In Sunday’s sermon I referenced Paul’s prediction that there will come a time when all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (II Timothy 3:12). I pointed out that Paul did not just foresee a time when godly living would be unpopular. Rather, he foresaw a time when it would actually result in persecution. Just a few hours after I preached this message we were furnished with an example of the fact that the time may be fast approaching.
A beautiful Christian woman, Carrie Prejean, was running away with the Miss USA Contest…until contest judge, Perez Hilton, asked her opinion about gay marriage. This was her response:
“We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage, and you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised.”
Now I will admit, Prejean’s statement was not a particularly well articulated defense of traditional marriage, but it certainly was not a mean spirited one. In context, she was asked about the Vermont State Legislature’s decision to legalize same sex marriage. She acknowledged that we live in a country where we are – at least for the time being – free to come down on either side of the issue. She then openly stated which side she was on. As a result she finished second to the far more politically correct Kristen Dalton of North Carolina.
The judge who asked Miss Prejean the critical question was, Mario Armando Lavandiera Jr., a blogger, television personality and gay activist who calls himself, Perez Hilton. Mr. Hilton’s vote no doubt influenced the outcome of the contest, and how he voted is no mystery because as soon as the contest ended he recorded a video explaining why she lost:
“She lost, not because she doesn’t believe in gay marriage, Miss California lost because she’s a dumb (demeaning sexist expletive deleted). OK? This is how a person with half a brain answers the question I posed her.”
It does indeed seem that we are fast approaching the day when those who desire to live godly will be persecuted for it. At the very least, we are approaching a day when they had better keep their mouths shut. But inexplicably, we seem to have arrived at a moment when an affected gay man is considered qualified to judge feminine beauty. Does anyone besides me find the Miss USA Beauty Contest’s selection of Perez Hilton for this honor a bit odd?
Note (4/24/09): I just heard one of the judges of the beauty contest say that there was not just one, but two openly gay judges on the Miss USA judges panel. Again, I just don’t understand. What is this; Gay Eye for the Straight Gal?
Pastor Mark
This is a rather mild case of faith-based persecution.Especially in the so-called Third World,there are numerous cases everyday of persecution,unto death,of Christians.
By: tunji on April 21, 2009
at 2:09 pm
Prejean is not being persecuted for her religious beliefs. It’s just a nut-job paparazzi blogger who is trying to get more traffic to his blogsite. She spoke from the heart. He couldn’t handle it.
End of story.
If you truly want to blog about Christians being persecuted, take a look at the coptics in Egypt, the Assyrians in Iraq or the Maronites in Lebanon. Or take a look at nearly any African nation along the southern border of the Sahara. Sudan, Mali, Kenya, Uganda.
By: sauer kraut on April 22, 2009
at 3:04 am
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By: Carrie Prejean Vs Perez on April 23, 2009
at 12:24 am
Sauer, thanks for your thoughts. For the record, I have traveled and ministered in the developing world. I have personal friends who are experiencing the sort of persecution you are talking about so I am not insensitive or unaware of the sorts of things you refer to when you speak of their persecution. In fact, I am not mentioning where these friends of mine are located lest I endanger their lives.
Having said this, persecution in lesser from also happens here in the good old U.S.A., and unless I miss my guess it will be increasingly difficult for believers in days to come. And the ridicule and personal attacks Miss Prejean has experienced certainly fall within the circle of those things mentioned by Jesus: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.” — Matthew 5:10-11
By: markcarlton on April 23, 2009
at 9:45 pm
Tunji, I as I said to Saur, I admit that Miss Prejean’s experience is very mild in comparison to the daily suffering experienced by my brothers and sisters around the world. But, the interesting thing is that such things are beginning to happening here, they are increasing, and this all is happening in a country where this sort of thing has not happened before.
Let me give you another mild example. My son’s church, an Episcopalian church, has left the denomination to affiliate with CANA, the Nigerian Anglican mission to American. They did this because of the ordination of a Gay Bishop by the Episcopalian denomination. As a result of their action the Episcopalian denomination took the church to court and took their property, forcing the church to relocate in a facility they share with a Baptist Church. The same happened to another church in town. Now the Episcopalians did this out of spite. The buildings are empty. The entire thing was done to punish them for taking a stand for righteousness. These things are mild…but isn’t that often the way it is when persecution begins? Also, not the pattern of censorship that is developing, the opinions which are no longer allowed to be expressed without consequence.
By: markcarlton on April 23, 2009
at 9:52 pm
Perez Hilton makes a living off of destroying other people. He’s a parasite. This incident with Miss California is simply him being himself.
By: Nomad on April 24, 2009
at 6:27 am
I think the question asked of Carrie Lejean was certainly a loaded one , to be sure. I applaud her for speaking from her heart and not bowing to “political correctness” .
By: theshank on April 24, 2009
at 8:26 am
As others have stated, I’m not sure this could be construed as “religious persecution.” Perez Hilton is just a gossip blogger who makes a living being mean to people, regardless of occupation or religion.
Furthermore, she actually answered a different question. She talked about her personal beliefs regarding gay marriage, and not why states should or should not allow gay marriage.
By: Veronica on April 24, 2009
at 6:15 pm
Veronica, let me start by saying I always thought you were better looking than Betty. I never understood what Archie saw in her. Frankly, her and Jughead make a good pair. Seriously, thank you for participating in this discussion. I understand that Perez Hilton is one person, but as he rightfully pointed out in his hate-filled rant, the audience also booed Miss Prejean, and his vote probably cost her the title she sought.
As to your second point, I agree (and stated) that she did not answer the question well. But as you pointed out, she stated her personal beliefs and that was the source of the reaction against her, and whether by one person or many, to be called the demeaning name and booed she was called because she expressed her personal beliefs is the sort of ridicule that I believe Jesus had in mind when he said, “blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake.”
Finally, if you stated your personal beliefs and were called the same thing she was called and booed for saying it I would say that you had been persecuted too.
By: markcarlton on April 24, 2009
at 8:59 pm
Theshank, I agree with you completely. Thank you for your comment.
By: markcarlton on April 24, 2009
at 9:01 pm
I don’t know as much about Perez as you do. In fact, I had to look him up on Wikipedia, so I will have to defer to you on this one. Given this, I go back to my final observation; how in the world was this guy chosen to judge a beauty contest? Who thought that was a good idea?
By: markcarlton on April 24, 2009
at 9:04 pm
Actually Mark, I did not hear one “boo” in the audience. No doubt, a few may have booed, but I think Perez was being dramatic so that the audience and viewers would think that the majority thought Prejean’s comments were derrogatory.
I have a video on my blog… listen to the last 10 seconds or so, and you’ll hear the cheers, as opposed to boos. Also, when Prejean first talks about her opposition to gay marriage, a few spontaneous cheers are heard.
We agree to disagree about the “persecution” then. because if i said the same thing, i would not call the backlash “criticism.” I’d call it, well, “backlash.” I don’t think that many people who disagree with Prejean are rejecting Christ… they are simply rejecting Prejean’s answers. A lot of that has to do with her lack of eloquence. She didn’t preach or reference the Bible or Christ’s commandments. She barely referenced God, and kindasorta in a very roundabout and rudimentary way referenced her upbringing. But gave no defence as to WHY gay marriage (or homosexuality) is wrong. Therefore, an audience member could only, reasonably, reject her thoughts and not Christ’s or anyone else’s.
By: Veronica on April 24, 2009
at 9:20 pm
Veronica, great post. I think a distinction might be useful; before blessing those who would be persecuted because of Him, Jesus first blessed those (past tense) who had been persecuted for righteousness sake. I will certainly agree that if Prejean was persecuted it was not because of her stated faith in Christ — because she did not state that she had faith in Christ. Rather, she was persecuted because she took a stand for that which is right. When I first heard the story I thought I heard boos. Having listened to the clip on your website I did not. I think it may have been cut off too soon but I may be wrong. I also noted the “reaction” of audience members in interviews after the contest. But booed or not, Perez’s subsequent vote against Carrie must also be factored in as more than just simple “reaction criticism.”
Let me give you an example to mull over; if one of my third world friends were to be spit on by another person because of he spoke out against some vice — such as sex-slavery — certainly, being spit on by one person would be mild in light of the mob beating and imprisonment that one of my former students recently endured. Nevertheless, it would be persecution. This would be so even if the majority of those around were appalled at the spitting incident. But if the spitter then had the power to cast a deciding vote that prevented the spitee from gaining a sought after promotion, that would be an even greater persecution, even if it was the persecutor was just one evil individual acting alone. Do you see what I’m saying?
Again, Veronica, thank you for your thoughtful participation.
By: markcarlton on April 24, 2009
at 9:34 pm
Thanks, Susan. I hope you will visit and contribute again.
By: markcarlton on April 28, 2009
at 1:31 pm
Mark, I wonder how you decided that Carrie Prejean was ‘running away’ with the Miss USA pagent. The truth is that they show they publish the vote tabulations for the various phases of competition, and Miss NC won both the swimsuit and evening gown competition before the final question was even asked. Miss California came in 3rd and 2nd respectively in those phases.
I’m sure it was not your intent to insinuate that Miss North Carolina is not a good Christian woman, or a good woman of any faith, and that she did not deserve to win. Contestants fielded questions about the bailout (Miss NC), Afghanistan, domestic violence, universal health care, all potentially contentious issues. While I am no fan of Perez Hilton I do not think he ruined the pagent for Miss California and that sentiment is wholly unfair to the winner. Beauty, poise and personality won the day.
Here is the question: “Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?”
Miss CA gave her personal opinion about gay marriage. Okay, no gay marriage in the Prejean family, we got that. But she was asked about the larger issue, how society at large should deal with the issue and why. Everyone’s question was worded to press the contestant to think outside herself. The first half of Ms. Prejean’s answer was in fact incorrect:
“Well I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage…”
1) In 46 states, no you can’t choose. He just said that.
2) Opposite marriage?
3) If same sex marriage is ‘great’, why would she be persecuted for anything but really poor communication skills?
The pageant is effectively a job interview to represent the Miss USA organization and potentially the Miss Universe organization to the world. There’s the well thought-out yet controversial answer, and there’s vacuous blather. One will get you the crown, the other not so much.
And the fact there were two gay judges surprises you? Honey, I bet there were 50 gay stylists in the back dressing these ladies.
As many here have said, I wouldn’t say Miss Prejean is a persecuted victim for coming in second in a beauty contest. Having seen her in action, I am concerned that by her assuming the role of victim and being courted by groups who want to use her to raise their profile, her 15 minutes will end inelegantly. Once again, it is not her point of view but how it is conveyed.
Now I see this story has devolved into one about who has had breast augmentation. I think I shall spend my time more positively, as I just got a request to sponsor a friend in an upcoming Susan G. Komen walk for the cure. Cancer doesn’t care if you are clever or dumb, pretty or plain, gay or straight. If the enemy of my enemy is my friend, there we are all in alliance.
By: Mo in VA on May 1, 2009
at 11:23 pm
Hi Mo,
Until they got rid of Jay Cutler I was a Denver Bronco fan (for almost 40 years). Earlier this year the won a game against the San Diego Chargers. They most likely would not have won that game had it not been for a bad call by the referee. As a fan I defended my team and argued that they deserved to win. But in my heart of hearts I knew that they would not have won without the bad call. In the same way, I am sure Miss North Carolina knows the same.
Like you, I have heard the pageant “spin” that Carrie finished 2nd and 3rd in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. But the math doesn’t work. Let me explain. Perez Hilton has said that he gave Carrie a “zero” (There was another gay judge, we don’t know how s/he voted, but presumably s/he gave Prejean a bad grade too, but let’s leave his/her vote aside for now). I want to suggest to you that a zero vote should have dropped Carrie much lower than first runner up if she really finished third in any of the earlier competitions. I’m sorry, Mo, the math doesn’t work.
Also, please note, I stated only that Miss North Carolina was much more politically correct that Miss Prejean. As far as her standing with God is concerned; I don’t make those sorts of calls, God does, and I prefer it that way. In addition, In saying she was running away with the pageant, I was only quoting the news articles I read. I gave up watching beauty contests a long time ago. So, as Will Rodgers put it; “All I know is what I read in the newspapers.”
I have watched video clips of the key question and Perez Hilton’s rant. It is interesting that before the pageant began its spin he said that Prejean had lost because of her response to the question. Since both you and Hilton bring it up, let’s discuss it. As I acknowledged, it was not a well articulated statement. But had she just said, “Well I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage,” and stopped. There would have been no controversy and she probably would have one the contest because the judges would have reasoned, “Well, she said it poorly but her hearts in the right place.”
This is what I think happened, she started to give a politically correct answer and — at about the place you placed your elipsis — decided to go ahead and just answer honestly. I say this because the second part of her answer, taken alone, is very well stated, and it is that part of her answer that has resulted in her being persecuted for righteousness sake. [Note: I just listened to Neal Cavuto's interview with Prejean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHCWkGcWGM&feature=PlayList&p=0E95F444686D128A&index=6 , she basically confirmed my take on what was going on in her mind. Her "real" answer began with the question, "You know what?"]
As far as the two gay judges is concerned, Yes, I am both surprised and appalled. I am sure there were gay individuals working behind the scenes, but judging the contest??? I do have to admit that I find the “gay eye for the straight gal” concept a little odd.
Finally, no matter how well she conveyed her point Hilton would have ranted and called her names. With all due respect, it was her opinion, not the way it was expressed that led to the controversy.
By: markcarlton on May 2, 2009
at 4:53 pm
Perez’s vote should not have been able to count. Clearly his bias of being gay came into picture, and that is evident in his video response about why she lost. He is completely unprofessional in his response and in his judging manner. California was just standing up for what was right, she believes in the traditional style marriage as well as her faith shows through. Standing up for what you believe in, is something this country has seen a lot of. From the civil war, to MLK, and so on. She should not have to give up her crown for her picture either, the contestants wear very sexy outfits that shows more then the picture did. This seems like people are trying to be “politically correct,” which is destroying the integrity of the country’s soul.
By: Bryan Schmidt on May 10, 2009
at 3:09 pm