Back in 1993 I was desperately looking for Christian music with some real “meat” in the lyrics. Ever since Keith Green died tragically in a plane crash, Contemporary Christian music was not meeting my needs for songs with a punch that really communicated either the Bible or principles of Christian living.
In this time period I found and came to deeply love the songs of Steve Green, Dallas Holm, John Michael Talbot and Ray Boltz. That which was common in these great Christian musicians was their obvious love for the Lord and their lack of fear in singing the truth of God’s Word even if it meant not selling as many records than if they watered down the Gospel.
I was particularly intrigued by the music of Ray Boltz. His words were like listening to a story being told, especially his ballad “See the Lamb” which I have always loved dearly. I remained a fan of Ray for years as his music styled changed and his ministry changed course. I was very glad when he produced a new CD back a few years ago, for it had been awhile.
The news yesterday that he announced he was gay and happy hit me like a ton of bricks. If there was one thing I never in a million years would have thought would come out of his mouth, it was that he was gay. Even typing these words make me cringe. Knowing his conscience is seared with a hot iron and that he has no plans to “repent” or re-think his lifestyle change makes me sad, with unspeakable sadness.
People “blow it” everyday. Some of the sins committed by well known Christian leaders and entertainers are really bad. But this one takes the cake. I can think of nothing a person with the influence Ray Boltz has could do to drive a wedge among Christians faster than to make his announcement. The battle between “gay and straight” Christianity has been heating up anyway. Ray’s announcement only serves to push the issue over the cliff.
For a man with the upbringing and ultra conservative roots that Ray Boltz has to somehow come to the conclusion that something as Biblically deplored as homosexuality is justifiable in his case is equal to a Christian leader being caught snorting cocaine and then he say it is allowable for him. Or what about the Pope getting caught in a relationship with a nun and him telling the world it is allowable because he is the Pope.
It is truly sad that so many Christians are rallying behind Mr. Boltz as if he is a victim. This putrid worldly behavior is sickening. Let us call a sin a sin no matter who commits it. People can debate whether homosexuality is a sin all day long, but as long as the Bible is to used as the standard for what is sin or is not; there is no issue—homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible.
People must live with the choices they make. Ray Boltz must live with the choice he has made not only in this life, but also in that which is to come. He must live with knowing that the vast majority of people he blessed with his music, myself included, now have a bitter taste in our mouths and will not be able to listen again to him without the taste of bile surfacing.
I will pray for all involved as any Christian should. God help us all.
