Thoughts & Response To The Insults Of Comedienne Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin. Who is she? Now I am pretty sure she is a two-bit, foul mouthed comic who has shot to fame and probably fortune by insulting my faith. I find is crudely hypocritical that a supposedly witty and cutting-edge entertainer would choose such a safe avenue for stardom. Work harder and perform better than the competition? Well, perhaps this was not an available option. Dare to challenge venues politically incorrect to the Hollywood and media left? You name the deviancy- such would be career suicide. Still it would show courage. No. She took the easy path, the path of the coward. She insulted Christians.

Why not Jews? Yeah, right. Just check the names of the owners of studios and newspapers. Why not Muslims? That would require a swerve from the leftist agenda, something someone desperate to fit into the mold of a good, old-fashioned, leftist entertainer could hardly do. And it could also put your life into danger. A Muslim might kill you in response to an insult. A Christian will pray.

Here are some of her gutter-grade words:
"Some people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus."
As she hoisted the Emmy, she shouted, "Suck it, Jesus! This is my god now."

I am not for censorship. It has never really worked. And, with the internet, it can never happen again.  She is an atheist, and that is her right. She has crudely insulted my religion on national television. And, now it seems she is being handsomely rewarded for being so very ugly. She was quickly swooped up by Larry King for a gushing interview. Now she is dating Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. And, she has proclaimed herself to be "thrilled" with all the publicity.

How are we, as Christians, to respond? Please do not provide for her any more publicity and notoriety by well intentioned, yet bumbling efforts to publicly repudiate her blasphemy. Petitions, ads, scathing sermons- she absolutely loves the attention. Have we not learned that we cannot transform this society with a sword?

My suggestions: Anybody can get angry and punch back. There is nothing extraordinary about such behaviour. Really, those like Griffin expect as much. Instead, find it in your heart to not be bitter toward someone of her ilk. She has no respect for Jesus Christ, most likely because she has never had a compelling opportunity to consider the reality of His love and transforming presence. Christians need to be about the business of praying for this woman and loving her. And what will she do with that? Perhaps her foul mouth will spew more insult. Or, perhaps Kathy Griffin and countless others will be drawn to the Christian faith through its greatest and most inimitable quality- the capacity to love the unlovely.


posted by: LadyG (reply)
post date: 09.24.07 (7:20 pm)

She will do anything for publicity.



posted by: almsthvn (reply)
post date: 09.24.07 (7:51 pm)

Kathy and Sarah Silverman are both such angry, bitter, caustic people. I have little/no desire to watch any show they're on. They certainly have the right to say whatever they like - and I have the right to hit "mute" ;)



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.24.07 (8:12 pm)

Reply to: LadyG
For an entertainer, I understand the need and pursuit of publicity. My problem is the willingness to do anything, as you have said. A person without character, yet in a position of influence, is a dangerous person.




posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.24.07 (8:13 pm)

Reply to: almsthvn
You are quite right. Our greatest power to negate the influence of such a person lies in the use of the off button. Thanks for the reminder.




posted by: TheRockSays (reply)
post date: 09.24.07 (8:36 pm)

How Christians should react to such a thing is very very tricky. Usually anything that doesn't involve quiet dignity is going to backfire. Only a very clever riposte might work, but one thing Christians are not very good at is being clever with the media. An underhanded smear campaign, seemly unrelated to issues Christians are interested in, is the sort of thing I'm thinking of. Christians just don't go for those strategies.



posted by: emerging (reply)
post date: 09.24.07 (10:18 pm)

Last I checked, God's pretty amazing and doesn't need me to defend Him. Just to walk in obedience. Love one another.....sounds simple enough. It would be - if we all had a "mute" button!



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (3:58 am)

Kurt stated it better than I could. I'll assume you'll decide not to "get it," but she wasn't dissing Jesus.



posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (5:29 am)

Kathy Griffin doesn't discriminate in who she insults.

While I understand what Kurt and Surrogate are saying, I have to disagree that she wasn't dissing Jesus. To say "Suck It"? Uh, yep that's disrespectful.

Whatever, she'll live her life and I'll live mine.



posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (6:25 am)

i didn't see it. and regardless of that fact, it was in as bad taste as those who patently and off the cuff thank God for something like winning a Grammy or Oscar.

I would like to see the next person who wins say that they would like to thank their parents for giving them the foundation to succeed, and God for giving them the reality to not let it go to their heads and keep them centered and grounded.

now that would be believable.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (8:51 am)

Reply to: TheRockSays
Well, an underhanded smear campaign does not sound very "Christian" to me. Your first impressions are right on the money. A quiet dignity is the best response. Of course, most of us have the greatest trouble being quiet.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (9:10 am)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
Thanks, as always, for the thoughtful comments and challenge.

First, for the benefit of my readers, I want to answer a criticism that has come my way a few times. Please bare with me, kurt. I know you are a busy guy and don't need to invest thought and energy into this particular matter. I've been accused of playing favorites with my readers and fellow bloggers. The inference is that I will be rational and kind to some, and emotional and mean to others. And I am such a creature that can display such inconsistency at times. But why can I interact with someone like yourself, more or less rationally, and yet get into verbal fisticuffs with others? I think it is because bloggers like yourself stick to the issue, offer much more than verbal barbs, and do not attack me personally. I like interacting on subjects. kurt and I have been exchanging views here on t-Blog for over 2 years now. When I came onboard I think I was quit a bit more abrasive than now. Kurt and others gradually steered me toward a better direction with how I interact with others. It has really been a good life lesson, beneficial in all areas of life. It is one of the examples of why blogging is good, and why I invest time in it even though I'm quite busy.

I see validity in your understanding of the matter. I remember long ago hearing Michael Spinks, after he defeated Ali for the heavyweight boxing title, give thanks to Jesus Christ. I knew from the sportspage and media that he certainly did not show much interest in God with his lifestyle and general choice of words, so it seemed so out place and peculiar. I think he was using trite language, acceptable, and shallow. Now, this woman comes along and blasts such language and triviality? I think you are giving her far too much credit. In my opinion, she was speaking from her heart, and truly has little regard for Jesus Christ.

Her words do insult many Christians. Imagine, kurt, if someone were to speak with such villification toward your son or daughter? It would hurt, I imagine. It might even make you a bit angry. Knowing you even a little, no doubt you would think about it and then respond most apprpriately by ignoring the person, or by using your gift with words to bring him down to size. Well, the evangelical Christian who believes Jesus to be God and also to be a friend and indwelling presence in his life, is likewise injured by such language. I do feel the best way to respond is to follow the teachings of Jesus- turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, etc.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (9:15 am)

Reply to: emerging
It is true, and I appreciate the reminder, that God does not need me to defend Him. But, do we ever need to speak up on His behalf? We are His presence in this world. Others will come to see and know God as they view Him in our lives, and words. Words are an integral part of such. We witness. We praise Him. We instruct. And I think that sometimes we are to give a careful answer to those who challenge our faith. Reason is a gift of God, which we are to use for His glory.

Just some thoughts. Thanks.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (9:21 am)

Reply to: surrogate
You don't really think this woman was being thoughtful and philosophical with her comments, do you? I think what she said was a simple overflow, from her mind to her mouth. She has such little respect for Christians and their God that she is quite willing to insult both if it makes her sound edgy and hep. I think we should have pity and mercy for a person so shallow and mean.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (9:22 am)

Reply to: doeeyed
Yes, indeed. It's rather plain.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (9:23 am)

Reply to: fractalmom
When you win an oscar, nobel prize, or whatever- than please make that speech. I'll be in the front row with a standing ovation.



posted by: TheRockSays (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (9:27 am)

Reply to: PastorDave
No, a smear campaign would be most unChristian. But remember that Flintstones where Fred became a teen idol? When Betty and Wilma had their fill of it, they started a rumour that Fred was a "square", and his fan based disappeared before the concert was even over. If a wholesome pair like Betty Rubble and Wilma Flintstone could do it, surely Christians could manage something.



posted by: bawdy (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (12:34 pm)

I echo Kurt's sentiments on the matter, but understand your point of view as well.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (3:58 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave

Dave, you';ve already said you're unfamiliar with her and her stuff. I AM familiar with her and I "get it" but trying to explain it to your would be pointless. You saw or heard the clip and, as usual, jumped to your conclusion... typical, but not worth arguing with you about. Poooooooor you, always being attacked. Trust me, I doubt Jesus would have been offended. He'd have gotten it.

Please.




posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (4:40 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
What makes you think you "get it" anymore than any of the other folks here?
The one and only person who knows what Kathy Griffin meant when she said what she did, is Kathy Griffin.

She's rude, crude and downright nasty. I've watched her on Bravo many times. Don't get me wrong she can be as funny as all get out but, I cannot believe for one nano second that she was being anything but disrespectful in her acceptance speech. Sorry but, that's how I feel and I think I "get it"!

So there...nah nah nah nah



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (5:01 pm)

Reply to: doeeyed

Well doe, she was making fun of people who thank Jesus when they win an award, or a game, or when they get something someone else wanted too - as though the losers didn't have him on their side, AND she was making fun of people who take the awards too seriously - and she did it brilliantly with very few words. She was, in short, poking fun at anyone who's too damn high and mighty to laugh at themselves.

Now, I didn't claim no one else "got it." I said I DID and, in fact, anyone with half a brain who wanted to - would have. But there are always people who think they're the arbiters of what's crude and "downright nasty," and to them? -I say, "Knock yourself out. Feel all better now that you've got someone you think you're better than?"

Heck, people like that should thank her. She did 'em a favor - as if they need it to find fault.






posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (5:22 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
Sur, I completely without a doubt understand exactly the point that you are trying to make here and maybe even KG. I agree.
What I don't agree with is saying "Suck It Jesus" isn't being disrespectful. I see no way around that!

Even though I may have a brain riddled with lesions or even half a brain, I think I know when someone is being crude.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (5:43 pm)

Reply to: doeeyed


okey-doakey.




posted by: spook102956 (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (5:43 pm)

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do." I was angry and upset with a band director that is being ugly and rude to kids and parents. Your blog has helped me simmer down a bit. Thanks!



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (8:16 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
"Poooooooor you, always being attacked..."
I'm sorry, but this is not my approach to our interaction with this issue.

This woman is trying to be a bully with her mouth and her celebrity. I think you give her far too much credit. There is nothing big or deep about what she has done.

I don't think you are attacking me, personally. Are you?

Now, if I am coming across as whiney, PLEASE lest me know. I'll change my method of communication at once.



posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (8:40 pm)

Anyone who has followed Kathy Griffin's career probably wasn't surprised at all by her. It's taken her years and lots of plastic surgery to get to this place. I think her remarks were definitely planned in advance, I mean c'mon, there's only a limited amount of fame for a 'no talent' comedian, right? A little shock-value goes a long way. Heh.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.25.07 (11:08 pm)

"This woman is trying to be a bully with her mouth and her celebrity."

And who was she bullying? You? People who think like you? Dave, I'll say it again, Jesus would have gotten it and laughed. She also said "My God is this award now!" For goodness sake, if you don't get get it, fine, but don't pretend you're defending the honor of God and Jesus, and accept that it's just sour grapes on YOUR part, not hers.

As someone who TRIES to be funny sometimes, I know perfectly well how it is to have said or written something that, for the purposes of amusement, some people DECIDE to understand - folks who've temporarilly put themselves on the same wavelength for that very self-same purpose of being amused - meanwhile the same words have offended others who are either unable or unwilling to accept the angle from which I've come at something. Oh well. That's life.

I know this, when that happens, if I worried too much about those who DON'T get it, I'd never write another word again. No big tragedy, but then how would I justify sitting here so often and for so damn long?



posted by: TheRockSays (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (5:36 pm)

This blog, and subsequent comments, are just one ironic amazement after another.
First of all, Christians can stand a certain amount of criticism. Maybe they don't always follow their religion properly, maybe they improperly connect elements of their faith to wordly issues, or maybe they just need to be told there are problems with their beliefs. Griffin wasn't doing any of that, she said "suck it, Jesus".
Then Dave, our visible Christian, is put into a position where he has to demonstrate far more humility than I ever could with Surrogate. And so he was accused of the opposite, and still doesn't waiver.
This all seems to me to be the twisted thinking that Griffin propagates.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:17 pm)

Reply to: bawdy
I value understanding above agreement. Thanks.




posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:22 pm)

Reply to: TheRockSays
I just don't see how we can attribute to her such brilliance and wit because she said "Suck it, Jesus." It's third-grade humor, at best. I do not see the forethought and deep religious commentary. If you praise her for such social commentary, then you are going to have to do the same with the kid who farts at the dinner table.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:28 pm)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
By saying "Suck it, Jesus", she is giving the middle finger to arrogant piety? I think she is giving the finger to the little lady down the street with meager means who loves God more than anything else in life. And the Father who lost his child to cancer, and believes one day because of Christ he will see his child again. And the family who says grace together at the dinner table. She insults Jesus Christ. This is not brilliant nor needed. It is as crass as the choice of words. I hear what you say. I do not agree.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:32 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
Jesus might laugh at such pettiness on her part. He would not find humor in such an unkind denigration of another person. I believe, when life is over, she will stand before Jesus Christ as King of Kings. She will not be so full of pomp and vitriol at that moment.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:34 pm)

Reply to: FinalyFree
I kept looking at her. I've seen that face, somewhere... Then it hit me. Seinfeld! She was the one in the Seinfeld episode about BBQ Sauce. Jerry needed a bottle of sauce with the face of Charles Grodin on the label. He trusted her to get it. Instead, she got another bottle that she though was better. Yeah, she was rather funny on that episode.

I do not think she is very funny, now.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:36 pm)

Reply to: TheRockSays

Perhaps I'm not bright enough to understand your argument, but to me what she did was a lot more akin to Grandma farting at the dinner table and then pointing to and blaming Grandpa - and to me, that would be funny. Why would it be funny? I'll try to explain it for you. Grandma would know exactly what she was doing, and what sort of reaction she'd likely get. Sure, that bittie Aunt Polly would look aghast and act all offended, but frankly, that too would be expected and make it even more fun for everyone else.




posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.26.07 (7:44 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave

"I believe, when life is over, she will stand before Jesus Christ as King of Kings. She will not be so full of pomp and vitriol at that moment."

Yes Dave, I know you do. Pretty easy solution too, isn't it? She'll get hers!



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.27.07 (4:48 am)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
I would never stand before a Jew or a Muslim or a Buddhist or a Taoist or a Zorastrian or an American Indian say "Suck it _____________ (insert the name of his/her deity)." It would not advance dialog. It would not win converts to my faith. Even if I were immediately surrounded by others who believe as do I, and would snicker at my insult and later slap me on the back for "letting them have it". The other person deserves more respect, more dignity. I would be doing a disservice to myself and my faith with such an insult.

Heck, I would not stand before an atheist, or even a lilly-livered universalist like yourself and offer such insult.



posted by: lynnkramer (reply)
post date: 09.27.07 (12:38 pm)

I know from previous posts that you are not a Catholic, which is fine since modern Catholics have nearly everything in common with protestants these days as opposed to Ultra Montaine [Othodox Traditional]Catholics such as myself, but honestly I actually that the, Catholic example is the best way.

That is the way of the Saints.
Often evangelists stir up more hostility than conversion.

In these times, I think that the example of St. Paul with the Athenian pagan philosophers, as described by St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles of the New Testament, is instructive. St. Paul gave the Athenian pagan philosophers on the Areopagus the Christian message in an imaginative talk, after which the pagans wanted St. Paul to return on the next day. St. Paul, however, inferred that they did not have an open mind to converting, but simply wanted to waste his time in idle argument. Therefore, he did not return the next day, never returned to Athens in his missionary journeys, and never wrote an Epistle to the Athenians.

All too many traditional Catholic Christians turn individual evangelization into little more than a spitting contest. The evangelizer is bound and determined that he is going to force the other party to the truth and "win the argument."

It doesn't work that way. All we can do is plant the seed, and God will take care of the rest. Some (many?) souls will chose Hell. That is sad, but that is a matter of their free-will. No one can force them to become true Chistian Catholics.

Many of the people whom you will meet, particularly Newchurchers, are like the Athenian philosophers. They close their minds to the obvious proof of their eyes and ears, and will waste your time in pointless debate -- merely to win an argument. All you can do, like St. Paul, is to deliver the message. What the hearer does with that message is his responsibility, and will lead to his eternal salvation or damnation.





posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.27.07 (6:57 pm)

Reply to: lynnkramer

Wow, a non-spam comment from you?

I'm impressed. At least it's not the cut and paste stuff you used to do so much of. Congrats!





posted by: Baby Jesus (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (9:20 am)

Pastor Dave,
I saw your comment over at Pastor Boston's blog and should caution you about criticising the gay movement. His son is gay. Remember what James tells us about watching our tongues.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (9:47 am)

Reply to: Baby Jesus
Did you truly read my comments? Let me say a couple of things:

Pastor Boston's blog is much more aggressive and confrontational than mine. That's not bad. It's just a difference of style.

The post of which I offered comment is, itself, very critical of the gay movement.

What I had to say was mostly words of encouragement to this fellow blogger.

Sometimes my tongue does say things improper, and deserving of correction from the writing of James. I don't think this is a time when such is true. I wrote, as I'm sure you are aware, that in my opinion gays should be free to be gay without reprisal of the law. If you should check other things I have written concerning this subject, you will find that I most likely go further than Pastor Boston and most evangelical pastors in that I am accepting of gay marriage. I think it is a sin, and I would never perform such a ritual nor would my church recognize it as legitimate as a religious union. But, the secular state is not a church. If gays want a civil union, I think the state should allow it. By the way, I think the proper venue for Christian marriage is the church, not the state. I wouldn't mind seeing the state get out of the marrying business.

So, I'll ask you to re-examine what I said on this man's blog. Also, perhaps you should study more carefully what he says. As to the sexual orientation of his son- I have no idea. That's a personal matter. I'm sure the good pastor will discuss the matter if he wishes, and I will interact with him about that issue- not yourself.




posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (9:59 am)

Here's the blogsite for Pastor Ed. Boston. I'll try to write it in a way that the t-Blog censors will allow.It's pretty good, and like I told him, I admire someone that has gained an ongoing readership on blogger, Check it out:

dotherightthing (dash) cyberpastor (dot) blogspot (dot) com



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (3:11 pm)

Reply to: lynnkramer
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. I'll admit I do not know what you mean by "Ultra Montaine Catholic". Thanks to the internet and wikipedia, I have gained at least an inkling. It's a strict papist, someon who strictly believes God's message and ultimately salvation is through the Roman Pope. Feel free to enlighten me if I am truly off base. Of course, my faith identity moves in a very different direction. Simply, Christ alone.

And I do appreciate your understanding of Christian evangelism, with which we have a more common ground. Indeed, all we can do is to plant the seed, and leave the results up to God & the individual.

My friend, you are obviously very sincere about your faith. My wish would be for God to continue to lead you toward the light. I would ask that your prayer for me to be the same.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (3:14 pm)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
So I am an apostate? Thus, prepared for me are the hottest flames of hell? Guess I'll lose some sleep over this one. Not!



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (3:22 pm)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
Just read your response to Lynn. So, seems you think you have me all figured out concerning my attitude toward Catholic believers, and my theology concerning Hell and eternal judgment. Perhaps, is it possible, you would be selling me short?

For the record, I condemn no one to Hell. I simply believe salvation is only through Christ. He will work out the details. As far as the physical nature of Hell, it is a mystery to me. The colorful analogies used by Jesus in His teachings need not be taken literally.

Alright, maybe I've been selling you a bit short, also. I'll agree you do not seem a Universalist. How about Agnostic?



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (3:25 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
Now, be nice to Lynn. Rumor has it he is secretly attending a Baptist church these days. He sneaks in late, and slips out when the sermon is winding down.




posted by: Pastor Ed (reply)
post date: 09.28.07 (5:12 pm)

Well, I'm not sure how you found my blog, but I'm glad you did, and I'm glad I could follow your link back to here. This is one of the best mediums to get our Christian values out to what I call the "formerly Silent Majority". Now don't get me wrong, there is still tons of work to be done, but I believe that Christians and others that believe in a high standard of morals are sick and tired of putting up with the "vocal minority" and allowing them to push us around. You are correct our styles may be different, but we are working on the same side!!!!! Oh and by the way brother, I've read the end of the Book, our side wins!!!!!!!!



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.30.07 (10:52 am)

Reply to: Pastor Ed
I've heard blogging compared to a coffee shop gathering. In some of the small towns where I have pastored, generally there will be a local restaurant where folk will gather to start the day. Chitchat about all kinds of stuff, some relevant and some not, would be an integral part of the menu. Blogging is a form of the same. We "shoot the bull", we are silly sometimes, and serious at others. What we say cam be either poignant or suspect, and sometimes both. All in all, it's a good medium.

Keep up the good work. I'll be around for a visit from time to time.




posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.30.07 (11:24 am)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
There is a smugness about you, my friend, that is a bit irritating. You seem to think you are above the fray, that you have it all figured out, and the rest of us deists and Christians are simply silly with our beliefs. How can you clam such superior knowledge about matters so important, when you then claim there is no way to know ultimate truth? If I can't have it both ways, then you can't either.

I'm sure you are quite familiar with the foundation of my faith. I claim a conversion experience through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. At that point, I entered into personal relationship with Jesus, which means that God now lives within. My encompassing purpose of life is now to serve and know Him. And through that I gain the greatest of joy and fulfillment. Now the mode through which I gain greater understanding of Him is foremost through the Bible, which is God's inspired word, without error when properly interpreted. So much of this involves the supernatural, and faith- two matters which are by definition in conflict with reason. You insist upon reason- Christianity insists upon faith.

Mine is an exclusive pathway to God. All religions are not equal. Perhaps there are other ways to gain a bit of understanding of God, but Jesus Christ is the ultimate, superior, and final revelation. To use religious language we are both familiar with, Jesus is the only way of Salvation. Not everyone has equal access to Jesus. Therefore, as most evangelical Christians, I believe every man will be judged by God according to how he deals with the light that he receives. We here in America have, for the most part, no excuse before God for rejecting the revelation of Jesus Christ. We have the gospel presented in many ways, places, and times.

Now I personally do not ascribe anyone to a burning, fiery Hell. Perhaps Pastor Ed sees differently. Most conservative, evangelical and Catholic Christians believe in a literal place called Hell. I believe the Bible use figurative language. I'm not a Universalist. I believe any man or woman who chooses to reject the revelation of Jesus Christ as God will, as such, choose to face eternity without Him. What happens to said person, the split second after leaving this life, is ultimately mystery to me. What is Hell? Annihilation? Simply yet profoundly, eternal separation? The condition of separation from God is a personal choice, made by those who think they are too smart, or too selfish, or too stubborn, etc. Why reject the ultimate love of God? Now, that is even a greater mystery to me.

I don't expect you to agree. Perhaps you are just too insistant upon reason. Perhaps you are trying your best to analyze yourself right out of the kingdom of God? A person who is too smart for God is, well, too smart.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.30.07 (5:01 pm)

Reply to: Pastor Ed

Oh great. More "It's us against the world," crap.

Dave, you spawning these guys? Bet we're going to get a fresh perspective here.

"Our side wins!" Tee-hee... Tee-hee... Lucky you!

Is it wrong to induce vomiting?



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.30.07 (9:13 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
Now, here you go insulting my new pastor friend. I invite him over here, and look what you say. Over at his place, he consistently gets amens and high-fives. Why don't you treat us preachers with the same niceties?

Pastor Ed simply makes reference to the message of the Bible. It is pretty clear. Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for those who love Him. It is a spectacular place of beauty, indescribable with human language. Probably, also, Pastor Ed is thinking of the last book of the Bible, Revelation. It describes the climactic battle to end all history, in which the forces of evil will be defeated by the armies of God. It is apocalyptic and figurative language. But the point is clear. God wins.

Now, be nice to Pastor Ed. Since you have had a good bit of connection with the church culture and the Bible, I doubt that any of this is surprising. You don't have to agree.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.30.07 (10:25 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave

Thanks for the lesson. I find this emphasis insulting to anyone who DOESN'T agree - which, as Kurt pointed out is at LEAST four sixths of the world, plus a great number of Christians who find Paul's dream to be just what it was, and not the great foretelling of a positively disgusting future that only a petty God would have anything to do with.

You don't have to agree, but you probably will one of these days.




posted by: The Angel Gabriel (reply)
post date: 10.01.07 (3:48 pm)

Oh, give me a freaking break! She was mocking the assholes who thank Jesus for everything including good bowl movements. Lighten up will you? You'll be much happier.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 10.01.07 (5:34 pm)

Reply to: The Angel Gabriel
That sounds so cool. I've heard it and read it a good bit. Big deal. So she insulted your God!

And, of course, if she had spoken with derision and insult toward your important cause of the day... For instance, "Suck it, you ignorant environmentalists, may you drown in sewage..." Or, "Suck it, you stupid Democrats, may Hillary Clinton drop dead." - of course, her career would be in ruins, killed by a thousand editorials and probably a death threat or two. And, notice she did not say anything like, "Suck it, you assholes who thank Jesus for everything including good bow(e)l movements. Lighten up will you? You'll be much happier." No. She had such disregard for the deity that the Christian chooses to bow down and worship, for whom thousands have died, that she blatantly insulted their God and by inference insulted them. It's an insensitive ploy by a limited talent who desperately wants to extend her 15 minutes of fame. And, I guess she succeeded.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 10.02.07 (4:43 am)

"Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for those who love Him."

I was wondering... Do you think Jesus would be more an Andes or a York Peppermint Patty guy?

Ya know, for mints on the pillows...



posted by: scubadiva (reply)
post date: 10.07.07 (11:28 am)

I haven't read the other comments - but it's always amusing to me what is politically-correct and what isn't. Blacks can use the 'n' word and it's ok. Griffin who will do anything to get a mention in the press makes jokes about Christians. Yet Mel Gibson gets railed for (drunkenly) making anti-semitic remarks. That dude Isiah something or other gets railed for making a comment against gays.

I've never understood 'the rules' about the public's perception of what is 'comedy' or 'acceptable' or whatever.



posted by: joey (reply)
post date: 11.06.07 (2:29 am)

Get a sense of humour is all I can say!
She was parodying all the pop trash that thank Jesus Christ for everything they do because it's the "trendy" thing to do...
Seriously, lighten up! You only live once, stop wasting your time complaining and just ignore it. She's the most succesful comedian in the United States at the moment and she just broke into the Australian market so it seems alot of people find her funny! I certainly do.

[but im sure this post will be slaughtered as having read your posts you guys clearly don't allow for any other point of view other than your own!]



posted by: joey (reply)
post date: 11.06.07 (6:15 am)

"A Muslim might kill you in response to an insult. A Christian will pray."

bahahaha and that's got to be the biggest racial stereotype ever! Shame on you Dave!



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 11.06.07 (4:14 pm)

Reply to: joey
Being Muslim is not a matter of race. What I have expressed may be a religious stereotype, but not racial. Surely you keep up with the news. Remember the Danish cartoons that were an insult to Mohammed, and the resultant riots, burnings, and killings? At the heart of many of the Muslim religion is the concept of jihad, or Holy War. It is a calling from God to subjugate the infidels, either by conversion or death. It is part of the religion. I do not think this to be a stereotype, but a fair and verifiable understanding.




posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 11.06.07 (4:19 pm)

Reply to: joey
I don't think you have read this post, and the accompanying comments. There is lots of disagreement, and I think at least semi-serious interaction. Around here, you do not have to agree with the writer. Just be courteous with your reply- which you have done. I don't think this Grade B comic is anywhere near as popular as you allude. Most people will accept and even snicker at gentle humor, but to be so obvious with your disdain of another person's faith and to do so in such a public arena leaves a stinch. There will be some who like it, but not most.


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