“I Solved Religion!”

[rug]

By DOUG AUER and CORRIE THOMAS
Last Updated: 8:17 PM, December 5, 2011
Posted: 6:50 PM, December 5, 2011

A nimble religious fanatic scaled the scaffolding outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown today and unfurled a banner advertising his Facebook page, authorities said.

“I thought he was going to jump, but instead, he was just shouting and holding up a religious banner,” one witness said of the spectacle that the 27-year-old man put on at around 2:20 p.m. in front of the world-famous church on Fifth Avenue at 50th Street.

The man's banner featured the words “Religion Solves Life” crossed out, with “I Solved Religion!” written underneath in larger text.

His Facebook page, “isolvedreligion,” contains excerpts of a rambling essay he wrote questioning the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The author doesn’t reveal his true identity on the site, but cops said he is Gregory Stanford, 27, of West 144th Street in Manhattan.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/religious_fanatic_hangs_banner_from_OTvKVrNGTlNDPN1M1EEbrN

Mr. Stanford may be reached at the Bellevue Hospital psychiatric ward if anyone wishes to discuss his views further.

[Lint Head]

1. The story identifies him as a religious fanatic? Was there a history of religious fanaticism?

Sounds like he's questioning things the so called "normal people" don't think should be questioned.

[rug]

2. I dunno. I've heard a lot people question the crucifixion and resurrection

as well as the existence of Jesus Christ.

[saras]

3. Poor guy, he could have gone to Paris...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YANUIa_bHoU">Shel Silverstein tells as similar story, performed by Marianne Faithfull

[rug]

4. Apt song.

I'm chagrined to say I didn't know how many songs he wrote. I know him mainly from his stories and poems. When my kids were very small I'd read some to them at bedtime. Such sweet stories. Then I'd turn the book over and scare them with his picture.

[Adsos Letter]

5. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "Falling Up"

Both my daughters loved them.