2 Chron. 34 the book of the Law
was found in the rubbish of the Temple. Shapan the scribe read it to King
Josiah. When King Josiah heard the book of the Law read he understood they were
in big trouble with God. It was not a remarkable re-reading where the warning
did not come out plain! It was not an unconventional reading – it was to be
read in the same way by the kings from Saul onwards.
Faith comes by hearing the Word and
understanding it (Rom. 10:17). Faith from the Word is not a belief in what
cannot be grasped or understood. This is what the fool never understands!
Fools are easily manipulated and led away
from the truth by those promoting hidden messages, often in patterns they claim
for words or verses taken out of contexts they belong in. People are buying
junk in purchasing the latest book that reveals supposedly the recently
discovered hidden message. In 2 Tim. 3:16-17 the scriptures thoroughly equip
one unto every good work.
The “Gospel of John” Professor
We’re told “The ‘Gospel of John’ professor
cited the book of John in the Bible to try to back his arguments.” Liew “…has
pointed out his ‘selective reading of John aims to…give recognition and life to
those who desire to live otherwise gendered or transgendered (sic) lives.’”
(CP)
“Liew argues that while John makes it clear
Jesus was a Jew, he leaves open ‘whether Jesus is a biological male.’” (CP)
“Liew’s sexualization of the sacred
Christian texts goes beyond the reinterpretation of actions and extends to
gender identity as well. For instance, Liew stated that in his Gospel, Saint
John makes very clear that Jesus is a Jew but he is less clear about ‘whether
Jesus is a biological male.’” (…breitbart.com) Now that dumb! Of course the
“gender game” is played.
The Trajectory of the Wisdom/Word or
Sophia/Jesus Configuration
Liew:
“If one follows the trajectory of the Wisdom/Word or Sophia/Jesus (con)
figuration, what we have in John’s Jesus is not only a ‘king of Israel’ or
‘king of the Ioudaioi [Jews],’ but also a drag king.” (CP).
Whatever he tried here, the Book of Wisdom
is found in the Apocrypha in the Catholic bible. Wisdom is referred to as “she”
(feminine). Notice this in Wisdom 10:17.
Solomon Seeks Wisdom in Prayer to God
10:17 Thinking thus within myself, and
reflecting in my heart that there is immortality in kinship with Wisdom, and
good pleasure in her friendship, and unfailing riches in the works of her
hands, and that in frequenting her society there is prudence, and fair renown
in sharing her discourses, I went about seeking to her for my own.
While you could muck around in theosophy
(religious speculations) forever and not get anywhere the word Sophia in Gk. is
the word for wisdom (Greek: σοφία sophía 'wisdom').
Also Sophia is the Greek goddess (female) of Wisdom. References to
"Wisdom" (Sophia) in the Old Testament translate to the Hebrew term
Chokhmah. For example Prov. 9:1-7.
“Theosophy” (religious speculation) also
apples Sophia to Mary as the woman closest to Jesus. But the scriptures teach
that Jesus is the one mediator between God and man (I Tim. 2:5). Mary is not
prayed to; Mary does not interceded for anyone on earth. Saying the rosary over
and over and over amounts to endless repetition and that’s all. The so called
revelations of Mary promoted by the Catholic church are phony and intentionally
misleading!
Jesus is the Word (John 1:1)
Joh
1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.”
“Word” [G3056 logos] Thayer Definition: 3)
In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom
and power in union with God, … which for the procurement of man’s salvation put
on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the
Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds. Part of
Speech: noun masculine.
Notice “noun masculine”; this compares with
God in Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning God …” (“God”, n.masc.pl.).
Mary’s “son”
Luk
2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in
cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the
inn.”
Strong defines “son” [G5207 uihos]: -
a “son” (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or
figurative kinship: - child, foal, son. Part of Speech: noun masculine.
Just follow the context and see
what’s there.
1)
Lk. 2:21 Eight days later His “CIRCUMCISION.” Wow, isn’t that huge!
2)
Luk 2:22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses
were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
3)
Luk 2:23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn
MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"),” ~
Strong defines “male” [G730 arrhēn
arsēn] : - male (as stronger for lifting): - male,
man.
Her son Jesus Christ (Immanuel, Son of God)
Joh
1:17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ.” “Jesus” in the book of John is n.proper.masculine (Joh 1:17).
Compare “son” and “Immanuel” in
Isa 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a
virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”
(“son” n.m.; Immanuel” n.proper.masculine.)
Mat 1:23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH
CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON (n.m.), AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL
(n.proper.m.)," which translated means, "GOD (n.m.) WITH
US."
Luk 1:35
The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon
you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason
the holy Child shall be called the Son (n.m) of God (n.m).
Isa 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of
men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom
men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. - “man” (n.masc.)
You see, Jesus was a “man” in His
passion (Mk. 14:34). He wasn’t someone
not sure of the gender of His body!
Cross-dressing, Queer Desires
“The religious studies professor also argues
John’s multiple references of Jesus wanting water, giving water, and leaking
water ‘speak to Jesus’ gender indeterminacy and hence his cross-dressing and
other queer desire.’” (CP)
In John chapter 4 Jesus had to pass through
Samaria, and came to Sychar where Jacob’s Well is. Here we read about His
encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. There is “living water” and
“eternal life” in His Word for He revealed Himself as the Messiah, and many
Samaritans believed His word and believed in Him. All is good! There is nothing
filthy here!
Jesus was born under and lived under the Law
(Gal. 4:4). The Law in Deu. 22:5 says “The woman shall not wear that which
pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all
that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” And this idiot would have
him cross-dressing! Peter said He committed no sin (I Pet. 2:22). Moreover,
Jesus stated that “evil thoughts” and “lewdness” or lasciviousness are among
the evil things that proceed from the heart (Mk. 7:21-22). Read again the brief
article at the beginning and realize that all of the N.T. is His Word (cf. I
Cor. 14:37). The Father gave Christ the Word (Jo. 17:8), and Jesus sent the
Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth (Jo. 16:7, 13-15), and the
Holy Spirit gave the Word to the apostles and prophets in the first century (I
Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20), and this included those who wrote the New Testament (2
Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3).
Talk about dumb and dumber! Christ’s Word
condemns adulterers, the effeminate (as perversion) and homosexuals (I Cor.
6:9-11). He’s just accused both Holy Spirit and the Father of lasciviousness!
Jesus Washing the Apostles’ Feet
“Reading everything through the lens of
gender, Professor Liew finds sex in the most unlikely places in the life of
Jesus. The episode of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet at the Last Supper, for
example, is ‘suggestive,’ like ‘a literary striptease,’ and ‘even seductive,’
because it ‘shows and withholds at the same time,’ he claims.” (brietbart)
“And the Last Supper, when Jesus washed his
disciples feet, was a ‘seductive,’ ‘literary striptease’ and a
‘womanly/slavishly task’ used as an example of John’s transgendering of Jesus,
the professor claims.” (CP)
The context of John 13:12-17 is all
important. He taught them to serve one another. There is not a dirty thought in
there! Moreover, this is after He instituted the Lord’s Supper having explained
the emblems with “My body which is given for you” and “My blood, which is
poured out for you” (Lk. 22:19-20). You see how perverted the thoughts of this
glorified theology professor really are! The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is
that we remember His death (I Cor. 11:23-26).
Heb 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children have
partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that
through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the
devil,
Heb 2:15 and release those who through fear
of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
He came in the flesh so that through His
death in that body He would destroy Satan’s power of death, and NOT to further
Satan’s power in seducing man to sin and thus destroy him! Which side is the professor really on?
Lascivious Thoughts on the Father
“In passages that would be considered
blasphemous to devout Christians, Liew eroticizes Jesus’ relationship to his
disciples and even to God the Father, proposing that ‘Jesus himself needs
others to XXX with the Father.’” (brietbart)
I
chose to XXX out here and for good reason.
Lascivious Thoughts During the Crucifixion
“This eroticization can be found in Liew’s
interpretation of Christ’s passion and crucifixion as well…” (brietbart)
“‘What I am suggesting is that, when Jesus’
body is being penetrated, his thoughts are on his Father. He is, in other
words, imagining his passion experience as a (masochistic?) sexual relation
with his own Father,’ Liew has written.” (brietbart)
You’d think such a distinguished professor
would know God is a Spirit and theirs is not a physical relationship. In I Pet.
4:1-4 Christ’s example of suffering in the flesh is there for us so what we
cease from sin and lasciviousness!
Conclusion:
Christ took the body prepared for Him (Heb. 10:4-6) thus coming in the flesh to
fulfill the Father’s will as a sacrifice for our sin; by that will we have been
sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all (Heb. 10:10).
Valley Church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00;
Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm
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