UPDATED with response from G-A-Y Blog at the end of the post.
Molotov Mitchell is definitely making a name for himself. I met Molotov in DC in March of 2009. He and his wife were hilarious and very personable. I could relate to his zeal in talking about Christ but when it came to public policy … not so much. Granted we had some of the same ideas that certain things politically and culturally needed to be forthrightly addressed but his reasoning and approach seemed unnecessarily harsh. I didn’t say anything at the time because I just met the guy and I didn’t want to jump right in with conflicting ideas on what was appropriate and helpful. So I listened to him and trusted that if the Lord wanted us to go beyond shooting the breeze and hash out arguments, that day would eventually arrive.
Three months after I met him, we had bec0me Facebook friends. He sent me a Facebook message asking if I would pass along one of his new videos (dated June 24, 2009) called “The Evolution of ‘Gay’.”
I responded:
Dude, I like you a lot but I don’t like this video. I think it unfairly portrays and makes fun of who I used to be and a vast majority of the gay community.
I appreciate and receive your respect for our journey. I think you are very fun, talented and I hope that we can continue to develop our friendship.
That said, this video is stigmatizing and not redemptive (in my opinion.)
You are welcome Molotov, it is my prayer that you will listen to my directly informed perspective, from living in both sides, and change your mind.
The social issues at hand are very important but my goal is not to win a culture war. It’s to show the redemptive nature of Christ in every aspect of life and society. As long as I can, I will assert my civil rights and liberties within that framework.
As a wise Christian on Capitol Hill once said to me, “We are not called to win or lose. We are called to be faithful.”
But, at the end of the day. I would rather lose my rights than for one person to stumble or ultimately reject the gospel because someone intentionally mocked and stigmatized them in the name of winning “the culture war.”
A lot of people say that we all have different approaches in the culture war and its good that we are on the same team. This video doesn’t help me and my calling in any way. It actually works against what we do.
I believe you respect our testimonies but I don’t think you are really rejoicing that we “live longer” (which is an unfounded claim because “ex-gay” lifespans have *never* been studied). I think you said that to deliver yet another zinger to the gay community and try to align our movement with your approach.
I didn’t find that really encouraging even though I know you personally support and believe in our freedom.
I would only pass this video along if I could blog about it and post my (our?) responses in this message exchange along with it. I am not sure that is a wise thing to do.
I couldn’t pass along the video without sharing my thoughts.
Again, I like you as a person and think you are incredibly talented but this one video … I just can’t support.
Living Out the Atonement,
Randy
Molotov didn’t respond after that. Now eight months later, he has made quite a few more videos. Some of Molotov’s videos in the WND series are incendiary (living up to his name)… to say the least. The gay activist blogs, a little slow to the draw on this one, are openly mocking him now. I do believe that beyond the intentionally provocative hype, Molotov does care for people. He was very kind when I met him in person and talked with him on Facebook. Almost a year later though, I do wonder whether his public witness of being a Christian is being overshadowed (or misrepresented?) by stylized, artistic and clever rudeness delivered via video posts?
If so, it wouldn’t be the first time and he is definitely not alone.
I am also of the temperament that I like directness. Although, being direct does not have to equal being intentionally insulting. One example of this is Molotov’s video saying Uganda’s evil bill criminalizing homosexual behavior is somehow “biblical” and in line with our “founding fathers” is offensive. Here’s the video to determine for yourself:
The founding American colonies may have criminalized homosexual behavior but that doesn’t make it a right or wise thing to do. I personally believe they were wrong to do so. They turned to human law, like some Ugandans are now threatening to do, instead of God’s love on matters of personal morality and private consensual sexual behavior. Instead of doing the hard work of relating to people and seeking to change public perspectives through personal testimony and reason, they try to force people toward biblical “righteousness” by criminalizing personal morality and identity.
It never truly works just like the old culture war strategy of stigmatization hasn’t worked for thirty years … why would it now?
It is also worth noting that the Founding Fathers did not criminalize homosexual behavior in the Constitution … thank God (literally.) The Biblical approach involved Jesus dying on behalf of our sin so that we don’t have to pay the price ourselves. He rose again to express God’s love toward those redeemed through faith by the atonement. Jesus did not lobby the federal government of Rome to criminalize the private “sinful” behaviors He would personally pay the price for.
Without excusing or ignoring sin, Jesus didn’t go around stigmatizing sinners, He healed, ate dinner with, taught and exhorted them to repent of their own free will. Through bold love, He led the world into a new era and today He leads believers into Eternity.
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Photo Credit: CMG Booking
UPDATE February 25th, 2010, G-A-Y Blog responds with:
Good job. I do take one exception though, which I think has the danger of belying your own words.
You say “homosexual blogs are openly mocking him now.” Well, maybe there is some snark going on. That’s the online way on both sides. But by and large, the criticism I have seen of Molotov has been been “mockery” — it’s been outright disgust over his Uganda vid. Passionate disgust. Rightful disgust. I think it’s unfair to reduce it, as if those pesky ho-mo-sexuals are out to “mock” once again.
Also, in terms of being slow on the draw: Personally, I first took on Molotov back in March of ’09 for his fundamentally flawed assessment of Harvey Milk’s record: http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2009/03/video-molotov-cocktail-burns-both-milk-and-truth.html
Be well, Randy!
About Randy Thomas
I’ve never understood holding the founding fathers up to ALMOST the same type of “holy awe” that we accord sacred scriptures. The Constitution is a pretty darn good document with some pretty darn good ideas. However, there’s a reason that we have a process in place to make amendments to it. It is not holy in the same way that the Bible is. The founding fathers also felt that women and African Americans should not have the right to vote. Do we really think the founding fathers were right in EVERYTHING?
As far as Molotov… I’m afraid that however nice he seemed in person, his videos are reactionary and only incite animosity towards the “other side”. I just don’t understand this “us and them” mentality that comes from many Christians. What happened to reaching out to those who feel excluded? What happened to compassion and agape love? I agree that this concept of being at war with others is not healthy or helpful.
I’ve never understood holding the founding fathers up to ALMOST the same type of “holy awe” that we accord sacred scriptures. The Constitution is a pretty darn good document with some pretty darn good ideas. However, there’s a reason that we have a process in place to make amendments to it. It is not holy in the same way that the Bible is. The founding fathers also felt that women and African Americans should not have the right to vote. Do we really think the founding fathers were right in EVERYTHING?
As far as Molotov… I’m afraid that however nice he seemed in person, his videos are reactionary and only incite animosity towards the “other side”. I just don’t understand this “us and them” mentality that comes from many Christians. What happened to reaching out to those who feel excluded? What happened to compassion and agape love? I agree that this concept of being at war with others is not healthy or helpful.
Thank you for this, Randy. I think it’s a pretty excellent response. Despite our differing perspectives, I agree whole-heartedly with what you’ve said here, especially the part in bold. Thank you very much. In Christ.
Sure thing.
Thank you for this, Randy. I think it’s a pretty excellent response. Despite our differing perspectives, I agree whole-heartedly with what you’ve said here, especially the part in bold. Thank you very much. In Christ.
Sure thing.
hmmm. I’ve never seen the video. With a name like Molotov, I am intrigued. You know I love controversy. But I agree with your post Randy. The way I see it, its hard enough for us who are saved to follow the laws of God (and we have the holy spirit!) It is probably just about impossible for those without Christ to do so.
as always, great response.
hmmm. I’ve never seen the video. With a name like Molotov, I am intrigued. You know I love controversy. But I agree with your post Randy. The way I see it, its hard enough for us who are saved to follow the laws of God (and we have the holy spirit!) It is probably just about impossible for those without Christ to do so.
as always, great response.
I would agree. I see a lack of humility and a haughtiness in Mitchell’s videos. I wonder why he seems obsessed with homosexuality and doesn’t ever mention any of the other sins in 1 Corinthians 6? From past experience, I find that Christians who spend an inordinate amount of time condemning homosexuality, do so to diminish their own secret and hidden sins.
Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to deal with people involved in serious sexual sin, when the woman was caught in the very act of adultery. He did not condemn her, but said, “Go and sin no more.”
It’s even worse when we as sinful men condemn someone, because as James 2:10 says, if we’ve offended in just one point of the law, we are guilty of all! We need to show grace, love and compassion. This does not mean approving of sin, just acting as we truly are, sinners saved by grace.
I think Molotov Mitchell’s videos tend to repel homosexuals, rather than show them that Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life. If I, as an ex-gay am offended, how much more will an openly gay man or woman be turned off?
Thank you for your response Alan.
And because I know someone will ask… this Alan is not the same as our Exodus President Alan Chambers.
Randy,
Thanks again for your insight on this one. It is so important to show grace to the lost.
Have you considered asking WorldNetDaily to post a link to this? I know they have linked you before. I think that would be a good thing.
I would agree. I see a lack of humility and a haughtiness in Mitchell’s videos. I wonder why he seems obsessed with homosexuality and doesn’t ever mention any of the other sins in 1 Corinthians 6? From past experience, I find that Christians who spend an inordinate amount of time condemning homosexuality, do so to diminish their own secret and hidden sins.
Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to deal with people involved in serious sexual sin, when the woman was caught in the very act of adultery. He did not condemn her, but said, “Go and sin no more.”
It’s even worse when we as sinful men condemn someone, because as James 2:10 says, if we’ve offended in just one point of the law, we are guilty of all! We need to show grace, love and compassion. This does not mean approving of sin, just acting as we truly are, sinners saved by grace.
I think Molotov Mitchell’s videos tend to repel homosexuals, rather than show them that Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life. If I, as an ex-gay am offended, how much more will an openly gay man or woman be turned off?
Thank you for your response Alan.
And because I know someone will ask… this Alan is not the same as our Exodus President Alan Chambers.
Randy,
Thanks again for your insight on this one. It is so important to show grace to the lost.
Have you considered asking WorldNetDaily to post a link to this? I know they have linked you before. I think that would be a good thing.
Randy- I am with Jay on this one. With blog posts like this, it’s hard to believe I disagree with any of your other ones
This one is spot on.
Hi Brady
Randy- I am with Jay on this one. With blog posts like this, it’s hard to believe I disagree with any of your other ones
This one is spot on.
Hi Brady
Wow. I am appalled. I just saw this video. It is absurd.
I look him up on youtube and he’s got two videos called “to my gay friends” they were a little abrasive, but I was kindof on the fence. This Uganda one is reprehensible! I don’t know how he can call himself a Christian. He’s got the word “Zealot” tattooed on his arm, and that seems correct. The zealots were known to stab roman guards in a crowded marketplace and cause all sorts of horrors. I don’t know how he can defend a bill which seeks the death penalty for homosexuals when Jesus clearly says to the woman caught in adultery “GO and sin no more.” He is taking a much too simplistic view of the scriptures to say that Uganda’s bill is a Christian bill. (because, as I understand it… homosexuality causes you to be imprisoned, but if you are gay with aids you are executed… IE its a kill the gays bill)
furthermore its absurd to quote Dr. King in this video. Dr. King would have opposed this, King is famous also for having said “A threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This is a threat to justice.
He uses the argument of the gay king in the 1800s to justify the law? really? though an interesting piece of history, two wrongs dont make a right. If a gay king oppressed heterosexuals in uganda, should we then criminalize Christianity because it oppressed witches in 1700s boston? The answer is greater freedom, not less freedom. to exchange one despotism for another does nothing.
I’m thinking this guy is going to have some accounting to do in heaven for these careless words.
Frank,
I think Mitchell has an incomplete understanding of grace. We are not under the law, but under grace. As believers, we have a responsibility to show others the grace that is available to them through placing their faith in Jesus Christ. Condemning homosexuals actions will not save them. If they clean up their actions apart from Christ, it might prevent them from disease and pain in their lives, but they will still be lost without a Saviour. Cleaning up their sinful acts has no merit in God’s sight, for our works of righteousness are filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) We need the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ, for God can accept nothing else.
Have you watched Molotov Mitchell’s videos on WorldNetDaily?
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=125988
I really like WorldNetDaily, but I believe this does more harm than good.
Alan
So Frank … how do you really feel?
::: smile :::
Thank you very much for adding your observations. It’s weird to have met him personally and seeing flashes of compassion and creativity … then see those being utilized this way. It’s a bit of a mystery.
Wow. I am appalled. I just saw this video. It is absurd.
I look him up on youtube and he’s got two videos called “to my gay friends” they were a little abrasive, but I was kindof on the fence. This Uganda one is reprehensible! I don’t know how he can call himself a Christian. He’s got the word “Zealot” tattooed on his arm, and that seems correct. The zealots were known to stab roman guards in a crowded marketplace and cause all sorts of horrors. I don’t know how he can defend a bill which seeks the death penalty for homosexuals when Jesus clearly says to the woman caught in adultery “GO and sin no more.” He is taking a much too simplistic view of the scriptures to say that Uganda’s bill is a Christian bill. (because, as I understand it… homosexuality causes you to be imprisoned, but if you are gay with aids you are executed… IE its a kill the gays bill)
furthermore its absurd to quote Dr. King in this video. Dr. King would have opposed this, King is famous also for having said “A threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This is a threat to justice.
He uses the argument of the gay king in the 1800s to justify the law? really? though an interesting piece of history, two wrongs dont make a right. If a gay king oppressed heterosexuals in uganda, should we then criminalize Christianity because it oppressed witches in 1700s boston? The answer is greater freedom, not less freedom. to exchange one despotism for another does nothing.
I’m thinking this guy is going to have some accounting to do in heaven for these careless words.
Frank,
I think Mitchell has an incomplete understanding of grace. We are not under the law, but under grace. As believers, we have a responsibility to show others the grace that is available to them through placing their faith in Jesus Christ. Condemning homosexuals actions will not save them. If they clean up their actions apart from Christ, it might prevent them from disease and pain in their lives, but they will still be lost without a Saviour. Cleaning up their sinful acts has no merit in God’s sight, for our works of righteousness are filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) We need the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ, for God can accept nothing else.
Have you watched Molotov Mitchell’s videos on WorldNetDaily?
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=125988
I really like WorldNetDaily, but I believe this does more harm than good.
Alan
So Frank … how do you really feel?
::: smile :::
Thank you very much for adding your observations. It’s weird to have met him personally and seeing flashes of compassion and creativity … then see those being utilized this way. It’s a bit of a mystery.
oooh, did I come on too strong? awkward.
oooh, did I come on too strong? awkward.
All I have to do is read the titles of his videos to see him for what he is – an example of everything that is wrong with many conservatives and many Christians – paranoid and hostile to the point of being one step away from violence. It’s no surprise that he and WND are connected. I found it humorous though that he does a “flaming homosexual” imitation so well.
That said, Randy your response is excellent and I appreciate the fact you attempted to dialog with him. I don’t come to this blog often, in fact this may be the first time, and I have issues with some of what Exodus says but any time I have read your words in other places you have always been respectful. That goes a long way towards helping me be willing to look for merit in what you say. Quite a contrast to someone like Molotov who to me does nothing but damage.
All I have to do is read the titles of his videos to see him for what he is – an example of everything that is wrong with many conservatives and many Christians – paranoid and hostile to the point of being one step away from violence. It’s no surprise that he and WND are connected. I found it humorous though that he does a “flaming homosexual” imitation so well.
That said, Randy your response is excellent and I appreciate the fact you attempted to dialog with him. I don’t come to this blog often, in fact this may be the first time, and I have issues with some of what Exodus says but any time I have read your words in other places you have always been respectful. That goes a long way towards helping me be willing to look for merit in what you say. Quite a contrast to someone like Molotov who to me does nothing but damage.
I really, really like Molotov Mitchell’s videos.