Rev Thomas Littleton

9/22/2021

When the scandalous Revoice Conference movement for “LGBT+ Thriving in historic Christian (church ) traditions” emerged in 2018 the soon to be confirmed primary influence behind the movement was the American Psychological Associations interfaith sexual and gender identity expert Mark Yarhouse . Yarhouse had endorsed the Revoice conference on social media but his often quoted books and looming influence were an undeniable inspiration for the Revoice movement.

Living Out, the ministry of Sam Allberry in the UK had also been endorsed Revoice “for their US audience” while preparing to host Tim and Kathy Keller for their Living Out Gender Identity conference in London. Yarhouse soon surfaced as a key part of the brain trust behind Living Out as well. Both these movements have received a great deal of scrutiny and criticism as they dance well beyond the fringes of Christian orthodoxy and push the limits toward sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). In the June 2018 event for Living Out the infamous “LGBTQ Inclusion Church Audit was introduced and praised as “brilliant ” by Kathy Keller. This shocking moment was brought to you by the long time association of the Keller’s organization The Gospel Coalition with Mark Yarhouse. According to Yarhouse Bio he had provided the Whitepaper document which became the TGC gold standard on SOGI in 2010.

THE MANTRA OF SAME SEX ATTRACTED = “SEXUAL PURGATORY ” FOR STRUGGLING BELIEVERS.

Christians being SSA or Same Sex Attracted language has been the product of the work of Yarhouse and others like him who place high value on Atheistic or Interfaith Psychology and seek to mix and mingle it with the Gospel and true conversion. It is a sort of “sexual purgatory ” for people who have had a history of homosexual or lesbian desires or activity. SSA is a sort of stop gap for the lack of the human genome studies search for the elusive “gay gene” which did not materialize. SSA language was drafted for the church in 2010 (same year as Yarhouse TGC Whitepaper) by several people in the collapsing “Ex gay Ministries” or Exodus International and Exodus Global for the 2010 Lausanne Movement South Africa meetings at which Tim Keller (Keller again ) was the keynote speaker and crowned as the new John Stott and the leading Christian Thinker of our time.

SSA is a sort of Alcoholics Anonymous for Christians with homosexual or lesbian desires or lingering temptations. Yarhouse and others like him offer no real Gospel HOPE that such temptations will ever go away or that the victims can be set free from them. This view and stance for ministry is totally anti Gospel and anti transformation. It is not only hopeless but anti- or against Christ redemptive work which millions have known to be more than enough to suffice and redeem their lives including their desires. That Jesus is able to save to the Uttermost (Hebrews 7:25) actually means what it promises.

YARHOUSE CUTTING EDGE GENDER WORK FOR CHRISTIANS LOOKS TO BE THE NEW FRONTIER .

Increasingly the Yarhouse narrative on Gender shows the deep fault line of a “make it up as you go along ” approach. Gender is a very simple issue from both a biblical and biological perspective. The sad incidence of biological malformation is very rare and not at all the driving factor in the world of “gender dysphoria “. Yarhouse and Sprinkle are both focused more and more on the trendy movements behind transgenderism and their confusing narratives appear to be as fluid as the identities of those they seek out to feature in order to prove themselves correct and justify the churches need of their insightful expertise conferences and endless stream of books.

In short Transgender is the new punk and it is essential (according to those in the industry) that we have leading Christian experts to interpret the unfolding mysteries it entails. Where would the church be without Christianized psychology? We would most likely be more firmly anchored in and able to offer the true hope of the Gospel to those coming out of sexual sin, distortion and abuse. Instead we seek to navigate these ruinous waters with human wisdom mostly originating from lost men who either hated God or were Universalist idolaters.

YARHOUSE ROLE AS A LEADERHIP BOARD MEMBER AND SPEAKER AT REVOICE

By 2019 Yarhouse was both the featured speaker and a member of the leadership council of Revoice movement .

Yarhouse has long moved across the lines of the professed “Side A / Side B ” positions in the ongoing and fluid narratives of so named “LGBTQ Christianity”

(Taken from a LGBTQ Christianity advocacy page)

“A person who has a “Side A” perspective on Christian sexual ethics typically believes the following:
God makes people gay. God blesses same-sex marriages in the same ways He blesses opposite-sex marriages. Holding these beliefs typically requires some theological maneuvering around the six “clobber passages” that people claim refers to same-sex sexual activity, but most Side A gay Christians I know believe that the Bible is not binding or prescriptive for a modern context.”

“Now let’s talk about the “Side B” perspective:
Same-sex attraction is not what God intended and is a result of the Fall. But, we do not choose who we are attracted to and there is no formula to change ones attractions. There is no context for same-sex sexual or romantic activity that God blesses, so they are sins. God calls all Christians to a vocation of celibacy or marriage with someone of the opposite sex. Side B Christians may identify as gay in a limited way , finding it helpful to identify with those of a shared heritage and similar life experiences.”

THE SAME GROUP HAS ADDED SIDE X AS A DESCRIPTIVE SEGMENT WHICH IS IN FACT THE HISTORIC BIBLICAL VIEW.

“And finally, there is the “Side X” perspective:
Same-sex attracted Christians must reject their attractions and work toward changing their attractions. Continuing to experience SSA is a sign of willful disobedience and/or lukewarm sanctification. Homosexuality in any form is sinful . God intends for all people to marry someone of the opposite sex.”

Mark Yarhouse in his work moves across ALL these spectrums and appears to counsel a “What ever works for the person” approach. Why wouldn’t he since his own training and standard and work with the APA is both interfaith and based on the pragmatic and Atheistic history of Freudian psychology?

MARK YARHOUSE WHEATON BIOGRAPHY

“He was also invited ( in 2010 ) to write the featured white paper on sexual identity for the Christ on Campus Initiative edited by Don A. Carson for The Gospel Coalition.”

YARHOUSE INTERFAITH WORK WITH THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION AND OTHER ENTITIES

(NOTE :The APA has been on very long journey to normalize homosexuality since 1973)

“Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist who specializes in conflicts tied to religious identity and sexual and gender identity. He assists people who are navigating the complex relationship between their sexual or gender identity and Christian faith. He is the Dr. Arthur P. and Mrs. Jean May Rech Chair in Psychology at Wheaton College, where he runs the Sexual and Gender Identity (SGI) Institute. He is an award-winning teacher and researcher and is the past recipient of the Gary Collins Award for Excellence in Christian Counseling. He was a past participant with the Ethics and Public Policy Center think tank in Washington, DC, and he was named Senior Fellow with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities to conduct a study of students navigating sexual identity concerns at Christian colleges and universities. He has been a consultant to the National Institute of Corrections to address issues facing sexual minorities in corrections, and he was part of a consensus panel from the American Psychological Association on sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts that convened to provide input to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in Washington, DC.  He is currently the Chair of the task force on LGBT issues for

YARHOUSE APA WORK WITH DIVISION 36

“Benefits of membership include receiving the journal Psychology of Religion and Spirituality and the division Newsletter, as well as many opportunities to make professional contacts in the field through participation in the Division’s Mid-Year Conference, APA’s annual convention and other division activities.”

“A wide variety of psychological interests and activities exist among the members of the division. Members work in virtually every area, from experimental and statistical research to clinical work with children and adults. We are concerned with both the scientific and applied aspects of our field. Many members do research exclusively on issues in the psychology of religion and spirituality; others bring this interest to bear on a variety of allied areas in psychology. Our professional affiliates may be found working in sociology, religious studies, and the other social sciences. Some members also possess a clerical degree and integrate psychology with the requirements of pastoral life as researchers and practicing clinicians.”

YARHOUSE LATEST BOOK

In August of last year Yarhouse published his latest book with coauthor Julia Sadusky.

“Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth “

“This inviting text provides a useful framework for Christians to use in approaching what can be difficult conversations around gender identity.”–Publishers Weekly”

“This book offers a measured Christian response to the diverse gender identities that are being embraced by an increasing number of adolescents. Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky offer an honest, scientifically informed, compassionate, and nuanced treatment for all readers who care about or work with gender-diverse youth: pastors, church leaders, parents, family members, youth workers, and counselors.”

“Yarhouse and Sadusky help readers distinguish between current mental health concerns, such as gender dysphoria, and the emerging gender identities that some young people turn to for a sense of identity and community. Based on the authors’ significant clinical and ministry experience, this book casts a vision for practically engaging and ministering to teens navigating diverse gender-identity concerns. It also equips readers to critically engage gender theory based on a Christian view of sex and gender.”

About the Author

“Mark Yarhouse(PsyD, Wheaton College), a licensed clinical psychologist, is the Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Chair of Psychology in the School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he leads the Sexual & Gender Identity Institute. Yarhouse has authored or coauthored several books, including the well-received Understanding Gender Dysphoria.”

“Julia Sadusky (PsyD, Regent University) works as a clinical psychologist in Denver, Colorado. She also serves as a youth and ministry educator, offering trainings and consultations on the intersection of sexuality, gender, and theology. Her research experiences and clinical training have focused on the study of sexual and gender identity, including providing individual, family, couples, and group therapy for those navigating sexual- and gender-identity concerns. She is an advisor for the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender.”

Yarhouse himself was as Regent University at the time the first Revoice conference emerged in 2018 but has since returned to Wheaton Colloge where FELLOW APA expert and coauthor Stanton Jones was employed. Jones has not only cowritten books with Yarhouse but endorses the new Emerging Gender Identities book.

“We are faced with a dizzying ongoing evolution in cultural understanding of and recommended responses to a kaleidoscope of emerging gender identities. This book offers richly informed and thoughtful Christian analysis of these phenomena, along with compassionate and challenging recommendations for ministry.”
—Stanton L. Jones, Wheaton College (emeritus); coauthor of the God’s Design for Sex family sex-education book series”

ADDITIONAL ENDOSEMENTS COME FROM

Preston Sprinkle who is a Master’s Seminary graduate also heads his own organization promoting LGBTQ Christian identities and is ” author of Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say.”

–Shirley V. Hoogstra, president, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities who has also endorsed the radical “Fairness for All ” legislation backed by the funding of Paul Singer who funds both “Fairness ” and the HRC efforts promoting “The Equality Act”.

Caleb Kaltenbach, pastor and author of Messy Grace. (Caleb has added the “Messy” narrative to the LGBTQ conversation subverting the call to personal holiness and espousing that grace and conversion are “Messy ” and expectations should be adjusted to accept the confusion the new branding for LGBTQ Christianity brings with it.

YARHOUSE MOST DISTURBING ENDORSEMENT COMES FROM A TRANSSEXUAL “FOLLOWER OF JESUS “.

“Yarhouse and Sadusky are unafraid of exploring the overlap of Christianity, psychology, and cultures, and equally unafraid of reaching out in peace. I admire such a version of Christianity. I have read every page of this book. I disagree with the authors’ concept of suffering, but that is a minor point. I found myself nodding my head in agreement over and over. I endorse this book for ministers, parents, and gender-exploring youth.”
—Caryn LeMur, a male-to-female transsexual and a follower of the words and life of Jesus –This text refers to the paperback edition.

According to social media post LeMur is identifies as a woman married to a woman since 2011/ LeMur profile photograph also contains a rainbow filter meaning that LeMur identifies not only as a woman but as LGBT.

TO CLARIFY

So to clarify – Mark Yarhouse new Book “Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth” is endorsed by a person born a male who identifies as a “male to female transsexual ” who also identifies as a lesbian.

Meanwhile after the disturbing and divisive impact of both Revoice and Living Out who reveal Yarhouse is still the gold standard on SEXUAL ORIENTATION GENDER IDENTITY for many leaders of denominational seminaries and counseling departments in conservative “biblical ” churches.

SOME EXAMPLES OF YARHOUSE FAR REACHING INFLUENCE:

Tim Keller’s organization The Gospel Coalition has never disowned Yarhouse and remains committed to his twisting messaging via TGC editor on all things LGBTQ-Sam Allberry of Living Out ministries

JD Greear Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President for 3 years endorses Yarhouse in his Mega-Church counseling Department.

SBC flagship seminary SBTS and its head Albert Mohler have endorsed a wide range of Yarhouse influenced people including Allberry and actually educated and employed the founder of Revoice Nate Collins. Collins is a VERY close associate of Yarhouse and included him in the 2019 Revoice event and leadership.

Albert Mohler SBTS disciple/ ERLC head for 8 years / TGC leader Russell Moore continues to advocate a host of Yarhouse disciples like Allberry and Collins.

No one in the PCA or SBC denominations affiliated with Keller’s The Gospel Coalition have removed their endorsement or spoken critically of Mark Yarhouse or the 2010 Whitepaper he provided TGC.

SAMPLE CHURCH RESOURCES FROM YARHOUSE

Other Podcasts in the LGBTQ and the Church Series

Juli Slattery: This Is How the Church Can Begin the LGBTQ Conversation

Gregory Coles: It’s Possible to Be Same-Sex Attracted and Fully Surrendered to Jesus

Ed Shaw: How God Has Used Same-Sex Attraction to Equip Me As a Pastor

Sean McDowell: Scripture Is Very Clear About God’s Design for Sexuality

Rachel Gilson: How Jesus Helps Me Say No to My Same-Sex Desires

Caleb Kaltenbach: Do You See the LGBTQ Community Through God’s Eyes?

Preston Sprinkle: Jesus Left the 99 to Pursue the One—And That Means Trans People

Laurence Koo: A Call for the American Church to Welcome Single (LGBTQ) Believers

Key Questions for Dr. Mark Yarhouse

-What do we know and what do we not know about where gender dysphoria comes from? 

-What are the biggest needs you are seeing in the church right now related to sexuality and gender identity?

-What would you say to Christ-followers who believe that the Bible prohibits them from fellowshipping with someone who claims to be a believer, but is pursuing transitioning?

-What is the most effective way for pastors to engage people who struggle with gender dysphoria?

Key Quotes from Dr. Mark Yarhouse

“Gender dysphoria is the experience of distress that can be associated with a lack of congruence between a person’s biological sex and their gender identity.”

“I do think the church is at its best when it can do a couple things simultaneously…I think you do need a biblical starting point and firm scriptural foundation for the church. But then I think you are also going to need a winsome way of presenting that to a culture that is pretty skeptical of the church.”

“You need Christians with ‘convicted civility,’ and I would just add to that, convicted civility seasoned with compassion for the people who are navigating these questions around gender and sexuality. If you don’t have a heart for people, it’s going to be very hard for you, I think, to really be part of their journey.” 

“The average Christian in the pew may tell you what they believe, but they don’t know why they believe what they believe. So you obviously want pastors who have done that homework…but I don’t know that a single pastor should think of themselves as a Long Ranger who has to rethink the whole thing over again.” 

“There’s a global Christian witness in this area, there’s a historical Christian witness in these areas.”

“How are you conversant with the broader culture, which is very diverse?…How do you engage with others who disagree with you in a winsome manner, with that convicted civility, seasoned with compassion? I think that’s often the thing that’s missing.” 

CONCLUSION

CONFUSED YET? Just stick with the Biblical standard of sexuality and gender and you will in fact be fine no matter where you may be coming from in your past. Jesus has nailed or sins to His cross by taking them upon Himself and offers HIS salvation on the same “uttermost” and comprehensive level to everyone. Sinners welcome. No need for APA revisionist who manipulate and harm people and accuse those holding to the hope and power of the Gospel of being the ones doing the harm.

The choice for the Saints- especially those who have experienced true conversion but have lingering sexual temptations of any sort, (which is 100% of the population of Christian pilgrims in this world.) is do we accept the sad assertions of reality put forth by Yarhouse and others that we cannot escape our sexual temptations , especially those with SSA, but must be defined by them and labeled as “such and such” kind of Christian? Or can we embrace the powerful work of redemption that changes not only the eternal destiny but also the very nature of the true believer?

Do we cling to the fleshly desires we know are offensive to a Holy God while being comforted by the sirens song of modern prophets for hire who mingle faith with reason to the point of false doctrine ? Or can we dare to “look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of out FAITH? (Hebrew 12:2 )

Are these verses true?

¹⁶ Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ¹⁸ Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”