The sin of Greed: Harming others for personal gain

As a recent uproar revealed, there is a certain negative connotation to the term, and concept, of mercenary. Wikipedia comments that "When the term "mercenary" is used to refer to a soldier of a national, regular army, it usually considered to have pejorative connotations." Dictionaries go into further detail, including "too strongly influenced by desire for money".

Societies have tended to recognize the need for soldiers, whose job it is to hurt other people, but to disapprove of soldiers who are "acting merely for money or other reward".

Assassin in another career choice with a primarily negative connotation. It is bad enough to commit murder, but to do so for personal gain makes it even worse.

Even actions that are normally seen as pleasurable, or good, or beneficial, are tarnished by the appearance of being in it primarily for money. Even when the results are primarily beneficial, there remains a bias: Non-profit organizations are seen as preferable to for-profit organizations that provide the same services. Altruism is seen as a virtue, greed is not.

While I'm loathe to dismiss out of hand any beneficial service that is done for profit, when I encounter someone who is profitting from harming others, the profiteering compounds the heinousness of their destructive actions.

If you haven't met him before, allow me to introduce you to Joe Dallas. He makes a living harming other people, basically.

What brought him to my mind was a review of his new book. You can buy a copy of his book, which attacks the spirituality of GLBTQ people, for $13.99, on his website.

The first thing that struck me, reading the review, is that though it promises to "Dispels Myth that Homosexuality is Compatible with Scripture" - there is not a single argument from Scripture within the review, nor in the summation of the book on Joe's website. Apparently, you have to shell out $13.99 to get any information.

However, I did find an essay on the subject by Joe Dallas. It is interesting in so many, many ways.

"To the biblically ignorant, general pro-gay religious arguments can pass for truth."

Interesting opening salvo that essentially says 'anyone who doesn't agree with me is "biblically" ignorant.

Sadly, there is little substance for Joe's boast. There is precious little Scripture in this essay as well. An interestingly enough, Joe does not address the challenges from Scripture that GLBTQ Christians make. He settles for rather strained interpretations of the more personal portions of the testimonies of GLBTQ people, and his arguments resolve down to one premise "Saying "I'm Christian and gay" proves nothing." Ironically, even for heterosexual, saying "I'm Christian" proves nothing. Even for heterosexual ministers, saying "I'm Christian" proves nothing. Even for ex-gay, presumably heterosexual writers, saying "I'm Christian" proves nothing:

"The pro-gay theology is a strong delusion-a seductive accommodation tailor-made to suit the Christian who struggles against homosexual temptations and is considering a compromise. Some who call themselves gay Christians may be truly deceived into accepting it; others might be in simple rebellion. What compels them to believe a lie we cannot say. What we can say is that they are wrong . . . dead wrong."

(Joe Dallas, essay "Responding to the Pro-Gay Theology," )

How on earth or in Heaven Joe just knows better than I do the truth of my spiritual journey is unclear. I was under the impression that such omniscience was a trait attributed only to God.

Further into that last link, someone a little less polished that Joe paraphrases his pseudo-omniscient declaration in a more direct, and honest, fashion:
"Of course, I reply. Lucifer is another name for Satan, according to Christian belief, an archangel who wanted to be equal to God. Being that there can only be one God, Lucifer was cast out of heaven.
"Ever since, he's been trying to get back at God, and he'll do anything to do it," Hopper says, her eyes shining, a huge grin on her beaming face. "You've been duped by Satan to believe woman and woman is in order. You've been duped by Satan to get back at God."

Joe offers up summations of the challenges to the anti-gay theology, paraphrased to be as weak and dismissalbe as possible, and then answers them thusly:
"The fact is, in Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy, homosexuality is mentioned in the context of sexual and immoral behavior!"

Shall we count all of the verses in which heterosexuality is mentioned in the context of sexual and immoral behavior?

Now Joe's word for it is hardly sufficient to a follower of Jesus Christ, after all, Joe is not Jesus. The various theologians who refute the traditional interpretation tend to provide large, even overwhelming quantities of evidence to support their position. But all Joe needs is a version of 'because I said so'.

I'm generally quick to acknowledge that there is a wealth of information relevant to a discussion of the two interpretations ("homosexuality is intrinsically sin" and "homosexuality is not intrinsically sin"), and that it is unfair to expect readers in every dialog to wade through it all. But I do make an effort to include at least a reasonable slice each time. So, we can examine in great detail the specific flaws of reason in Joe's essays at a later date, if there is sufficent interest. Unfortunately, there is precious little evidence presented in his essays available online.

The next point to jump out at me was Joe's libel of millions of GLBTQ people:
"The goal of the gay-rights movement is twofold: To convert the culture's thinking on homosexuality, then to marginalize or silence those who won't be converted."

Now this lie is told despite the fact that GLBTQ people, in statement after statement, document after document, paper after paper, have asserted and defended other people's right to believe anything they want about homosexuality, including condemning it. What GLBTQ people are seeking is simply the right to not be forced to share in and live within the prohibitions those negative convictions about our lives.

The irony is that many conservative Christians, like Joe Dallas, are actually working to marginalize and silence GLBTQ people who will not be converted to heterosexuality.

At the end of the review, we learn something very interesting about Mr. Dallas:
"Joe Dallas is a featured speaker for Love Won Out – a Focus on the Family conference that promotes the truth that change is possible for those who are unhappy with their same-sex attractions."

Focus on the Family has a long and ugly history of anti-homosexual activity. "Love Won Out" is an organization that claims to change homosexuals into heterosexuals with love, and yet, their history belies both claims.

Before we lose track of Joe Dallas, some more connections.
Exodus International, another of the for "non-profit" yet high profitable ex-gay ministries, has this to say about him:
"Joe Dallas is the Founder of Genesis Counseling in Orange, California, a Christian counseling service to men dealing with sexual addiction, homosexuality and other sexual/relational problems."

The Ex-Gay Fraud

"Like many other homophobic Bible abusers, Joe Dallas uses the tired old argument that Christian homosexuals have revised and distorted the Bible to teach acceptance and respect for homosexuals and homosexuality. The truth is the other way around. Only in recent years has the Bible been translated in clearly homophobic ways that do violence to the original context and meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words. Nowhere does the Bible say that Lesbians and Gays can or should change their sexual orientation. Nowhere does the Bible even discuss, much less condemn, romantic love between people of the same sex. "

One more crucial piece, from Joe's website:
"Genesis offers services at significantly lower rates than for-profit counseling organizations, and we frequently offer low cost/no cost services for those in financial distress. "

It is amazing how often anti-homosexual theology is followed by requests for money.

Joe Dallas's opinions, which online at least are not substantiated with Scripture, are presented in the context of making his living promoting ex-gay therapy.

This is an important distinction. Many fine, wonderful, loving people write books about theology, and social issues, and their religious experiences. Many dedicated scholars have written extensively researched papers on the subject of homosexuality, published them, and expected a reasonable compensation for their efforts.

But ex-gay therapy and reparative therapies don't work, and they harm people. That is a crucial difference. A few days back, I presented some information about ex-gay ministries and their history of failure. Let's look at some more, together.

What do medical professionals say about reparative therapy?
"In response to recent news coverage on Reparative Therapy, the American Psychiatric Association issued the following media advisory:
Questions and concerns regarding the effectiveness of "reparative" therapy -- a term used to describe treatment attempts to change a person from a homosexual or bisexual orientation to a heterosexual orientation -- are again being raised in the public arena.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Position Statement on Psychiatric Treatment and Sexual Orientation, adopted by the APA Board of Trustees in December 1998, states in part: ...the American Psychiatric Association opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as "reparative" or "conversion" therapy, which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder... "

"There is no published scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of "reparative therapy" as a treatment to change one's sexual orientation. It is not described in the scientific literature, nor is it mentioned in the APA's Task Force Report, Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders (1989)."

"Clinical experience suggests that attempts to change sexual orientation may occasionally result in behavioral changes for some motivated individuals for limited periods of time, but that such changes often are accompanied by depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.Homosexuals and bisexuals -- like others -- are raised in a homophobic society and often experience internalized homophobia. Some may seek conversion to heterosexuality on that account. Clinical experience suggests that relief of homophobia allows for better psychological functioning. Those who have integrated their sexual orientation into a positive sense of themselves function at a healthier psychological level than those who have not."

I'm looking and I'm looking, and I can't find any evidence that Joe Dallas has any training in psychology or psychiatry. Does he just know better?

More to consider:
"Some so called "ex-gays" claim they have gone straight. However, the research seems clear that trying to change a natural sexual orientation out of fear of God and guilt seldom works. Perhaps it works for the few that weren't really sure or were there orientation was influenced more by emotional issues than biology. It seems clear however, most gays were born that way and trying to change them is forcing them to live a lie.
Some may leave the "gay lifestyle" by altering behavior, but that does not make them heterosexual. They simply become non-practicing gays, that's all. Despite "testimonies" to the contrary, there is not one documented, authenticated case of a actual change in sexual orientation. There has only been change in behavior. Healthy skepticism needs to be exercised of those claiming a heterosexual conversion. "

"Another example is Kent Philpott's book, The Third Sex, in which he gives the testimonies of six homosexuals who supposedly became heterosexual. Within a year after the book was published, all six of the people written about sent notarized affidavits to the publisher, stating that the book was untrue and that they were all still homosexuals. Nevertheless, the book continued to be printed and sold to an unwary public for eight years afterwards. To this day, people are "praising God" for changes that never took place. The continued publication of that book, along with its promulgation for eight years after having received written denials from the subjects themselves, highlight the extent of deception fundamentalists are willing to go to foster belief in a goal based on illusion rather than reality. With fundamentalism it appears that honesty and truth are expendable items."

There is a lot more at that link. Take a look. Ken Philpott is tied to "Love In Action", the organization that provides much of the documentation of the "Day of Truth" campaign through which Christian teens are encouraged to agitate in favor of continued harassment and violence against GLBTQ youth in public schools.

There's a lot of destruction coming out of ex-gay ministries. Here you will find some first hand accounts:
"Faced with the pain of losing those friends (especially the one) that I’d become so dependent on as part of my ‘healing’ process, and with the fact that my attractions hadn’t changed at all (which no doubt had to be my fault), I chose to withdraw from the world rather than deal with the loss. I did go through another program during that time, this one geared more generally toward sexual addictions (since that’s what homosexuality was, according to many of the books I’d read), but again, it brought me no closer to my goal of becoming straight."
(From Eugene's account)

"The marriage lasted twenty years and produced two sons. But, even though I kept my resolutions and lived a perfectly straight and faithful married life, my experiment in self-transformation was not only a dismal failure but a disaster as well. At no time during my marriage did I feel heterosexual or even bisexual. Marital relations, always emotionally painful, became burdensome as well. I felt like a circus bear trained to perform an act alien to its nature such as roller skating or riding a bicycle. I began to resented being "put through my paces." Very gradually, and to the considerable distress of my wife, I lost all interest in sex. I felt that, rather than living my own life, I was living the life of a fictional "straight" character of my own creation. I feared that I would live out my entire life never having interacted honestly with another human being. I became severely depressed. "
(From Michael's account)

"After leaving my ministry at the Christian school I began attending a small church in Boston where I decided to be completely honest about my sexuality. I began meeting with the pastor weekly and also received weekly counseling from a Christian therapist who specialized in treating homosexuals. I spent over $3,000 on this therapy over the course of 2 years. At the age of 30 I attended my first Exodus affiliate ex-gay ministry program in Boston. I worked through the 40-week program 3 times, the 3rd time as a leader. I led worship for the program and attended 2 Exodus conferences. I had some of the biggest names in ex-gay ministry pray over me and even prophesy about my healing.
But my same-sex attraction never diminished. I never changed. - - -In 2000, at the age of 40 after spending about $25,000 for therapy, conferences and programs, and after 24 years of fighting, I became very depressed. I gave up ministry and trying to change my sexual orientation. I left my church and isolated myself from the Body of Christ for 6 years."
(From Tom's account)

There's one more piece, a list of summary teachings from ex-gay ministries, taken from the "Our Stories" link I provided the other day. Look at this carefully from an ethical and moral perspective - how many of these suggestions are ethically sound?

1. Get married. Ex-gays who don't marry are always suspect.
2. No long engagements, as you might change your mind.
3. Love does not make a lasting relationship, respect does. You can learn to love your wife, but it's more important that you have an agreed upon partnership to live as heterosexuals.
4. Ex-lesbians don't expect as much as straight women, so choose one of them, if possible.
5. It's not necessary to tell your wife about your previous "lifestyle." Some women would prefer not to know, so gauge whether you tell her based on what you think her reaction might be.
6. Don't show your wife too much affection, because she might expect sex for more than procreation.
7. Have your first child as quickly as possible, ideally within the first year. Children will help force you to stay in the "straight" lifestyle. If you can afford it, have as many children as you can. More kids = more likely to stay straight. Plus, kids make it appear that you have a "normal" sex life. Ex-gays without children are suspect.
8. Visualize men when you have sex with your wife, if that allows you to perform, but don't tell your wife.
9. Women are able to satisfy themselves better than men, so allow her to take care of her own needs. Focus your attention on your own performance.
10. Once all the children you desire are conceived, you have no more obligation to have sex with your wife, but you can continue if it provides any satisfaction.
11. Don't expect that your relationship will necessarily bring you joy. You will find joy in heaven because you lived the life you were supposed to. Find satisfaction in your children or your work.
12. Everyone slips. Don't tell your wife as that will only make things worse. Ask God for forgiveness and avoid situations that might tempt you.
13. Participate in sports, even if you don't like them. Hunting and fishing are good, too, but don't go camping or to other activities where you will spend too much time alone with other men. Take your wife and children, always.
14. Avoid interests like art and music which might bring you into too much contact with active gays.
15. If you are asked about your change, weigh the benefits of everything you say. Will admitting that you still have urges encourage or discourage a new member? It's okay to "sugarcoat" your answers if it means building the hope of someone."


"Money makes the world go around" .

People like Joe Dallas claim that they have good news, the Truth about homosexuality, the answer, the solution.

It can be all yours. For a price of course - they'll share their "good news" after you pay. There isn't anything wrong with getting paid for honest work of course, but where is the honesty in reparative therapy and ex-gay ministries that teach "Visualize men when you have sex with your wife, if that allows you to perform, but don't tell your wife." ?


Jesus didn't charge people to hear the good news. Jesus didn't set a price on the Truth. To do so would have raised questions at least. It might even have appeared to be mercenary, or spiritual prostitution.

What Jesus did, regarding money and spiritual truth, is quite different from the example Joe Dallas has set:
Matthew 21:
12Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,'[e] but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'[f]"

A den of robbers, a meeting house for mercenaries.

If you feel like you have been harmed for Joe Dallas's personal gain, please, feel free to write to him and ask him to repent. There is contact information on his personal website.