'On the Edge'
A great deal of this website is based on and draws inspiration from a 2009 in-depth report compiled by Matt Comer.
Download a .PDF copy of "On the Edge: Religious militancy in the Queen City" by clicking on the image below. This Aug. 2, 2011, print version of the original online report contains an informational preface.
Brown: Radical militancy
The July 2009 report, “On the Edge” (see sidebar at left), documents Michael Brown’s and Lou Engle’s radically violent and militaristic rhetoric regarding a “holy war” to win back the nation and world for Christ. Often, Brown describes the struggle against gay and lesbian equality as a “battle.” Even today, Brown continues to use inflammatory rhetoric that suggests a life-or-death struggle and conflict over gay and lesbian issues and people.
The violent rhetoric espoused by Brown, as well as Engle, is a staple, as documented in the report and by others. That rhetoric continues to this day and in association with Brown’s upcoming Aug. 27 protest of Pride Charlotte. In an undated audio clip entitled, “Rally Meeting Against Charlotte Gay Pride Day,” and posted to the website of New Bethel Church of God in Christ, Brown and supporters discuss the Aug. 27, 2011, event. In a message to those gathered, Brown documents what he describes as a “revolution” of gay rights.
He states, “It’s not too late. The tide can be turned. There is a price to pay. Titus Brandsma, who was martyred by the Nazis, said those who want to win the world for Christ must have the courage to come into conflict with it. Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘A reformer has to sail not with the current. Very often he has to go against it even thought it may cost him his life.”
Brown continues, “Jesus reminds us that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. That’s what we’re talking about…being persecuted because of righteousness.” Brown then quotes from The Book of Revelation, stating, “They conquered them by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony because they loved not their lives even unto death.”
In the audio recording, Brown continues, “From James B. Taylor, one of my favorite quotes, ‘The world may frown, Satan may rage, but go on. Live for God. May I die in the field of battle.’”
After his use of violent, militant quotes depicting real-life battles and struggles resulting in death, Brown quickly adds, “Actually, we’re not talking about dying and I don’t think people are going to be killing us right now. We’re just talking about standing up for right.”