This is Why They are Winning

I wrote a piece yesterday on the culture wars and why our side is losing so much of the time, while the other side seems to be winning so often. I noted that the other side sees the bigger picture and is willing to work for the long haul.

Christians and conservatives tend not to. As a result, they keep notching up victories and we keep notching up defeats. I said that we too need to see the bigger picture and be willing to go long term in these battles if we want to be successful. You can read what I wrote here: https://billmuehlenberg.com/2016/04/18/big-picture-long-term/

One clear cut example of all this is the battle over homosexuality. The activists have long had a big perspective on this, and have been willing to take the necessary time to achieve their goals. And they have always been quite upfront about their goals and strategies.

It is just that most folks on our side were not aware of them, or did not want to be aware of them. I have made it my business to be aware of such things. Thus for decades now I have read the homosexual press and followed their strategies as outlined in their books.

Yet many of my colleagues have been rather clueless over the years. Some of them have told me that the issue is no big deal. Even noted Christian leaders have told me that. And when I warned twenty years ago about the push for homosexual marriage, some of these leaders scoffed and said it was just not going to happen.

I suppose I can now say “I told you so” and leave it at that. But we still have Christian leaders in denial or with their heads in the sand concerning various fronts in the culture wars. They still don’t get it and they still are not taking the threats seriously.

Meanwhile the other side takes their mission very seriously indeed. Decades ago they devised strategies and game plans to win, and this is unfolding before our very eyes. They are big picture people in for the duration of the war. We are not. That is why they are winning.

homo 47As just one example, I have often mentioned a homosexual strategy manual that appeared back in 1989 entitled After the Ball. In it two homosexual activists offered a detailed blueprint on how they would win America over to their agenda. I have quoted from it often in my own books and articles.

Had our side taken seriously and paid more attention to such strategies, we might not be in the mess we now find ourselves in. And had we taken seriously the need to engage with culture, looking at the longer term prospects and the bigger picture, we might have had some more wins on the board by now.

But for the most part our side is asleep, apathetic and AWOL – meanwhile the other side is committed, dedicated and on a mission. Thus we are losing by default. But some others have been saying the same thing, although likely falling on deaf ears as well.

I am reminded of one very important article that appeared twelve years ago by Al Mohler. He also notes the importance of this particular volume and the amazing progress the activists have made. It is worth quoting heavily from this article:

The spectacular success of the homosexual movement stands as one of the most fascinating phenomena of our time. In less than two decades, homosexuality has moved from “the love that dares not speak its name,” to the center of America’s public life. The homosexual agenda has advanced even more quickly than its most ardent proponents had expected, and social change of this magnitude demands some explanation.
A partial explanation of the homosexual movement’s success can be traced to the 1989 publication of After the Ball: How America Will Conquer Its Fear and Hatred of Gays in the 90s. Published with little fanfare, this book became the authoritative public relations manual for the homosexual agenda, and its authors presented the book as a distillation of public relations advice for the homosexual community. A look back at its pages is an occasion for understanding just how successful their plan was.
Authors Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen combined psychiatric and public relations expertise in devising their strategy. Kirk, a researcher in neuropsychiatry, and Madsen, a public relations consultant, argued that homosexuals must change their presentation to the heterosexual community if real success was to be made.
Conceiving their book as a “gay manifesto for the 1990s,” the authors called for homosexuals to repackage themselves as mainstream citizens demanding equal treatment, rather than as a promiscuous sexual minority seeking greater opportunity and influence.

Mohler notes how the authors made a point of targeting the churches in their campaigns and then writes:

There can be no doubt that Christianity represents the greatest obstacle to the normalization of homosexual behavior. It cannot be otherwise, because of the clear biblical teachings concerning the inherent sinfulness of homosexuality in all forms, and the normativity of heterosexual marriage. In order to counter this obstacle, Kirk and Madsen advised gays to “use talk to muddy the moral waters, that is, to undercut the rationalizations that ‘justify’ religious bigotry and to jam some of its psychic rewards.” How can this be done? “This entails publicizing support by moderate churches and raising serious theological objections to conservative biblical teachings. It also means exposing the inconsistency and hatred underlying antigay doctrines.”
Conservative churches, defined by the authors as “homohating” are portrayed as “antiquated backwaters, badly out of step with the times and with the latest findings of psychology.”
A quick review of the last 15 years demonstrates the incredible effectiveness of this public relations advice. The agenda set out by Kirk and Madsen led to nothing less than social transformation. By portraying themselves as mainstream Americans seeking nothing but liberty and self-fulfillment, homosexuals redefined the moral equation. Issues of right and wrong were isolated as outdated, repressive, and culturally embarrassing. Instead, the assertion of “rights” became the hallmark of the public relations strategy.

He concludes this way:

Public relations is now a major part of the American economy, with hundreds of millions of dollars poured into advertising strategies and image enhancement programs. Observers of the public relations world must look back with slack-jawed amazement at the phenomenal success of the approach undertaken by homosexuals over the last two decades. The advice offered by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen is nothing less than a manifesto for moral revolution. A look back at this strategy indicates just how self-consciously the homosexual movement advanced its cause by following this plan.
Those who oppose the normalization of homosexuality have indeed been presented as backwoods, antiquated, and dangerous people, while those advancing the cause are presented as forces for light, progress, and acceptance. Conservative Christians have indeed been presented as proponents of hatred rather than as individuals driven by biblical conviction. The unprecedented success of this public relations strategy helps to explain why America has accepted everything from homosexual characters and plotlines in prime-time entertainment to the lack of outrage in response to same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.
At least we know what we are up against. Biblical Christians must continue to talk about right and wrong even when the larger world dismisses morality as an outdated concept. We must maintain marriage as a non-negotiable norm–a union of a man and a woman–even when the courts redefine marriage by fiat. At the same time, we must take into account the transformation of the American mind that is now so devastatingly evident to all who have eyes to see.
The real tragedy of After the Ball is that the great result of this is not a party, but the complete rejection of the very moral foundations which made this society possible. In order to address the most fundamental problems, we must understand the shape of the American mind. Looking back at After the Ball after fifteen years, it all comes into frightening focus.

Yep, these folks had a strategy, had long-term goals, had commitment, and had the bigger picture in mind. And with all that, coupled with a comatose, clueless and careless church, they have made tremendous strides in their mega social and sexual revolution.

When will Christians start doing similar things for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom? The early Christians did just that: they turned their world upside down. We need another such Christian revolution, or counter-revolution. I am certainly committed to it. Who will join me?

http://www.albertmohler.com/2004/06/03/after-the-ball-why-the-homosexual-movement-has-won/

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21 Replies to “This is Why They are Winning”

  1. “When will Christians start doing … things for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom?” Answer: When the word of the Cross is truly proclaimed in the house of God. cf. Gal.3:1. This will be a work of God in His royal priesthood, His holy and prophetic people by the Spirit of God. It will not happen unless we hear that we have a name to live but are practically dead and repent. Lord the Father, have mercy, Christ our Lord have mercy, Lord the Spirit have mercy. It seems days are coming when it will be mercy to a wayward church that the rod of the ungodly shall come upon us all to awaken true life again.

  2. From my experience they work hard after the top jobs, ‘Adviser to …’

    So what were the beliefs that energised the Christians that gave us a Christian West against all odds? I’m coming to the conclusion that Dispensationalsim is partly to blame for the shortsightedness of the Christian community.

  3. It might look like they are winning but God is in control. Prayer can still move mountains and God often uses the weak and seemingly foolish things to be strong.
    On Anzac Day Q &A – the topic is Christianity in the 21st Century.
    Please pray for Lyle, and be sure to tune in ABC on Monday 25 April, 9.30 pm.
    The next Q&A panel
    Monday, 25 April 2016
    John Haldane – Visiting Professor and Catholic intellectual
    Julie McCrossin – Church elder and journalist
    Ray Minniecon – Indigenous Anglican Pastor
    Rev. Tiffany Sparks – Anglican Priest and representative for A Progressive Christian Voice
    Lyle Shelton – Managing Director, Australian Christian Lobby
    If you want to join the studio audience http://www2b.abc.net.au/AudienceBooking/Client/AudienceRegistration.aspx

    Matthew 24:13

    But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

  4. Thanks Jo. That has to go into the diary. Lyle is a hero man who gives us lessons in close quarters unarmed combat.

    The only problem with the After the Ball is that reality does not match the kind, tolerant, inclusive, non – discriminatory world it professes to create.. Much water has flowed under the bridge since 1989 to reveal the real hatred, violence, intolerance, bigotry and death wish of its adherents. By now we have ware- house loads of evidence to reveal the result of the homosexual agenda. The trouble is so many Christians will not pollute their minds with even looking at this. They seem to be looking forward either to persecution, or the rapture, thinking that they will escape from the wrath to come.

    David Skinner UK

  5. As a bible Catholic I believe that our christian culture and morality is lost, largely because of the reticence and biblical ignorance of the Australian Catholic Bishops and their priests. The bishops and priests of the Catholic church, generally, don’t adopt biblical morality, and thus don’t or can’t preach biblical morality and probably don’t believe biblical morality. One could go so far as to say that (with few exceptions) they are not men of the Bible. Our parish priest says he doesn’t preach biblical morality, he preaches Catholic morality but I am not sure he is a representative sample or, indeed, that he knows what he is saying. One Catholic bishop put the idea that gay marriage could be legalized for the public good as was divorce. All this is the default position. It excuses a genuine, united campaign promoting bible teaching in respect of same sex relationships. But it’s a rotting albatross around the neck of the hierarchy and until it drops off they will continue to be totally ineffective and by default, support and promote the legalization of same sex marriage. It appears their hearts are not in it. It’s one thing to say that if you endorse SSM we won’t buy your product; it’s another thing again to say that SSM is against God’s law – as John the Baptist did to Herod when Herod married his brother’s wife. The contrast between a timid little man in a red dress and the great John the Baptist could not be more striking. Incidentally, John the Baptist gave his life in defense of marriage as did St Thomas More. Perhaps the hierarchy could adopt one or both of them as the patron of their cause, if they have a cause. The frustration experienced by Catholics towards the inaction of their bishops on this issue continues to simmer. Why is the Catholic Hierarchy so silent on this issue? Why is the other side winning?

    Mankind made a hopeful beginning
    Then ruined the whole thing by sinning
    We trust that the story
    Will end in God’s glory
    But at present the other side’s winning.

    The other side is winning because the other side is not competing.

  6. Thanks Bill once again for your enlightened article on the Gay and Lesbian Agendas. I Bill am willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and all others who possess the Moral Courage to stand united together, in taking upon themselves the name of Christ to stand against the Tyranny and Imorality that is Homosexuality and all other decadent Perversions. I will stand with any Man that so loves Christ that they are willing suffer even Martyrdom if necessary in their love of Christ and all his Moral Principles and Doctrines in obeying God’s Law of Chastity.

  7. The sexualisation of children is another result of the fact we have allowed homosexuals to have their way. Reading the Gay Platform of 1972. All we haven’t seen is the lowering of the age of consent.

  8. Well Brendan, you are clearly speaking from the heart but your experience is very different to mine. In a recent federal election we had candidate who had grown up in our parish and was claiming to still be catholic whilst publicly supporting homosexual marriage( incidentally this is, a highly intelligent young lawyer who could potentially achieve great things using his God given gifts appropriately so pray for him, of your charity). Well our parish priest gave several homilies on what Sacred Scripture has to say on this whole issue and he pulled no punches. The young man was present for these and Father also read from the bishop’s letter outlining the true nature of marriage. May I add that any catholic who attends daily mass will hear the whole Bible in its entirety every three years and those of us who know and believe our Scripture are aware that “Faith comes from hearing ”
    Finally I add that the Sunday homily MUST be a teaching (i.e.discourse/direction for application to the daily Christian life) based on the Scripture readings for that Sunday this is not discretionary for the priest or deacon. May I respectfully suggest that if you’re not hearing the word of God preached in your present parish that you find one that suits you better. The church is not perfect, as well as being The Body of Christ she is also a flawed human institution journeying imperfectly and painfully back to union with the Father under the guidance of the Holy Spirit ‘Jesus’ promised advocate. Let us all pray for Christian unity remembering Jesus’ great high-priestly prayer. We need to stand together in these days as never before. Never has spiritual warfare been so blatant as is these times.
    Let God arise, His enemies be scattered,
    Let them that hate Him flee before His face!

  9. Andrew, that is a very good point and having studied dispensationalism just a little recently, I think I agree as far as it goes. The devil must be pretty confident of the apathy of
    Christians because this document you speak of is not the first of its kind in history. “Das Kapital” and “Mein Kampf” are only 2 that spring to mind immediately. And still, people do not listen or prefer to bury their head in the proverbial sand. It has been heartening to see ladies at craft groups becoming more aware and willing to draw a line in the sand. The line should have been drawn 20 years ago as you said Bill, but with God’s help and especially with God’s forgiveness it may not be too late yet?
    Many blessings
    Ursula Bennett

  10. Bill – great article. However, there is as much political correctness within our churches regarding these issues as there is in the pagan world. Christianity remains neutered by theologies that resemble Gnostic thought more than they do orthodox Christianity. This spiritual/material Platonic dualism was addressed by Schaeffer and yet little has changed among our leaders or our seminaries since he addressed this issue. Today we see the same false piety being promoted by men like John MacArthur and seminaries like Westminster that over- spiritualize Christianity and reject the cultural mandate as being relevant for today. Just like our secular culture – leadership within the church “IS” the problem. We are losing by default because of church leaders that believe God’s Kingdom is solely spiritual and that this world belongs to the pagans. The Gnostic Empire returns and is welcomed by ignorant Christian leaders!

  11. Thank you Anna. I can’t say how pleased I am to read what you said about the sermons of your parish priest. There is hope for us yet but, of course, one swallow doesn’t make a summer. With more priests like yours plus the Rosary Crusade we would be in with a show. I would still like to see a united campaign by the Catholic Bishops (theirs is the authority) but I suppose that is wishful thinking as long as that decaying Albatross is around their Ecclesiastical neck. In any event, why do they have to do what I ask? In their collective wisdom they might have a good reason for doing nothing – or next to nothing.

  12. These films outline The Agenda that is being played out and the results. It is best to remember however that God Acts and Lucifer Reacts. We are very near the End of this Age and the beginning of Jacob’s Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) otherwise known as The Tribulation http://www.agendadocumentary.com/

  13. The foundation of secular humanism with it’s attendant follies is Evilution. Attack the foundation and the walls will fall (although I seriously wonder if the Church Age is now passing to be replaced with the time of Jacobs Trouble, started in 1948). Genesis reveals all the foundations of Christian Doctrine. Here is where the Enemies main attack has been since Darwin. We have given away over 1500 back copies of The Creation Magazine over the past 2-3 years and have had 14 refusals, people are open to truth but Not interested in ‘the church system’ New Wine, New Wine Skins. Cost $1 per copy if you buy 500! Have fun!!

  14. Satan is the originator of and expert at lying. Just as with the German attack on the Jews he works by flooding with lies and propaganda. What Christians were not prepared for was how technology has advanced the ability to spread lies at an astonishing rate and how comatosed people are by their TVs into accepting untruths and fantasy. The idea of redefining marriage is based on an astounding number of lies which people have been convinced ahead of time not to look into because to do so would be “bigoted.” It is an astonishingly clever tactic but it is, I believe, Satan’s swan song so you would expect him to pull out all the stops.

  15. Yet for all the clever homosexual propaganda the ONLY reason it has succeeded is because nations and peoples have turned their backs on Jesus Christ.

    The Bible is God’s word, Reject God and you will reject the Bible. Reject the Bible and you will reject Jesus Christ. Reject Christ and you will be left with nothing but a reprobate mind.

  16. We have the pill – so pregnancy is not a major risk; we have treatments for most STDs – so serious illness isnt a risk except for the most promiscuous; and we live in a society that proclaims sex from the rooftops and teaches youngsters to do sex “when they are ready”.

    That’s the context in which many churches have given up teaching about sexual abstinence outside marriage. The negative impacts are so much less easy to point to.

    So it’s not surprising that many church members can’t see anything very much wrong with unmarried couples, eroticism in the media, occasional recreational sex among young adults, and unmarried companions among elderly adults.

    We have stopped teaching what our Lord clearly commanded! We have had to stop disciplining our members (except maybe some leaders)!

    And now we are going quiet on gay couples too. In context that’s hardly surprising – after all there’s no risk of unwanted pregnancies and commitment should reduce the risk of STDs.

    Until we proclaim sexual righteousness in all its forms, we will keep on “losing” the argument.

    And isn’t it inevitable that we cave in on gay marriage too?

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