http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=113_1364727665
Take a look at the video in the link above. Here, you will see a father beating his two daughters with a wire cable (or 'stention cord) after he caught them "twerking" on Facebook. You will see many definitions of twerking on Urban Dictionary, but it bascially means dancing in a sexually-suggestive manner. While the father no doubt felt disgraced by his daughters' public behavior, he may have felt that by beating them, he was saving them from teen pregnancy, prostitution, rape, and death. The mother, reportedly, disagreed and had the father arrested.
When one looks at videos such as this, there are often two polar responses. First, there are those of upper or middle classes, usually of European or East Asian descent--and mostly likely of younger generations--who are shocked and dismayed by this. They say, "How brutal! How evil of the father! Lock him up and throw away the key! He should have talked to the children!"
Then there would be those who saw the video who sided with the father. These are usually those who are Southern, working-or-lower-class individuals, typically Afro-Americans. They will say, "Those girls got what they deserved, and only a father who cares would give it to them. If only we had more of such old-school punishment; we would see less crime. Besides, no one has the right to tell a parent how to raise their children." Some of the same parents take it a step further by saying, "To punish a Black parent for whipping their children is just a form of racism. This same government won't help us raise our children. It will just lock them up when they grow up because we didn't whip them. Then they blame the parents for not disciplining them."
Those who know me best know that I am usually strict about raising children. I believe that today's children have it too easy. So many of them are spoiled with expensive clothes and technology, and they don't appreciate what they have. They complain when they are expected to do chores, yet they still want to get allowances. They would rather stay inside and play video games than go out and earn money by raking leaves and shoveling snow. Worst of all, they call their parents names and swear at them. Few things make me cringe more. I don't care how old you get or how much you deserve it; using even the mildest of foul language in front of your parents--especially your mother--is very disrespectful. (My own mother would stop me mid-sentence and say "Watch your mouth. Who do you think you are talk to?")
All of what I mentioned in the last paragraph would not stand on the block where I grew up. Most parents were not shy to discipline and did not use the belt (or 'stention cord for severe offenses) sparingly. In fact, parents compared methods whilst sitting on the porch. Teens joked about it while jumping rope or shooting hoops. And children old enough to survive it but young enough to not fight back feared it. While I recount these things in an almost sentimental light, there is nothing sweet or funny about corporal punishment. First, it teaches the child to fear the parent, and fear is a major barrier to true learning and even love. Second, it teaches the child that the only way to get what you want is through violence. Third, and this is for those who feel that corporal punishment is the way to keep children out of the legal system, corporal punishment creates just as many criminals as no punishment at all. This is a statistical fact. In fact, I am certain that out of those doing the killing in Englewood and other parts of Chicago's Southside, there were just as many who had gotten whippings growing up as there were those who were allowed to run wild. I am pretty sure if a woman had to choose between getting "whupped" as a child to raped as an adult, she would choose the former, but that does not make the "whupping" any better. It is still traumatic. No matter how much the father apologizes, they will feel that beating for the rest of their lives, even when the wound and welts heal. They will fear their father for a little while, then resent him a little longer.
The question one may ask, therefore, is "Who is right?" The truth is, no one is right. The entertainment industry is wrong for poisoning the heads of our children with such immoral filth we hear in songs and and see in dance steps. The girls were wrong disrespecting themselves and their parents by twerking in front of, essentially, the entire world. The father, finally, was definitely wrong in beating his daughters--no matter how severe their actions. I believe in the old Yiddish saying: "If you must beat a child, use a string." Besides, even if the most liberal psychologist approves of corporal punishment, one should never hit a child in anger. He would have caused far less damage if he would have allowed himself to cool off. To this, the proponents of corporal punishment would say, "All right then, since you know so much about handling kids, what would you have done?" First, I would turn off the laptop and take it away. Then, I would send them to their room. Then, I would take some deep breaths and say a prayer. Next, I would talk to them about self-respect and remind them of what happens to girls who are too liberal with their bodies. Finally, I would put parental controls on their laptop and ground them for a month. They would then have to post a video online about why their actions were wrong, before they could get off punishment, but they would still not be able to use Facebook or Youtube for another three months.
The simple fact is, the only person who came close to being right in this situation is the mother--for calling the police. Still, did she ever talk to the girls about not falling for the hype? Did she tell them that their bodies were more than a source of entertainment for others? Also, what was her reasoning behind calling the police: to protect them from their father or to protect them from Child Protective Services? At an rate, the mother at least did well to protect her daughters and no has a chance to discuss their father's possible manifest message. As for the father, if he does get to keep his parental rights, at least he has learned that there are more positive, civilized ways to discipline a child.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Lessons my parents taught me: Part 2--Being grateful for what you have
"If you can't appreciate what God has already given you, why should He give you anything else?" This is what my mother told me a few years ago. This was during a time when I had graduated from grad school and was looking for a job, but by the 12th interview, I was given another rejection letter. Even a woman who knew me, saw me in action, and even prayed with me turned me away. I felt that I had a right to a decent job. After all, I worked hard in school and the part-time job at the time, I had a perfect GPA, I belonged to two honor societies (which I did not neglect to put on my resume), I was a Christian who went to church every Sunday without fail, I was an elder, a hymnist, a Director of Sextons, and I ran the acolyte program. I felt that I earned each job for which I applied and that any position for which I qualified was mine by divine right.
Thus, when I was rejected those positions, there was nothing left for me to feel but sorry for myself, and angry with God--so angry that I boldly rebuked a promise Christ made to His disciples: "Ask, and you will receive." My response was, "I have done nothing but ask, yet I do not receive. Were you just whistling Dixie or what? Here I am, Your servant, singing--bellowing--for my supper, yet you let others stuff themselves around me while I starve!" I was furious, doubtful, but above all, foolish.
Therefore, one day, I told my mother about what I was reading in the Book of Job, quoting things he lamented about his plight. I sided with him and expressed how unfair God was being to me. My mother reminded me that I still had a job, food on the table, and a place I could call my own. When all of that failed to get through my thick skull, she said what was quoted at the beginning of this post. Soon after, a man who has been like a father to me, Pastor Kluge, said in a sermon, "God is unfair for our own good." He elaborated by saying that if God were fair, Christ would not have been sent to suffer and die for our sins, and we would be damned for eternity. Indeed, we deserve nothing, but God is good, and He provides for us as He knows we need to be.
There is a Buddhist principle that applies to all people--especially Christians: "All life is suffering." Who is to blame for that suffering? Us! Our sinful nature is the cause of our own suffering, and the suffering of others. We as Americans especially! Our greed, selfishness, and desire are the cause of our own suffering. A man wants to live in a mansion and is tired of eating hot dogs and cereal when he feels he deserves to eat steak and lobster and drive a Lexus. So, he gets involved in the drug trade for more money, goes to prison, and his wife and children are forced to live on the streets. A woman wants a rich, macho Romeo who will feed her sexual desires and buy her expensive presents. So, she sleeps outside of wedlock with a man whom she knows does not love or even respect her, and she becomes pregnant and infected with an STD.
The irony of it is, when we think we are poor and unfortunate, there are those who are really poor who are content with what they have. You live in a studio apartment where all of your neighbors take no pride in their homes or their community? There are people living in makeshift houses with tin roofs, and they praise the Lord that it gives them shelter from the rain. You hate the rundown car you are driving? There are people who must walk 20 miles to find clean drinking water. Are you tired of eating Stovetop or not having enough hamburger in your Helper? There are people who barely eat a full bowl of gruel a week. We do not deserve riches and comfort, we do not deserve, Declaration of Independence notwithstanding, happiness, and we do not even deserve good health. We deserve nothing that is good. Anything remotely positive that we deserve is the right to claim what others hold from us--things society says we can have if we earn them. Mind you, we have the right to claim, but not to take. These things we are given by God all in good time, but only if it is His will.
Thus, when I was rejected those positions, there was nothing left for me to feel but sorry for myself, and angry with God--so angry that I boldly rebuked a promise Christ made to His disciples: "Ask, and you will receive." My response was, "I have done nothing but ask, yet I do not receive. Were you just whistling Dixie or what? Here I am, Your servant, singing--bellowing--for my supper, yet you let others stuff themselves around me while I starve!" I was furious, doubtful, but above all, foolish.
Therefore, one day, I told my mother about what I was reading in the Book of Job, quoting things he lamented about his plight. I sided with him and expressed how unfair God was being to me. My mother reminded me that I still had a job, food on the table, and a place I could call my own. When all of that failed to get through my thick skull, she said what was quoted at the beginning of this post. Soon after, a man who has been like a father to me, Pastor Kluge, said in a sermon, "God is unfair for our own good." He elaborated by saying that if God were fair, Christ would not have been sent to suffer and die for our sins, and we would be damned for eternity. Indeed, we deserve nothing, but God is good, and He provides for us as He knows we need to be.
There is a Buddhist principle that applies to all people--especially Christians: "All life is suffering." Who is to blame for that suffering? Us! Our sinful nature is the cause of our own suffering, and the suffering of others. We as Americans especially! Our greed, selfishness, and desire are the cause of our own suffering. A man wants to live in a mansion and is tired of eating hot dogs and cereal when he feels he deserves to eat steak and lobster and drive a Lexus. So, he gets involved in the drug trade for more money, goes to prison, and his wife and children are forced to live on the streets. A woman wants a rich, macho Romeo who will feed her sexual desires and buy her expensive presents. So, she sleeps outside of wedlock with a man whom she knows does not love or even respect her, and she becomes pregnant and infected with an STD.
The irony of it is, when we think we are poor and unfortunate, there are those who are really poor who are content with what they have. You live in a studio apartment where all of your neighbors take no pride in their homes or their community? There are people living in makeshift houses with tin roofs, and they praise the Lord that it gives them shelter from the rain. You hate the rundown car you are driving? There are people who must walk 20 miles to find clean drinking water. Are you tired of eating Stovetop or not having enough hamburger in your Helper? There are people who barely eat a full bowl of gruel a week. We do not deserve riches and comfort, we do not deserve, Declaration of Independence notwithstanding, happiness, and we do not even deserve good health. We deserve nothing that is good. Anything remotely positive that we deserve is the right to claim what others hold from us--things society says we can have if we earn them. Mind you, we have the right to claim, but not to take. These things we are given by God all in good time, but only if it is His will.
"Though He giveth and He taketh
God His children never forsaketh.
It's His loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy."
Saturday, February 16, 2013
So, you're going to call someone who hates telephones...
I don't deny it; I have always hated telephones--since I was a child. They have caused me much anxiety and frustration (blast you, Bell and Meucci!) because every time the phone rang, my concentration was shot, dinner was interrupted, my plans were delayed, and family time was interrupted (and ultimately ended). If it were up to me, there would be no telephones--just letters, emails, and texting services. (Can I get an Amen, fellow phone haters?) In fact, I love getting letters!!! However, as I am a practical man, I know I need a phone for all types of emergencies.
Be that as it may, there are a few things phone-lovers can do to minimize how much you irritate phone haters like me:
1. If it is after 9PM (or right before 9PM), I am probably winding down and preparing for bed. Don't call unless it's an emergency! The latter statement will hereafter be abbreviated to DCUE.
2. If it is before 8AM on a weekday, I am probably preparing for work. DCUE! If I am late because you interrupted my routine, we'll have a problem.
3. If it is between 8AM and 6PM, I am probably at work. DCUE! I probably won't answer, but I will be annoyed nonetheless.
4. If it is between 6PM and 7PM, I am probably just getting in from work and/or preparing/eating dinner. DCUE! Give me a chance to cool down and relax, or we'll have a problem.
5. If it is a Saturday before noon, I am probably still in bed. DCUE! I work hard at a stressful job all week, so I deserve it. Wake me up, and we'll have a problem.
6. If it is on a Sunday before 1PM, I am at church or on my way. DCUE! Otherwise, the Lord will strike you down! Just kidding! Seriously, calling me when you know I SHOULD be at church is just annoying. Either send me a text or wait until later.
7. If it is Sunday between 7:30PM and 10PM, I am watching, or preparing to watch, Downton Abbey. DCUE! I mean it!
8. If you know I am tired or sick, DCUE, or if you are calling to check up on me. If you are calling about anything else, I am going to be angry and may have trouble hiding it.
9. If you are calling at a decent time, please keep it short. When I say short, I mean no more than 5 minutes (unless it is a complicated situation or I have not talked to you in a very long time). If you need to talk for a long period of time, let's meet in person. I don't know why, but long phone conversations seem to really torture me, and there are only two people I will allow to torture me in such a way: my mother and my future wife.
10. If you do call at a decent time and it sounds like I am busy, and it's not an emergency, please keep it very short. By very short, I mean 90 seconds or less.
Thank you for reading this and for understanding that I don't mean to be rude or unsociable; I just hate telephones. I do hope that you take my guidelines seriously. Otherwise, we'll have a problem!!!
Be that as it may, there are a few things phone-lovers can do to minimize how much you irritate phone haters like me:
1. If it is after 9PM (or right before 9PM), I am probably winding down and preparing for bed. Don't call unless it's an emergency! The latter statement will hereafter be abbreviated to DCUE.
2. If it is before 8AM on a weekday, I am probably preparing for work. DCUE! If I am late because you interrupted my routine, we'll have a problem.
3. If it is between 8AM and 6PM, I am probably at work. DCUE! I probably won't answer, but I will be annoyed nonetheless.
4. If it is between 6PM and 7PM, I am probably just getting in from work and/or preparing/eating dinner. DCUE! Give me a chance to cool down and relax, or we'll have a problem.
5. If it is a Saturday before noon, I am probably still in bed. DCUE! I work hard at a stressful job all week, so I deserve it. Wake me up, and we'll have a problem.
6. If it is on a Sunday before 1PM, I am at church or on my way. DCUE! Otherwise, the Lord will strike you down! Just kidding! Seriously, calling me when you know I SHOULD be at church is just annoying. Either send me a text or wait until later.
7. If it is Sunday between 7:30PM and 10PM, I am watching, or preparing to watch, Downton Abbey. DCUE! I mean it!
8. If you know I am tired or sick, DCUE, or if you are calling to check up on me. If you are calling about anything else, I am going to be angry and may have trouble hiding it.
9. If you are calling at a decent time, please keep it short. When I say short, I mean no more than 5 minutes (unless it is a complicated situation or I have not talked to you in a very long time). If you need to talk for a long period of time, let's meet in person. I don't know why, but long phone conversations seem to really torture me, and there are only two people I will allow to torture me in such a way: my mother and my future wife.
10. If you do call at a decent time and it sounds like I am busy, and it's not an emergency, please keep it very short. By very short, I mean 90 seconds or less.
Thank you for reading this and for understanding that I don't mean to be rude or unsociable; I just hate telephones. I do hope that you take my guidelines seriously. Otherwise, we'll have a problem!!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Best Chili In Town
There were two brothers: Jared and Joshua. They owned a restaurant in the town of Squire's Pond called J and J Chili Shack. Their main dish was, you guessed it, chili. They dubbed it "the best chili in town." For a while, it seemed true. There was always a huge line of people every day, hankering for a bowl of chili. The two brothers had so many customers that they had to hire a staff. Even with the staff, Jared and Joshua profited a sum that was large enough to make them well-off.
Things were going very well for the brothers until one day. Joshua noticed that they were losing money by each week and could not imagine why. The prices for the products remained the same, and the workers only made minimum wage with a 4% raise each year. One day, it dawned on him; some of the regular customers stopped coming. Joshua talked about it with his brother.
"Why do you think they have stopped coming?" he asked. "The economy is the same as it was when we opened, and I know they still have their jobs."
"I'll handle it," Jared said smugly.
"What are you going to do?" asked Joshua.
"Just trust me," said Jared.
The next day, after work, Jared decided to drop in on the missing regulars. First, he went to Carl's house.
"Haven't seen you in a while, Carl," said Jared as Carl opened the door. "Why haven't you come over for some chili lately? We miss you."
"Sorry I haven't been by," answered Carl. "I have been trying out this new place across town called Chili Heaven, and they are really good! I'm sorry, but THEIRS is the best chili in town. But you and Josh have so many customers already. You shouldn't miss me." Suddenly, Jared's face turned red with anger.
"So, you went to another chili place, huh? How could you? I thought you were loyal!"
"But Jared..."
"Drop dead, traitor!" yelled Jared, turning to leave.
Jared then went to other regulars who stopped coming in for chili. They all told him that they have been going to Chili Heaven across town, and Jared responded by yelling and cursing at them. He even pulled out one of Mariah's begonias.
After he visited all of the regulars, Jared was so angry that he felt he needed to teach the owners of Chili Heaven a lesson. He went back to his restaurant (Joshua and the workers already went home) and grabbed two crates of rotten tomatoes that were meant to be thrown out. He then drove to Chili Heaven (they were closed), brought the crates from his car, and walked around the restaurant, throwing the tomatoes at the windows. He made a tragically gigantic mess. Someone saw him and called the police. Like clockwork, the police came and saw him in action. He was promptly arrested.
In the morning, Joshua went to bail out his brother. When he learned how Jared treated the customers, he took the list from him and told him to go home and think about what he had done. He went to all of the regulars, apologized for what his brother had done, and paid to replace Mariah's begonia. He then asked WHY they stopped coming to J and J Chili Shack. These were the responses:
"I'm a vegetarian now, and all of your chili has meat."
"Frankly, your chili has too many beans. It was fine when your's was the only chili place in town, but when Chili Heaven opened, I got curious. Chili Heaven has an even blend of meat and beans."
"I like chili, but I don't like beans, and all of your chili has beans in it. Before Chili Heaven opened, I always had to strain out the beans."
"While your three-alarm chili is supposed to be the hottest one you have, it is not hot enough for me. I like to feel as if I ate a red coal or something."
"I had no problem until you started that rule where there is a thirty minute seating limit at your tables. I like to enjoy my meal and talk to my friends and family without feeling rushed."
Joshua thanked them for their input and went away with many ideas. With Jared's guilt-driven cooperation, the two brothers made some great changes for J and J Chili Shack. The first thing they did was add tables and chairs to the outside of the restaurant and eliminate the thirty minute limit. They then added more variety to their menu. Not only did they add a vegetarian option, but they also added fewer beans to each chili dish, a bean-less option, and a four alarm chili, which included the hottest chili peppers in the world. For added oomph, they started serving chili cheese dogs, chili burgers, and turkey chili. As a result, J and J Chili Shack offered more variety than Chili Heaven. Most of the regular customers came back, and those who did not were quickly replaced by new customers who became regulars.
So, children, what is the moral of the story?
Things were going very well for the brothers until one day. Joshua noticed that they were losing money by each week and could not imagine why. The prices for the products remained the same, and the workers only made minimum wage with a 4% raise each year. One day, it dawned on him; some of the regular customers stopped coming. Joshua talked about it with his brother.
"Why do you think they have stopped coming?" he asked. "The economy is the same as it was when we opened, and I know they still have their jobs."
"I'll handle it," Jared said smugly.
"What are you going to do?" asked Joshua.
"Just trust me," said Jared.
The next day, after work, Jared decided to drop in on the missing regulars. First, he went to Carl's house.
"Haven't seen you in a while, Carl," said Jared as Carl opened the door. "Why haven't you come over for some chili lately? We miss you."
"Sorry I haven't been by," answered Carl. "I have been trying out this new place across town called Chili Heaven, and they are really good! I'm sorry, but THEIRS is the best chili in town. But you and Josh have so many customers already. You shouldn't miss me." Suddenly, Jared's face turned red with anger.
"So, you went to another chili place, huh? How could you? I thought you were loyal!"
"But Jared..."
"Drop dead, traitor!" yelled Jared, turning to leave.
Jared then went to other regulars who stopped coming in for chili. They all told him that they have been going to Chili Heaven across town, and Jared responded by yelling and cursing at them. He even pulled out one of Mariah's begonias.
After he visited all of the regulars, Jared was so angry that he felt he needed to teach the owners of Chili Heaven a lesson. He went back to his restaurant (Joshua and the workers already went home) and grabbed two crates of rotten tomatoes that were meant to be thrown out. He then drove to Chili Heaven (they were closed), brought the crates from his car, and walked around the restaurant, throwing the tomatoes at the windows. He made a tragically gigantic mess. Someone saw him and called the police. Like clockwork, the police came and saw him in action. He was promptly arrested.
In the morning, Joshua went to bail out his brother. When he learned how Jared treated the customers, he took the list from him and told him to go home and think about what he had done. He went to all of the regulars, apologized for what his brother had done, and paid to replace Mariah's begonia. He then asked WHY they stopped coming to J and J Chili Shack. These were the responses:
"I'm a vegetarian now, and all of your chili has meat."
"Frankly, your chili has too many beans. It was fine when your's was the only chili place in town, but when Chili Heaven opened, I got curious. Chili Heaven has an even blend of meat and beans."
"I like chili, but I don't like beans, and all of your chili has beans in it. Before Chili Heaven opened, I always had to strain out the beans."
"While your three-alarm chili is supposed to be the hottest one you have, it is not hot enough for me. I like to feel as if I ate a red coal or something."
"I had no problem until you started that rule where there is a thirty minute seating limit at your tables. I like to enjoy my meal and talk to my friends and family without feeling rushed."
Joshua thanked them for their input and went away with many ideas. With Jared's guilt-driven cooperation, the two brothers made some great changes for J and J Chili Shack. The first thing they did was add tables and chairs to the outside of the restaurant and eliminate the thirty minute limit. They then added more variety to their menu. Not only did they add a vegetarian option, but they also added fewer beans to each chili dish, a bean-less option, and a four alarm chili, which included the hottest chili peppers in the world. For added oomph, they started serving chili cheese dogs, chili burgers, and turkey chili. As a result, J and J Chili Shack offered more variety than Chili Heaven. Most of the regular customers came back, and those who did not were quickly replaced by new customers who became regulars.
So, children, what is the moral of the story?
Monday, September 17, 2012
When Happiness is a Chore
Some of my closest friends have always noticed that I had an air of sorrow about me. They noticed when I was overly strict and intolerant about things. They noticed when I wanted to be alone on some days yet afraid of being alone on other days. They have said I have expected too much of others. Yes, I was the one who never truly got a break. I was the shlemazl. I was the one who was subject to Murphy's Law.
My life has become a never-ending struggle for happiness. This is partially because half the problems I have are barely shared by all men my age. So many good things in my life would be chased away by periods of hard times. It was almost predictable. As soon as something good happened, I would immediately pay for it with something bad or disappointing. It came to the point when I could hardly enjoy something good because I would always wonder what price I would have to pay for it.
When I met the love of my life, I worked harder than ever to drive away that nagging voice in my head. When she graciously agreed to marry me, I had to work even harder. That voice kept saying, "What if she finds someone better? What if you say or do something so stupid that she won't love you anymore? What if? What if?"
For me, happiness is like vacuuming, ironing, and scrubbing the stove all at once to the tenth power. It is the most difficult chore I must do. Of course I want to be happy, but the more I try, the more difficult it becomes. Only my woman and my faith keep happiness from being impossible to come by.
My life has become a never-ending struggle for happiness. This is partially because half the problems I have are barely shared by all men my age. So many good things in my life would be chased away by periods of hard times. It was almost predictable. As soon as something good happened, I would immediately pay for it with something bad or disappointing. It came to the point when I could hardly enjoy something good because I would always wonder what price I would have to pay for it.
When I met the love of my life, I worked harder than ever to drive away that nagging voice in my head. When she graciously agreed to marry me, I had to work even harder. That voice kept saying, "What if she finds someone better? What if you say or do something so stupid that she won't love you anymore? What if? What if?"
For me, happiness is like vacuuming, ironing, and scrubbing the stove all at once to the tenth power. It is the most difficult chore I must do. Of course I want to be happy, but the more I try, the more difficult it becomes. Only my woman and my faith keep happiness from being impossible to come by.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The Visitor
Disclaimer: This post has absolutely nothing to do with any particular church, but it collects the attitudes of many churches all over America.
Not too long ago, a man visited a church in a big city. When he walked in the door, no one greeted him or made him feel welcome. When he walked into the nave, he chose a seat in the front, but an usher came and directed him to a pew in the rear. "Sorry, but the Wilkinsons have earned this pew, “he said. "They have given the most money to this congregation. They are the richest family, you know." Reluctantly, the man sat down. As members came into the church, they sneered at the man; they were haughty with him.
Once the service began, the pastor of the congregation did not take a moment to welcome the members; instead, he gave endless announcements about fundraisers and the prizes one could win for giving the most money, bingo night, and how much money one could win, and finally, choir rehearsal. Not once did he mention anything about Bible study or fellowship. For this congregation, these do not exist.
During the sermon, while many of the congregants listened, others chose not to. There were those who read newspapers, listened to the radio, and chatted among themselves. There were teenagers who played with Gameboys, making a lot of noise, and the visitor even saw a couple leave the congregation to go into the narthex and make out. The visitor was horrified, but not nearly as much as he was at the pastor's sermon. He spoke to his congregation about how those who were not Christians were evil, hell-bound, and should be stayed away from. He also insisted that those who were poor were cursed by God because they were immoral, and that the richest among them were the holiest because God only gives wealth to those who are worthy of it. Of course, this pleased the Wilkinson family. To this, he added that since the poor were unworthy undesirables, they should be grateful for whatever charity they are given from Christians, and that charity should be withdrawn from unbelievers who refuse to recant. Finally, he told his congregation that God's love is limited only to those who are moral Christians, and that He sends everyone else to hell because He does not care because they displease Him. This horrified visitor turned around to see if anyone shared his reaction, but they either did not care, or they were in agreement. The visitor, starting to feel nauseated, shook his head in disappointment. The man sitting next to him, wearing a baseball cap, said "What the %*#& is your problem, mack?" The visitor, shocked that he would swear in the house of God, let alone cover his head, said nothing in response.
After the service, the members gathered to talk to each other in the nave. The visitor walked among the congregants as they talked among each other.
"Hey, we're having a concert in the church next week," one person said. "There's going to be some genuine talent."
"What choir is singing?" his friend asked.
"Choir? There's no choir. No one wants to pay $30 to hear a choir sing a bunch of stinking hymns. We're going to have a blast: Christian heavy metal, Christian pop, even Christian rap. We might be able to get Point of Grace to come."
"And $30 is the suggested donation?"
"Suggested donation?! What planet are you from? Thirty dollars is the cover charge. You have to pay in order to get into the church."
"What if someone can't afford the price?"
"Tough for them. Nothing in the world is free. So, are you buying tickets or what?"
"Yeah, give me three." He hands him money.
Troubled, the visitor walked on to another group.
"Will you buy our Girl Scout cookies?" two girls asked a group of people.
"Don't you remember the rule, girls?" asked the pastor.
"What rule, Pastor?"
"Whenever you sell anything in the church, you must give me a free product?"
"We thought you were kidding!" one girl spoke up.
"Does it look like I'm kidding? With as little as I'm getting paid, young lady, the least you can do to thank your pastor is give him a box of cookies."
"We're sorry, pastor." They give him a box of cookies.
"I'll take two, thank you." They give him another box.
Very angry, the visitor walked away, and went over to a group of women, one of whom stared at him from the corner of her eye, as if to say "Our discussion does not concern you."
"Did you hear about Betty Martin's daughter? Fifteen years old, and knocked up! What a horrible job she did as a mother!" the oldest remarked.
"I heard that she is going to be kicked out of the choir for this." another responded.
"Good! A girl lewd enough to get herself pregnant does not deserve to be in the choir."
"Did you hear about the Jones family? They want to join the congregation! The last thing we need is people like them at our church!" commented another woman.
"Don't worry! The pastor is going to turn them doing lightly." another reported.
"Why on earth would THOSE people even want to come here? It's like we're water and they are oil!"
Finally, the visitor had enough.
"STOP!" he screamed. Everyone spun around to his direction. "Why must you people behave this way? Why must you be so judgmental? So unforgiving? Why do you turn God's house into a marketplace? A place to exploit others? The poor? The children? And Pastor, why do you choose to lead this church down the path of destruction? Don't you understand that God cannot be mocked?"
"What is it to you, anyway? Are you a member here?" asked a middle-aged man.
"No, I am not. But I am a member of the Christian church. A church you claim to be a member of."
"What we do here is none of your business--you are just an outsider!"
"Actually, it is my business. I am an angel!" At that instant, the light of God descended onto him, and everyone became horrified. "God is not pleased with you people. He has noticed that you have become more concerned with pleasing yourselves and your selfish wants and self-righteous agendas than pleasing him. You all disrespect this place, and you only come here for financial reasons or to keep up appearances. I will say it again: God cannot be mocked. I am here to tell you that if you do not change course immediately--and I know you won't--you will disband in the near future, and there will no longer be services at this church."
"Yeah, right!" a person yelled.
"Like God would want a church to close down!"
"Nice lighting effects nonetheless! How do you do that?" Everyone laughed.
"Get the %#&& out of here, fool!"
The angel sighed deeply, trying to hold back tears.
"What more can I say? You have all been warned. I've done my duty."
He then proceeded down the aisle in order to leave. An old woman, suddenly frightened, spoke up.
"Wait! Is what you are saying true? Has God cursed us?" The angel turned back around and looked right in her eyes.
"God didn't curse you. You cursed yourselves." He then left.
Sure enough, the angel's prophesy came true. When the church seemed to be less and less like a club or a place to conduct business, and when the true Christians of the church needed spiritual revival or a place less judgmental, most congregants left. In three years, the church became completely dead. Finally, they no longer had the finances or congregants/visitors to stay open, and they closed their doors. Most of those remaining never went to another church.
What is the moral of the story, children?"
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Will the Wahhabists please stop embarrassing and stigmatizing decent Muslims???
Disclaimer: Before you take offense at this blog post or think negative thoughts against the harmless blogger, please understand that he has much respect for Muslims in general and, while he is ever the devout Christian, he acknowledges some positive doctrines of Islam. Also, his best friend and heart sister is a Muslim, and this piece is written to honor the decent or "moderate" Muslims.
I have been wanting to write this for such a long time, but I wanted to find the right words and momentum in which to write it. I have just felt so much anger against those who, according to my understand of the Qu'ran, corrupt and defile Islam with their violence--especially against my people (Christians). Before I write anymore opinions, let's state the facts.
--Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker, made a documentary about abuse some Muslim women experience by their Wahhabist husbands. In response, a true disciple of Wahhabism, Mohammad Bouyeri, murders him in cold blood.
---Kurt Westergaard, a cartoonist for Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, drew disgusting cartoons of the prophet Mohammad, in which his head was put on the body of a dog and one showing a bomb hidden in his turban. In response, a group of Wahhabists plotted to bomb the newspaper office, and one broke into Westergaard's house and tried to kill him.
--On October 21, 2010 a group of Wahhabists broke into a church in Iraq and opened fire on the congregation. Nearly 60 unarmed Christians were killed, and several others were wounded.
--Youcef Nadarkhani (God bless and protect him), an Iranian Pastor, is on death row in his country. His crime? According to the Wahhabist government, he is guilty of apostasy. According to what they teach, if a man, who never even truly believed in the tenements of Islam, is born to Muslim parents and converts to another faith, he is an apostate and worthy of death.
--And finally, let's not forget the bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which caused the deaths of about 3,000 people, including Muslims, on September 11, 2001 (No link needed).
First of all, I want to point out the fact that many people around the world have bias against Muslims--especially those in the Middle East. When a Wahhabist (ultra-conservative/militant Muslim) commits violence against Christians, Jews, Kurds, Hazaras, and Muslims who do not subscribe to their brand of piety, all they do is create fear and resentment against all other Muslims. Just ask the relatives of a Muslim (or a accented and turbaned brown-skinned man) who was murdered by an opportunist after 9/11. Ask a girl who is bullied because she wears a hijab. Ask a man who is always selected for a "random inspection" at the airport. Even though burning the Qu'ran and drawing offensive cartoons against someone 1 billion people revere is stupid and evil, so is murdering or threatening others in reprisal. It does nothing but justify the fear and contempt people have against Muslims. The hatemongers may murder or discriminate against innocent Muslims, but the Wahhabists are handing the hatemongers the gun and exposing the Muslims to discrimination.
Second, and this is regarding Pastor Youcef and all Christians being persecuted in Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, and Southwest Asian countries. Those Muslims who actually read and understand the Qu'ran would know that there are many scriptures that speak against executing Pastor Youcef for apostasy or murdering Christians who would not DARE utter one insult against Islam in such Wahhabist societies (for the record, there ARE Muslim countries where Christians are welcome; Jordan and Lebanon to name a few).
Here are the aforementioned scriptures:
Surah 109:6: "To you be your Way and to me mine."
Surah 2:256: "Let there be no compulsion in religion..."
Surah 18:29: "...Let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject..."
Surah 5:68-69: "O People of the Book (Christians and Jews), you have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from YOUR Lord...Those who believe (in the Qu'ran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians--any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,--on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."
Now, even though I cannot read the Qu'ran in its original Arabic, my translation of these Scriptures is that people have the right to observe any faith they wish. Hence, they should not be consigned to death for refusing to embrace Islam. Also, as Christians and Jews are considered "People of the Book," and if they are told to "stand fast" to the Law and Gospel" and that they should not fear or grieve, does it not stand to reason that Muslims should respect Christians and Jews and treat them as equals?
Therefore, a Wahhabist who has a taste for Christian blood are sinning by his own scriptures. The Wahhabists who shot a congregation for no other reason than being Christian in a Muslim country have defiled Islam. And true Muslims should abhor the government officials who order the execution of Pastor Youcef in the name of Allah.
Now, I also believe that it is pointless to address problems without suggesting solutions. My solutions are simple. To those who support discrimination against Muslims, I say this: LEAVE THEM ALONE! You don't have to like them, but don't ostracize them. You are doing nothing but making things worse; in fact, you are in part responsible for the deaths of innocent people, not just Christians, in the Middle East.
To the peaceful Muslims: hang in there. Don't let the barbaric behavior of others cause you to become violent. And please forgive those who have, in the past and present, abused you in the name of Christ. Christianity is about love and salvation, about sharing the Gospel and trusting in the mercy of God. Anyone who practices otherwise is a hypocrite.
Finally, for the Wahhabists, until you are ready to repent for the crimes you committed or supported, never again say "Salaam Aleikum" because you do not truly mean it. If you really wished for peace to be upon others, you would work towards peace, not violence. You would allow people to live in peace, not in fear. Until you change your ways, you will continue to be the cancer of the Muslim world and one of the many stains on humanity. Finally, if you believe that the kaffir (unbeliever) is doomed to hell but also that Allah hu akbar (God is great), then how about you let Him do his job and stop trying to do it for Him.
I have been wanting to write this for such a long time, but I wanted to find the right words and momentum in which to write it. I have just felt so much anger against those who, according to my understand of the Qu'ran, corrupt and defile Islam with their violence--especially against my people (Christians). Before I write anymore opinions, let's state the facts.
--Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker, made a documentary about abuse some Muslim women experience by their Wahhabist husbands. In response, a true disciple of Wahhabism, Mohammad Bouyeri, murders him in cold blood.
---Kurt Westergaard, a cartoonist for Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, drew disgusting cartoons of the prophet Mohammad, in which his head was put on the body of a dog and one showing a bomb hidden in his turban. In response, a group of Wahhabists plotted to bomb the newspaper office, and one broke into Westergaard's house and tried to kill him.
--On October 21, 2010 a group of Wahhabists broke into a church in Iraq and opened fire on the congregation. Nearly 60 unarmed Christians were killed, and several others were wounded.
--Youcef Nadarkhani (God bless and protect him), an Iranian Pastor, is on death row in his country. His crime? According to the Wahhabist government, he is guilty of apostasy. According to what they teach, if a man, who never even truly believed in the tenements of Islam, is born to Muslim parents and converts to another faith, he is an apostate and worthy of death.
--And finally, let's not forget the bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which caused the deaths of about 3,000 people, including Muslims, on September 11, 2001 (No link needed).
First of all, I want to point out the fact that many people around the world have bias against Muslims--especially those in the Middle East. When a Wahhabist (ultra-conservative/militant Muslim) commits violence against Christians, Jews, Kurds, Hazaras, and Muslims who do not subscribe to their brand of piety, all they do is create fear and resentment against all other Muslims. Just ask the relatives of a Muslim (or a accented and turbaned brown-skinned man) who was murdered by an opportunist after 9/11. Ask a girl who is bullied because she wears a hijab. Ask a man who is always selected for a "random inspection" at the airport. Even though burning the Qu'ran and drawing offensive cartoons against someone 1 billion people revere is stupid and evil, so is murdering or threatening others in reprisal. It does nothing but justify the fear and contempt people have against Muslims. The hatemongers may murder or discriminate against innocent Muslims, but the Wahhabists are handing the hatemongers the gun and exposing the Muslims to discrimination.
Second, and this is regarding Pastor Youcef and all Christians being persecuted in Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, and Southwest Asian countries. Those Muslims who actually read and understand the Qu'ran would know that there are many scriptures that speak against executing Pastor Youcef for apostasy or murdering Christians who would not DARE utter one insult against Islam in such Wahhabist societies (for the record, there ARE Muslim countries where Christians are welcome; Jordan and Lebanon to name a few).
Here are the aforementioned scriptures:
Surah 109:6: "To you be your Way and to me mine."
Surah 2:256: "Let there be no compulsion in religion..."
Surah 18:29: "...Let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject..."
Surah 5:68-69: "O People of the Book (Christians and Jews), you have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from YOUR Lord...Those who believe (in the Qu'ran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians--any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,--on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."
Now, even though I cannot read the Qu'ran in its original Arabic, my translation of these Scriptures is that people have the right to observe any faith they wish. Hence, they should not be consigned to death for refusing to embrace Islam. Also, as Christians and Jews are considered "People of the Book," and if they are told to "stand fast" to the Law and Gospel" and that they should not fear or grieve, does it not stand to reason that Muslims should respect Christians and Jews and treat them as equals?
Therefore, a Wahhabist who has a taste for Christian blood are sinning by his own scriptures. The Wahhabists who shot a congregation for no other reason than being Christian in a Muslim country have defiled Islam. And true Muslims should abhor the government officials who order the execution of Pastor Youcef in the name of Allah.
Now, I also believe that it is pointless to address problems without suggesting solutions. My solutions are simple. To those who support discrimination against Muslims, I say this: LEAVE THEM ALONE! You don't have to like them, but don't ostracize them. You are doing nothing but making things worse; in fact, you are in part responsible for the deaths of innocent people, not just Christians, in the Middle East.
To the peaceful Muslims: hang in there. Don't let the barbaric behavior of others cause you to become violent. And please forgive those who have, in the past and present, abused you in the name of Christ. Christianity is about love and salvation, about sharing the Gospel and trusting in the mercy of God. Anyone who practices otherwise is a hypocrite.
Finally, for the Wahhabists, until you are ready to repent for the crimes you committed or supported, never again say "Salaam Aleikum" because you do not truly mean it. If you really wished for peace to be upon others, you would work towards peace, not violence. You would allow people to live in peace, not in fear. Until you change your ways, you will continue to be the cancer of the Muslim world and one of the many stains on humanity. Finally, if you believe that the kaffir (unbeliever) is doomed to hell but also that Allah hu akbar (God is great), then how about you let Him do his job and stop trying to do it for Him.
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