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News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyMarch 23rd, 2007
Bidding for a good cause broke the $1,200 mark. Then the auction was interrupted.
Now it’s back. This time, if anyone objects to this massage table being sold publicly, maybe they should scare up the money to buy it and get it out of public view. And in doing so, they can finally do something positive for those who live with HIV/AIDS.
Update: Karen Booth has made a generous apology:
I shouldn’t have labeled Mike as a “gay prostitute” or “male prostitute.” Jim Burroway was correct to nail me on that. I shouldn’t have made disparaging remarks about Mike’s integrity or questioned his motives. That was an ad hominem attack that has no place in public discourse. And before I contacted eBay, I should have first contacted Mike with my concerns and appealed to him to end the auction. That would have been the Biblical – and healthy and loving – thing to do.
She is however clear about what she’s not apologizing for: protesting eBay’s auction itself. And it looks like she will continue to do so, as I continue to strongly support it. But at least one wrong was set right, and I applaud Rev. Booth’s courage in doing so publicly.
But I think a solution to the second problem — the auction itself — can be reached with just a little creativity. Maybe Transforming Ministries, New Life Church, or another evangelical group can buy the table. That way the proceeds will go to a worthy HIV/AIDS charity and presumably nobody will have to see the infamous table ever again. How about it?
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Timothy Kincaid
March 23rd, 2007
Jim,
I’ve noticed that Ms. Booth still refuses to discuss the funds she want to deprive the AIDS charity. I wonder if perhaps she views AIDS patients as refuse and not worthy of food.
Steve
March 23rd, 2007
Ms. Booth also thinks it’s self-evident that the sale of this item is offensive–and you seem to agree in some comments, Jim. I must admit that I’m mystified. Just how does it offend? I understand how Mr. Haggard might feel chastened by its public sale–one more reminder of the shame he brought upon himself, like a child forced to watch from the front yard as the window he broke is replaced. And his friends and family might feel he has suffered enough for his transgressions and should not have to face this. But I don’t understand how Christians or Evangelical Christions or leaders of the various ex-Gay movements could feel personally offended. Where is the offense to them? I don’t think it is at all self-evident. Can someone explain?
Jim Burroway
March 23rd, 2007
I do not believe it is offensive. I agree that it may be in bad taste, but I’m not offended by it. What’s more, given the way the shameful response of the most visible Christian leaders compounded the suffering of those with HIV/AIDS, anyone who speaks from a standpoint of “Christian” morals have forfeited the right to chastise anyone as far as I’m concerned.
I suspect the real offense on their part is more in embarrassment. I can’t speak for them, of course, but it’s what I suspect.
Kevin
March 25th, 2007
Perhaps we should protest any religious symbols auctioned off on eBay as offensive to others who don’t share those beliefs, particularly if those artifacts are linked to a history of persecuting anyone. With the number of people in this country who seem to think they see the Virgin Mary in their cereal bowl, that could make quite the interesting policy debate.
I’m getting out the Alpha-Bits now. . .and spelling “Gay Rights” in the bowl. It’s a sign from Jesus, ya know.
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