In light of the recent “controversy” here on BeDeviant, I’ve been re-evaluating the purpose behind this site. If the “Ellen situation” has taught me anything, it’s that there’s a profound need to ask the theological questions that no one else is asking. I’ll take my lumps from time-to-time (case-in-point: Ellen Pt. 1 & Ellen Pt. 2), but I feel BeDeviant’s God-given purpose is to plunge headlong into the taboo issues in the Church today.

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the most difficult, confusing and troublesome passages of Scripture that exist. I can’t explain it, I just know the desire to dig beneath the surface is there. I like the tension of “both/and” because God is so rarely “either/or.” So that’s what I write about. That’s the purpose behind this site.

Clarifying a purpose means that you’ll have to let some things go. So that’s what we’re going to do. In order to go higher you need to get lighter.

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It’s been an interesting 24 hours, to say the least.

This may sound unbelievable to some, but I believe the post from yesterday, “Why You’ll See Ellen DeGeneres in Heaven” was Spirit-led. A further explanation of how it came into being is later in the post.

Having said that, I feel some clarification is in order. I’m a huge fan of clarity. So, for the people who won’t read any further than this first paragraph, allow me to make crystal clear what I believe:

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Conservative talk show host Michael Savage calls her, “Ellen DeGenerate.” I call Ellen DeGeneres “heaven-bound.”

Why?

When describing the actions of those who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus says,

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.

Simply put, Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who move with compassion. With mercy.

Jesus’ half-brother spoke clearly to what it means to be a “religious” person. James said, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” Seems pretty vague doesn’t it? Perhaps that’s on purpose.
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