In a shocking and disturbing incident that recently came to light, a 25-year-old man named Andrew Hartzler from Kansas City, Missouri, shared a video on TikTok documenting a horrifying exorcism performed on him by an evangelist. Hartzler’s parents had subjected him to years of conversion therapy, believing that exorcising demons would change his sexual orientation. This article delves into the details of this distressing experience, shedding light on the dangers of conversion therapy and the extreme beliefs held by certain segments of right-wing Christian fanatics.
The Disturbing Exorcism Experience
The video shared by Hartzler on TikTok captures the exorcism performed by an evangelist named John Jacobs, the founder of the Christian group The Power Team, known for combining displays of strength with preaching. The exorcism involved Jacobs walking around the room, shouting at Hartzler’s clothes and even claiming to fill the wardrobe with angels. He also anointed Hartzler’s bed with oil, proclaiming that anyone who touched it would be saved.
Hartzler’s Background and Conversion Therapy
Hartzler grew up in a conservative evangelical household affiliated with the International House of Prayer. He came out as gay at the age of 14, which prompted his parents to send him to conversion therapy, a harmful and discredited practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation. After completing high school, he was further isolated from the LGBTQ+ community by being enrolled in Christian Oral Roberts University, where his parents believed he would not be exposed to other gay individuals. However, Hartzler found that many other students had similar experiences and struggles.
Exposing the Right-Wing Christian Fanaticism
Hartzler’s decision to share the video of the exorcism several years later was motivated by a desire to highlight the existence of right-wing Christian fanatics who view being gay as something profoundly evil. These individuals hold extreme beliefs and resort to rituals such as exorcism to try and change a person’s sexual orientation. Hartzler felt it was crucial for people to witness the reality of these practices and the harm they can cause.
Confronting the Dangers of Conversion Therapy
The exorcism video serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by conversion therapy. This harmful practice, condemned by major medical and psychological associations, inflicts psychological and emotional trauma on individuals. It perpetuates the harmful notion that being LGBTQ+ is a problem that needs fixing, leading to self-rejection, depression, and even suicide. Advocacy efforts continue to push for a complete ban on conversion therapy to protect vulnerable individuals from enduring further harm.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
Sadly, Hartzler no longer maintains a relationship with his parents, as their beliefs and actions were deeply damaging to him. He has found solace and support within the LGBTQ+ community and continues to raise awareness about the dangers of conversion therapy and the importance of acceptance and love for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
