As I wrote about in July, earlier this summer the self-promoted Earth’s Biggest Bookstore – Amazon, apparently decided they weren’t quite big enough to include any books about homosexual conversion therapy. As Josh Shepherd at The Stream reports, most of the suddenly-banned volumes were written by Christian authors and address issues of same-sex attraction and homosexuality from a faith-based perspective.
Amazon didn’t even have the decency to inform the various authors or publishers of their actions. They just disappeared the books from their listings. Shepherd spoke with one of those affected by the sudden censorship, Anne Paulk, who wrote “Restoring Sexual Identity”, and serves as executive director of Restored Hope Network, a ministry coalition based in Colorado Springs, CO ~
“Our mission is to restore hope to those broken by sexual and relational sin, particularly those impacted by homosexuality. We do that through the Christian faith — the life-changing power and incredible love of Jesus Christ.
“It’s not about shaming, coercion, or anything else. It’s about joy and peace and resolution of things that have troubled people.
“Restored Hope Network was founded in 2012. We took up the mantle that Exodus International had tossed aside. By the end, they no longer were helping people leave homosexuality.
“Our affiliated ministries have representation and influence in a diversity of Christian traditions, including Catholic and Protestant circles. Most of our leaders are lay people who have themselves walked out of homosexuality. Based on their own previous experience, they now help other people leave who desire to.
“We also have many trained counselors. Some of our member directors, for example, have their masters’ in counseling and are licensed with the state. We’re excited to have their expertise on board as well.” – Anne Paulk
Does Restored Hope sound like an organization that needs to be outlawed? Amazon thinks so ~
My book titled “Restoring Sexual Identity” is designed to help women who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction and want to leave homosexuality. When I wrote it several years ago, I took exceptional care for the tone to be understanding and compassionate.
“Reader reviews have been favorable overall, though a few gay activists left mean remarks. They seem to have never read the book. Also, they didn’t like a different ideological viewpoint being presented.
All of Joseph Nicolosi Sr.’s books and several titles by various authors were banned at the same time. Also one by counselor and prolific writer Joe Dallas. One of his books was banned that we in ministry consider particularly helpful.” – Anne Paulk
As for those who claim this sort of therapy is ineffective and even harmful, Anne counters with a question ~
“What peer-reviewed and published evidence do they have of harm being done in recent years? Today, our network in the counseling or ministerial professions is not finding any such examples.
“These days, we hear interesting stories being spread. As if harmful aversion techniques are currently being used in helping people leave homosexuality. We cannot find any evidence of it.
“When you hear stories like that, it’s important to ask: Who is the counselor or practitioner who suggested electro-shock or some other harmful technique? Did you make an ethical complaint against them? Because they should.”
It’s so encouraging to see Paulk and her Restored Hope Network unfazed by Amazon’s censorship ~
“The church really needs to hold firm, with gentleness and respect, to what the Bible says about sexuality. If the leaders of the Body of Christ will do that, we will be walking in the center of God’s will regardless of challenges that surround us.”
There’s obviously a real need for organizations like this, individuals who truly desire to more beyond homosexual attractions. May God continue to bless Anne and her ministry.
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Related:
Of course it’s not just Amazon ~ Pastor and ‘former homosexual’ sues Vimeo for censoring conversion therapy videos ~
Domen says his organization posted 89 videos before they received an email in November 2018 explaining the content was in violation of Vimeo’s policy, which does not allow videos “that promote Sexual Orientation Change Efforts,” according to their website.
Their account was terminated on Dec. 6, 2018.
“Vimeo did not provide Plaintiffs with an explanation for the distinction between Church United’s videos relating to sexual orientation, testimonials, events relating to sexual orientation, and the thousands of similar videos related to LGBTQ and sexual orientation,” read the court papers. “Plaintiffs are informed, believe, and thereupon allege that the violation of Vimeo guidelines was merely a pretext to justify restricting and censoring Church United and James Domen’s videos.”
The lawsuit was originally filed in a federal court in California, but transferred to Manhattan federal court Wednesday.
Domen is seeking $75,000 and additional damages, claiming the company violated his right to free speech.
The Gaystapo Inquisition
“The Way” out of gay
Homosexual apostates will not be tolerated?
