Last week, Britney Spears said some words during a Twitter Q&A. It’s been happening more and more lately – Britney’s handlers usually only allow her to answer pre-scripted questions, if that. A few years ago, “Britney” would only do interviews via email, so her publicist could just save everyone the hassle and answer everything in “Britney’s voice”. I guess the real Brit-Brit was actually doing her Twitter Q&A? Either that or somebody’s about to get fired. Anyway, Britney was asked about her favorite book, and she tweeted: “Anything by Max Lucado.” You can see Lucado’s Wiki here – he’s a Texas preacher who has written dozens of books about Jesus, angels, etc. He’s also a big-time fundamentalist who has repeatedly compared gay marriage to incest, bigamy, and all of that stuff. He’s rabidly anti-gay rights (and anti-gay in general, I suspect). So… it’s a big deal? Yes. Because Britney went off-message!
Popped tart BRITNEY SPEARS is hiding a secret that may trigger backlash from her gay fans. The ENQUIRER has discovered the singer, 31, opposes gay marriage and sources say her management team is desperate to keep her views under wraps despite a recent slip-up.
“Britney has worked with and danced with a LOT of gays over the years,” a close source told The ENQUIRER.
“She’s never been homophobic but she doesn’t support gay marriage because the Bible is against it.”
The “Toxic” thrush leaked her potentially career-threatening opinion during a Twitter Q&A promo-ing her new LP “Britney Jean”.
Asked about her favorite author, Brit named Max Lucado, a controversial San Antonio, Texas-based preacher who penned a 2004 article claiming that homosexuality could lead to “legalized incest.”
Now Britney’s handlers are worried that her off-the-cuff comment will ignite a bomb in the gay community.
“When Britney spouted off about Lucado being her favorite author, I doubt that she even knew about his opposition to gay marriage,” the source noted. “She just shot off her mouth. Now she’s stunned that her remarks have everyone so worried. Her handlers have always promoted her to the gay audience, and they’re scrambling to do damage control.”
The source cites Britney’s upbringing in the Baptist church as the reason for her opposition to gay nups.
“Britney grew up singing in the church and attends the local Baptist church when she’s home in Louisiana,” explained the source. “She says the Bible bans gay marriage and she follows that teaching.”
But Britney’s savvy enough to realize gays are important to her success and has been told in no uncertain terms that her opposition to gay marriage could short-circuit her career, said the source.
“Her handles know what’s good for business,” added the source. “And Britney will never talk about her disapproval of gay marriage in public.”
“She says the Bible bans gay marriage and she follows that teaching.” *headdesk* Just like some people believe that Jesus said sh-t about gay people too. He never did. This is just some Old Testament crap. Not that I doubt that some of this stuff gets twisted in Britney’s mind. That being said… I think if you sat down with Britney and asked her directly how she feels about gay people and her gay fans, you’d probably find that she’s pro-human rights and incredibly tolerant. Hopefully.
PS… Her Britney Jean album cover looks like “Burtnery Jean” right?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Oops, she’s done it again…Bless her heart.
I will probably get killed here but I loved Max Lucado books. They are uplifting and spiritual
. I don’t remember reading anything about Gays in his books. She could be reading much worse.
In Max Lucado’s charming little article published in Crosswalk ‘What God Says About Gay Marriage’, he writes:
“Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers-none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God.” – http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-god-says-about-gay-marriage-1273774.html?ps=0
Lucado’s a F*cking vile hater. This is not the God I pray to.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35
FYI – Everyone I know and don’t know’s beliefs are, IMO, acceptable and pleasing. (Except those who think they have the secret handshake, and everyone else is damned to Hell.)
what?!? so you mean I’ve been working on that handshake for nothing?!? oh well, back to the drawing board.
So he’s endorsing and promoting hatred and homophobia under the guise of religion?
Excellent.
Also, I find it strange that people around here will hate a celebrity based on hearsay or ONE incident in their past but here’s an author who is very clearly equating-in no uncertain terms-homosexuality with incest, yet people are giving him a pass because “he doesn’t discuss these things in his books”.
In other words, we’ll stop watching movies with Tom Cruise because of his CO$ beliefs but continue to read books by a man who espouses homophobia. We hold an actor accountable for his behavior off-screen but we don’t hold an author responsible for his behavior outside of the written word? The inconsistency is not lost on me.
Very odd to me.
+1, Kitten dear. Absolutely right, IMO, and well said. 😉
That quote from max lucado is actually directly from the New Testament, by the apostle Paul I believe. I know nothing about max lucado, but I don’t believe not supporting gay marriage makes people vile haters. I don’t support it either, but I keep my mouth shut so people don’t call me that very thing.
I see nothing wrong with someone liking his books. I’ve read a few and there’s nothing anti-gay in it. Just because she reads his books doesn’t mean she shares his views outside his writings. Plus, some people have strong beliefs against gay marriage that really aren’t going to change, no need to shun them out of our life (of course this varies by person). I have friends who are against gay marriage, but they are incredibly wonderful people who care a lot about me. They don’t scream ‘fag! no to gay marriage!’ when they see me…they’re great people, just have different views that are unfortunately not the greatest.
I’m not sure what to think that you are friends with these people. You say they care about you and I don’t want to question that, because I don’t know you. But my daily experience in general is, that people who claim to be nice and caring are not when it comes down to it. I was friends with people for years and then they showed their true colors. And it wasn’t even about being gay or not.
Almost everybody is able to know by now, that being gay is a natural thing. Saying it isn’t just shows how uneducated and ignorant they are. Just be careful.
@Liv: they are lifelong friends who I know very deeply. There are some good people out there who believe this stuff, just have to find them lol. Not going to argue a point or anything over an online forum though…I think it’s sometimes icky to do these issues online because people don’t personally know each other. I do see what you’re saying though, I’m just lucky enough to have these friends
Andrew1, See The Original Kitten’s post, above, for a clearheaded and reasonable response to this position.
@Liv, if I eliminated all my friends every time I disagreed with them on some issue, I wouldn’t have any friends left! Let’s face it, almost everyone in society has an opinion that doesn’t jive with “political correctness”. As long as they don’t rub it in my face, I am okay with being their friend.
Torisan, seriously? I hope you got my point that it wasn’t just about not agreeing on a topic. And there’s a big difference in different political opinions or thinking that the other person is not allowed to marry who they want. Remember human rights?
Besides I didn’t tell Andrew to eliminate all his friends, just to be careful. Also if you want to have friends who are racist or homophobic, feel free to do so, but please let me out of it.
Well, in my experience those people who will not support your basic rights (yes, personal point of view) are not true friends who will stick with you through thick and thin. They are friends as long as your (or anyone’s) “gayness” isn’t rubbed in their faces and as long as you don’t kiss your significant other in their presence. Because at some point, their “tolerance” of you will end. Why? Because it’s not just a difference of opinion, it’s a huge gap in values. They’re against same-sex marriage? Why? Because they view same-sex relationships as something lesser. How anyone can claim to be your friend when they view your love and happiness as less than their own is beyond me.
It’s anyone’s decision who they want to be friends with but personally, I’d rather chew glass than call someone my friend who thinks I’m not equal to them and who wouldn’t want me to be as happy as I can be because they feel like they get to decide where that quest for happiness goes just a little too far.
This is not limited to gay marriage btw. I’ve found that it’s incredibly hard to be friends with people who do not share my basic values when it comes to things that are important to me. “He’s a little racist sometimes but otherwise he’s such a lovely person.” Really? No, I can’t.
I am someone like that. Just because I don’t agree with gay marriage doesn’t mean I’m against human rights. I have a different world view, that doesn’t make me a bad person. There are many many people in this world with different points of view, we don’t all have to agree. I am also catholic, so I’m sure I believe a great many ‘crazy’, things that I would get slammed for on here. Understanding is a two way street. I also don’t agree with polygamy, marriage between humans and animals, marriage between brother and sister—before anyone gets offended, there are plenty of people who want these things and just because I don’t support it doesn’t mean I’m anti-human rights.
@ Liz: But if you’re against gay marriage and for human rights, that means you don’t believe gay marriage falls in that category. So that would be my issue. Your definition of human rights is fundamentally different from mine then and I would never be okay with that.
And why is it that people always go to the animal thing??? WHAT is it with conservatives etc. equating gay marriage with beastiality??? Is an animal a consenting adult? No.
And nobody said you’re a bad person. I just wouldn’t want to be your friend and trust me, you wouldn’t want to be mine. As for this “different points of view, no disrespect” business … where to begin. You have the right to get married and want to deny others the same because your values tell you it’s not okay. So basically, your point of view means someone else isn’t allowed to be as happy as you. That’s a bit more than a difference in opinion. Again, this is the reason why for me (and many people I know), the “I’m not allowed a different opinion? You’re so intolerant.” holds no water. You’re allowed that opinion and I’m allowed to think your opinion makes you someone I can’t be friends with.
@littlemissnaughty
No we don’t have to be friends. I think reverse intolerance is certainly a thing, even if you think it doesn’t hold water. Ok forget the bestiality thing, but if getting married is a human right then polygamy should be allowed here as it is in many countries, and incestual marriage should also be allowed as long as they agree to adopt. Nobody’s liberty or happiness should be infringed upon. If it is all relative there really is no way to draw the line. Of course we certainly all probably would agree that children should not be married but in some countries they do just that, and I am not trying to say anything inflammatory here so please do not take it that way. As for incest, Just because you may not know people who want incestual marriage does not mean this won’t become a rights issue in the coming decades. As long as they are responsible citizens and that makes them happy and they’re not hurting anyone they too should be allowed to get married then.
littlemissnaughty, thank you, you put it much better than I could!
Liz, I’m catholic as well, please don’t make it seem like your view is catholic – it’s your own opinion, not the one of the catholic church. I believe in human rights and I assume Jesus did too.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
As for your equations of gay marriage and incest – are you serious? It’s proved that incest causes disabiltys, which gay marriage doesn’t. Your arguments are pretty lame.
@ Liz: I’m not trying to convince you to support gay marriage, that’s useless. Although I will say this. It is ridiculous to assume that all hell would break loose if it became legal and suddenly people would try to marry their hamster or their twin or their car. Nobody wants to marry a relative or a different species. They want to marry the person they met in a bar or at work or at the frickin’ gym or wherever and then fell in love with. The ONLY difference is gender. How very unimportant. And where you draw the line? Oh Lord, that’s easy. Consenting adults. Does that include polygamy then? Probably, I’m not very invested when it comes to that.
That was not my point though. My point was that “She’s a little homophobic but otherwise she’s a lovely girl.” is not something I could ever say about a friend. Not defining human rights the same way is up there too. If my “friend” thought my happiness was less important than theirs because I just happened to be gay/bi/etc., that person would not truly be my friend. That’s all. I’ve tried to be friends with people like that and at some point they ALWAYS insult or offend my gay friends. Always. “No, I don’t think you should be afforded the same rights.” is a killer at dinner. Try it. It creates a lovely atmosphere and suddenly I feel so close to that “friend”.
@Liv,
Please….I absolutely believe all human beings are born with dignity and respect. I believe the catholic church’s teaching, which per the Catechism of the Catholic Church also happens to be this:
2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,141 tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.”142 They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.
2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
It says that people cannot help being homosexual, but that it isn’t ordered towards human life, and should not be practiced—but that they should also be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.
Obviously this is not a “mainstream” teaching in our society. I really didn’t want to get all “catholic” up here on celebitchy, but please don’t tell me that my opinion is not Catholic, when you obviously have no idea what the church teaches about this yourself. It is very easy to look up what the Catholic Church teachers–it is all spelled out in the Catechism—and my opinion, that gays deserve dignity and respect, but should not get married happens to be 100% in line with what the Catholic Church teaches. Pope Francis obviously believes that gays deserve respect and sensitivity, but he’s not about to condone gay marriage.
I live in a very liberal city and I have a lot of gay friends. I do not talk about my views, because it clearly offends people, although I don’t think it should. They can believe whatever they want, I just don’t happen to agree with it and I am not going to let it get in the way of our friendship. Nobody I know would ever call me a homophobe..and I am not a homophobe.
@littlemissnaughty
I am not saying all hell will break loose. I’m just saying it’s a step in the direction of more and more boundaries being broken down. Yes, I think marriage should be between two consenting adults, but that is just what our social norm today is. In the 1800’s people in this country were getting married when they were 12-13. That was normal then. It was a social norm. Just because you may think that’s absurd, well that’s just your point of view. Society changes. For most of history, marriages were based on survival, on practicality, not on people meeting in a bar.
Yes there are people who want to marry their brother or sister, it may be relatively rare but it EXISTS, and those people deserve dignity and respect as well. If they agree to be sterilized so they don’t reproduce, why shouldn’t they get married? 50-60 years ago gay marriage wasn’t exactly a prevalent social issue and most people probably didn’t think it would become one, but it is now. 50-60 years from now, maybe people will be seeking rights to marry their sister, their half-brother, themself, or whatever. You may think my point is ridiculous, but all I’m saying is there are people out there who want to get married whom you probably don’t think should get married—even though you said that consenting adults is where you draw the line. Does that mean you don’t support human rights? They deserve happiness too.
I’m done here. I really am not the kind of person who likes to get into these discussions, which is why I don’t talk about my views in public. This is a gossip website. All I was trying to say is, if you don’t support gay marriage, it doesn’t make you some kind of monster or someone who doesn’t support human rights. And someone who felt that way about me I would walk away from in a New York Minute, especially since I respect their views.
Liz, I didn’t say your opinion wasn’t catholic, just that you shouldn’t pretend your opinion is the only catholic one. My uncle is a priest and he said being gay is not an illness. There are different opinions in the catholic church about gays and just because it’s in the Old Testament doesn’t make it true. The Old Testament also says that women who are raped in a town should be stoned to death. I don’t believe in that either.
And Liz: if you are against gay marriage you don’t support human rights, simple as that. Have you ever put yourself in the position of gay people? What would you do and how would you feel if you were not allowed to marry your love?
I agree, I’ve read some of his books and never saw anything referring to gays.
Who cares? Look back in history, probably 100% of those people were misogynists. I don’t want to live in such a politically correct world where my reading choices are scrutinized based on what the author’s private feelings are. How is this different than the stupid Golden Compass outcry because the author didn’t like Christians? We need to chill.
I am a San Antonian and I, too, really adore Max Lucado. I have his devotional bible and I listen to the podcasts from Oak Hills daily on my runs. The simple fact is that the bible is clear on the definition of marriage. I have my personal belief that gay marriage should be 100% legal, but I also don’t think that being married under the law doesn’t have to necessarily coincide with religious beliefs.
Max had me crying this morning while I was out, because he had to much to say that I truly needed to hear. If you listen to any of Randy Frazee’s preaching, they are open and receptive to homosexual worshipers. We are all saved by faith through grace. They are both great men and wonderful leaders.
“We are all saved by faith through grace.”
That makes no sense at all. what does that even mean? I feel like super religious people have all these codewords that don’t actually mean anything.
Jen that’s a bible verse–We are all saved by faith through grace, that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God, not of man, lest anyone should boast”–been a while since I actually read the Bible, but that’s the verse.
Basically the poster was saying that all of us are saved by God, not by anything that WE do. It’s not a “I convert 1,000 people to Christianity before I die, then I get to go to heaven” deal. It’s a “I believe that Jesus died to save me, no matter what I’ve done in this life, and I’m going to heaven.” It can happen for anything–gay, straight, bisexual, transgender…..
Isn’t her boyfriend’s last name Lucado? Maybe they’re related.
MeeMow says they are related in the post below.
Really doubt she actually reads
ha, that was my first thought.
That was literally my exact thought.
…maybe it was a book on tape.
Maybe one of her minders read it to her – with pictures for additional explanation.
I always see her with books in her hands. I’m not kidding, she’s always reading and smoking on the beach.
She is barely allowed to make any decisions. It’s not really surprising that her author choice is also a firenbrimstone preacher.
And she was probably drugged over the last years. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. This girl was taught to follow like a sheep. She even followed Paris Hilton!
ITA 100%
Considering she kissed Madonna (of all people) on stage, I highly doubt Britney is a hardcore bible thumper. That said, unless you’re a liberal Christians, non-religious liberals should really not talk about the bible and what it says or who said what, because liberals get heart attacks of outrage over the bible and they need to practice some of the tolerance themselves.
That makes no sense whatsoever.
Gibbbery jibbery, goo?
Try drawing line under the subject. I think what you mean to say is that liberals judge the bible (with out understanding the scriptures) and Christians too harshly with out giving them a chance to defend their beliefs per bible or doctrine.
Most “liberals” I know fall into the category of recovering Christians and are pretty familiar with the word. Consider it an educated choice.
I once asked a preacher if liberals were allowed in his church. When he took a beat to think it over, I was outta there. Folks, there are mainline protestant faiths who do NOT hold with this ancient hate filled venom that is being passed off as God’s judgement by people to suit their own twisted agendas.
I so agree with you. All this “God hates homosexuals” is really just about people making themselves feel virtuous and righteous by ganging up on a group of people who are “safe” because they are different. Do you ever hear these people talking about any other groups in this manner? Why aren’t they haranguing adulterers, or liars or people who don’t help the poor? Because those people are sitting in their congregation, so it might make them feel bad and they might not come back or make their donation. My church welcomes everybody who comes in good faith. My nephew is gay, and I’ve known since he was a child. That’s the way God made him, and in my opinion, He did a beautiful job.
@Goodnamesalltaken
Exactly. My family actually just left a church that we’d been going to for almost nine years because the pastor was going on and on about gay people–and not just in a “the bible says being gay is wrong”, he was basically saying that they’re disgusting. Which I don’t like. Because he’s supposed to be a pastor; show compassion and understand to EVERYONE, not just those people who fit in his narrow view of what is right and good (and I’m saying this about other christians too–he’s one of those people who had sat his daughter’s boyfriends i.e. the men they were “courting” and say that if they wanted to date her, they had to be chaperoned at all times–and they weren’t teenagers either–and in six months they had to decide if they wanted to get married or not), and nothing else fits that. He didn’t care about anyone but his family and those who fit his view of what a family should be.
@ Gossy
That is complete nonsense. Anyone is has bothered to read and study the bible, can talk/write about it. These is not enough of that actually. It is pretty clear that most of the people who do talk about it haven’t bothered to truly read it.
I was clearly not fully awake when I wrote some of that. Thus a crap ton of word errors. Oh well. The gist comes across.
“non-religious liberals should really not talk about the bible and what it says or who said what”
Done and done.
As a liberal atheist I actually make it a POINT to never talk about what the bible does/doesn’t say, particularly in the context of politics, as religious texts of any kind really shouldn’t be a factor when discussing governmental mechanics, law-making etc.
Honestly, I’ve met more secular liberals who are better read and studied when it comes to the Bible than I have Christians.
Wait, why are we not allowed to talk about the Bible? Do you not talk about other religions, ever? Or about people who don’t follow religion? Oops, I think you already did. So, uh… what?
so because I disagree with the bible and therefore am not religious I cant comment on it? Ummm I don’t think so sweetheart.
The book of the Bible – Leviticus – that condemns homosexuality is the same book of the Bible that teaches you how best to treat the slaves it’s totally OK with God for you to have, so maybe it’s not the best source of advice for dealing with your fellow man. Meanwhile, Jesus was so unconcerned about the gays that he mentions homosexuality precisely ZERO times in his teachings.
I guess it’s fun for people to pick and choose which bits of scripture most suit their own personal prejudices!
And a lot of that stuff is added on over the centuries, as it suits the dudes running the show.
Patriarchy sucks.
ACTUALLY, I have asked some Christians about this and they do have a strong case (I’m not saying it’s correct, but my friends explained it). Once Christ died, according to them, the old Levitical law was canceled and the New Testament law is what Christians live by. Something like that…I’m not saying it’s the best explanation ever, but many Christians I know do not agree with Leviticas but are incredibly devoted to the scripture, which I honestly don’t mind.
Not all christians believe that hater crap, Andrew1.
Oh, and they DID point out that Jesus does talk about sexual sin in the New Testament. Not saying it says anything about gays, haven’t looked at it, but I wish people didn’t act like the New Testament is all butterflies and sunshine. Again, not saying I agree but if you talk to SOME Christians they do have reasons for what they believe…they’re not all screaming idiots who are hateful.
You do not take the Bible literally. At least we Catholics don’t. That gives you a lot of manouvering space. I am a very left-liberal pro-gay Catholic, as are most people around me. Don’t put all Christians in the same basket. Although, I got told once by a Protestant that we Catholics aren’t Christians, so what do I know.
I agree with you Spooks. I don’t take it literally. I use it as a guide, nothing more.
“Sexual sin” covers a lot of non-homosexual ground. Like, say, rape. Which is most definitely something that everyone, Christian or not, should condemn.
Kaiser : It’s not correct that there are no references to homosexuality in the new testament. However none were made by Jesus. They are made by his disciple Paul in letters written to the various church communities that had started up. Here is the link if anyone wants it : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_the_New_Testament. That being said, I attend a baptist church and I am fine with gay marriage.
Leviticus also says that eating shellfish is an abomination, and that a man and woman who have sex during her menstrual period should be punished by stoning. So…
Britney’s current boyfriend is called David Lucado and the homophobic preacher is called Max Lucado. Maybe they are somehow related and that’s why she mentioned him? Or maybe she doesn’t read books at all and she chose the first author with familiar name but not as well-known as let’s say Tolkien because someone might have asked her about the content or a favourite character? She might also like his books for real and do not know about his anti-gay thoughts. George Bernard Shaw was even more extreme (not gay-related but he had some hardcore views and some people say he was downright evil) and people still love his books.
He IS related to her boyfriend. I doubt she’s read his books (or many books at all). She probably thought she was just giving a shout out to her boyfrind’s family to help his sales.
As good a theory as any. I hope Britney’s not a closeted bigot. I’d much rather think of her as dickmatized.
She doesn’t support gay marriage because the Bible doesn’t? I guess the Bible supported her 55 day marriage then.
It was hours, not days. Even worse! 🙂
And aside from the lack of bra, she looks really good in that header photo.
Well let’s boycott her CD’s, merchandise and concerts and put her on blast for reading! It’s not that big of a deal. She isn’t telling ppl to read this author. She answered a question. No one has the right to tell any of us what we can and cannot read on our own time.
Before I get any negative comments, I am socially very liberal and have no idea who this author is. So I am not defending his books or anyone being anti gay.
Exactly, Eliza. I hate how this article says she “spouted off” and “shot her mouth off”. Um, she answered a question. She didn’t rant and rave about her beliefs. This is ridiculous. How I would hate to be a celebrity and have every last utterance disected. Not enough money in the world for that nonsense.
Britney reads?
Burtnery Jean done stepped in it now.
Bahahaha! This slayed me!
You can love a writer without sharing his point of views, for example Ferdinand Céline, author of the Journey to the End of the Night which is considered a masterpiece, his antisemitism was well-known. And the book is amazing.
+ 1
That is one of the great lesser known novels of the 20th century, and one of my favorites; wasn’t he tried in abstentia? Despicable views, but a magnificent novel.
I don’t think she has a favorite writer. A favorite magazine maybe.
I know I’m bible-ignorant esp for a girl who went to Catholic schools but where in the bible does it specifically say that homosexual people can’t marry? I really wish the Old Testament wasn’t allowed to be used as a guide to living at all.
It doesn’t state specifically, but considering what both the Old and New Testament (and, yes, the NT does talk about homosexuality) state about homosexuality in general, it’s a pretty safe assumption.
Actually, the New Testament does address same sex intercourse (although there is a school of thought that suggests that those versus are referencing Temple same sex prostitution). There is also a red letter verse that many interprate to be Jesus refering to homosexuality. I am on my phone but I believe he says something like there are eunuchs who were made that way from the beginning. If you consider that the concept of sexual orientation is barely a century old, it is conceivable that we misunderstood the meaning of the term “eunuch” and that Jesus was speaking to his audience in the language they could process.
I think we have to remember that the Bible has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the centuries, largely by men, and often by people with their own agenda and political and social motives.
You’re right. My church teaches (and I believe) that the Bible IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM is the inspired word of God. Surely many things have been lost in translation in the thousands of years it’s been around.
There were plenty of literal “eunuchs” back then. And if it was a metaphor for something else, it’s far more likely to be asexuality.
Also, there are very straightforward references to homosexuality in the Old Testament (if a man lies with a man as he lies with a woman) so I don’t think the metaphor argument holds much water.
My guess would be she’s read a bit of his angel stuff and isn’t aware of the other. But who knows. She doesn’t strike me as hard core right wing though.
It looks like Butriey Jean to me.
Exactly. I highly doubt she’s read more than one or two of his books. And most of his books are cheesy, lightweight, new-age Christianity stuff. Very “Chicken Soup for the Soul” kind of books.
Max Lucado is basically the Thomas Kincade of Christian writers.
Yeah, I was thinking he was probably the only person who popped into her head when she was asked. I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt that she didn’t know about him in depth.
People need to chill & give Britney a break. I think she likes his books not his opinions on gays which she might not even know about. He might be wacko but is a good writer & Britney is just gonna do damage control so as not to alienate her gay fans but I’m sure she’ll keep reading his books.
+1
Just because she likes an author’s books doesn’t automatically mean that she shares his personal/religious views, or even knows about them. This is Britney we’re talking about, she is likely not a person who is heavily into literature.
I think people are reading way too much into a random statement she made.
+1
she seems nice but…no one every said she was smart…
Max Lucado is super sweet and gentle. I’ve gone to his church in TX. People spin crap however they want to. I’m happy to know Britney is into Jesus (that’s who Lucado writes about). Good for her <3 because a life without Him sucks.
That is a very judgmental statement. And denigrates people who practice other religions as well as those who choose not to practice a religion.
Speak for yourself Isabella, my Jesus/God/Divinity free life is awesome.
I live a life without Jesus and I can tell you first-hand that my life doesn’t suck in the slightest.
“I’m happy to know Britney is into Jesus (that’s who Lucado writes about). Good for her <3 because a life without Him sucks."
This is such an off-putting thing to say. I am a Christian, and I myself am happier now that I spend more time in prayer, worship, fellowship with other believers and studying scripture. This improved MY life. According to Jesus (whom I follow), the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart soul and mind. And EQUALLY IMPORTANT, love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22: 36-40) It doesn’t say love them only if they are nice people. Only if they are a husband and wife with 3.2 children. Only if they wear a cross around their neck and are a stay at home mom. No, it says love them, period. No restrictions. This is how I strive to live. (Even though it’s hard sometimes). It is not our job to point fingers and scream at people. It's not our place to tell people that their lives suck because they don't have Jesus. We are to love. Period.
Totally agree with you. If you really try hard to follow what the Bible teaches, you should come away humbled and aware of YOUR many failings and need for improvement, not feeling arrogant and judgmental about other people and what they are doing. God is about love and acceptance, not hate and intolerance.
No, life without Jesus does not “suck”. I’m much happier now than when I was Christian. It’s pretty small-minded to think that your religion is the only way to happiness.
Isabella Lark, I invite you to open your heart to the possibility that life is pretty great for millions who live “a life without Him” just fine.
For all of us who were fortunate enough to be born into the privilege of health and sustenance, life is a paradise for everyone who wants it. The kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17: 20-21) I believe having Grace/Peace/Contentment/Whatever you call it/Whatever’s right for you/ is all that you need to access a life of joy. I believe a sincere ardent desire to reflect, repent, and overcome our wrongs, as well as loving the poor as we love ourselves, is needed to get out of our ‘ego nature’; otherwise, we are stuck and lose out on experiencing heaven on earth. IMO, if there is a heaven afterlife, it will also be open to those who do right by their consciences written on their heart and they will be judged favorably by God. (Romans 2:14-16) – The Catechism According to Sloane 🙂
For another huge population who were born into unimaginable sickness, poverty, and despair, even being occasionally content is a LOT harder to come by. Survival is their priority. When I’m able, I share what material possessions I have, my encouragement, my unconditional love, and my support with anyone who wants it. Since I don’t have the grand poo bah of insider knowledge and don’t believe in a “narrow road”, I never proselytize. I’d rather listen and learn. I don’t place myself above anyone, nor do I condemn anyone, plus it’s obvious I don’t adhere to organized dogma. My approach is to forever be a student.
No, life without “Him” is just fine and dandy. I’m much happier knowing I control my own destiny, as opposed to an old man in the sky who sends people to hell.
I can’t believe this!!!!! If this is the case then she should also know that the Bible opposes sexualising yourself, becoming slave to the body,etc.
I think Brit-Brit is just dumb. And somehow I can’t come to blame her for this. It’s just how she is. Her handlers, now they are something! They knew when to milk her and how! As a teen, in her Oops! I did it again video days, she probably must have had the same values but didn’t know better. (She is not smart, so she wouldn’t have made the connection or it could be that the $$$ made everything worth it, i don’t know. It could be both). Maybe she’s not good at socializing or is socially awkward – or just doesn’t have much of an opinion. I can believe the opinion part – i seen an X Factor episode that she was judging. She was bbaad.
I guess she’s just the luckiest girl to have ever lived being so successful without any brains or talent.
It feels like, just because the bible defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, that the world has no tolerance for Christianity anymore. Nothing in the bible has ever taught me to be hateful for hurt anyone. Ever.
Nope, wrong. No one has an issue with the bible defining marriage as between a man and a woman. People have a problem with *some* religious people USING this and other information found in a religious text to deprive others of their inherent human rights.
My position that one should NOT have the right to impose one’s religious beliefs upon others is not indicative of oppression or intolerance, it is simply what I view to be right and fair, i.e. religious freedom and SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. The Christians I know understand this and believe in true equality for all. Their personal beliefs are just that-PERSONAL, not something they feel everyone must subscribe to. If you want to believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, I’m 100% fine with that, as long as you don’t use that to say that gay people shouldn’t have the right to get married. Your personal, religious-based opinion should not become LAW.
I agree. When people try to legislate religious beliefs that aren’t supported by the Constitution, they are violating peoples rights. Having the belief is one thing, legislating it is another.
ITA, TOK and Tiffany.
Jaqueline, what the world has no tolerance for anymore is the Christian Ameritaliban trying to legislatively rewrite our society into a theocracy. We’re not going to quietly sit by and let you impose your religion on us. Don’t tread on me.
I heart your comment OKitt.. My beliefs are my own and I would never force them onto someone else. (although if I’m being honest the treat others as you would want to be treated should be a common courtesy)
@Kitten
Perfect
I completely agree. My parents are split–one’s conservative, the other’s liberal. I don’t care if you’re gay, to be honest, though I have religious beliefs. I don’t think that the government should be the ones to regulate marriage. I don’t think it’s the government’s place to say who can get married and who can’t (beyond being old enough, etc). I don’t like the idea that gays getting married, somehow destroys the family, when for the most part, families are being destroyed–in the conservative christian context i.e. people get divorces all the time, gender roles aren’t enforced, etc. But somehow gays being able to get married, being able to have their families legally recognized is something that’s just ruining marriage.
Another example is abortion. For me, personally, I hate the idea of abortions. To be clear, I don’t hate that women get them, I hate that it’s needed. I hate the fact that some women are raped. I hate that some women can’t afford birth control because their insurance won’t cover it. I hate the fact that sometimes a woman really wants their child, but she can’t afford to give him/her the life they deserve. I hate the idea that sometimes birth control fails, and that woman really just doesn’t want a child. I hate the idea that some (very few) women just use abortion as a way of birth control. I wish we lived in a world where birth control always worked; where everyone could take care of and love their children.
But we don’t live in that world. We live in a world where people have babies that they can’t and won’t take care of. We live in a world where it’s ALWAYS the kids that suffer. Always. And I would rather a woman get an abortion, than to treat that child like they’re a problem or abuse them. My mom’s father did that to her. He had SIX kids, and he always treated them like they weren’t there. He left them to be abused and worked half to death by his sister every weekend for over two years.
Anyway, rant over.
She better apologize because she has a huge gay fanbase, and if she lost that than it’ll be trouble for her.
What exactly does she have to apologize for?
What exactly does she have to apologize for? – Lucybell
Britney does need to apologize, and she could do it one of several ways.
“I’m sorry gays that my favorite author doesn’t think you are the chosen ones like the rest of us.”
“I’m sorry because I didn’t know my favorite author is a an ugly bigot, and now he’s not my favorite author anymore because I don’t want to lose your gay money.”
“I’m sorry that I’m not edumacated enough to know my favorite author hates gays.”
The mind reels.
Exactly, Sloane.
She’s in the public spotlight and if she’s fine with taking money from the gay people who buy her album then maybe she should explain why she supports a man who thinks like this:
“Can you imagine the complicated consequences of same-sex parenting? Distinctives between the genders will blur. Young people will have confusing and conflicting models from which to choose. Studies show that daughters with no father are more likely to experience teenage pregnancy than other girls. Motherless children miss the emotional security only a mom can give.”
I guess if she’s against gay marriage then she likely doesn’t take issue with this comment but I bet a lot of her gay fans would be disappointed to hear that she’s on the same page as this man. *shrugs*
Also, this message does not seem like a very inclusive one, condemning what is likely a model of loving parental behavior just because HE doesn’t think homosexuals should have the right to be married and have a family, and that doesn’t even address the fact that what he says here is patently false.
Who cares that she reads books by an author who doesn’t believe in gay marriage? I don’t think she has to apologize for anything. Since when does everyone have to have the same opinion on everything? Talk about intolerance.
TS Eliot wrote amazing, beautiful poetry. But he was a horrible anti-Semite. Does that make his poems any less incredible? No, but it spoils the reading of them. I cannot read “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”, or “The Waste Land”, or “The Hollow Men” without thinking, “It’s a shame he was such a horrible anti-Semite.” Because for all that his works are incredible, TS Eliot will never be one of my favorite writers. His known personal views don’t manifest in everything that he wrote, but knowing of them, how can they be ignored? He was tremendous poet and a terrible person and there’s no reconciling the two. His contributions to the English canon cannot be overlooked but they must always be asterisked.
Just because a writer’s personal views don’t form part of their narrative thesis, doesn’t mean they aren’t germane to the discussion. So Max Lucado doesn’t mention gay people in his books, and all these people say, “See, one has nothing to do with the other.” But does it? Because he’s created a world where gay people don’t exist. I would say the one has very much to do with the other. Coincidentally, this is why Orson Scott Card’s vile homophobia came as such a surprise. Many people identified messages of acceptance and tolerance in his books, only to find out that Card is neither accepting nor tolerant. In Card’s case, there is a significant disconnect between his written works and his personal beliefs. I have actually read some of Lucado’s books and his religious beliefs very much influence his writing. His books reinforce codified Christian assumptions about good and evil, heaven and hell, etc. He never overtly states these beliefs but his narratives are built on a foundation of very “traditional” values. And I use “traditional” in its own codified sense, meaning exclusionary and prejudicial. Lucado’s works reinforce what many people think of the world, but because he never comes right out and says, “And then the demon chucked the homo into the pits of hell,” his readers have plausible deniability about their own place in this system of codified beliefs. It’s insidious.
I guess it’s better for authors and artists to never let anyone know about their personal beliefs so it doesn’t ruin their art.
I don’t see how some people can be a la carte Christians. When I was in college I realized I had been focusing on the Jesus “goodwill toward mankind” stuff and plugging my ears to the other 75% of the book. If it is the word of God, my mind can only rationalize taking all or nothing. I don’t understand when people dismiss the first half and then ignore Revelation.
I am not trying to scold anyone, I’m just explaining how I can’t wrap my brain around this other kind of perspective.
The Bible has tons of stuff in it that contradicts other stuff in it. It starts at the very beginning in Genesis, which has two separate creation stories: first, God creates men and women at the same time; then, there’s the entirely different Adam and Eve story. The Old Testament is pro-slavery, anti-woman, and anti-heathen a lot more than it’s anti-gay. But Galatians 3:28 says this: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
What I was taught was that Jesus brought a new covenant. It was based on love for one’s fellow human and for God. Further, God did not write the Bible with her/his own hand. Fallible humans translated it. A council of human beings, with their own desires for power, decided what to make “official” and what to leave out. And then it was translated again and again and again.
As for Revelation, it was written for the people of the time, and used metaphors because they lived under a tyranny and so could not use straightforward language. It was not a prediction for the future. People have tried to twist it into a literal prediction for their own times for a very long time, and it has never worked, because that is not what it is.
Nicely put, Emily C. Do I recognize some Lutheranism in your post?
I don’t see how some people can be a la carte Christians. – Tiffany
It’s easy when you consider how the bible’s manuscripts were assembled and written by men. It’s also easy because not everyone defines christianity in the black and white fundamentalist way you do. Grey areas abound. For example, Thomas Jefferson was a deist and enjoyed a belief in the existence of a God on the evidence of reason and nature only, with rejection of supernatural revelation. There are lots of differing christian thought as well.
Ugh ugh ugh. My grandma has sent me some of Lucado’s books over the years, I read them and they were fine – no mention of any if this anti-gay crap. I had no idea this was what he believed/taught, never having bothered to investigate him further. I’ll be tossing them now.
So it is possible to have read his stuff and not know about the anti-gay teachings, particularly as I highly doubt Britney’s handlers let her anywhere near the Internet. I also highly doubt, however, that she reads.
Yikes, book burners (or tossers) suck. It’s just ignorant behavior, with all due respect.
What Dena is talking about is a far cry from book burning, which is dangerous because it restricts other people from accessing things they might wish to read and because it can be seen as a public display of contempt for knowledge in general.
One person privately discarding a copy of a book she no longer wishes to own doesn’t have either of those effects.
Thank You, lunchcome!
Payton, uh, what? That was a pretty big leap there!
I will most likely put the books in a “donate” bag and take them to charity, or take them to the recycle center in town. Lucado has the right to say and publish what he wills – and as a published author myself I support that right – but I also have the right to chose not to read or listen to his views. That is not censorship, or book-burning, it is (IMO) good taste.
(Thanks Lunchcoma!)
I am curious if everyone would be as dismissive if she had said her favorite author was Anton Lavay…
I am curious if everyone would be as appalled if she had said that Jean Paul Gaultier was her favorite designer….
*ending facetious font to face palm*
Okay, so it was dumb example. But seriously, if she were to share that her favorite author had really strong anti-Christian leanings, or was pro-terrorist or something, this thread wouldn’t be filled with “It’s okay, he writes nice things, she didn’t know about the mean stuff”
Yeah I agree, but I also think that people give her a pass because Britney has always seemed sweet, if not the brightest gal.
Another factor contributing to the benign acceptance is that Lucado isn’t out there actively endorsing homophobia and encouraging people to hate homosexuals, he’s framing his bigotry within the context of religion, thus it is instantly more acceptable to the masses.
My personal opinion is that people like Lucado are inherently more impactful (and some might say dangerous) than, say, a crazy guy on the corner screaming gay slurs. In the former instance, people will read his books and gulp up his teachings because he’s a “good Christian”, whereas in the latter instance, people would likely just ignore the *crazy homophobe* not taking anything he said seriously. One is very insidious, the other is in-your-face and easier to recognize as wrong (that is, IF you think it’s wrong to alienate and condemn people based on their sexual orientation)
Again, people have the right to read what they want or take what they want from Lucano’s books, but I’m not sure his underlying message is really the positive one of love and acceptance that I generally associate with my friends who practice the Christian faith.
Ohhh Ok. My bad. I misinterpreted your post, judyjudy. I read it as “quit picking on those poor misunderstood Westboro – type christians ’cause you guys would raise holy hell if Britney was a satan worshiper”.
This is just my personal reaction: I’d be surprised, mostly because it clashed with what I know of Britney and her tastes. If we switch to another dumb bunny and Miley Cyrus said it was her favorite book, I would assume that she also hadn’t read it period and was only mentioning it in a pathetic attempt to seem edgy.
Basically, I’m not going to take someone’s choice of favorite very seriously if I have no reason to think the person has actually read it.
(For whatever it’s worth, I’m not Christian myself.)
I don’t see the big deal. If she wants to read it, let her read it. It’s not hurting you or I or anyone else. She isn’t saying down with the gays, going to protest rallies of same-sex marriage, or anything of the sort. Half the things people do behind their own closed door would probably cause all the hens to get angry as we’re turning into a politically correct nation. No longer can one person have their preference and be left alone but now if you don’t believe or follow the same train of thought you’re instantly a bad person and at risk for harsh ridicule. Now, if Britney went out and slapped a homosexual in the face or called them extreme names such as Alec Baldwin in his every day life (straight and gay alike) then we would have cause for concern- I think.
Baldwin called a paparazzi an anti-gay term leaving the courthouse the other day and no one (except Michael K) covered it and yet here we are discussing what Spears reads in her private time? Sorry, calling this sexist. Going after her because we’re women and we tear other women to shreds but we allow stains on life such as Baldwin to get away with it and dismiss it because he always does something like this. Well, he’s going to continue- an actual person that uses homophobic slurs versus someone who reads a book that talks about anti-gay marriage and the such. Remind me where Britney has gone out and called a homosexual a ‘Queen’ and ‘C*cksucker’, please.
Why does this surprise anyone? She also thinks its okay to wear animal fur. It doesn’t surprise me at all that she is against gay marriage.
Also, if she is such a holy Baptist chick, reading Max Lucado, why does she wear slutty looking outfits in public? There seems to be some hypocrisy here…..
Huh? I may be wrong but I’ve never seen Britney wear fur. And what does wearing fur have to do with your stance on gay marriage anyway? Whenever I think of a fur wearing celebrity, I think of Lady Gaga and she’s vocally pro gay marriage.
If this had been another celebrity, I might take it more seriously. But it’s Britney Spears. She’s not very smart, and on top of that, it seems that she has enough problems that just getting through the day is something of a success for her.
She’s probably skimmed through half of one of Lucado’s books, didn’t see anything offensive there, and mentioned it because it’s the only book she’s picked up in the last decade. As for politics, I’m guessing she’s one of those people who will simultaneously express love for her gay friends and love for some vague but fairly conservative branch of Christianity if she’s pressed for her opinions, but that she doesn’t give much thought to them when left to her own devices.
My first thought was that she had read one of his books recently (and other commentators who’ve said that they read his books say they haven’t read anything about his views on homosexuality), liked it, and just said that author.
Britney hasn’t ever been very self-aware or the analytical type. Lucado writes very fluffy feel good Christian books. So that is why he’s probably on her favorite list.
Agree.
Jesus did say in the New Testament a man should have a wife. I believe some could interpret this to address the issue of marriage being between a man and a woman. Having said that, I could care less what sexuality people are, because I believe God loves everyone and we should, too. Whether we agree with their lifestyle or not. We should live according to our own beliefs and not force others to agree with us. Because Jesus never forced anyone to agree with him, either. The people Jesus addressed most vehemently were the religious Pharisees, calling them snakes! And isn’t that still true today? I think so!
WRONG. Jesus never declared that anyone “should” marry.
Also, for all of you on here spouting that “it’s in the Bible” and one shouldn’t pick and choose, etc, you should be aware that there is considerable debate over the translation of “homosexual” in the New Testament. The term was never used by Jesus, only by Paul in his letters to the church, and many scholars believe that it was mis-translated and should have been translated as male prostitute and/or pimp, more likely as this type of prostitution was common in pagan temples at the time.
I suggest you google the term “arsenokoitai” and/ or the name j. Boswell who wrote a paper about this for the Chicago University Press.
If you’re going to speak on the subject, why not educate yourself more thoroughly? Personally, I believe a faith should be open to intellectual debate, or listening to opposing viewpoints, and even occasionally changing oen’s mind.
D
For what’s it’s worth, I still want to make with Britney. *shrugs shoulders*
For what’s it’s worth, I still want to make out with Britney. *shrugs shoulders*
Me too.
Britney Spears is a backwoods redneck from Louisiana and everytime I look at her, I see a cheeseburger wearing military fatigues and crocs, carrying a paintball gun that shoots communion wafers…so I don’t really get how this is news.
I dont care if britney said she doesnt like gay people and hopes they can never marry, im still buying everything to do with her to put in my britney corner
Preach! IDGAF I will too! It’s Godney bitch!!!! Marriage is overrated anyway. I dont’ believe in gay marriage or straight marriage. It should be illegal for everyone and that’s that.
I’ll bet everyone here loves poor Alec Baldwin though! Have at it :).
This story is WEEKS old!!! Seriously WHAT is going on with this site lately?! It’s all yesterdays news…
If her parents hadn’t sold her sexuality young, this one would be trying to exit through and “Entrance only” door, on her way out of the Popeye’s where they fired her for not knowing how to give change. She is just ignorant.
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