When I'm bored I like to watch televangelists rant and rave about nonsense. I rarely if ever learn anything from these sessions, but all the same I think it's important to face the reality of how twisted many Christians really are (they DO rule society, after all). It's also a quick way to anger up my blood and give me a little energy boost -- kinda like a cup of coffee or an energy drink.
Anyway today I saw something a little more disturbing than usual. Apparently, this local (Orlando, FL) preacher recently moved, and his new neighbors invited him to a community picnic. Knowing how sinful people can be, the preacher said he was reluctant to go but didn't want to seem unfriendly. So he went and against his better judgment even brought his wife and kids.
At first, he said, they all enjoyed some light conversation delicious hot dogs. But as soon as the hamburgers finished grilling, some of the adults popped open some beers and (gasp!) ACTUALLY DRANK THEM!!!
The preacher went on to loudly demean himself and his whole congregation, telling them that the world is full of Lost Souls who know not of Christ, people who may attend church but still drink and curse and watch devilish television shows. To associate with these people any more than necessary, he said, is just as sinful as engaging in their activities. He called for the congregation to pray for his forgiveness for even giving his neighbors a chance.
"...for these were no neighbors," he said, "these were blind agents of Satan's will who spat on God when they refused an offered seat in this very House of God!"
Never in my life have I witnessed such intolerance. Heard of it, maybe, but never witnessed. And in my own city!
So, my question to you guys; how far is TOO far? Christians mock and scorn us because we occasionally light a couple fucking candles and read bad poetry to invisible people, and we just take it. After all, we pagans ARE a pretty strange bunch, aren't we? We have to accept how we're treated -- fair or not -- and move on, right?
Maybe, but that doesn't mean we have to sit on our damn hands while that same intolerance is pointed at the rest of society. I mean C'MON man; they're out there giving people crap for associating with people who drink beer! Sure, it may only be the lunatic fringe who goes along with something like that, but you and I both know that the vast majority true-believing Christian out there would at least give the above sermon a moment of consideration.
As far as I'm concerned, even that single moment of consideration is way too much. This is the United States of fucking AMERICA and personally I wasn't raised to put up with crap like this. So I don't. Now whenever I feel like watching televangelists, I'm gonna picket in front of a church, even if I have to do it alone.
To do otherwise would to be a pussy, and that's one thing I ain't.
So again, I ask; how far is too far, and have they gone too far yet?