Christian Music Artist's Confession Shocks Believers

By Eric Young|Christian Post Reporter

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“Most of all I was annoyed that his decision sends a distorted message to our culture that Christianity doesn’t offer the power to overcome sin,” he added.

“But as I asked the Lord to share His heart with me about Boltz’s situation, I realized that our corporate response to this is as much about a right attitude as it is about right doctrines,” Grady continued, followed by a call to believers to weep, love homosexuals, and contend for the faith.

“We don’t have the right to compromise God’s Word, no matter how many people decide to come out of the closet. But let’s remember that the message we are called to proclaim to the world is not ‘Homosexuality is wrong.’ That’s a true statement, but it has no power to change anybody,” he wrote in his conclusion.

“The gospel we must shout from the housetops is that Jesus loves all of us, no matter our condition, and that His forgiveness can heal our brokenness. I pray Ray Boltz will soon discover that truth in a fresh way – and I hope he’ll write many more songs about it.”

According to Boltz, the songs “I Will Choose to Love” and “God Knows I Tried,” two of the most recent he’s written, capture where he is now.

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SURRENDER »

Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:38 am Agree: 2 Disagree: 2

We're the Christian rock band SURRENDER,and we invite anyone who wants to visit our website.Our band has a song speaking out against the homosexual lifestyle.It's titled "Livin' Outside of God's Word".Go to our website www.myspace.com/surrender777 and it's the 4th song in line.Thanks and God Bless.
tpique1 »

Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:00 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 1

Christian Music Artist's Confession Shocks Believers

Actually, nothing shocks me anymore.
jirehdesign »

Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:54 am Agree: 9 Disagree: 2

I feel particularly sad for the people who, like Ray, struggle with same-sex attraction. There is no sin in the same-sex attraction, but there is sin in giving yourself over to it and acting on it. I commend the many Christians who have fought the good fight, have found accountability, and have truly taken the Word of God seriously when it tells us to "flee the sinful desires of youth" and have not acted on them. I just pray for those who have grown wearing in the fight and are seeing the choice Ray has made. Make no mistake, this is not a case of a man finding himself. It is the case of a man giving up on God.

There are countless examples of men and women, both heterosexual and those who struggled with same sex attraction, who maintained a celibate life, or have repented and stopped acting on their lusts. Why is it so unreasonable for God to require us to stop using our bodies in a destructive and degrading way? Why is it completely out of the question for Ray or anyone who struggles with same-sex attraction to chose abstinence? Lust always promises more than it can provide. Righteousness and patience always pays off.
Daniel Paul »

Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:15 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 2

"Mr. Boltz does not know what to believe of himself."

Some guys buy a sports car...some get a mistress...mid-life crisis is a strange, STRANGE thing....
wrhalver »

Sat Sep 20, 2008 3:54 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 1

I have read over this article many times and I just don't know what to believe of Mr. Boltz.

And perhaps this is the focus of the problem.
Mr. Boltz does not know what to believe of himself.

Tough thing to confront at 55. Or perhaps this is not the first time.
Daniel Paul »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:44 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

" was only 12 when he died."

I'M AN OLD FART...!

Go to youtube and search for "keith green". You'll find some good vid of Keith expecially of him doing "The Sheep and the Goats" live in concert.

Keith really disliked having his picture taken (that's an understatement). One of the brothers went down to take his picture when he was practicing before a concert and Keith was not pleased to say the least. That night the brother put his camera (a REALLY nice Nikon) in the offering with the film in it. Keith found out about it and all be fell apart. He sent his crew out in the town to find the guy! It wasn't hard because most of us knew this gentle giant of a brother. Keith returned his camera with the film and as I recall, even though it pained Keith I'm sure, he had his staff finish up the roll of film with pictures of him and the crew.

I understand Keith lightened up a bit after that. He was quite a serious dude! Just FYI, you may find his first TV appearance which was on "I've Got a Secret" on youtube.
Daniel Paul »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:37 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 0

"Seems to me there are many Christians, that have no problems with divorce, when heterosexuals sin."

Actually, I have quite a problem with it and I'm divorced. I ended up raising 4 children by myself with an ex that even just dropped off the planet for a year and a half. The kids didn't even know if she was dead or alive.

Sin in any form is a problem and should be addressed by the church. By the same token, Christians should also accept that not all people who call themselves Christians actually are. You shall know them by their fruits. In the case of McCain, he got his life straight with God and knows he messed up his first marriage. The problem is you can't just go back and 'undo' the damage. All you can do is learn and admit what you did was wrong. He has done this.
igh »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:18 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

2Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
igh »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:14 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Prophet »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:09 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 2

pvlman,
God does not "wire a person" to sin. Man is born into sin. And I've said it a million times, and I'll say it a million more. They way you (or anyone) was born, and the way God wants you to be are two very different things. The problem is that too many people use that excuse as a crutch to justify their sin..."Well, God made me that way..." Garbage.
I was born a sex addict. I could have said the same thing. But I know the truth. The truth that God is bigger than anything I have or will come against. He can bring the dead to life, make the blind see, and even change the heart of a homosexual.
If you don't believe that God can do anything, then you do not serve the One true God, Y'weh. Who's Son, Jesus Christ, gave his life so that you wouldn't have to remain in sin.
smbga »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 9:14 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

shock?????? no way. more and more are going to start revealing what their true lifestyle is. there shouldn't be any shock about this filth at all.
believer »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:29 am Agree: 3 Disagree: 0

pvlman, I know of no Conservative Evangelical who takes divorce lightly. But I don't see any of these men you mentioned out bragging about their divorces as Ray Boltz is out bragging about his "coming out". And even though all these men have sinned to include Boltz, forgiveness is available to each of them if they will acknowledge and repent of their sin before God.
pvlman »

Fri Sep 19, 2008 4:26 am Agree: 1 Disagree: 3

Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, John, McCain, all divorced. Newt Gingrich twice divorced. Seems to me there are many Christians, that have no problems with divorce, when heterosexuals sin. The world could be a better place if people wouldn't use their faith to make the lives of others miserable. God evidently wired some people a little differently than other's. I have wondered who it was he was actually testing. Those who are different, or those who would do God's job, by judging others?
wbmoore »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:19 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

If you know you should not do something in your conscience, then for you it is sin.
Prophet »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:43 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 1

I guess I'm missing the joke here. I'm not sure what he meant by "the it's sin".
Prophet »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:42 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

O wow! I would have loved to meet him. I was only 12 when he died. Even at my young age, his music had such an impact on my life that I cried when I heard of his death. Years later, I read his biography that his wife wrote, and was amazed at his life. I considered him a prophet of my generation.
The really funny thing, is that my hair used to be long and curly. And I played piano and sang. I had so many people say that I reminded them of Keith. I could never fill his shoes. Although I'd love to play and sing with the fervor that he did.
Daniel Paul »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:30 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

"Keith Green singing 'Grace By Which I Stand'. "

A friend of mine was the promoter that would bring Keith Green to the area I lived in at the time. They went out after the concert to an ice cream joint and one of the gals with them was not slim. She ordered the 'big ol' boat o ice cream' then when it came she said "I really shouldn't eat this" (the way over-weight people do from time to time). Keith looked right at her and in all seriousness said, "the it's sin!"

The ice cream melted in the bowl....

Keith was such a trip.
believer »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:45 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 2

Phat, apparently you have not read his interview in the Blade, it appears for about 30 years of his marriage he enjoyed the intimacy of his wife. Plus, you have no problem with his dumping his wife of 33 years so he could find himself. If this was reported about a heterosexual doing the same thing with regards to dumping his wife you and others would label him a total jerk and you'd be right so why praise Boltz since he is as big a jerk as the heterosexual?
mikeymike885 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:12 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 2

walk in the spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, for the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. you were called to liberty, dont use your liberty to gratify the lusts of your flesh. they that are IN CHRIST must crucify the flesh, if we claim to live in the Spirit let us walk therefore in the Spirit. Do not be decieved God cannot be mocked, a man reaps what he sows, let God be true and man a liar. The homosexual agenda and indoctrination is from the enemy to destroy all that God has instituted. God did not create adam and steve but adam and eve to be fruitful and to multiply. in the beginning God created them male and female, and for this reason a MAN shall leave his father and mother and be united to his WIFE, and the two shall become one. Praise be to God
Prophet »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:34 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

Daniel,
It's funny that as I was reading your article, especially the part where you said "Except for the grace of God go each of us in one way or another." I was listening to Keith Green singing "Grace By Which I Stand". Just funny little moments of serendipity that make me chuckle.
Prophet »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:31 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Amen, Paul, amen.
Daniel Paul »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 3:55 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 1

Satan seeks to deceive even the elect. It's a sad day for Ray. He turned his back on what he believe for what he feels. The Bible says we don't live by our feelings but by the word of God. He broke his vow to God and his bride to go into a lifestyle of sin.

Except for the grace of God go each of us in one way or another.
believer »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:28 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 1

chicago, perhaps I should have spoke to Ray Boltz's situation only. He shared in his interview that he basically had no problem enjoying sexual intimacy with his wife for about 30 years. For a person to truly be a homosexual they have to believe that the only way they can be sexually stimulated or satisfied is by having sexual intimacy with someone of the same sex or, and I don't think this has been scietifically proven yet, they can not physiologically, I'm not sure the right term be sexually stimulated or satisfied unless they have sexual intimacy with someone of the same sex.
believer »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:20 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

chicago, I agree about the bigotry issue, I do believe there are homosexuals who are saved and some are struggling to be obedient to God's Word in this matter and others are struggling by trying to justify their lifestyle by contending that God's Word does not condemn the sexual practices of homosexuality as long as it is reserved for a monogomous relationship and that is why they are pushing so hard for same-sex marriage or unions to be approved. But then there are some who claim to be Christians and don't really care what God or His Word has to say about their sin or sinful lifestyle and their going to say, think, and do anything they well please and it is those in this category that I personally do not believe are truly born-again believers and trust me this is just not limited to people in the homosexual community and just not limited to sexual sin either.
troyg »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:14 pm Agree: 7 Disagree: 14

farout63 says:

"...I believe the sin of homosexuality and what takes place especially with men is repugnant. Very few know about the filthy, vulgar, and repugnant practices they do to each other. There is no beauty or love, just pure ugly sexual gratification in ways never found in animal life at no matter level. So please don't express their "love" for each other. There is no fidelity, or long term relationships among these people who are so bound up in sinful life choice. .."

My partner and myself have been together 8 years. We have been monogomous. We promised at our committment ceremony in 2003 to love, honor, and cherish each other as long as we both shall live. We have two beautiful children who are twins, now 14months old. We met at a retreat sponsored by our church. There is nothing filthy or repugnant about our relationship. We are a loving, dedicated couple whom God has brought together to form family, as God has done for couples since the beginning of time. We will not be silenced or stop expressing our love for each other. Our problen is not GOD, our problem is hateful, biggoted 'christians' who try to do God's judging for Him. And don't tell me that using words like "filthy, vulgar, and repugnant" is not bigotry or hatred.
farout63 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:54 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 2

As it is with all sexual sins, sexual contact with another person outside of marriage is sin. Paul tells us to learn to control our own body. I believe the sin of homosexuality and what takes place especially with men is repugnant. Very few know about the filthy, vulgar, and repugnant practices they do to each other. There is no beauty or love, just pure ugly sexual gratification in ways never found in animal life at no matter level. So please don't express their "love" for each other. There is no fidelity, or long term relationships among these people who are so bound up in sinful life choice. It does take a lot to get out of this , and with Christian love and understanding there is hope only in Jesus Christ.
CMADirector »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:53 pm Agree: 6 Disagree: 1

Written to Pastor G:

Yeiks, he's giving in to sin with open eyes. He's just saying, "What the heck, God still loves me" and he's moving on, destroying his marriage, his children's faith, and maybe the faith of others who love his music. This is a BIG backslide. The Bible calls this kind of attitude deceived as in 'Be not deceived... neither... etc. etc.'

If he gives into this sin, and he continues to sin and give into it, then the words, even in his music, will be distorted because he's allowing the enemy entrance into his life. I think those of us who don't want to get twisted messages should NOT listen to his music any longer. What do you think?
wbmoore »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:06 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 2

Romans 1 says that even homosexual desire is sin.
PhatDajuan »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:30 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 11

If I'm not mistaken, one of the Ten Commandments is that we do not bear false witness. Unfortunately, this is what Ray Boltz had been doing for most of his life: Bearing false witness against HIMSELF! He fell into the trap that too many Gay people fall into when they are brainwashed into thinking that being Gay is going to send them to Hell: He went through the charade of a heterosexual marriage in hopes that it would "cure" him. Multitudes of such marriages have ended in pain and heartbreak, and just because of society's expectations.

I commend Ray Boltz for finally being true to himself, and I hope he finds fulfillment with someone who shares his values.
troyg »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:20 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 9

Congratulations to Ray Boltz on having the courage stand up and live as God created him. It has no doubt been a long and difficult journey for him, but it is difficult for many to learn to walk as God has called them - he is a hero to many gay christians across the world.
reformation »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:11 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

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reformation »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:05 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

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chicago24 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:38 am Agree: 1 Disagree: 2

theTruth72: Where in the Bible does it say that homosexuality is an abomination?
Homosexual acts, yes. But homosexuality?

According to you, if I were a celibate homosexual, that would still be an abomination.

And yes, being homosexual IS different than alcohol or drug addiction. Addictions are incredibly harmful to yourself and (more importantly) to others. Big difference.
Read your basic Ethics 101
theTruth72 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:54 am Agree: 6 Disagree: 1

Chicago24, The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is "an abomination" in the eyes of God. I don't need to reference the verses that speak to this, you already know what they are. Spinning them to fit your own view will not change the reality of what is sin to the Lord. As someone else here had mentioned, it is no different than alcohol abuse, drug addiction, pornography addiction, etc... Sin is Sin, and nothing more. Choose to sin, choose to suffer, nuff' said.
chicago24 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:59 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 3

Believer: Regarding Boltz and his relationship with his former wife, I think it's presumptuous to say that because of his relationship, that proves that no one is born homosexual.
Everyone's sexuality is different; no two people are alike. Some people like Boltz obviously could have a heterosexual relationship but are innately gay. Conversely, there are many men who have gay sex on the side, but are innately heterosexual (which I find sinful)For some gay men, there is no way they could have a heterosexual relationship.
So, I think that's a pretty sweeping statement to use Boltz's example to prove that no one is born homosexual.
chicago24 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:51 am Agree: 1 Disagree: 3

Believer: Taking a stand on sin certainly does not make one a bigot. What I get so frustrated with is the assumptions people make here. For example, that homosexuals are not Christians, that homosexuals won't get into heaven, etc.
The Biblical authors had no concept of sexual orientation (i.e. homosexuality). They addressed specific acts and yes, those were homosexual acts. These acts can be committed by heterosexuals as well and most likely, that's what the biblical authors were addressing.
Nowhere in the Bible does it address a loving, (eros) relationship between two people of the same sex (unless you count the relationship of Jonathan and David)
So when I see statements that say homosexuals cannot be Christians, to me that is like saying heterosexuals cannot be Christians.
What strikes me as bigoted are the fundamentalists who refuse to understand anything about being gay and who almost take pride in condemning those who are gay.
To me, that is bigoted.
wbmoore »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:12 am Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

It is not bigoted to agree with God. Its wrong to try to find ways to justify one's preferred sin.
believer »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:32 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

chicago, I totally agree with your oxymoron, but does taking a stand against sin make one a bigot?
believer »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:30 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

I would encourage anyone who hasn't to go to the interview he did with Blade and especially note what he says when he talks to sexual intimacy with his former wife. If what he says is true then he is living proof that a person is not born homosexual, but becomes and chooses to be a homosexual.
chicago24 »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:04 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Christian and Bigot are oxymorons as well.
Pinochos »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:27 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

This to ThomasOfDoubt and his buddy troyg: Uh, since when did God start making us gay? Thanks!
Edi »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 3:12 am Agree: 5 Disagree: 0

The feelings of man's heart many times deceive. So our feeling is not the standard for being in a good relation to God. The Bible is the standard. If the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin than it is a sin. One day you feel good about a certain thing and the other day not. So feeling should not prevail over the Word of God.
ThomasOfDoubt »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:43 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

I find it difficult to understand the emotional investment some of the commenters here seem to have in being anti-gay. For instance, what on earth triggered such a dog pile on troyg? He disagrees with most of us here on the substance of the issue, but I don't see what's so bad about his comment.
ThomasOfDoubt »

Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:39 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Pinochos, is this site for Republicans only? I was unaware. I thought it was for Christians.
wbmoore »

Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:31 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

Christian and adulterer are oxymorons. Christian and murderer are oxymorons. Christian and witch are oxymorons. Christian and homosexual are oxymorons.

Of course, when we repent of the thing that prevents us from following Christ totally, then we are no longer doing those things, and become true Christians.
chica »

Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:43 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 0

Gay Christians? Isn't that an oxymoron?
wbmoore »

Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:49 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Of course, like all sin, Christ can and does forgive when we repent.
wbmoore »

Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:48 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

I feel sad for Boltz, his family, and those with weak faith who will be led astray by this. I pray he and his family come to understand that sin is everywhere, homosexual desire and sex are sin, and Only faith in Christ can overcome it and bring healing to our spirits.
Pinochos »

Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:23 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 3

Thanks Boltz! You've just given more ammunition for our good friends, the left-wing liberals. I'm sure Jesus feels awfully proud of your "confession."
steveh20 »

Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:21 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 1

"In response to the Washington Blade feature, Christians from across the denominational spectrum have been adding their two cents."

Oh how true that is.......

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