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{{Infobox non-profit |
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{{AFC submission|t||ts=20140905202334|u=Dallas75248|ns=118}} <!--- Important, do not remove this line before article has been created. ---> |
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| name = Joel 2:25 International, Inc. |
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| image = [[File:Joel 225 International Official Logo 2014.png|213x213px]] |
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| caption = "I will restore to you the years which the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter." - Joel 2:25 |
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| founder = |
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| type = [[Nonprofit]] |
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| tax_id = 46-4342662 ([[Employer Identification Number|EIN]]) |
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| founded_date = {{Start date|2013}} |
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| languages = |
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| services = |
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| headquarters = P.O. Box 795471 |
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Dallas, Texas 75379 |
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| homepage = {{URL|http://www.Joel225.org}} |
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}} |
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'''Joel 2:25 International, Inc.''' ("Joel 2:25") is an [[ex-gay]]{{Explain|date=January 2024}} ministry.<ref name="wright" /> |
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== |
== Name == |
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[[Joel 2#Verse 25|Verse 2:25]] from the Biblical [[Book of Joel]] states: ''I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter. The great army sent among you.''<ref>''Holy Bible'', [[Book of Joel]], verse 2:25</ref> The organization's website states: |
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<ref>http://www.Joel225.org</ref> is a non-profit ministry organization providing a network of support groups for individuals with [[Ex-gay movement|Same-Sex Attraction]] (ex-gay). Joel 2:25 Internationals holds local in-person meetings in [[Dallas, Texas]] and other major US cities as well as daily, weekly, and monthly video-conferences with 27 groups consisting of individual participants from 92 countries. The organization provides ongoing encouragement and ministry support in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Croatian, Macedonian, Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Chinese, and Japanese. On a monthly basis, Joel 2:25 hosts guest speakers for in-depth topics from ministry, emotional healing, and Reparative Therapy. Guest speakers have included [[Joseph Nicolosi|Dr. Joseph Nicolosi]] of the [[National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality|National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality or (NARTH)]] and other leaders from The [[Restored Hope Network]], and the International Healing Foundation.<ref>http://comingoutloved.com/Websites/comingoutloved/images/JoelWebinar-Flyer-final-2.pdf</ref> |
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{{Quote | In Joel 2:25, "The hopper, the destroyer, the great cutter, and great army” depict successive waves of scourge after scourge… For many of us, the relational wounds and brokenness underlying homosexuality have destroyed multiple years and caused relational wounds that made recovery and healthy affirmation difficult to take-in. God’s promise in Joel 2:25 implies a 'recompense.' He can give us fruitful years as a compensation for those in which the locust ate up the fruits of the earth. This means far more than sexual sobriety and abstinence. It is a healing of emotional wounds and relational brokenness; development of true identity as men of God, fulfillment of needs, and multiple fruitful years of mission and purpose that lead to Joy."<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://joel225.org/ |title=Joel 2:25 International}}</ref>{{better source|date=January 2024}}}} |
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== Formation == |
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==== '''The Organization's Mission Statement:''' ==== |
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Joel 2:25 was incorporated in the state of Texas on November 26, 2013 as a non-profit organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/pub78Search.do?ein1=46-4342662&names=Joel+225+International+Inc&city=Dallas&state=TX&country=US&deductibility=NONE&dispatchMethod=searchCharities&submitName=Search|title=Exempt Organizations Select Check|accessdate=8 September 2014|publisher=}}</ref> It is a tax-exempt public charity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/displayAll.do?dispatchMethod=displayAllInfo&Id=4972980&ein=464342662&country=US&deductibility=all&dispatchMethod=searchAll&isDescending=false&city=&ein1=&postDateFrom=&exemptTypeCode=al&submitName=Search&sortColumn=orgName&totalResults=1&names=joel+225&resultsPerPage=25&indexOfFirstRow=0&postDateTo=&state=All+States|title=Details about|website=apps.irs.gov}}</ref> |
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<blockquote>''"As a [[Christian]] community, we proactively engage and affirm men and women throughout the world who experience same-sex attraction, providing ongoing prayerful support that encourages relational healing, [[Sobriety|sexual sobriety]], and spiritual growth."'' |
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</blockquote> |
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== Positions == |
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==== '''The Organization's Vision Statement:''' ==== |
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Joel 2:25 supports individual freedom of conscience for all, but believes that sexual purity is a life and death matter: "Sexual holiness for Christians matters to such an extent that living an unrepentant sexually immoral life can get even self-professed Christians excluded from the kingdom of God".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://joel225.org/j225_011.htm|title=Joel 2:25 International - Beliefs about Christianity and Homosexuality|accessdate=8 September 2014|publisher=|archive-date=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214162113/http://joel225.org/j225_011.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{better source|date=January 2024}} |
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<blockquote>''"Our vision is to be an authentic [[Christian]] community that welcomes men and women from all nations and faiths who share common goals to grow in faith, hope, and love. We know from experience and proclaim without hesitation that the first step in experiencing real joy and happiness in this life and the next is to completely surrender our lives to God. |
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== Reception == |
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We continuously strengthen and empower each other to find healing for emotional and relational wounds, experience giving and receiving real Love, and living ever more assertively with authentic joy in harmony with our faith. This organization was born out of our personal experiences with the undeniable truth that emotional and relational healing is possible and that all of us are created for holiness and chastity according to our state in life.''"</blockquote> |
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Joel 2:25 received increased media attention and scrutiny when it was revealed that the organization's founder, Jeremy Schwab, had authored the platform amendment for the 2014 [[Republican Party of Texas]] platform to protect the right of access to reparative therapy.<ref name="wright">John Wright, "Meet the Ex-Gay Man Behind the Texas GOP’s Reparative Therapy Plank", ''Texas Observer'', 06/11/2014 {{cite web|url=http://www.texasobserver.org/meet-ex-gay-man-behind-texas-gops-reparative-therapy-plank/|title=Meet the 'Ex-Gay' Man Behind the Texas GOP's Reparative Therapy Plank|work=The Texas Observer|date=11 June 2014 |accessdate=8 September 2014}}</ref><ref>Brittany Martin, "Texas Republicans’ backing puts spotlight on therapy for gays", ''Dallas Morning News'', 06/20/2014 {{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20140620-texas-republicans-backing-puts-spotlight-on-therapy-for-gays.ece|title=Texas Republicans' backing puts spotlight on therapy for gays - Dallas Morning News|accessdate=8 September 2014|publisher=}}</ref><ref>James Withers, "Ex-gay advocate defends Texas Republican support of conversion therapy", ''Gay Star News'', 06/22/2014</ref><ref>Bud Kennedy, "Texas GOP’s ‘gay therapy’ stand misunderstood, author says", ''Fort Worth Star Telegram'', 06/10/2014{{cite web|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/10/5890270/texas-gops-gay-therapy-stand-misunderstood.html?rh=1|title=Texas GOP's 'gay therapy' stand misunderstood, author says - Bud Kennedy...|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|accessdate=8 September 2014|publisher=}}</ref> |
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Schwab issued personal statements in defense of the platform plank on television and in his personal blog.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/local/2014/09/05/14229174/|title=Reparative therapy platform plank misunderstood, Republican delegate says|author=WFAA Staff, 5:31 p.m. CDT June 20, 2014|date=20 June 2014|accessdate=8 September 2014|publisher=}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myssajourney.blogspot.com/2014/06/texas-gop-reparative-therapy-platform.html|title=My Journey: Texas GOP Reparative Therapy Platform Plank|author=Joel Admin|date=10 June 2014 |accessdate=8 September 2014|publisher=}}</ref> |
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The organization began as a local support group in Dallas, Texas but quickly grew through video-conferencing and social media. Joel 2:25 International, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Texas on November 26, 2013 and is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. |
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== See also == |
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* [[Christianity and homosexuality]] |
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Joel 2:25 International supports individual freedom of conscience for all, but believes that sexual purity is a life and death matter. In this regard, the organization differs from the theological views of [[Alan_Chambers_(Exodus_International)|Alan Chambers]], the former leader of [[Exodus International]] |
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* [[Ex-ex-gay]] |
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<blockquote>''"Sexual holiness for Christians matters to such an extent that living an unrepentant sexually immoral life can get even self-professed Christians excluded from the kingdom of God. ( Matt 5:29-30; John 8:11 with 5:14; 1 Thess 4:3-8; Gal 5:19-21; 1 Cor 5; 6:9-10, 13-20; 2 Cor 12:21; Rom 1:23-32; Col 3:5-7; Eph 4:19; 5:3-6; 1 Tim 1:9-11.) |
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* [[Homosexuality and Roman Catholicism]] |
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Some Christian theologians would say that this may mean that such persons were never true Christians to begin with. Others would explain that it may mean that such persons have fallen away from a once genuine faith. Either way, all orthodox Christian theologians would agree that a life committed to unrepentant, sexual immorality is evidence of a life not lived by saving faith. (Matt 5:29-30; 7:16-27; Mark 4:16-19; John 15:1-6; Rom 8:12-14; Gal 6:7-9; Heb 10:26-29; James 2:14-26; 2 Pet 2:18-21; 1 John 1:6-7; 2:3-6, 15, 29; 3:6-10, 14-20, 24; 5:18; Rev 2:4-17, 20-23, 26; 3:1-3, 5.)''</blockquote> - see [http://joel225.org/j225_011.htm Joel 2:25 website (FAQ's) for doctrinal statement] <ref>http://joel225.org/j225_011.htm</ref> |
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* [[Homophobia]] |
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* [[Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination]] |
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* [[Sexual orientation change efforts]] |
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==== '''Criticism''' ==== |
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Joel 2:25 International has been called ''"a unwanted weed in a garden"'' by [[Gay rights|gay rights advocate]] [[Wayne Besen]] |
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<blockquote>''"What is disturbing is its focus on propagandizing to the international community."''</blockquote> |
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<ref>http://www.truthwinsout.org/news/2014/01/39175/</ref> |
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== External links == |
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Joel 2:25 International received increased media attention and scrutiny when it was revealed that organization's founder, Jeremy Schwab, had authored the platform amendment for the 2014 Republican Party of Texas platform to protect the right of access to Reparative Therapy. <ref>http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20140620-texas-republicans-backing-puts-spotlight-on-therapy-for-gays.ece</ref> <ref>http://www.texasobserver.org/meet-ex-gay-man-behind-texas-gops-reparative-therapy-plank/</ref> <ref>http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/10/5890270/texas-gops-gay-therapy-stand-misunderstood.html?rh=1</ref> <ref>http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2014/06/12/65131</ref><ref>http://www.patheos.com/blogs/warrenthrockmorton/2014/06/13/religious-right-politics-and-the-ex-gay-movement-get-back-together-in-texas/</ref> <ref>http://www.democraticunderground.com/107818763</ref> <ref>http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ex-gay-advocate-defends-texas-republican-support-conversion-therapy220614</ref> |
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* {{Official website|http://www.Joel225.org|Joel 2:25 International - official website}} |
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<ref>http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/06/22/texas-ex-gay-activist-i-know-at-least-500-people-who-have-changed-their-sexuality/</ref> |
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[[Category:Conversion therapy organizations]] |
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Joel 2:25's founder, Jeremy Schwab, issued statements in defense of the platform plank on television and in his personal blog <ref>http://www.wfaa.com/story/local/2014/09/05/14229174/</ref> |
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[[Category:Men's movement in the United States]] |
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<ref>http://www.myssajourney.blogspot.com/2014/06/texas-gop-reparative-therapy-platform.html</ref> and was also defended by other activists and organizations such as [[Focus on the Family]] <ref>http://www.citizenlink.com/2014/06/10/texas-gop-platform-supports-change-therapy/</ref> <ref>http://www.citizenlink.com/2014/06/12/texas-the-truth-about-reparative-therapy-in-the-rpt-platform/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Citizenlink+(CitizenLink)</ref> and <ref>Daryl L. Foster</ref> of the Gay Christian Movement Watch <pre>http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/06/22/texas-ex-gay-activist-i-know-at-least-500-people-who-have-changed-their-sexuality/</pre> |
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[[Category:Christian organizations established in 2013]] |
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[[Category:LGBTQ and Christianity]] |
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Latest revision as of 02:57, 23 September 2024
 "I will restore to you the years which the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter." - Joel 2:25 | |
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| 46-4342662 (EIN) | |
| Headquarters | P.O. Box 795471 Dallas, Texas 75379 |
| Website | www |
Joel 2:25 International, Inc. ("Joel 2:25") is an ex-gay[further explanation needed] ministry.[1]
Name
[edit]Verse 2:25 from the Biblical Book of Joel states: I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter. The great army sent among you.[2] The organization's website states:
In Joel 2:25, "The hopper, the destroyer, the great cutter, and great army” depict successive waves of scourge after scourge… For many of us, the relational wounds and brokenness underlying homosexuality have destroyed multiple years and caused relational wounds that made recovery and healthy affirmation difficult to take-in. God’s promise in Joel 2:25 implies a 'recompense.' He can give us fruitful years as a compensation for those in which the locust ate up the fruits of the earth. This means far more than sexual sobriety and abstinence. It is a healing of emotional wounds and relational brokenness; development of true identity as men of God, fulfillment of needs, and multiple fruitful years of mission and purpose that lead to Joy."[3][better source needed]
Formation
[edit]Joel 2:25 was incorporated in the state of Texas on November 26, 2013 as a non-profit organization.[4] It is a tax-exempt public charity.[5]
Positions
[edit]Joel 2:25 supports individual freedom of conscience for all, but believes that sexual purity is a life and death matter: "Sexual holiness for Christians matters to such an extent that living an unrepentant sexually immoral life can get even self-professed Christians excluded from the kingdom of God".[6][better source needed]
Reception
[edit]Joel 2:25 received increased media attention and scrutiny when it was revealed that the organization's founder, Jeremy Schwab, had authored the platform amendment for the 2014 Republican Party of Texas platform to protect the right of access to reparative therapy.[1][7][8][9]
Schwab issued personal statements in defense of the platform plank on television and in his personal blog.[10][11]
See also
[edit]- Christianity and homosexuality
- Ex-ex-gay
- Homosexuality and Roman Catholicism
- Homophobia
- Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination
- Sexual orientation change efforts
References
[edit]- ^ a b John Wright, "Meet the Ex-Gay Man Behind the Texas GOP’s Reparative Therapy Plank", Texas Observer, 06/11/2014 "Meet the 'Ex-Gay' Man Behind the Texas GOP's Reparative Therapy Plank". The Texas Observer. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ^ Holy Bible, Book of Joel, verse 2:25
- ^ "Joel 2:25 International".
- ^ "Exempt Organizations Select Check". Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ^ "Details about". apps.irs.gov.
- ^ "Joel 2:25 International - Beliefs about Christianity and Homosexuality". Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ^ Brittany Martin, "Texas Republicans’ backing puts spotlight on therapy for gays", Dallas Morning News, 06/20/2014 "Texas Republicans' backing puts spotlight on therapy for gays - Dallas Morning News". Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ^ James Withers, "Ex-gay advocate defends Texas Republican support of conversion therapy", Gay Star News, 06/22/2014
- ^ Bud Kennedy, "Texas GOP’s ‘gay therapy’ stand misunderstood, author says", Fort Worth Star Telegram, 06/10/2014"Texas GOP's 'gay therapy' stand misunderstood, author says - Bud Kennedy..." Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ^ WFAA Staff, 5:31 p.m. CDT June 20, 2014 (20 June 2014). "Reparative therapy platform plank misunderstood, Republican delegate says". Retrieved 8 September 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)[permanent dead link] - ^ Joel Admin (10 June 2014). "My Journey: Texas GOP Reparative Therapy Platform Plank". Retrieved 8 September 2014.