A recent Christian conference in Springfield, Missouri, took a different turn when guest pastor Mark Driscoll spoke his opinions that led to him being kicked off from the stage. Let’s delve into what happened and why the reactions are the way they are.
The conference, known as the Stronger Men’s Conference, “exists to inspire and equip men to live out God’s vision for manhood to be the husbands, fathers, and leaders God has called them to be.”
This year, the conference was held at the Great Southern Bank Arena, it featured various speakers and performances, including a sword-swallowing act by Alex Magala.
Driscoll is already known for his outspoken nature and in this case, he didn’t hold back in his opinions of Magala’s performance. He said it was like something seen in a strip club, and he described it as the “Jezebel spirit.” This term, often used by christians, is used to describe seduction and Immorality.
ALSO READ: Houston Church Shooting Sparks Claims on Transgender Shooting Despite Disputing Evidence
“Before the word of God was opened, there was a platform, it was a high place,” said Driscoll, according to videos posted online. “On it was a pole … the same thing that’s used in a strip club for women who have the jezebel spirit to seduce men,” he said.
His comments didn’t stop there. Driscoll also made controversial remarks about transgender individuals, referring to them as “demons.” The audience immediately reacted, with some cheering and others expressing disapproval.
John Lindell, the lead pastor of James River Church who hosted the conference, asked Driscoll to step down from the stage while he was still speaking.
The arena erupted into applause and boos, and some members of the audience could be heard chanting: “Bring him back.” He cited a biblical verse from Matthew 18, stating the importance of sharing his discomfort privately with him first before airing them publicly.
POLL—Should Laws Be Enacted To Protect LGBTQ+ Individuals From Workplace Discrimination?
“He’s out of line,” Lindell told the audience as Driscoll left the stage. After this incident, Driscoll went on his social media and said he was going to discuss what he called the “Ahab, Jezebel, and Elijah spirit.”
A former pastor and founder of the Seattle Mars Hill Church, Mark Driscoll, in 2014, was investigated by his church leaders after he was accused of bullying members, threatening opponents and overseeing the mismanagement of church funds, reports the news outlet.
The pastor, who founded the church in 1996, was later ousted from the church. His departure was brought on by a 2013 radio interview during which he was accused of plagiarizing another pastor’s work.
ALSO READ: 12 Alarming Factors Driving Youths Away from the Catholic Church
The term “Jezebel,” used by Driscoll in his critique, carries weight beyond its biblical origins. It’s a word that is used to describe an impudent or morally unrestrained woman, it has been weaponized in ways that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and even racism.
You Might Also Like:
Jimmy Kimmel Fires Back at Donald Trump’s Rant With Prison Reminder
Oklahoma Officials Ban Trans Pro Wrestler From Competing in the State
“Woke” Hollywood Gets Another Disappointing Box Office Return
North Carolina High School Suspends Student for Using the Term “Illegal Alien”
