“All Gospel singers are not Gay as I don’t have a sissy bone in my body.”
Deitrick Haddon typed these words on Twitter today during a rant about the now-infamous interview between Lexi and Tonex, in which Tonex acknowledged his same-sex attractions.
I’m not going to use this post to bash Deitrick, but really to ask that all of us, as CHRISTIANS, take a moment to examine our hearts and live life more carefully.
As I’ve stated before, I disagree with Tonex’s position as it relates to his interpretation of Scripture, the term “fornication,” and the things to which he feels entitled as a result.
But I don’t care how wrong we believe Tonex is in his lifestyle choices– the standard of holiness that we’re trying so hard to uphold does not give us a free pass to use hate-filled words. Quite the contrary, WE are responsible for LIVING OUT the standard of holiness by addressing people in love.
God is not pleased with the anger we exhibit, and the venom we spew, just because we say “I’m doing it for YOU, Lord.” We condemn other religions for committing hateful acts in the name of God, we have seen (as a nation) racial oppression premised on people’s errant interpretation of Scripture. And we’ve not liked it.
Yet here we are. And we’ve become so engrossed with judging every little thing that happens on this Earth that we easily become distracted from the greatest commandment– LOVE. I’m willing to guess that God would rather we simply keep quiet than demonstrate hatred in His Name. It’s not okay. Why? Merely because I never ONCE saw Christ do it.
Our task, then, is to humbly throw ourselves at the Father’s feet and say “Lord, I see injustices and I see things that displease You. They make me angry too. I hate what you hate. But in response, teach me to LOVE the way YOU LOVE.”
Let’s do better.
Amen EJ... I have a lot to say. but I ain't even got the energy. I am tired of it... Thanks for being one of the few that throw back in our faces "The Gospel" - The Good News, folk --- Good news!!! I repeat, about God's Love for us, exemplified in Christ Jesus, and how we now bearers of Love are to share it with other living in the Spirit bearing fruit against which is there is no law! I am honestly tired of the hate that is not representative of Christ. And even words that I have seen from saints that have nullified Christ's complete work on the cross for us as believers. Out of their own mouth come their own condemnation in their attempt to condemn others. Let me stop before I go off.... But in general I too am praying that I not harbor hate against those who have released judgmental and pharisaical words regarding real issues of which God is aware and has conquered. If I fall into that trap I would be no different. I love you EJ!!! for real! Please keep doing what your doing ! Living by the Spirit, and holding us accountable in Love! Love yall!!!
I think this topic has been on everyone's minds...Christians and non-Christians alike. I absolutely agree with your stance because not only are we called to love as God loves (without partiality) but also "not to judge or condemn" (Matt 7:1) one another. None of us are perfect and when we see one of our brothers or sisters going on the wrong path, we should pray for them. Also, we need to remember that we are in spiritual warfare and even though Tonex is verbally speaking, Satan is the one behind all thoughts, words and actions that are not of God.
I follow you on twitter and I don't follow many. This is the most eloquent and loving thing I have read in years. Hate is not of God, and no matter if it's Whitney Houston bashing, Kanye Bashing, or Tonex bashing, WE , as the body of Christ must always exhibit love. If God can daily look beyond my faults and see my needs, surely i should try to do the same for other. This ministry of LOVE is what we should be showing our youth and our World.
Let's be fair to Deitrick as well....during the same "rant" someone inquired about the quote you've posted and Deitrick elaborated " no prejudice here my dude.No judging either. Sissy from the way I was brought up meant soft!All gospel singers ain't soft!!". He plainly says more than once he's not judging Tonex...rather emphatically voicing his opinion of the situation. If there be any "hatred" I believe it's apparent that Deitrick communicates that hates the SIN, (the act), not the person that's perceived as sinning. It's the same hatred of the ACT of sin that caused Jesus himself to literally overturn tables in the church and call those participating in inappropriate acts part of "A Den of Thieves", (to their faces even)!! Not always the wisest of actions in every situation, but Jesus demonstrated just how far a stand against sin IN THE CHURCH can go! I think the most "out of line" thing Mr. Haddon said was "sissy", a term people take offensively...but right or wrong, he clarified his intent and elaborated on what the word meant to him. (I'm sure those church merchants didn't like being referred to as "thieves" either). Let's not mix up an emphatic, vocal, Godly stance with "hate filled words". Mr Haddon makes it clear that was not his intention.
Where do I send my offering? This is unadulterated truth. It's the reason why when people hear the term "Christian", the term "Hypocrite" usually tags right behind. Deitrick recorded a song that says 'It's easy to point the finger when the spotlight's not on you', which is infinitely true. However, many don't realize how true it really is until the spotlight IS on them. In the words of good ol' Stevie Wonder, Love is in need of Love today.
@Rob That's a little ridiculous. There is no excuse. A white man can't call a black person a "n*gger" and get away with it because he "grew up in a house" where it meant something different. Most people who use racial slurs or make inappropriate or politically incorrect statements use that excuse. Let's grow up. Plus, it's clear that he didn't mean "soft" because the person sending him a tweet wasn't challenging him on whether or not gospel artists are "soft", the person was challenging him on the fact that they believe most gospel artists are gay. I don't believe that statement either, but name-calling, Deitrick, may not be the best way to separate oneself from the issue. So, Rob, nice try, but he is just going to have to tread lightly next time.
Keisha, I respect your view....please understand that my main goal was to present a bit of context. This article has a one line quote selected from of the context of an entire conversation....and whether you or I believe it or not, it's only fair to at least note that Deitrick himself denies malicious intent. Whether or not you think he's lying, justified, or just straight "inexcusably ignorant", I believe when you quote someone and then imply that they are "hate filled and judgmental" towards gays it is entirely relevant to at least REFERENCE that the person has made specific, and direct statements to the contrary ,(in this case it was in the very same conversation). For example, when that Seinfeld guy did his racist rant, he went around for weeks proclaiming he wasnt racist. I didnt believe him and neither did the rest of America...but we were afforded the choice of whether to believe him or not by the media sharing "the whole story". This is certainly not anything against EJ, but I dont think it's entirely fair to say "this artist called gays sissies" without elaborating with a statement such as : "and in the same conversation he said he didn't mean that in a derogatory way". I do personally agree with Deitricks overall position against the sin itself...but I have a better idea of what that position is by visiting his twitter page and seeing ALL of his statements in context. Do I defend or condone the name calling? No, but I choose to believe that Deitrick did not view his own words to be an direct and inflammatory attack on Tonex. I have formed my own personal opinion after reading the full context of his tweets.
@Rob. I definitely hear you. I will say, though, that according to Twitter's records, I believe his recant came after this was posted, or at least a couple of hours after his original statement. Is the media not allowed to say anything until there is an apology or recant "just in case" the artist who misspoke might apologize? If there was no apology to post at the time, what was EJ's responsibility other than what he did? Further, I believe EJ was using this in an attempt to start a conversation among believers about how we respond to people's stances when we think they are wrong. I don't believe this post accused Deitrick of attacking Tonex. As a matter of fact, Deitrick was only mentioned as the sparker of the debate and speaker of these words. After that, his name wasn't mentioned at all. So, any direct implications drawn will have to be assigned as Deitrick's doing. I do hear the context you attempted to draw, but just so we're all clear, "sissy" would be considered a hate-filled word, especially in the context of attempting to distance oneself from the implications of a lifestyle previously denounced as abominable by oneself and even others.
Keisha, Great points...and I certainly dont disagree. I think EJ did a fantastic job bringing this issue to light and it's great that we as the Body of Christ can discuss these issues openly and freely!
@Rob Thanks, Rob. I agree!
I recommend that everybody watch this 5 part video series form this guy about Tonex. He breaks down all of his comments and compares it to the scriptures. It is good stuff!! http://www.youtube.com/user/RINGOTVHD
Man, this is getting crazy...Deitrick's flippin, YPJ's flippin...I just pray we all get ourselves correct...
I don't think that it's people just flippin', I think that we are getting to the point where enough is enough. People are getting tired of sitting silently on the sidelines watching while sin, corruption, greed, and just plain foolishness is paraded as "Godly". I don't understand why it is that we feel so free to speak out about things that really don't even matter (i.e. Kanye West at the VMAs), yet when it comes to issues that are destroying our youth and confusing the body (such as the things discussed in the Tonex/Lexi interview), everybody gets all quiet and hides behind the cliche "we're not supposed to judge."
I didn't see the hate in Deitrick's comments.
Wow. Looks like we got another "Keisha" on the site not to be confused with myself who has also gone by "Keish" in the past. ;)
EJ, I don’t believe that there is any hatred in what Deitrick said. Unfortunately, what you have done is taken one of Deitrick’s tweets and taken it out of context. Also, what you didn’t say is that Deitrick stated in his other tweets that he loves Tonex and he’s a big fan of Tonex, but he simply doesn’t agree with his lifestyle. I watched Tonex’s interview with Lexi and I thank him for being transparent, because what he did many us could not do. However, I could not believe when I heard him say, “He is not sure homosexuality is something that he has to be delivered from”. It’s obvious that Tonex is in need of some serious prayer. Homosexuality is a sin against God and a sin against nature, so how could he make such a statement. EJ, it’s unfortunate that we live in a day and age where some people seem to become so sensitive if one word is spoken against homosexuality, or in this case, if we believe a word is spoken against a homosexual.
As christians = folowers of Christ we have to love & by this will all men know that ye are my disciples if ye love one another. No we are not to judge or bash for the word of God judges the person not me or you. But we as Christians can no longer sit by and say let pray about it or pray for this or that person. Yes lets keep praying for the person but because we have mass media commucnication systems we as the body of Christ have & must address false statements like the one Tonex has made. Why? Because he's a pastor, a gospel artist and is in the lime light. If he continues to go around an say that God honors covenants with partners and believes homosexuality is right & is something thats not a struggle or needs to be delivered. Well how can bible believes stand by and say "lets just pray" No cry aloud and show the world the truth becuae people are following him, listening to him and are confused. For the person who is struggleing with that issue if they hear tonex it won;t be a struggle anymore. No don;t bash or call him names condem him to hell, but tell the world the TRUTH THAT TONEX IS WRONG! I didn't like Lexi disclaimer at the end of the interview saying how she felt. She should have said that 2 him. The goodnews that tonex says he still preaches has a few verses that speaks against what he believes....
@Keisha: Hey Keish! @everyone else: We've really got to work the skill of being able to identify the main idea of the paragraph(s). We kind of strayed tangentially.
Some of you are so angry with Tonex, homosexuality, and sin. And I get that. My point is that we have to lay THOSE feelings aside for just a moment and check ourselves first. The purpose of this post is to say that IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW WRONG THE SIN IS-- WE WILL NEVER HAVE A RIGHT TO DISPLAY ANYTHING BUT LOVE WHEN WE ADDRESS IT. Some of you are so excited. You see a sin and just can't WAIT to point out. And in doing so, you think you REALLY have a right to use any means necessary-- sarcasm, name-calling and anger-- to make sure everyone is livin' holy and righteous lives. But when we do that, when we become SO concerned about who's sinning and who's living right, we SKIP THE FIRST STEP-- the most important step, the greatest commandment-- we forget to LOVE. So, whether Pastor Deitrick Haddon properly apologized for using the word "sissy" while addressing isn't the main issue of this post-- the issue is WHY he used such a hurtful word to make his point. Whether Tonex is going to hell isn't the main issue of this post-- the issue is WHY we choose to use name-calling to let him know about it. People-- we need to check ourselves FIRST. Let your first response be prayer-- hard-core intercession, with tears and all of that. IF, when you get off the floor, you still have a mind to "give the sinner a pieces of your mind," go for it. But if you've actually spent time in the presence of God interceding for that person, I believe that He will not only give us our hearts of compassion, but He'll give us EFFECTIVE ways to win their souls... the key tools will be love and grace, not judgment.
Deitrick has no room to talk. I'll leave it at that
I think that to be fair, you should post Deitrick's ENTIRE commentary from twitter on here so that everyone can see everything that he said. That one quote that you posted was a reply to something that someone else said, whose tweets are protected so the public can't see them.
@Ed, m.a.e.s.tr.o.: Respectfully, you continue to miss the point. There is nothing "to be fair" about as it relates to Deitrick Haddon because my post is not about Deitrick Haddon. It's about YOU. It's about ME. It's about all of us. Still, if anyone has a hankering to see the totality of Deitrick's comments, you can visit http://www.twitter.com/DeitrickHaddon.
EJ, your comments are indicative to the problem with Christians today. They make a big fuss over the little things while whispering over the MAJOR THINGS! Just compare your post on the Lexi Show interview over Tonex. There should have been some major outcrying from you over the anti-biblical and spiritually dangerous lifestyle that Tonex was trying to justify. But instead you are having a fit over Deitrick's use of the word sissy? I agree with you also that as Christians if we are to labor in love, rebuke in love and always respond in love, we do have to be mindful of how and what words we speak to people. But let's put everything in its proper place - the rebuke of Tonex should have been far greater than your rebuke of Deitrick Haddon!
@Christocentric: please see my comment above, at 7:52am today... turns out, I had already responded to you.
A lil FYI - Looks like Deitrick deleted his tweets re: Tonex. What the??? What's that about??
EJ, I had already read your comments - and mine still stands.
EJ, I'm in your corner on this one. Just letting you know. Deitrick needs to learn a lesson from Kanye, Serena and Rep. Joe Wilson. Where's the compassion? PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com www.prayzehymnonline.com
Christocentric I SOOOOOO agree with you.
EJ....I couldnt Have said it better my self.....
One word, AMEN!
"I'd like to teach the world to sing..in perfect harmony...Id like to buy the world a COKE and keep it company...thats the song i sing"...old schoolers remember this song....LOLOL just tryna lighten the mood! Bless yall and much love!! I gotcha EJ!!
I'm not going to say much because a whole lot has already been said. So I will pose another question to see if this might give some light as to what EJ is trying to get at. Let's say that it's not Tonex, but your sister, your brother, father, mother (blood family member) that comes to you and says the same things that Tonex said, would you respond with the same response you have stated here or would you try to show them that you loved them and pray with them for change in heart and mind so that God could come in and change that family member? I think EJ is wanting us to approach the situation as if this was a loved one that we have grown up with and have a relationship with. You would let them know they are wrong but you would hopefully still show them love as you pray and intercede for him/her.
@Klugh, a public announcement of sin requires a public rebuke. Doesn't matter if blood family members or not. (Without any name calling of course.) That is completely supported by scripture: "Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear." - 1 Timothy 5:20 Tonex took it upon himself to let it be known publicly where he stands on homosexuality - and it's his stand that required a very public response. Tonex is like a lost little brother to me that has to be dealt with harshly because of his persistent defiance and unwillingness to repent. Anyone who deals with defiant Christians with this little hand-tapping - "let's just love one another"mess is actually helping to make the situation even worse! Tonex and Christians like him would like nothing more for folks to turn a blind eye and accept their sin. We aren't even supposed to have anything to DO with Christians who are actively participating in known sin: 9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."1 Corinthians 5:9-13 According to those scriptures, we are to be JUDGING THIS BROTHER and others like him to the point of disassociation with him! Can you imagine the hurt, the loneliness and the desire these people should have to return to the Lord if we all practiced godly discipline? But in our country the saints are outnumbered greatly and it would be easy for Tonex and others like him to find other support systems - weak Christians and Satan's friends!
@Christocentric: GOOD! You and I stand in agreement. You managed to summarize my entire post, and the point that I've been trying to make, in one parenthetical point. You said: "(Without any name calling OF COURSE)" [emphasis my own] Quote as many scriptures as you'd like, but you stand in agreement with me on my ONLY issue-- though we should KNOW, "of course," that a public rebuke doesn't require name-calling, WE DO IT ANYWAY. I entreat you-- respond to the name-calling. That's my point. Period. In this particular situation, to do so requires that you look only to Deitrick Haddon. So any comment that begins with "well, TONEX..." is going to AUTOMATICALLY be misplaced. Respond to the name-calling.
That's what I've agreed with you all alone EJ. I do believe in exercising kindness along with the rebuke. I am disgusted at the name calling I've seen against Tonex. Deitrick's was one of the milder ones, and he wasn't even calling him that directly. But some awful stuff is going on and we do have to remain prayerful about it, and speak out against it whenever we can. I do feel very protective of Tonex while at the same time not holding back any needed rebuke of him. Praying for him to turn away from that sin and turn to the Lord!
@ Christocentric: I agree totally. I don't take a light approach to rebuke, especially on myself. My issue with all this public rebuke, has anyone address him personally about this. I have no problem with a public rebuke. This may be totally wrong to say but on some of the trailers for Lexi's show it shows Pastor Bryant and others praying for Carlton Pearson, but Tonex gets to express his opinion on his lifestyle that goes totally against the Word of God and she doesn't address that right there and then!!!! I haven't seen the interview but to me she should have jumped into him then. Alot of the rebuke that's coming now is being viewed by the public, which is needed, but I don't know if any of these people are contacting him directly to help him. I don't know what organization he is apart of but shouldn't he step down from being a Pastor. I guess I have maybe a different approach to rebuke but these are things that passed my mind.
That's it @Klugh, the fact that his church should have been proactive in disciplining him long ago. It appears he may have no accountability as he was thrown into his father's (Head pastor) shoes right after his death. It sounds like that church may have been in turmoil ever since (some of my friends have gone - and left abruptly calling the church "weird.") If his church had gotten a hold of him first, it may have never made it to the public arena to where we are all doing what we're doing right now. The million dollar question: does anyone care enough about Tonex who is close to him, to deliver him the REAL truth? He was married to a very godly lady in Yvette Williams, but if he wouldn't listen to her, who then?
I think the word "Rant" when refering to Deitrick's posts was not appropriate( you can use only so many characters on twitter per twitt thus the multiple posts) ...And to "Rant" (to speak or declaim extravagantly or violently; talk in a wild or vehement way; rave) the use of the word set emotions high.
Jesus chastised the Pharisees, because "they strained at a gnat (name-calling) while swallowing a camel (homosexuality and heresy)." I understand what you're saying about being sensitive in addressing our fellow brothers and sisters who have been overtaken in a fault. But sin is a big problem--and the issue is that the sin of Tonex is not only Tonex's problem but everybody's else's problem as well. so many will bear the consequences of this...this choice for homosexuality is going to penalize Tonex, his family, his church, the youth, the gospel industry, and worst of all, Christians. That's right; everybody's gonna pay for something that, Tonex, a christian public figure has chosen. It's amazing how even when Jesus went to heal the people; like the man with palsy, he always addressed their sin first and told them they were forgiven before the miracle or anything else...He didn't talk about how they were in pain and needed his help; sin, if present, was first. I think there needs to be some heavy consideration of the comments this brother Tonex is making which confirms that Tonex has taken up a reprobate mind and engaging in heresy-- a whole lot of hubaloo about Deitrick who made a slip-up is not necessary. He probably was not certain how to deal with a quite disturbing situation; I understand his need to distance himself from Tonex, he made a mistake, but the mistake Tonex is making is beyond reason, comprehension, and the will of his maker...Tonex needs to be chatised and not Deitrick, let's move on.
@Christocentric On the issue of public sin requiring a public rebuke. Thanks for the scriptures. Good stuff. But with all due respect, all scripture has to be viewed in light of how Jesus walked and taught. On the issue of public sin, we have a prominent example of how Jesus personally handled it...the woman caught in adultery. He was so outdone by the hypocrisy of her accusers that he didn't even look at them, but stopped instead and wrote on the ground. And when He did speak he uttered one line: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I love this site and rarely comment once the trail of discussion gets this heated. Today I cannot hold my peace. The overwhelming sorrow in my heart is the fact that we have no sense of how much God hates this kind of behavior. The only thing He acknowledges is our love for each other, because that's what motivated Him in sending Christ and what motivated Christ in choosing to die for ALL of us....all of our nastiness, no matter how minor or private it may SEEM to US. I fear for all of us who are so quick to throw scripture and names and all manner of vain disputation as a first instinct rather than to intercede and love and pray....both for the brother in offense and for ourselves that we not fall into any temptation. And for those of us who may THINK we're immune, keep popping your gums about this and see where your next unexpected temptation comes from. We have no idea how close we all are to God, out of His great love for us, removing His hand of mercy in keeping public eyes from the nastiness in our hearts, when we choose to spend more time talking about one of our brothers caught in a public offense than we do in deep prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to purify our own hearts. It's ludacris and so very backward. God have mercy on us ALL.
I so agree with Christocentric on so many points. EJ, You said that Deitrick Haddon is not the point, yet YOU called him out. You didn't skirt around his use of that word, but you called him to the carpet, as being flat out wrong. Yet you seemed to skirt around the Tonex issue. Yes in later post you fully stated you distain for sin, but initially you only said I don't agree with it. It matters not whether WE agree with it GOD says NO. Some of the same people who said stop judging Tonex, are the same ones vilifying Deitrick's comment. Sydney, Jesus was moved to compassion toward sinners and saw their hearts. Yet when there were those who were refusing to change, Jesus was still compassionate, but He was also passionate in His rebuke. This is the way it should be towards those in the Body of Christ! please consider what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:1-11. When one among us (in the body) is over taking in sin, we MUST be proactive in addressing this and not just saying pray for him. Do something about it! The passage that I referenced says vs 5 "To deliver such an one unto satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." vs 11 "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat" The difference here is that (even if the appology came after it was brought to his attention) Dietrick appologizes for the hurt the the word brings. Tonex does not think he is wrong. He needs to sit down or be sat down, if not, as the body of Christ, we should NOT support him. Yet we are still here being tippy toeing around sin.
Rogers, Great point.
@Estyle: Nope. Never called him out, actually-- merely reported what he said publicly on Twitter, just like I reported what Tonex said publicly on television with Lexi last week. And nope... definitely never said anything about him being "flat out wrong." I specifically said that I was NOT going to use this post to bash him. He's not the issue. WE are. My point is that we all tend to be low on love and big on a whole lot of stuff that's secondary to love. Feel free to disagree with that, but please do so without clumsily summarizing my point of view.
Come on people, please. Why are we so soft on sin, God aint., yes he's a forgiving God, but he ain't soft on the sinning. Homosexuality is sin, fornication is a sin, lying is a sin. It aint being hateful if we call someone out who is wrong, if we base it according to the word of God. DH shouldn't have to apologize for nothin'. He's not hatin" or being hypocritical. I don't know about you people, but if I wrong, or caught doing wrong according to the word of God, I expect to be called out by those who know the word. God doesn't tolerated luke warm saints, why should we. We are a peculiar people, called out from among the world. It's tight, but it's right.....Peace
I witnessed the convo while it was taking place on twitter. I have seen both artist in interviews in the past and have heard them say that they were cool with each other. Remembering this fact I tweeted Deitrick and asked "Have you spoken with him?" and "Have you prayed with him?" He stated he was praying for him but did not indicate if he had spoken with Tonex or not. It seems to me that if you had some type of friendship with someone you would speak to them directly and NOT reprimand INDIRECTLY via twitter. It seemed very self righteous. GOD IS GOD ALL BY HIMSELF !!!!!!!!!!!!! Lets pray the ALL of is live a life that is pleasing in HIS sight.
So if Deitrick would have said there is no gay bone in his body would we be having this conversation??? ......I think we would.
@EJ, By "reporting what he said publicly " you did called him out! I don't think calling out wrong is wrong. And, EJ, I thank you very much for providing a forum to address these issues within the Body of Chirst. But let me say that I was not summarizing your point. I very well get, and agree with your point. And I believe that loves covers a multitude of sins, and if we let love prevail, I truly believe that we could reach more people I was, however making a new point based upon thing that you have said in this article and in the one about the Tonex interview. My point is that the sin must sometime be addressed in a stern manner so that deliverance can take place. it is not like that for everybody, but for some it takes that. I agree with Bigg C, that we are soft on sin! We say things like I disagree, or we BELIEVE its wrong instead of calling it FLAT OUT WRONG! It takes that to truly love someone! God chastens those that he loves. Sometimes, as a The Good Shepherd Christ has to break our legs so that we will learn to never leave His side. I believe that there are some who are at the point of needing tough love, that they might be restored. This is not a defense for Dietrick, I will say that his choice of words were WRONG! (And I am not bashing him either.) It may have taken the conviction of The Holy Spirit to correct him, or it may have taken the Holy Spirit working through someone to correct him. But some have gotten to the place where they don't heed to the Holy Spirit. But, EJ, for you to post this, the "hate-filled" words that you see and hear from ALL sources moved you to speak out. When I see a pastor who is leading flock astray, I feel moved to speak out! Yes please pray, (and please leave out the hate) but faith without works is dead. We have got to called sin,sin. If we love, we will not just stand by and watch people die in sin. That is true love, and true love should call us to action. And that is my point.
james 1:13 13 No one being tempted should say, "I am being tempted by God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and God himself tempts no one. 14 Rather, each person is being tempted whenever he is being dragged off and enticed by the bait of his own desire. 15 Then, having conceived, the desire gives birth to sin; and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. 16 Don't delude yourselves, my dear brothers.
There is nothing wrong with a straight God fearing man declaring he is not a sissy. More need to declare the same.
I agree Christians are to walk in love just as Christ did when he was on this earth. I didn't see the entire twitter comment but what was posted did not have the word hate in it. Why are Christians always accused of hate when we don't agree with the world's viewpoint. I believe that what we do and what we stand for should be based on the word of God. Tonex is a pastor that has led people to believe that his homosexual lifestyle is waiting on God's review and he is "going to see what God is going to do"? People wake up - God has already spoken on this topic in Romans 1:16-32 and in the 1st testament! God's word is truth and let every man be a liar! Stop tiptoeing around and defending people that are clearly deceiving people into thinking that we can live any kind of shoddy lifestyle...I'm talking about liars, theives, murderers, adulterers, backslidders, too that have not repented! We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but let's not use God's word to justify our sin but let's honestly try to do the right thing. Tonex didn't ask for your prayers about his homosexual acts neither did he say he was struggling with it! He said he prefers men and he believes in gay covenants and he wants us to believe it that mess too! Christians tell him the truth in love and then pray for him - don't hold his hand and tell him it's going to be alright....because by doing that you are doing Tonex a greater disservice and you care nothing for his soul!
P.S. - We should be careful how we give place to the devil. By giving him a platform to deceive many people on a Christian television station is shameful! Especially, since the WORD did not go forth! There was no correction, no rebuke and no instruction for the viewers that were watching.
What is so wrong with loving a person that is in sin? No you don't have to like him or agree with the lifestyle but it doesn't give us the right to gay bash or put some down because they choose to be gay. We don't treat fornicaters, cheaters, liers like this and the bible says there is no big or little sin its just sin. So why treat a gay person this way.
@ Christina. It's because most folks on here are self-righteous and can't see past what they view as "the wrong lifestyle." They aren't looking at this in a broad way. Tonex blew the roof off of the church and a lot of things are now being exposed. It's annoying for me to see that some of the very same high profile artists and pastors knocking Tonex are doing the EXACT same thing, but haven't been caught. The hypocrisy lives on unfortunately and it lives on through some of the replies to this thread.
ohhh I get it now...SISSY...has been elevated to the big 'N' word. Never knew...thought it was just like any other word used...not of the caliber as N*GGER OR F*GGOT OR CR*CKER! man SISSY is not that serious!!
Well daservant, to call someone who is gay, a sissy, is offensive. If u can't understand that, I don't know what to tell u. And for the record, Deitrick should be very careful how he uses that because I know plenty of gay people, or "sissys" who would like to beat Deitrick up right about now. So he shouldn't use it in a way to call someone soft. That's why u have to treat people with basic respect. That's what this post comes down to: respect. And as Christians: love.
so strange..I could've sworn I wrote a response here earlier today....either it was removed (???) or I never clicked send...but in any case maybe that's just a sign that I dont need to comment right now. Let's pray that the will of God is continually done in our lives and in the lives of the artists we'er referring to.
@Christina @Trey and @all others who question why we are publicly "bashing" Tonex's words and lifestyle. Have any of you ever heard a pastor tell people publicly that yes, he committed adultery and will continue doing so because it's the right thing to be "real" and "truthful" with oneself? Tonex has created a lot of passionate dialogue because of his public proclamation claiming that: 1) God didn't change him from homosexuality 2) Because of a supposed bible covenant that okays same-sex monogamous relationships and 3)that he doesn't need deliverance because he's okay as he is. There's more, but that's the gist of why publicly Tonex is rebuked so that people don't confuse his message with God's truth. Want to show true love to Tonex? Then be a friend who tells him TRUTH - even if it "wounds" him! But remembering to speak the truth in love! (i.e. no name calling) "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." - Proverbs 27:6 "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" - Ephesians 4:15
Yes, there is a lot of finger pointing. First, all have sinned and have fallen short. Second, I believe Tonex is one of the few Gospel artist who is genuinely honest and is coming to terms with his struggles. As in a previous post, I agree there are a lot of hypocrites among Gospel and generally among most Christians. Me understanding and perusing a career in psychology understands that we as humans are many things at different times. (the person we think were and the person we can be) Additionally, we wear multiple faces depending on our surroundings,When we are in church that's who we are. When we are at our jobs, we become an employee at a place of business. Knowing this, I understand that Gospel artist and Christian generally are not exempt from the things of the flesh. yes, God has given us authority over these things but it requires discipline. Your sin may not be homosexuality but believe me everyone on this site has something (their sin) they struggle with, daily. We may be living safely in out Christian glass house (ready to stone everyone else) but God knows and sees all. Be warned judge not. One it's your turn to be exposed for some hidden sin, do you want to be cast away and judged or would you want the support of your brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for your delivery? Let's pray for all our brothers and sisters who are in the struggle. He that is with out sin cast the first stone.
Thank u Chazz. It really seems that people are ok with artists and pastors who do this as long as they don't know about. But when u have someone who tells u this, they are throwing every misinterpreted, out of context scripture at them. This is exactly the hypocrisy we are talking about.
Big shout out to Pastor D fro keep'in it funcky (real).LOL I'm so in support of a man of God that stands for something and speaks from the heart, politically correct or not. The TRUTH is, not ALL gosple singers are Gay ("sissys"). And the fact that so many of you are willing to crucify Deitrick, for his use of words, and not forgive him... But overlook the blantant sin that Tonex is trying to justify makes me suspect that many of you are also trying to perhaps justify your own homosexual behavior. Whatever the case, let's truely be "Doers of the the Word and treat all with love. Deitrick, Tonex, you and me included. I'd like to make a motion to.. 1. Forgive each other and ourselves right now. 2. Start praying right now for those in the bondage of sin, sinners and for our own souls. Be ye doers of the word. I love you all with the love of Jesus.
Joyful1, buddy suggest what u want about me or anyone else. Point is that it was wrong to call people a sissy. Get off ya'll soap boxes.
Angela Coleman, daservant, jay, Estyle, BiggC and LT thank you for STANDING UP FOR JESUS CHRIST. These others are obviously under the spirit of the age: ANTI-CHRIST INCLUSION DEMONIC SPIRIT. TRUTH:JESUS:LOVE
What if you were his wife, and he told you that or what if your spouse told you I misled you, how would you feel? The sympathy goes to his ex-wife. That's a blow! More importantly, you are all glossing over the fact that he said "homosexuality is not a struggle" for him. How can you love God and NOT have remorse, repentance, guilt or anything for what God calls an abomination? Translation: Tonex is saying he does not have a problem sinning against God. Tonex's position is different than a person who is remorseful. Plus he stated that "there would be no gospel music without gay people." I believe Min. Dietrick is defending himself against that statement. I respect the gospel singers who can commit to a relationship in a marriage, to God and to the church, not the ones who THINK they are celebrities.
Well said SisNChrist!
Amen, SisNChrist.
When looking at a lot of Tonex interviews and his twitter page, something kept sticking out like a sore thumb. I was shocked that most of the saints never noticed or talked about it....until a gospel hip hop artist noticed it too. This was his response on his twitter page.... "Found out abt Tonex last nite... More disappointed by his Corinthian view of his gifts than his bisexuality. Fruit over gifts folks!" This, was by far a better response than Dietrick giving his. There are indeed two poisons going on with Tonex...his sexual sin, and his pride in his "gifts". His pride in his gifts are clounding sound biblical scrpiture that I am sure he knows. Still, lets continue to pray for the brother. I still say that he will come around. Why, because he has people praying for him! We all know the rules of the word. We all know what the consequences are for people in leadership, or people in general for refusing to acknowledge your own sin. We know this because this is a gospel site! Now, lets do the other part of the faith and keep him in prayer. If you are not doing that, yet commenting on this site, you are now in pride! Pray not only for him, but for other artist to respond the right way. Pray for our elected officials. Pray for the church. Remember, pride can pop it's head in doing good also! If you personally don't know Tonex, which is about 99% of the people up here, all we can do is pray for him. Grace and Peace!
Great commentary. Thanks for the reminder to the Body. We do have to watch what we say out loud. I personally don't like D. Haddon and find him to be very carnal. So I don't take stock in anything he says. As far as Tonex. I'm a big fan of his music, but I will not support his ministry if he embraces homosexuality. I did not hear him say in the Lexi interview that he was turning away from this lifestyle and that bothers me as a Christian. There are ministries who help ppl struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions, i.e. Exodus International.
LOL wow at the responses. I love it, some of u guys are really somethin else. So as someone who's been in and around the gospel music industry, I guess it would pain most of u to know that a good 90% of the male gospel artists you love fall under the category of "gay," but I guess it's cool as long as ya'll don't know. It's amazing how almost everyone continues to miss the point of Tonex's interview in the first place. Wan.R.......bless your heart
i really get tired of all the people who are so quick to say " just pray about it" " we have to walk in love" "dont judge". do you not read what the WORD says in its entirety? we as belivers are SUPPOSED to judge other so called believers, yes we are to walk in love but why cant that love be a stern rebuke if it needs to be? i personally dont know what kinda "LOVE" alot of people claim to be walking in but to me it seems as though it is walking in the hush mouth! if i see another beliver professing and proclaiming to be a beliver also and he/she is not exibiting the fruits of one, it is my DUTY as a child of GOD to judge that person(not put them down) but to give corrective critisim using the word of god to back u up. i for one will definitely walk in love BUT i will not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear and pat people like TONEX on the back and tell him everythings gonna be alright god loves you, Imma tell him god loves you but he HATES what you doin and saying and if you dont repent then you and everybody else like you will go to HELL!!! i can tell now its gonna be alot of so called christians who wont stand on the front lines because they too SCARED to stand up to the devil!!! they too busy talkin bout love on him. LOVE IS NOT BEING PASSIVE, and LOVE IS NOT BEING UNDERSTANDING OF OBVIOUS UNBELIEVERS, i love everone with the love of christ but i love then enough to straighten them if they are crooked! any body on here who commended tonex you really need to check yourself cuz something is really wrong in your walk, he did NOTHING worth commending. yeah you can and should pray for and love him but DONT commend this garbage he was talking bout!
Where would gospel be without gay folks???????? I love yall! Detrick is crazy!!!!
When someone wants me to "support" them with my $ or my ear, then I do have some expectations. We need to want what God wants. Yes love, yes forgiveness, yes compassion AND holiness. If you're gonna DEMAND from everybody love, forgiveness and compassion, expect the rest as well. Doesn't God? @Christocentric is on point! Why is it that when anyone defends the gospel they get labeled as spewing hate and not love.
Look at all you all running to defend Pastor D. I don't know anyone married more than 10 years with no children, and the only time you're with your wife is for an event. Consider the source, people. Pots shouldn't call kettles black.
I think Jesus himself said it best: Matthew 7:21-23 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' The important point here is "does the will of my Father" and it is plain to see that the will of the Lord is for us to love one another. God will sort it out, he will separate -- too many of us think we are God here on Earth. Anyone who believes that the word empowers them to judge others is not a Christian. The fruits you bear of contempt, shame, rebuke, and hypocrisy are how you will be known. If you give love, that will be your fruit. Remember that our purpose is to bring people to Him, not to change them, not to shame them, not to rebuke them, not to hate them, not to talk about them. If you really believe in God you would know that his plan is perfect and that we don't know what it is-- I have no idea what God has in store for Tonex, and neither do you. What I do know is that God wants me to love him. I am humble enough in my faith to understand that God's plan will be revealed as he wants it to be known-- all of this talk about this or that reminds me of Job's friends, who told him that he was not as close to God as he thought-- you don't know what God is doing, so just do what he told you to do. Remember this-- youwill not be judged by the Lord for the sins of others, but if you speak against people and judge them you will be judged for that.
Robyn they don't wanna hear the truth! So glad u just pointed out what should be so obvious about the source. The saints love to walk in denial. Just like they do with so many of their favorite artists and pastors.
I'm sorry. Pam: So glad u just pointed out what should be so obvious about the source. The saints love to walk in denial. Just like they do with so many of their favorite artists and pastors.
I enjoyed the piece that EJ wrote and scrolled down to read the comments. I was very disappointed by all the mean spirited responses from so-called Christians. I was raised by a woman who loved the Lord more than anyone I knew and she always said if nothing else, God is Love...Love others without judgement and that we are not in control, God has a plan that is bigger than all of us so let him do His work. After reading Kevjack's response which was in the line of what I knew, but opposite of most of the responses here, I thought, man, ALOT of Christians have ALOT of work to do. Maybe each one of you should read and re-read what he stated, sit down and think about it and check yourself. ESPECIALLY his last sentence: you will not be judged by the Lord for the sins of others, but if you speak against people and judge them you will be judged for that.
EJ, I agree with your original point. I spank my sons in love, lol...but I don't call him names. However, Tonex is not my son...He's God's son. Now, I'll make a few points of my own. As someone pointed out earlier, ALL SIN is an abomination to God. If you call yourself sinless, you are a liar and the truth is not in you! We ALL have to pray a prayer of repentence daily (at least). What grieves me about Tonex is that he does not see the error in his ways and he's justifying his actions with scripture. Scary. I have my own issues being human on this sin-filled earth, but I see them as such. Many gospel artists are doing plenty of ungodly things because they're imperfect humans. The difference, I hope, between them and Tonex, is that they don't try to justify their actions and they struggle just like the rest of us (whatever those struggles are...homosexuality included cause it's no better or worse than any other sin) to do better...sometimes they succeed sometimes they don't. But they continue to strive for excellence and holiness. I believe that's what God expects from all of us...our best effort. Tonex was brought up in the truth. If you think that telling him anything at this point is gonna change his mind, you're wrong. He knows what you know (remember "Deliverance is the Children's Bread" anyone?) and has chosen otherwise (his right with the free will God has given him). I'm certain his loved ones have quoted every scripture they can think of to change his thinking. But, just like some of our experiences dealing with loved ones, he simply may not want to hear it or just doesn't agree...so we leave them in God's hands after planting the seed for the Holy Ghost to do the watering. The ONLY THING that can make a difference now is the Holy Ghost...which none of us are. But, we can link up with the Holy Ghost through prayer and stop wasting time trying to do HIS job...which we can't do. I believe the reason the Lord prompted Tonex to be honest is so that Christians can know once and for all...no speculation now...what his stance is and act accordingly. Since Tonex and I don't see eye-to-eye on this, I cannot support his ministry. Again, it's his choice not to "struggle" with it. Man, it hurts to say that. I will continue to lift him up in prayer though. I believe God is still working on him and I can't wait for his testimony of complete deliverance. I pray that God will continue to cover me in the midst of my struggles and help me to never throw in the towel...completely (it's brushed the ground a few times but God helped me to keep it from completely hitting the ground! GLO-RAY!), lol. Love to all!
V4C i can tell u one thing, the LORD had nothing at all yo do with any of that trash tonex was spewing!! the only part i believe the lord played in this is turning him over to a reprobate mind, he and the devil are doing the rest!!
I love an engaging dialogue as much as the next blogger, so feel free to keep it goin'. But I hope you all, especially those of you who've posted multiple times on this, have spent at least as much time PRAYING about this topic. Surely, as you've had sooo much to say to US, you've got plenty to say to God... ;-)
Adrain, You sound like a fool!!! Who caree what you think you know about Deitrick!! You are not a friend of his!! You dont know what he and his wife do together!! You obviously need to get a closer walk with the Lord, and get saved!! It's obvious that you were sent by Satan! Satan the lord rebuke you!! Devil!!!
I agree as well as disagree with a lot of the comments. I usually don't speak on any opinions that anyone may have concerning my family because the great thing about an opinion is... everybody has one. Doesn't mean it's factual or correct... it's just opinion. Adrian's comment however, bothered me!!! To even bring into this conversation about OPINIONS the topic of why my brother and sister have been married for over 10yrs and don't have children is very cruel. Unless you are Christ himself of Damita's Ob/Gyn... you don't have a clue why they don't have children. Then to suggest that the only time they're together is for an event lets me know that I'm not speaking to anyone who knows my family. I'm in no way saying that Deitrick should have been able to say whatever he said that has everyone in an uproar. If I know him well... he would take back any hurtful thing he said. What I am saying is let's try to keep it to our opinions and try not to toss out things as if they're fact. I continue to pray for my Tonex,my brother and every other artist that has decided to use they're gift for God. we're all human and we all deal with something. I suggest we Tweet, FB and talk less and pray more. We may be surprised by what it moves God to do.