Opinion: Why I fight to uphold traditional marriage in Washington
Editor’s Note: Reverend Kenneth Hutcherson is the senior pastor and founder of Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington. He is also an author of four books, and a former middle linebacker in the National Football League. Hutcherson is a leading voice in the fight to uphold marriage between one man and one woman in Washington state. He blogs at hutchpost.org.
For an opposing view, click here.
On Wednesday afternoon, Washington's House passed a same-sex marriage bill, 53-43. The state Senate has already passed it, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has promised to sign it. Opponents of the bill are promising to put the issue on the ballot this November.
By Rev. Kenneth Hutcherson, Special to CNN
(CNN) - Why do I stand so strong in support of traditional marriage? Because I am a pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a shepherd that is supposed to lead, feed and protect the flock. Anything the bible says is good for society, I stand on it and I will not compromise on it. What the bible says is good for society has always proven to be good. Anything the bible says is wrong for society has always proven to be wrong. There have never been any winners in a scenario where society went against what God said would be good.
The Israelites were told not to have any idols before God (Leviticus 26:1.) They did and were thrown into captivity under Nebuchadnezzar. Under Cyrus, the great leader of Persian Empire they were under captivity for 70 years because they disobeyed God.
When I read about Sodom and Gomorrah, I believe God is saying that the right thing to do is for a man and a woman to be in a relationship without sexual sin and if you stray from that, it is very detrimental to society. Sodom and Gomorrah practiced the rampant sexual sin of homosexuality and because of that God brought judgment on the cities and destroyed them with fire because of the sin of homosexuality acts (Genesis 19:1-29.)
Now do I think God brings judgment on a society that encourages homosexuality? I do. And since I am a pastor and God has commanded me to love everyone, I will do what it takes to love them. That does not mean I will accept that they stay the way they are. Unrepentant sin destroys you and will kill you. So if I believe the word of God, that He will bring judgment on a people, then I would be a very bad shepherd not to warn those people.
God said in the Book of Romans that the sin of homosexuality is going against your own self. It is unnatural; nothing is natural about homosexuality. When a man desires another man more than a woman, or when a woman desires a woman more than a man, the bible says that is unnatural and God is against it (Romans 1:24-27.) Here I am as a pastor dealing with what God has said. Homosexuality should not be accepted as just another way of life. Indeed, we have gone way past that in our culture and in every aspect, God has stood against this.
Every community and country that has allowed this sin to be normalized has suffered. Going against God’s Word is not good for society. Many pastors have had to spend time and money defending themselves against religious discrimination. The normalization of sin in society results in other negative consequences such as the deterioration of the health of marriages and the increase in out-of-wedlock births.
Over and over again, the bible has proven the negative consequences to societies that embrace homosexuality as normal. In Canada, same sex marriage has been the law for more than six years. Although a miniscule percent (less than a tenth of one percent) of Canadians have taken advantage of same sex marriage, you cannot speak against homosexuality without being threatened with prosecution for committing a hate crime. Thus the Bible is true. If you don’t stand against sin it will destroy a society.
The Bible was proven correct again when Massachusetts passed a same sex marriage law. Catholic Services of Boston shut down because it didn’t want to allow same sex couples to adopt children. The state said you will allow same sex couples to adopt or we will not support you. Because of the pressure, they shut down their adoption program. How many innocent children were negatively affected?
A photographer was sued, lost her case and was fined in New Mexico because she did not want to photograph a same sex commitment ceremony.
Now the battle to undermine traditional marriage comes to my state. Because Washington state is one of the most liberal states in the country, I fully expect to see the floodgates of religious discrimination open for people of faith here.
If I say I love people, the bible calls me to stand on the bible. When I get to heaven I don’t care what a pastor or homosexual or a divorcee says to me. I worry about what my God is going to say to me. The only thing I want to hear is “Well done my good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:23.)
You stood on my word, you led my sheep, you protected my sheep, and thus you have done a great job.
The opinions expressed are solely those of Rev. Kenneth Hutcherson.
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
Black in America
iReport
When you say ngiths like Evolution says ngiths just randomly popped into existence or Evolutionists think it's all just a big accident , don't you understand that you are describing not SCIENTISTS' view of evolution, but your OWN? No scientist says It all just happen by accident and such rot. It's easy to create a parody of somebody's actual position, make it look ridiculous, and then claim you have demolished their position. It's much harder to do the actual work of first UNDERSTANDING the other guy's point of view and THEN critiquing it. I have yet to see a Creationist write anything that shows he or she actually comprehends the theory well enough to be qualified to rebut it. When you attack straw dogs like Evolutionists say it's all random and we got here by accident , don't you see you just make YOURSELVES look ignorant?
The Bible says divorce is bad for society. The Bible says anyone who divorces and remarries is an adulterer (Matthew 19:9). Kenneth Hutcherson officiated Rush Limbaugh's FOURTH wedding. How's that not compromising?
Your mistake is trying to make sense of what these hypocrites say and do. My experience with Christians is that the religion serves simply to justify your own ideas and criticize everyone else's. The crux of Christianity is authoritarianism – that is demanding total obedience and subservience, not to God but to themselves. Therefore anything that they deem to be fine and dandy – ie. rich white men treating women like disposable tissue – will not ever occasion criticism, but will be treated as a minor error for which they only need to say "forgive me" and all is well. However being gay, using birth control, having an abortion.... you'll be sent to eternal damnation. Of course when it suits them they will find sins and errors that don't exist (a popular book describes Obama as the anti-Christ) or find the sins that they would excuse in a Rush Limbaugh or a Newt Gingrich to be examples of a gross flaw in one's character (Bill Clinton). So you see Christianity simply serves as the vehicle via which people justify their hatred of others and call it "God's will". Don't question it or expect it to make sense....
Wow: This guy is classic. So the wrath of God is visited upon societies that normalize gay marriage in the form of people who continue to rail against it being marginalized? That's rich. The sad reality is that this guy's exact logic could have been and was used to fight emancipation of the slaves and to promote laws banning interracial marriage. And to think that people go every week and sit in a church and listen to someone this ingnorant teach them how to think and live their lives. Shameful. It never ceases to amaze me how people who are against gay marriage think that since they don't want one nobod should have it. That would be like me saying, "I'm an atheist so I think all religion should be outlawed." Pathetic.
How do you report abuse from the author?
I stopped reading at the second sentence. No thanks.
You have every right to your opinions and beliefs in this article. You have every right to discuss and debate this with any willing party. You have no right to tell others that they cannot make choices and life decisions that to not agree with your faith. If you want to uphold Gods word that is great for you, and I respect that. It just cannot be forced on to Gods other children, who he also gave free will and love.
It seems in these type of articles more people bash " God" then the religious people bashing the peoples way of life
so when anyone disagrees with your religious views that means they're bashing you.. puhlease.... stop playing the martyr... first of all folks on the religious right have said some of the most heinous and slanderous things about gay people on their blogs and postings.. things which i thought were relics from another time.. so no, we're not bashing, just disagreeing with the ridiculous...
There are plenty of views expressed in the Bible that do not reflect the kind of society we have (or would want) today. If you truly believe that the Bible's condoning of certain social practices are applicable today, then you clearly have no problem with slavery. I doubt that's the case though. I imagine that you pick and choose like most people that quote doctrine to support their prejudices.
One other thing... Your comment about the Israelites being told to have no idols before God? I personally believe an idol can come in more than one form. Sometimes it can be a golden statue – other times it can be a doctrine that allows people to justify hate and judgement of their brothers.
Doesn't the Bible also talk about the proper way to take care of slaves? Things change over time.
Only a Sith deals in absolutes...
Exactly...!
I applaud anyone who stands for biblical truth, unwaveringly and without compromise. Preach it, brother. You godless can resume whining and moaning.
You wouldn't know the truth. The truth is gay people are a creation of your god. It's been proven it's not a mental illness, it's NOT a choice and it can't be voluntarily changed. The fact that the bible does NOT condemn the saved loving partnership of a gay couple shows that your prejudice and bigotry is a choice. People like you are a disgrace to our society.
So it is an absolute that Christians teach violence and justified murder. 2 Chronicles 15 13 That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. Or from another Pastor of hate himself. http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/btb/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nom-solution-2.jpg
biblical truth? what about the rest of it.. the part where it says do unto others as you would have them do unto you.. how about the parts where jesus went to and hung out with the so called outcast of his days.. what about the part where jesus talks about the hypocrisy and grandstanding of the pharisees...beware, your own book talks about this kind of arrogance and how jesus felt about it...
Very good article. Thank you for writing it.
Yes, going against the Bible is detrimental to society. But it doesn't follow that you can then use the law to force people to be more Biblical. In fact, the Bible itself says that doesn't work, which means Hutcherson himself is going against the Bible! Jesus said, "Righteousness does not come through the law." And why would it? If you legally discriminated against gay people, would it make them stop being gay? Would it stop gay relationships? How would it improve anything? Hutcherson has no answers for this. In his mind, God judges society, not people, so whatever society says just automatically goes for everybody. This is a very unbiblical view of God's judgement.
You made a very good point here. Well said.
This is just a drawn out version of "because the Bible says so." I don't know when people will realize that forming political regulations based on the Bible is a violation of the separation of church and state (a tradition on which this country was founded).
If you would take the time to read the First Amendment you will find that it says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." which effectively keeps STATE out of CHURCH... it does not at all say that we should keep CHURCH out of STATE!
"David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented the full number to the king so that he might become the king's son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage." 1 Samuel 18::27 "What the bible says is good for society has always proven to be good." So should you trade your daughter for foreskins?
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." Ephesians 6:5. "What the bible says is good for society has always proven to be good." So much for the Emancipation Proclamation. What an idiot!
"hy do I stand so strong in support of traditional marriage? Because I am a pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a shepherd that is supposed to lead, feed and protect the flock."
You are a con man and make your living off the gullible. God doesn't need you to call the shots for Him or make money in His name. Get a real job.
....the use of the term "flock" is revealing.
Hmm, the use of your moniker is revealing. Sorry idiot, but the pastors always call the congregation a "flock" – its from the new testament and refers to the people as sheep to be taken care of spiritually. Take a read of it and you will understand, and won't be such an idiot.
REPENT Suzie you preach a false doctrine
Christian LOVE 101 Calling for the death of others, signed by a Christian Pastor himself. Want to see the heart of the Bible, here it is. http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/btb/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nom-solution-2.jpg
If that's not enough to convince that Christianity is a faith of violence, from the handbook itself, 2 Chronicles 15 13 That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. Jim Jones, David Koresh, Anders Behring Breivik, Matthew J. Murray all Christians that killed in the name of GOD.
Have bad people used religion as an excuse to do evil? Of course. Most of the New Testament is all about Loving others and accepting them as valuable to God. People of faith have just as much a right to speak and vote as others do. There is much good that has come from religious people as well. To judge something by the exceptions within it seems illogical.
I find nothing illogical about calling the religious out for violence. I never said they didn't have a right to speak their position, but NOTHING gives Christians license to call for physical attacks because the last I checked, laws of the USA are not written according to what the Bible says. Read the 1st Amendment and show me where GOD or Christianity are the standard by which we govern. You can't because it doesn't, never has never will. Marriage licenses are issued by the state, NOT the church. No religion is necessary for a marriage to be legal, valid, or recognized. That is fact that the "faithful" want changed to suit their dogma.
The "faithful" are not the ones wanting a change in this area. The legal definition of marriage that has been in place in virtually all countries and cultures for thousands of years. In fact the legal definition of marriage has been in place in this county for hundreds of years.
And for thousands of years, polygamy was perfectly acceptable – including in the bible. You okay with that?
I am, personally, as long as it's between consenting adults.
If this is a matter of his faith, then let him keep his faith by doing as he pleases in his marriage. But to deny others what he may take for granted demonstrates ignorance. If folks of faith do not adapt to the 21st century religion will become irrevelant (actually I think it already is, but some have simply not noticed....).
This is a classic case of "Chronological Snobbery". As if the year has ANYTHING to do to with right or wrong. The question is, on what does one base their view of what is right or wrong? What is your standard of evaluation of what is right or wrong? This man bases his on the Bible. Many have done the same. I suppose people that base their morals on convenience and how they feel each day is better in your view? Or maybe they should change their views based on whatever year it happens to be,,,
Funny that those ignorant of the Bible and what it says want to claim that this man is ignorant and a hater. Is it loving people as a pastor to agree with everything they want to do? Do parents that love there children advise them to do everything they want to do? Open up your minds, and then read the article. You may disagree with this man, but his point of view for him is valid. When apposing viewpoints are silenced we may as well give up on the great experiment called The United States of America. If this man's viewpoint is silenced, who is next? You? Me? Some of you guys are far more dangerous in your thinking than this minister.
Of course he has the right to believe and behave in accordance with his beliefs. NO ONE wants to take that from him. Of course he has the right to speak his mind, advise his congregation, etc. What he DOES NOT have the right to do is impose that opinion on all of us as the rule of law. In the same vein, I also have the right to speak out against him. That is not silencing him, that is debate, which is what this country was built on.
Agree that good positive respectful debate that strives to answer the question "what is true" is very good. The only thing I would mention is that indeed there are many people that want other people silenced. These people DO NOT want freedom of speech, especially from the pulpit. they want to label what has been free speech as "Hate Speech". "Hate Speech" is already against the law in Canada so many pastors there have already lost their freedom of speech.
Pastor – that was a good word. I hear your heart being heavy for the gay individual. How do you tell them you love them, without them hearing judgement when you stand agaisnt the thing that is going to kill them? Its difficult – but Jesus didnt cut corners – he told the truth. However, I think there are many who have done Christianity, the preaching of the Gospel a disservice in their zeal for Righteousness – not understanding that we are called to Love one another. However our society has pushed this issue to the point where you have to take a stand – and I just want to tell you that I admire your stand, and the word of your testimony. I too only care what my Father will say, when I come into His presence. Mathew 7:21 is the scariest verse I can think of! I would submit that the burdens of this world fairly pale in comparison, to the Glory that will be revealed in us, IF we stand firm to the end. God Bless you Brother!
"when you stand agaisnt the thing that is going to kill them?"
Last time I checked... No one's ever died from being gay.
They have died from the gay lifestyle.
"They have died from the gay lifestyle."
Lying is a sin moron.
"They have died from the gay lifestyle."
Yeah, when "loving Christians" beat them to death for being gay.
I'm very supportive of including a wide variety of opinions on controversial issues. However, this one just feels like a recycled religious argument that we've all heard too many times. Hardly newsworthy in my opinion.
Marriage licenses are issued by the state, not the church. No religion is necessary for a marriage to be legal or recognized. I understand that some feel the Bible should be the base for our law, but the 1st Amendment does not allow that.
I've noticed that when people thump the Bible against gay marriage they rarely discuss the real threats to so-called "traditional" marriage: addictation, abuse and adultery.
Uh, yes they do. You are just not listening or have not looked hard enough.
For what it's worth let me throw in my own two cents and praise CNN for allowing some diversity of thought and opinions into their commentary. They are doing a lot to show that they are more fair and balanced then I thought they were. Quite frankly, it's the way all news media should be and I'm glad to see it. To be fair, still more left-wing stories then right-wing, but I'm still glad to see the diversity. We should all be exposed to different points of view then our own, it's educational and enlightening. Thank you CNN and keep up the good work.
Gays and lesbians do not pose no threat to traditional marriage-DIVORCE DOES.
Maybe we straights should get our s&%t together and stop denying people their rights.
And the leading cause of divorce is marraige.... most of which are traditional marraiges.
Umm, hate to tell you this (well, not really) but pastors are against divorce too. If you're thinking of getting a divorce and go talk to your pastor, chances are he'll tell you not to get one. Isn't that supposed to be anachronistic and backwards? Shouldn't a liberal like you be in favor of divorce? I'm confused. 😛
why would they have to favor divorce just because they are liberal? being gay, liberal, and from a divorced home i hate divorce but the world we live in today makes it easier than ever to throw in the towel and race to something else. marraige has lost that "sacred" feeling with the coming of broadcasted weddings, bachelor reality shows, public figures and their marriage scandals...
Just because your religion allows you, and promotes you to be a bigot does not mean that your bigotry is good for society. Stop subjecting us (society as a whole) to your dark aged thinking. The world is not flat, slavery is and always will be wrong, and this is not a theocracy! Give it up and cease your demands to think in a demented fashion where your religious beliefs not only overide common sense and reasoning, but reduce the rights of other members of our society.
Anyone else consider the likelyhood that this guy might just be in the closet himself? You usually hate the most in the world what you can't stand about yourself.
So apparently, when you disagree with someone, you call them gay? Ironic.
When he disagrees he calls them sinners and evil doers... i'm not calling him gay, but why does this guy care so much what other people want to do with their lives. Hate comes from within.
Also, gluttony is a sin, and by the looks of this guy.. errr… he’s a sinner too… French Fries are sending us all to eternal damnation! oh wait, we pick and choose which "sinners" we are allowed to discriminate against.
You said EXACTLY what i was thinking...!!
Yyyyyyyyyyup.
Thank you for allowing both sides to air their veiws. Don't listen to those that feel they have the right to silence people who they don't agree with. I never seen so much censorship BS from the left-wing which has always been their mantra, free speech for only those who agree with their views is allowed. The PC discourse police in full glory.
I am not trying to dis-allow their free speech. But if they are allowed to state their case, I am allowed to state my opinion of it.
Thank you. Liberals prove that they are the true bigots and close-minded ones whenever someone is allowed to freely speak their mind. They don't even see their own hypocrisy, as some of these commenters clearly show. It's quite disturbing.
Marriage licenses are issued by the state, not the church. No religion is necessary for a marriage to be legal or recognized.
You are so right.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"
-The Bill of Rights
1. Americans follow any religion, or none – this right is protected. Therefore, laws cannot be decided based solely on religious views.
2. In no way would marriage equality prevent you from believing or practicing your religion as you wish.
3. Someone is being discriminated against here. It is not you.
I love your response. the point isn't what one person beleives, or even many. there is supposed to be a separation of church and state in this country. you can't make laws to enforce your own beleifs. we're also supposed to have equal rights. your rights end when they start to trample on someone else's, so if you think it's your right to hate gay people, well you're right it is, go ahead, but you can't make a law prohibiting them from the same oppportunities that you are granted. aka marraige, or the use of photographers. what if the photographer was a klu klux klan member and said i don't want to photograph a black couple's wedding. would that be ok?
I'm just tired of people claiming they are being discriminated against because they have to co-exist with people who believe differently from them.
I think someone providing a service has the right to deny service to whomever they want.
You didn't read his article well. People are being sued for not getting in line with the gay orthodoxy. We already see in other countries, and I'm sure we'll see here that people have their freedom of speech taken away and cannot speak out as this man has done against SSM. If this man went to Canada, he would be prosecuted as others have been. You might be okay with throwing away our liberties like that, but I'm not. The pro-SSM lobby are the truly intolerant ones, the more power they get the more they show it. Thus allowing SSM will completely and totally take away the freedom of religion from many followers of Christ.
"Thus allowing SSM will completely and totally take away the freedom of religion from many followers of Christ."
What? so because one religion says it's wrong no one can partake in something that they don't feel is wrong? THat would be the taking away our freedoms. freedom of religion doens't mean you get to enforce yours on others.
The Founding Fathers had it right when stating, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. "
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700224421/Gay-Liberty.html
I checked it out..wow, so people with religious views are targeted all over the U.S. and this is equal, how ??
I'm a white male, that supports black ministers who do not support gay marriage ! Thank You!
nobody cares what color you are.
What a waste of my time to read. Shame on you CNN; how can you think that "because God said so" is an argument of substance on any issue? Absolute drivel. Terribly sorry to the LGBT community that main-stream media is still having this silly argument with zero basis.
You're a waste of time to read ~
What a great come back – what are we in middle school Chris?
There wasn't a single potent or well reasoned argument in this entire article. I could have stared at a blank screen for 3 minutes and be just as informed as I am now. I bet when this guy gets to heaven god will say "what you did to the least of my brothers you did to me."
Yes, what the gays sued the female photographer for having her own beliefs...wow! Hypocrites to the end! Gays and Lesbians attack people who don't agree with them every day, in all cities...you just choose not to look at it, or face it. They attack individuals credibility, their lifestyle, their children...anything they can use to bring down religious beliefs or family values....and YOU support this too !
Anyone who reads the story of Sodom & Gomorrah and concludes that has anything to do with being gay is letting their bigotry show. Even the Bible itself says the sin of Sodom was that they were arrogant, overfed, unconcerned, haughty, and did not help the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
Plus, I have problems with seriously basing my morality on a story where the "hero" had no problem with willingly offering up his daughters to be assaulted.
So.... you're describing much of the United States.......lol !
Your basic premise is wrong. You do not protect marriage in any way, because traditional marriage is untouched when you allow others to marry.
Please prove to me how traditional marriage is in any way harmed by gay marriage.
Well, tell you what: I'm not a sheep, so I don't need shepherding by Mr. Hutcherson or anyone else. I'll just take my equality under the law and muddle along somehow without being told what to do by the likes of Hutcherson and his book of fairytales.
Funny how people hate being judge by others yet they are the hypocrite one who is judging him. LOL. It's no wonder why I'm leaving America. Liberals, remember you point your fingers at them and three are pointing right back at you. 😉 Americans are crazy about their rights that they can't even help their next door neighbor. Shame on you.
What an incredibly odd thing to write. It is the conservatives who oppose equality for everyone, not the liberals. I'm not at all sure what you mean.
Don't worry. Conservatives don't know either.
Glad to see CNN is still publishing some honest and truthful articles. Saying it how it is and calling a spade a spade, doenst happen very much on here anymore. Of course if you say anything against the topic then you are automatically a bigot. Well......if being moral and truthful means I am going to be called a bigot by a few whiny cry babies.....then so be it.
Michael,
Can I call you a troglodyte too?
So are you.
Amen Michael. I love seeing all the comments on here about how this guy shouldn't even be allowed a voice. Just get that black man back in the closet and tell him to shut the **** up. As he points out, the most intolerant ones in this whole debate are those in favor of gay marriage and plenty of commenters here are just proving his point by spewing a bunch of vitriol and HATE. Apparently you can say whatever you want in this country, as long as you don't point out that being gay is morally wrong, against the Bible, and there's no good legal reason why we should change marriage. Man and a man is not a marriage the same that brother and sister is not a marriage. Or, are we going to change that too?
Anyone else struck by the glaring contradiction of claiming to be an defender of "the Gospel of Jesus Christ", yet proceeding to spout of a string of Old Testament anachronisms as the basis of his argument? This guy's obviously not terribly bright, but serves as an unwitting exemplar of the crisis of contemporary christianity: Their doctrines are misinformed, conflated - and in an alarming number of cases, such as this irrational preoccupation with men's genitalia and women's wombs - apostasy.
Rey you made a year 2012 version of how they spouted and flogged Jesus. They thought he was nuts not very bright and talked way too much about relationships. Hutchersons' opinion was in response to marriage changing drastically in this country founded on christian principles those scriptures came from an ancient text that still applies today and has more evidence than any other work of antiquity.
CNN, why on earth did you publish this drivel? What a blatantly wrong piece of writing, both factually and morally.
I clicked on the "for an opposing view" link and was surprised that I could find an article about why America shouldn't give equal rights to blacks...
Whoa that was a low blow especially during black history month. thankfully I'm not defined by my (black) skin color but your opinion should be embarrassing to those you represent.
Why does CNN continue to give these hate group leaders airtime and ink? Haven't you learned that spreading Santorum is foul?
Shame on CNN. I'm going to print this article out and throw it in the trash, where it belongs. I can't believe CNN has reduced itself to such a low level as to allow gutter bigotry.
Shame on you, CNN. This man is a bigot and has no place on your website. He can spout his hateful rhetoric all he wants to his misguided parishioners, but there is no reason to give him such a visible platform to spew this repugnant, disgusting, hateful drivel.
Yes, Yes....let's silence all dissent.
CNN, I am disappointed that you'd choose to run such hateful vitriol. Think about the LGBT youth that might read this and kill themselves.
Way to take it to the next level. If someone reads an article and then kills themselves because of it, we as a society probably aren't losing anything but a lunatic.
claiming one comment is taking it to the next level, and then saying teen suicide isn't something we should care about.... ironic. 😉
In a nutshell, "I think my holy book tells me what you're doing is wrong, so I'm going to do everything in my power to give my religious beliefs the force of law to punish law-abiding, tax-paying citizens who I don't know, aren't hurting me, and who don't share my beliefs because somebody, somewhere, might not be allowed to discriminate against them the way I would."
There is no "love" in this man's words. I have met plenty of kind, decent, and LOVING Christians and Ken Hutcherson is not one of them. This is a man who would take my marriage away from me if it were in his power. Shame on CNN for giving him a platform.
Poor guy's brainwashed. By his logic he'd be fighting for his own enslavement 150 years ago.
This man is a lunatic, driven insane by his hatred of those dissimilar to him and his inability to escape the irrationality of all religion. Religion keeps you stupid, and in the case of Pastor Ken, slowly creates a sickening, crippling mental illness. If he wants a country governed by the rules of a Holy Book, go to Iran. This is America, we will fight those who seek to subvert our Republic in the name of theocracy, and WE WILL WIN.
So I won't take CNN to task for providing op-ed space Sunday morning to an idiot by the name of Reverend Kenneth Hutcherson, who tends to his flock at Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington. He's upset that his state is about to become the latest to allow gay marriage. His bio says he even played middle linebacker in the NFL. They always mention that when they talk about this guy, as if it bolstered his credentials as a "real man". However, "played in the NFL" can mean many things. In this case, he was a special teams player for the Dallas Cowboys in 1974. He was traded to San Diego in 1975, where he was waived by the Chargers and picked up by Green Bay, where he missed the entire season due to injuries. In 1976, the new Seattle Seahawks claimed him in the expansion draft, and he suffered a career-ending knee injury in the final pre-season game.
So, let's be clear on what we're saying when we say he was a "star NFL linebacker." Because that's a lie. And lies make the baby Jesus cry.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/319496#ixzz1mE1JrzZA
Commercial news has been promoting fundamentalism for decades while excluding real christianity from the public square. Why? Because the fundamentalist 'values' of selfishness and cruelty are very helpful in promoting consumerism, and for the divide and conquer tactic used to confuse the electorate.
Shame on you CNN! Why do continue to invite bigots to speak about equality? You wouldn't invite David Duke to speak about African-American issues so stop doing the equivalent for LGBT issues.
Before anyone attacks me for justly calling this man a bigot, let's be reminded of something he's said...
"I was born and raised in Alabama where blacks and whites didn’t get along very well, and I tried being one of the main reasons they didn’t. I was extremely discriminatory towards whites. The only reason I played football was so I could hurt white people legally." – Pastor Ken Hutcherson, testifying today before the Washington state House committee panel on marriage equality.
Total barf.
So sad and funny at the same time seeing all these posts denouncing hate and showcasing their hatred of Christians.
I'm not seeing much difference between this brand of Christian love and pure, unadulterated hate. My God CNN, this is OBSCENE. Some kid will read this, or his parents will read it to him and it will be the one thing that pushes him over the edge. CNN, have you no decency? Would you publish a piece like this if it referenced any other minority group? OF COURSE NOT. No wonder gay kids are killing themselves weekly.
It's not "hatred" to point out the hypocrisy of those who pick and choose from the bible while overlooking much of the rest of it and it's not "hatred" to denounce somebody trying to force others who don't share his beliefs to live by them.
Maybe it's because the Christians herein represented have such a solid record of hate. Hitler was a Christian. Was he a good Christian. You decide.
This is vile, evil garbage and further evidence why I've tuned out CNN. Evil, vile garbage. And CNN is providing a larger forum for it.
Thanks CNN for this little piece of hate and poison from a man of God! Why give a platform to this bigot?
Disgusting. CNN should know better than to lend legitimacy to this kind of insanity.
SHAME on CNN for publishing this vile hate-screed. If even one kid commits suicide after reading this, and I'm sure it could drive some to that, then their blood is on CNN's hands.
Ha.... you said "screed".......funny.
"Unrepentant sin destroys you and will kill you."
You know, threatening gays with death is HATE. Shame on CNN for publishing this disgusting hate-filled garbage.
Cool stuff, Pastor:
However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)
When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are. If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again. But he is not allowed to sell her to foreigners, since he is the one who broke the contract with her. And if the slave girl's owner arranges for her to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave girl, but he must treat her as his daughter. If he himself marries her and then takes another wife, he may not reduce her food or clothing or fail to sleep with her as his wife. If he fails in any of these three ways, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment. (Exodus 21:7-11 NLT)
When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)
Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT)
Its was good to read that you also comprehended that he had taken to many hits to his head.
CNN supports hate.
Simple, turn off CNN as long they promote hate speech such as this. Boycott their sponsors, maybe theyl' ll gets clue how disgusting their "presenting both sides" type of journalism has become.
This is hateful, hurtful nonsense. If we take every Biblical injunction literally and attempt to legislate accordingly, we'll all be stoned to death in no time. Stop the insanity.
The Rev has no moral authority over you, gay kids - nor over anyone else.
Good heavens! CNN sponsoring HATE. And yes, it is hate, whether that hate is based in religion or personal opinion. Hate is hate.
One would think there's enough hate in the world without CNN needing to sponsor more of it. And spare me the need for "balanced discussion." Does CNN invite the KKK to "balance" civil rights for African Americans or other minorities? Does CNN give an opportunity to "respond" when people discuss the crimes of the Holocaust?
No. Only gay people are open season for bashing.
And the fact that gay bashing is so prevalent in African American communities bears witness to the historic tendency of people who have recently gained equality to look down upon those who are still seeking it. That in itself should cause some churches of color to reconsider their views.
There is a REAL moral crisis in the country. And it isn't being caused by gay people, or women using birth control. The REAL moral crisis in this country is the PERVERSION of religion for personal and political gain. Where are the ministers preaching against economic exploitation? Where are the ministers calling for charity for the poor and needy? Where are the ministers preaching for quality health care for all?
Silence. Because it doesn't help them buy cadillacs and put swimming pools in their living rooms.
Religion in America has become a joke of epic proportions. And shame on CNN for helping to spreading it.
And Christ said, give unto the poor and the needy free healthcare, and contraception. Oh, and make sure that if the child I formed in them and knew from the womb is in anyway inconvenient, that they can terminate it.
Hate to tell you this but if you actually read the Bible it doesn't line up with liberal orthodoxy. Christ talked about H*ll more than just about anything else. Also, while we are called to care the poor and the needy, it is the Christians who do this more than the liberals by giving to charity and volunteering. Liberals just want to pay taxes and then have some bureaucrat do their charity for them. Pardon me but I don't think that's exactly what God was getting at.
actually, double-pardon me, liberals don't want to pay taxes, they want OTHER people to pay taxes. Many of Obama's own picks for various positions have been shoddy when it comes to taxes (Tim Geithner anyone?).
I certainly want your church to pay taxes. Why shouldn't they?
Wow, with this article CNN has gone a long way to justify the monicker "Chicken Noodle Network". If this is what passes for rational thought at CNN, I'm glad that I don't watch it anymore. My god, I thought it was bad when they had that bigot Lou Dobbs. But it's clear that this once proud network has gone from bad to worse. Why are bigots like Hutcherson given any space at all? When did hate become a value in this once great country–let alone at CNN?
Next up, CNN will allow someone to state that we need to go back to "Whites Only" water fountains.
Oh, wait. No they won't.
This column is a hateful sermon masquerading as political discourse.
Shame on you, CNN.
THIS disconnected raving is what passes for a CNN op-ed?? So what's next? A psychopathic anti-Semitic white supremacist gets to babble about why God naturally prefers white, Christian American men to Jews, Latinos, and black people? This is not journalism, this is a clown-car race.
CNN should find itself listed on the SPLC list of hate groups. What's next, CNN? An anti-semitic "op ed"? How about an anti-black one?
Have you no remorse about the amount of evil and hatred you are now complicit in communicating?
No, no, no. CNN you should be ashamed to promote disgusting nonsense like this.
Whoa whoa, didn't the bible mention a curse on black people? If you're gonna use the source....then we can make an argument as to why slavery was justified. The THREE GS!
What a vile little man. Why would you give this sort of trash a soapbox to stand on, CNN?
How many LGBT kids who come across this tonight and take one step closer to ending their lives because of it? For your sake, CNN, I hope for none of them, its the last step.
How many GLBT kids come across YOUR comments about them ending their lives by reading an article of someones beliefs and actually do it, because you USE them as a shield for your own arguments ? Hmmmm wow, man maybe you need to move out of the U.S. Permanently!
Then good, if this drives them to suicide the would have had an pretty depressing life anyway.
What vile, hateful gibberish. Shame on you, CNN.
Jesus of Nazareth is shaking His head in disbelief right now. You, sir, have NO RIGHT to call yourself a man of God. You are filled with hate, fear and loathing, and you will be judged most harshly on the last day. I can't believe that you have a pulpit from which to spout such bile and filth. To what purpose is all this? What do you gan from taking away my humanity?
Shame on CNN for publishing this trash written by a brain-damaged bigot. When are you going to invite David Duke to write an opinion piece about Jews?
This is a disgrace, CNN. A preacher preaching not preaching love one another, but hate. What a shame you allow such filth on your site.
If sin kills you and virtue saves you, then why does God allow children to suffer and die?
Shame on CNN for posting a hateful article that promotes violence.
Shame. Shame. Shame.
This article is not hateful and doesn't promote violence. It just supports a view that you disagree with.
With all due respect, I have but one thing to say to Rev. Kenneth:
You are a disgusting bigot.
So CNN suspends Roland Martin for joking about violence against gay people but publishes this piece that calls for killing gay people? I find it appalling that CNN thinks that killing gay people is a valid viewpoint to publish on its website. This "opinion" piece is nothing more than bigotry and hatred hiding behind the Bible. Shame on CNN and shame on Mr. Hutcherson.
Hey, CNN, when can we read an op-ed on how stupid and worthless blacks are, and how God cursed them as the race of Ham in the Bible, and they should therefore be stripped of all legal rights and then executed.
Do tell me when you plan to publish that article.
Wow. Harsh but true. I doubt they'd publish a story by David Duke, so why this guy. He essentially advocates the same thing: oppression of a minority based on "tradition".
Right, Chad. It would be ridiculous for CNN to print such drivel about blacks - so why do they allow this bigoted preacher to write these things about gay Americans?