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Leftist Blogger Takes on Rev. PrevoThe main issue is the minister's stance on homosexuality.Related Content
A liberal blogger is trying to limit the influence of Reverend Jerry Prevo of the Anchorage Baptist Temple, one of the best-known and most controversial members of the clergy in Alaska. The main issue is the minister's stance on homosexuality. John Aronno says that Prevo lacks civility because of the way he phrases his objections to homosexuality, with words such as “abomination” and “deviant.” But Aronno uses a provocative comparison -- lumping Prevo in with Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kansas, whose church has staged anti-gay demonstrations at the funerals of soldiers. "I think there's a certain level of crassness that comes across,” said Aronno, who writes the blog Alaska Commons. He recently submitted a guest column to the Anchorage Press in which he said it is time to declare Prevo and the Baptist Temple “toxic” and “taboo.” "When you start preaching from the pulpit to get active in politics, get active in public policy, that crosses a line that I think is really dangerous." Aronno says Prevo crossed that line in 2009 with opposition to a gay rights ordinance that was vetoed by Mayor Dan Sullivan. Aronno concludes after reviewing multiple sermons of Prevo's that ultimately he is not much different than Phelps. Prevo responded: "Anybody that read that article comparing me to Phelps would laugh at the person who wrote that article. There's no comparison because we're very patriotic here at ABT. We have a strong military church. We support our military. We have patriotic programs. I think it's very inappropriate for them to be demonstrating at soldiers' funerals." "But dr. Prevo has a lot of very similar messages,” Aronno counters. “He doesn't use the exact word that Fred Phelps uses, but he uses words like abomination, detestable, reprobate mind, pervert, sexual deviant, demonic, satanic. And it's not a sign on YouTube; it's sanctioned on statewide television." Prevo was defended by a fellow clergyman. "I think this article kind of does exactly what it's complaining about. It kind of tries to marginalize without allowing a person to have his opinion," said Rev. John Carpenter of Baxter Bible Church. Aronno hopes to get Alaskans to take a different attitude toward Prevo. "And rather than just shrug it off and say that's Jerry, I would like to see people stand up more and say no this is not OK." Meanwhile, Prevo says he's not overly bothered by criticism when preaching the gospel. "When I hear that, I just say you know that's what my lord said was going to happen, and I just need to suck it up and bear it too." One thing they agree on: they welcome the conflict.
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Sure said on Thursday, Nov 10 at 9:56 AM
TO: Sinner Like The Rest Of Us. I am not a judeochristoislamist so am incapable of sinning. I am not in the same potty as you. You judeochristoislamists need to have everyone suffering and fearing like you ... take a hike. If you want to stop being a sinner .. stop going to cult services and start talking to God on your own.... I think you are just too lazy and would rather pay a priestcrafter to do your thinking for you... the problem is the Prevo's of this world... soul-molestors all of em
76730794MasterJ said on Thursday, Nov 10 at 4:36 AM
It appears ABT is a cult. The danger with this type of cult is no one will stop it till it is too late... 'Jonestown' all over again. The funny thing is most Americans have been brainwashed into thinking religion is harmless... if you believe that ask Cynthia Lord why God asked her to kill her children
76712289AMBITION HAS A DARK SIDE.. said on Wednesday, Sep 14 at 8:06 AM
It often has more to do with 'ELEVATING SELF" than with accomplishing something nobel for others.Don't forget you have a special assignment from GOD to lead.If you want to be "SOMEONE" who truly "RISES UP",make your ambition "humbly,love & serve GOD with all your heart, soul, mind, strength.PHIL: 2:3.Lay aside the weight of SIN that ENSNARES us. ( LIke the LOVE of MONEY, POWER).
73801473SINNER LIKE THE REST OF US! said on Friday, Sep 9 at 11:47 AM
Only a sinner saved by Grace.We are all in the same pot.Some just sink to the bottom,with the heavy weight of "GREED & MONEY". Real "EXAMPLES" are needed,especially by Pastors. Don't forget "Jim Baker" and Jimmy Swaggart".Fallwell contributed heavely to Jims down fal with jealousy, greed and jealousy Of Jims satellite for his PTL Club.Ole Fallwell didn't have one.He tricked Jim into turning over his ministry to him for 6 months until everything was strightened out with the Feds.You need to watch "Through The EYes of Tammyfae" documentary.Its well worth seeing. She is deceased but did not put "LABELS" on people, and treated the homosexuals like humans.I believe she was a TRUE christian, and loved people,regardess.
73607756cooljulie said on Friday, Sep 9 at 12:19 AM
Try declaring your house a church, and request tax-exempt status. When it gets denied (and they basically laugh at you), ask why Prevo can do it. Then take the muni to court for discrimination. You can easily and legally become your own church, establish yourself as pastor, and live in the church (parsonage). What happened to separation of church and state???
73580289Ruins tax exempts for other churches said on Wednesday, Sep 7 at 4:04 PM
Because of Prevo's political connections, getting the church owned property tax exempt to include his school teachers, where the Law prior was clear, the tax exemptions were for property occupied by preachers, preists,clergy,bishops, ministers, IF IRS gets in the game, with the TAX assessors, it will ruin all the tax exemptions for all the churches. SOme of the smaller churches can be hurt financially big time. NOT a good move for ole Prevo. He is a naughty, naughty man.
73514579DOUBLE STANDARDS said on Tuesday, Sep 6 at 10:15 AM
The biggest problem with fundamental churches are the fact the "PREACHER" wants total control of "Everything".Your thinking, voting,beliefs,your money,time,which to a degree isen't always a bad thing, however when you start making rules for yourself, getting members of the church to get laws passed for your own entitlement and monetary gain, then something is wrong big time. By Prevo getting all his property tax exempt while NOT being honest about who lives in the houses and pays him rent, is just obscene. He is going to cause the tax laws on all churches to no longer get tax exemptions becasue of his greed and love of money! Shame on this man.
73446788akbandit said on Monday, Aug 15 at 1:10 AM
Religious hypocrisy is amusing, but in a very terrifying way. Let's see- we need to be tolerant and love our neighbor, but not if that neighbor is gay. And we support our military, and the country's xenophobic agenda, so if that neighbor is Muslim, well, they're screwed. We can't abort babies, but god blesses the troops who invariably slaughter innocent children in Iraq, etc, conveniently called 'collateral damage' so it doesn't sound like 'murdering babies'. Scientific medicine has firmly astablished that people are BORN gay, they don't choose to be gay. So this god who condemns gay people is a hypocrite too, condemning them from birth for something beyond their control. If there is in fact a god, then Prevo and his ilk are the ones who are gonna burn. Oh, and Jerry? I DID read the article comparing you to Phelps, and I chuckled, because the author hit the nail on the head! You are both pathetic hypocrites misleading masses of people for personal gain. Enjoy your blood-stained $!
72352517freedom said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 7:05 PM
Aronno, He will have to give an answer to God if he preached the truth he is preaching what the lord says not what the people want to hear I suggest you look up Gods word for yourself or are you afraid of what you might find and by the way YOU are yourself is going to have to answer to God so don't judge him
72166851Sled driver said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 4:43 PM
You guys write all these stupid comments about love not knowing scripture yourselves. Learn the meaning of love before you comment, Do you know when the word Phileo or Agape are used in the Bible they both translate into the word love? and both mean totally different things. When someone is preaching against sin it is out of love for you.
72159702Lisa said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 3:16 PM
Sounds like some of you need to sit through a couple of his sermons. I have never heard him preach hate or his political views. He has always said vote the way you feel lead to, just vote. Sorry, but the bible does state homosexuality is a sin...along with a multitude of other things. I agree, the first greatest commandment is to love God with all of your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself....it doesn't specify only the righteous neighbor or only the heterosexual neighbor....."love your neighbor as you love yourself"...that would be anyone and everyone. Dr. Prevo is teaching the bible and he is using words found in the bible to teach with. I'm glad he is willing to take the persecution to continue spreading the good word. Honestly people just need to learn tolerance ACROSS THE BOARD and learn to worry about themselves and stop worrying about what the other guy is doing.
72155702Joch said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 3:03 PM
Aronno is a idiot!
72155091Eustace Kakolantern said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 2:50 PM
Lets all hold hands and sing Kambahya.
72154542Shiloh said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 2:42 PM
So many churches have become way too politically active. Take away their tax exempt status and then let them say whatever they want. People like Prevo will always push the envelope. If I was at a new church and the pastor said some of the things that Prevo says, I'd stand up and walk out because I know they aren't supposed to be telling people how to vote. The Catholic Church should have lost it's tax exempt status too. It basically told Catholics that they could vote for anyone they wanted, but if they voted for Obama, they'd have to do penance! I say tax them all, and let them pay for fire protection, etc. just like every other property owner.
72154191Blondie said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 2:41 PM
Jesus is love. He hates the sin and loves the sinner. God created man in his image. God then created woman as his helpmate from his side, to be equal to him, not from his head to rule him, not from his foot to be beneath him. His command was to populate the earth. Now, how can 2 women or 2 men populate the earth? Look at the story of Soddom and Gamora.When people start condoning things that are not right, that is when we as a people start to fall short of everything we were meant to be.
72154113Anonymous said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 2:41 PM
The last couple of lines where the reporter mentions that Rev. Prevo rarely "is confronted in public" but that "his son has been shot at" is quite a deflection. Does he seriously think that everyone who questions his beliefs is capable of that? Frankly we should welcome the public discussion. Mr Aronno is not hiding behind his computer like so many hateful people. He is using his small pulpit (Alaska Commons) to point out that the Baptist Temple has used their influence for political purposes and that Rev Prevo's hateful language continues to marginalize people who's behavior is normal (though not prevalant). Let's keep discussing.
72154104Richard said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 2:32 PM
I remember many years ago when a Baptist Minister in Anchorage wrote a letter to the editor saying that Prevo was not like them, or words to that effect. I think he and his commercialism and deviation from Christ's message are an embarassment to them. My Book says you shall love God with your whole heart, soul and mind AND your neighbor as yourself. It doesn't say anything about God going on vacation and asking Prevo to correct His work. If I were Prevo, I'd be afraid to die.
72153752jaybird said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 2:27 PM
Jerry Prevo and your ilk : Matthew Shepard died for your sins ! And Jesus wept !!
72153539Maggie Mo said on Wednesday, Aug 10 at 9:05 AM
As I recall from my Psych classes,'deviancy' is the scientific term used to indicate a behavior that runs counter to those observed in the predominant segment (norm) of society--behaviors that provide for survival of the human species. In other words, behaviors that deviate from the norm. It is sort of like the term 'morbidly' obese. Sounds grotesque, but scientifially accurate all the same.
72134284Roy said on Tuesday, Aug 9 at 11:37 PM
Prevo was on the GOP Central Committee?
72107374JAB said on Tuesday, Aug 9 at 11:04 PM
If God, and If his Word do not agree with you as it is written. Whom might you think you are to change it. It still is the best seller, not only in the US but World wide. Come out of the dark ages and into the light.......TRUTH is hate is in the darkness and as Christians we are to live in the light of his Word.....Simple things for simple people with great understanding......Literary Criticism Will for ever exist, especially of the best seller ever in history. It may be simply another book to you....But it is the Word of God to many. Why then do you say that you want freedom if you your selves wish to muzzle the TRUTH. Let me see if I have it write. You can say what you want because you are free, but I can not because you want to control my freedom. Matter of Fact is that you don't like the consequence of higher thinking. If Homosexuality is an abomination because the BIBLE says it, I can say it to and with authority. I can say it without authority and it still sands TRUE
72106531Kodiak123 said on Tuesday, Aug 9 at 10:28 PM
I don't get it. SOme of you want to limit Prevo's right to peaceful speech just because you don't agree with him. He's not out to limit your's so what gives? He has never advocated violence, but open participation in legistlation. Aronno must be desperate for attention since he's dragging up something from 2 years ago. And I have no idea why Mike J brought up things like gyms. BTW- there's two gyms because it's a school, too. One gym for elementary and one for highschool. There's a nice cafateria; want to complain about that?
72105522Philip Munger said on Tuesday, Aug 9 at 9:32 PM
1). The web site Prevo helped maintain during the Prop. 64 battle struck me as Phelps-esque. There was a lot of blind hatred on that site. 2). Back when John Lindauer was flaming out in the Guv race, Prevo was the last on the AK GOP Central Committee to abandon what was clearly a damaged, morally questionable politician, based entirely on Lindauer's strong anti-gay personal beliefs. 3). Perhaps the comparison to Phelps stretches it a bit, but Aronno's Press article is certainly worth a read. Phelps is thoroughly disgusting, Prevo, less so. Prevo is right to observe his blind support of our military distinguishes him from Phelps, but watching all those kids in red shirts, parading around the Loussac like brownshirts in 2009 gave me the same creepy feeling that Phelps' people do.
72103417Mike J said on Tuesday, Aug 9 at 8:42 PM
Have to admit, just like Phelps 'church' in Kansas, the Prevo Corp has their own lawyers to help ensure that they stay just far enough on the legal side. Once glimpse at one of their TV services and Prevo bragging that local basketball tourney help at their place because they have large 2 gyms. Why does a church need 2 large gyms? Guess no problem if part of church cuz it's tax free. Then the fuss when they MOA wouldn't authorize a bigger sign. Quite a list of supposed 'tax free' properties they have, though on Courtview they are listed as evicting renters on some of the same properties, so thinking bending the rules a bit. Prevo talks a lot about the Bible and Jesus, though he's living a whole lot better than any preacher that I ever knew. Lots better than Jesus and his diciples ever did. Thinking the fnniest thing was a few years back when I think it was Phelps gang came here to Anchorage to picket the Prevo Corp. Thinking Prevo running close 2nd to Phelps, but still not impressed.
72101004Becky said on Tuesday, Aug 9 at 8:05 PM
If he calls himself a pastor and he's a political advocate..telling his congregation how to vote...Go after him where it counts, his non-profit status..He cannot claim to be a servant of my Lord, and preach hatred, and get involved in political agenda...contact the IRS and have his nonprofit status revoked..its not permitted.
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