Jesus H. Christ...

[GH2001]

BTW. Does the "H" stand for Herbert? That's what I have always been told.

Henry.  It's anglicized!

[Snaggletiger]

Are there any women here today?

[GarMan]

Are there any women here today? 

Taylor's been responding to posts... 

[Saniflush]

Taylor's been responding to posts...

BOOM goes the dynamite.

[Tiger Wench]

In the vein of offending everybody... I would think that the "do as they are told" would apply to any group of organized people who are led by a charismatic person...  and who, by lack of mental capacity or a "go along to get along" mentality or some other defect of character, will be led like lambs to the slaughter rather than challenge the status quo. 

Jim Jones

David Koresh

Those freaky Comet people

Those fucked up Jonesboro church people

I am Christian, I believe in God, but despite being immersed (haha) in it since infancy, including attendance at a Baptist college, I no longer identify with the Southern Baptist theology because I refused to go along with and wholesale accept certain of their proclamations on social issues.  Their treatment of women and other minorities, as well as gays, pushed me away.  I guess I don't like ANYONE telling me what I will and will not be allowed to believe or do or say if I am to be an accepted part of the group, whether it be a Baptist preacher or a Catholic Pope or Priestess Miriam down in NOLA off Rampart Street.  I am a grown woman, and while I am willing to accept guidance from those more learned in theology, I will make my own decisions as to my relationship with God and living my own life, thankyouverymuch.

That just happens to be my story - I am sure the Methodists, while slightly less self-righteous, have their own issues.  I go to a Methodist church right now and holy smokes, they are money grubbing and try overly hard not to offend anyone - the polar opposite extreme of the hellfire Baptists i grew up around.  My church built a columbarium ON PREMISE right outside the sanctuary so you can sit during church and look out the window knowing that dead people are buried RIGHT THERE - for a small fee, mind you, plus that yearly maintenance fee to clean the bird shit off your plaque in the ground for all eternity. Just... wow.

So, IMO, anyone who surrenders their critical thinking and reasoning skills in the name of theology or any other -ology or -ism is giving up their personal identity in the name of the group identity, and I have a hard time with that.

[GH2001]

In the vein of offending everybody... I would think that the "do as they are told" would apply to any group of organized people who are led by a charismatic person...  and who, by lack of mental capacity or a "go along to get along" mentality or some other defect of character, will be led like lambs to the slaughter rather than challenge the status quo. 

Jim Jones

David Koresh

Those freaky Comet people

Those fucked up Jonesboro church people

I am Christian, I believe in God, but despite being immersed (haha) in it since infancy, including attendance at a Baptist college, I no longer identify with the Southern Baptist theology because I refused to go along with and wholesale accept certain of their proclamations on social issues.  Their treatment of women and other minorities, as well as gays, pushed me away.  I guess I don't like ANYONE telling me what I will and will not be allowed to believe or do or say if I am to be an accepted part of the group, whether it be a Baptist preacher or a Catholic Pope or Priestess Miriam down in NOLA off Rampart Street.  I am a grown woman, and while I am willing to accept guidance from those more learned in theology, I will make my own decisions as to my relationship with God and living my own life, thankyouverymuch.

That just happens to be my story - I am sure the Methodists, while slightly less self-righteous, have their own issues.  I go to a Methodist church right now and holy smokes, they are money grubbing and try overly hard not to offend anyone - the polar opposite extreme of the hellfire Baptists i grew up around.  My church built a columbarium ON PREMISE right outside the sanctuary so you can sit during church and look out the window knowing that dead people are buried RIGHT THERE - for a small fee, mind you, plus that yearly maintenance fee to clean the bird shit off your plaque in the ground for all eternity. Just... wow.

So, IMO, anyone who surrenders their critical thinking and reasoning skills in the name of theology or any other -ology or -ism is giving up their personal identity in the name of the group identity, and I have a hard time with that.

I'm also UMC now tw. Have been a member for a while now. I don't agree 100% with them but its as close as ill get I think. You are right. The money grubbing has gotten insane.  I also don't like the way many churches have perpetuated the tithing myth through the generations using guilt to get monetary gain.

[AWK]

Taylor's been responding to posts...

That's very Un-Christian like of you.

[AWK]

In the vein of offending everybody... I would think that the "do as they are told" would apply to any group of organized people who are led by a charismatic person...  and who, by lack of mental capacity or a "go along to get along" mentality or some other defect of character, will be led like lambs to the slaughter rather than challenge the status quo. 

Jim Jones

David Koresh

Those freaky Comet people

Those fucked up Jonesboro church people

I am Christian, I believe in God, but despite being immersed (haha) in it since infancy, including attendance at a Baptist college, I no longer identify with the Southern Baptist theology because I refused to go along with and wholesale accept certain of their proclamations on social issues.  Their treatment of women and other minorities, as well as gays, pushed me away.  I guess I don't like ANYONE telling me what I will and will not be allowed to believe or do or say if I am to be an accepted part of the group, whether it be a Baptist preacher or a Catholic Pope or Priestess Miriam down in NOLA off Rampart Street.  I am a grown woman, and while I am willing to accept guidance from those more learned in theology, I will make my own decisions as to my relationship with God and living my own life, thankyouverymuch.

That just happens to be my story - I am sure the Methodists, while slightly less self-righteous, have their own issues.  I go to a Methodist church right now and holy smokes, they are money grubbing and try overly hard not to offend anyone - the polar opposite extreme of the hellfire Baptists i grew up around.  My church built a columbarium ON PREMISE right outside the sanctuary so you can sit during church and look out the window knowing that dead people are buried RIGHT THERE - for a small fee, mind you, plus that yearly maintenance fee to clean the bird shit off your plaque in the ground for all eternity. Just... wow.

So, IMO, anyone who surrenders their critical thinking and reasoning skills in the name of theology or any other -ology or -ism is giving up their personal identity in the name of the group identity, and I have a hard time with that.

I agree, I was just targeting the southern Baptists because that is what Bentley is affiliated with...plus, Garman's mangina hamburger bleeds profusely when you discuss baptists.

[Townhallsavoy]

In the vein of offending everybody... I would think that the "do as they are told" would apply to any group of organized people who are led by a charismatic person...  and who, by lack of mental capacity or a "go along to get along" mentality or some other defect of character, will be led like lambs to the slaughter rather than challenge the status quo. 

Jim Jones

David Koresh

Those freaky Comet people

Those fucked up Jonesboro church people

I am Christian, I believe in God, but despite being immersed (haha) in it since infancy, including attendance at a Baptist college, I no longer identify with the Southern Baptist theology because I refused to go along with and wholesale accept certain of their proclamations on social issues.  Their treatment of women and other minorities, as well as gays, pushed me away.  I guess I don't like ANYONE telling me what I will and will not be allowed to believe or do or say if I am to be an accepted part of the group, whether it be a Baptist preacher or a Catholic Pope or Priestess Miriam down in NOLA off Rampart Street.  I am a grown woman, and while I am willing to accept guidance from those more learned in theology, I will make my own decisions as to my relationship with God and living my own life, thankyouverymuch.

That just happens to be my story - I am sure the Methodists, while slightly less self-righteous, have their own issues.  I go to a Methodist church right now and holy smokes, they are money grubbing and try overly hard not to offend anyone - the polar opposite extreme of the hellfire Baptists i grew up around.  My church built a columbarium ON PREMISE right outside the sanctuary so you can sit during church and look out the window knowing that dead people are buried RIGHT THERE - for a small fee, mind you, plus that yearly maintenance fee to clean the bird shit off your plaque in the ground for all eternity. Just... wow.

So, IMO, anyone who surrenders their critical thinking and reasoning skills in the name of theology or any other -ology or -ism is giving up their personal identity in the name of the group identity, and I have a hard time with that.

Wonderful post.

I too have gone through a transformation of my religious identity over the past year. 

I've grown tired not of the money-grubbing and the life-controlling, but rather, I've grown very tired of the show many churches try to sell in the name of Jesus.  "Contemporary" church is now a product that is being pushed as the way, the truth, and the life.

The baptist churches I've attended have been the worst at telling me to listen to Chris Tomlin and Co, and by God, that's some of the worst music I've ever heard in my life.  Don't tell me that's the only way to worship God through music. 

[GarMan]

That's very Un-Christian like of you. 

 

I'm sure you'll survive, Sweetpea...

[AUTiger1]

Wow this thread is still going........where is Weskey to give his input on religion? 

[Tiger Wench]

I've grown tired not of the money-grubbing and the life-controlling, but rather, I've grown very tired of the show many churches try to sell in the name of Jesus.  "Contemporary" church is now a product that is being pushed as the way, the truth, and the life.

You're telling me - I live in Houston, home of Joel Osteen.  A bigger load of touchy feeley horse pucky delivered by a bigger touchy feeley piece of horse pucky ye shall not find anywhere.

Now every church in Houston feels like they have to offer at least one "contemporary/praise" worship service in order to compete with Osteen and his "Everybody's Hands Go UP!"  bible show.  Even venerable institutions like Second Baptist and First Methodist have done it - gotta be "hip and happening" to get butts in pews and dollars in collection plates.

Creeps me out.  Reminds me of the very groups I mentioned before - using charismatic means to sway a crowd into group think and mob mentality.  Sit still and worship within yourself while those around you are gibbering in the aisles and knocking each other in the head with their flailing arms, and you are frowned upon.  I truly wonder how much the participants of those services give into peer pressure and how much is truly worshipful behavior.

[AWK]

You're telling me - I live in Houston, home of Joel Osteen.  A bigger load of touchy feeley horse pucky delivered by a bigger touchy feeley piece of horse pucky ye shall not find anywhere.

Now every church in Houston feels like they have to offer at least one "contemporary/praise" worship service in order to compete with Osteen and his "Everybody's Hands Go UP!"  bible show.  Even venerable institutions like Second Baptist and First Methodist have done it - gotta be "hip and happening" to get butts in pews and dollars in collection plates.

Creeps me out.  Reminds me of the very groups I mentioned before - using charismatic means to sway a crowd into group think and mob mentality.  Sit still and worship within yourself while those around you are gibbering in the aisles and knocking each other in the head with their flailing arms, and you are frowned upon.  I truly wonder how much the participants of those services give into peer pressure and how much is truly worshipful behavior.

http://ilike.myspacecdn.com/play#The+Vandals:Christian+or+Canadian:356331:s38266707.10419045.4715894.0.2.9%2Cstd_d6378bb64c0d40ad88b458448f413032

It couldn't be worse. From chorus to verse.
It sounds like Korn but a little bit worse.
Is it Christian or Canadian? Guess!
On 90.7 it's bad 311.
Evidently it's a hit. But it stinks to high heaven.
Is it Christian or Canadian? Guess!

Play the game that isn't fun, can't be ignored,
and can't be won. Someone get me a gun.

It sounds kind of emo, or not so tight screamo.
And he keeps saying 'Him', so i'm gonna say homo.
Is it Christian or Canadian? Guess!
He's wearing a sweater, like '98 Vedder.
But it's 2002, and the song could be better.
Is it Christian or Canadian? Guess!

Play the game that isn't fun, can't be ignored,
and can't be won. Someone get me a gun.

It's said that those that cannot do
will end up teaching stuff to you,
or some of them find God instead or better yet the border.

I cannot quite place it. It sounds like Ocasek.
But 20 years later, so you might as well face it.
Is it Christian or Canadian? Guess!
It's so non-commitish, like light Reel Big Fish.
Or rock en Espanol, translated into English.
Is it Christian or Canadian? Guess!

Play the game that isn't fun, can't be ignored,
and can't be won. Someone get me a gun!

[Snaggletiger]

I've played in our Contemporary Worship band for years.  I attend a huge Methodist Church here in Dothan and I think it has something to offer everyone.  Yes, they push the tithing, stewardship angle pretty hard but hey, that's between you and God too.  Otherwise, there's no pressure to live this way or that.  Our pastor is a down to earth guy and his sermons talk straight to you in real terms about issues and struggles we all have.  Relationships, work, alcohol, drugs, adultry, greed etc...

You attend, participate, hear the message and it's up to you if you want to apply it to your life or not.  If some of you feel so "Pressured" to follow along like lemmings...I suggest you grow a set.

[GarMan]

I agree, I was just targeting the southern Baptists because that is what Bentley is affiliated with...plus, Garman's mangina hamburger bleeds profusely when you discuss baptists.

Nah...  It's the Conservative Christian rants that chap my ass combined with the vague, shallow  references to "most" Christians being narrow-minded, ignorant and incapable of individual thought.  I do believe that some radical Baptist groups out there are just as looney as the extreme Left, but I would not insult all Chrisitians, all Baptists or even all Leftists by associating them to some extreme wacko group or collection of goofball beliefs.  I'm surprised that you clowns still don't get that... 

[AU_Tiger_2000]

You attend, participate, hear the message and it's up to you if you want to apply it to your life or not.  If some of you feel so "Pressured" to follow along like lemmings...I suggest you grow a set.

Who have we missed?  Have we pissed off the whole site yet?  Come on!  Don't stop until everyone posts a rant!  We can do it!  USA! USA! USA!   

[Snaggletiger]

Who have we missed?  Have we pissed off the whole site yet?  Come on!  Don't stop until everyone posts a rant!  We can do it!  USA! USA! USA!   

 

[GH2001]

I've played in our Contemporary Worship band for years.  I attend a huge Methodist Church here in Dothan and I think it has something to offer everyone.  Yes, they push the tithing, stewardship angle pretty hard but hey, that's between you and God too.  Otherwise, there's no pressure to live this way or that.  Our pastor is a down to earth guy and his sermons talk straight to you in real terms about issues and struggles we all have.  Relationships, work, alcohol, drugs, adultry, greed etc...

You attend, participate, hear the message and it's up to you if you want to apply it to your life or not.  If some of you feel so "Pressured" to follow along like lemmings...I suggest you grow a set.

Until I get forced to pledge or give money if I wanna continue to be a member, I.e. consecration Sunday, etc. When over half the service involves money, I'm getting nothing out of it and you've lost me. I'm checked out at that point. The perverting of Christianity by many is exactly why so many have turned away. The dogmatic types Taylor is referring to are exactly those I am talking about.

[AUChizad]

Who have we missed?  Have we pissed off the whole site yet?  Come on!  Don't stop until everyone posts a rant!  We can do it!  USA! USA! USA!   

ITT: Why the Tooth Fairy has it right, and the Easter Bunny can suck a dick.

[Kaos]

ITT: Why the Tooth Fairy has it right, and the Easter Bunny can suck a tool.

I was reading Tom Clancy's latest (not his best, IMO) and thought of you. 

There was this lawyer who read a report from some soldiers in the field.  Rangers.  They'd been assigned a search and destroy mission in the mountains of Afghanistan and in the course of completing the mission they'd taken out nine Afghani soldiers.  Some they capped in their sleep as they infiltrated a remote cave, searching for a bad guy. 

This lawyer was offended by that.  He worked up the chain to have the soldiers prosecuted for murder. 

It may be a total mischaracterization, but that guy reminded me of how I think you see things.  In his mind he was pursuing a utopian vision, a place where everybody plays by the same rules of left-leaning civilization.  Everything can be accomplished with a carrot, there is no need for sticks. 

I don't know what the character's name is in the book. I can't remember.  I call him Chizloon.

Okay, back to your previously scheduled discussion.