I Just Came Back From Church Today...OMG

[AnneD]

I attend a small church. Many members are older but we are growing and have younger members. It is mixed with moderate and conservatives. Our Pastor is a thoughtful soft spoken man that tends to be a tad reserved and always tends to be as neutral as Switzerland. This Sunday, he was naming names and kicking butts.

Today, he gave a sermon that was on fire. The topic was the miracle of turning the water into the wine. I know there are many people that bash on this board so I will spare you the details.........But, if there is a way for a Christian and fellow minister to politely rip a fellow pastor 'a new one'-our pastor did.

He said (and I am paraphrasing as best I remember) 'We must pray for the people of Haiti. We must also give to them our best wine, just as Jesus turned the water into the best wine. Now there are some, like Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh that have told us that the Haitians have made a deal with the devil or that they brought on their sufferings. They would have us believe that it is God's will. In a way it is a test...a test of our faith. If we truly believe in Christ and his example-we will give the Haitians our best wine. And as hard as we pray for strength for those going in to Haiti to aid them in their most trying of times, we will pray even harder for forgiveness for what people like Pat and Rush say, and that God give them understanding. For they are just like the addled and confused elderly uncle that attends family gatherings and makes embarrassing pronouncements.' :wow:

It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.....Then all you heard was a large Sanctuary full of "AMENS". He called them out several more times by name. I have never heard that before. He went on to finish. Everyone leaving today congratulated the Paster on his inspiring sermon. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting some people in there to help. We hope this quake will be a turning point for the poor of Haiti.

Finally, real Christians are taking over the church.

[Adelante]

1. That is a wonderful story

Thank you :)

[fishnfla]

2. even god would rec this one

[AnneD]

9. I have never been prouder.....

of our congregation.

[roguevalley]

114. your pastor serves God. pat serves mammon. Bless all of you today.

[bjobotts]

123. To Religions I say "If you were God couldn't you come up with a better plan than this?"

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. Amen. K&R

thanks for posting this.

[redwitch]

4. This makes me smile.

Good on your pastor!

[omega minimo]

5. I had a feeling this might break the logjam of Fundie influence on non-Fundie Christians

and show Pat for the nutcase that he is.

[liberalhistorian]

77. Most of us non-fundie Christians already know what

non-Christian nutcases Robertson and the like are. The problem was breaking both their unwarranted influence and getting people to see that the majority of Christians are not like the loudmouth fundies. I think this situation with Haiti is starting to do just that, finally. I think Jesus would be one of the first ones on a plane to Haiti and I think he'd not hesitate to kick the asses of Robertson and his ilk. Something like what he did to the Pharisees and the money-lenders in the temple.

[badgerpup]

This part of your post really struck me...

"The problem was breaking both their unwarranted influence and getting people to see that the majority of Christians are not like the loudmouth fundies. I think this situation with Haiti is starting to do just that, finally."

Pat Robertson did say that this tragedy in Haiti was actually a 'blessing in disguise'...
just looks like it's going to turn out to be the 'wrong' sort of blessing from where he's standing.

:evilgrin:

[drm604]

6. I really wonder if Limbaugh hasn't finally gone over a line

that even most of his followers won't cross. Ditto for Robertson.

[Andy823]

12. I don't know.

Most of Rush's followers are pretty out of touch with reality, and agree with everything the morons says no matter who outrageous it is. This time I think that some will be upset, but most will simply make excuses for what he said, I have seen that already. As for Robertson, well he may have gone way to far this time. Some of his comments in the past have gotten some on the "christian right" upset, but not like I see them this time. Very few on the christian right are making excused for him this time, and many are coming out and saying he should just shut up, period! Of course some of those same people "are" making excuses for Rush, so I guess Rush is better at brainwashing than Robertson is!

[sce56]

33. You can't blame the lame weaklings that follow OxyRush

They just follow him in mind and soul since they share the same prejudices and walnut sized brains!

[chervilant]

125. Walnut size?!

You're being too kind. Pea brains, the lot of them.

[donquijoterocket]

164. excuses

I'd like to believe that oxyrush's zombie followers are finally running out of excuses.I also believe that failing to make excuses for execrable behavior is not the same as actively calling someone out for that behavior as the wingnut fringe insists every progressive in the country ought to do every time someone they can marginally connect to the progressive movement has a brain fart loose lip experience. Robertson has had so many people literally bought via their donations into his sphere of influence that they're reluctant to admit their miscalculation.

[rpannier]

92. I may be way off base on this

But, I think that Obama (or someone in his administration) asked Dumb-ya to include the comment about the money will be spent wisely to buffer against Limbaugh telling people not to send money

[Samantha]

102. I will crawl out on that limb with you

The first day I heard George W. Bush* was going to be taking part in the Haiti fund raising, I was extremely annoyed. Thoughts of Bush* resurrect memories of the Katrina catastrophe, and I didn't want memories of that rescue disaster in front of my face while the Haiti crisis continued to unfold.

Then after the remarks of Robertson and Limbaugh, I rethought the Bush* angle. Whoever decided to couple Bush and Clinton together in the fund raising efforts had a truly remarkable PR lightning bolt strike. People like Limbaugh and Robertson -- can I say un-humanitarians? -- do not think twice about criticizing Dems like Clinton and Obama. It is not quite as easy for them to insult, demean and attempt to humiliate George W. Bush*. He is kind of one of their own.

What a wonderfully inspired idea to link the two together, Clinton and Bush, to try and unite all Americans, regardless of our political persuasions, in collectively joining in the aid to Haiti efforts.

Sam

[babylonsister]

7. This is so inspiring-thank you for sharing! nt

[demmiblue]

8. Thanks for sharing that great story... K&R!

[TuxedoKat]

10. Wow!

I would go to your church if I lived anywhere near you. Your pastor sounds great!

[HughMoran]

11. Wow, good to hear!

I was reading your post with trepidation - glad it had a good ending :)

[AnneD]

20. I post it with trepidation....

I know these things devolve in to food fights. I was just so inspired and wanted to let you hear how some folks really feel.

[bobbolink]

47. I understand that... there is mindless attacking here....

Thats why I appreciate that you didn't allow them to censor you, and that you put it out for some of us who really GET why this is big.

I had tears in my eyes reading it, so thanks for YOUR courage, too!

[glitch]

90. Nevermind, you made a wonderful post! Thank you. nt

[onpatrol98]

134. Hard Not To Speak Out

It would be hard not to speak out against Pat Robertson. I imagine it truly fired up your pastor. I also understand your reluctance to post. Thank you for sharing.

[sonias]

13. I like your Pastor

He has his heart in the right place.

:applause:


Sonia

[hfojvt]

14. Why does everybody always have to pick on Kansas?

:argh: :wtf:


:P

[Tansy_Gold]

18. I'm pretty sure she meant Pat ROBERTSON, and not Pat Roberts,

the junior senator from Kansas.

It's easy to get them confused, rightwing fundie nutcases that they are.


:hi:


Tansy Gold

[hfojvt]

27. Pat's the senior Senator

the future Governor is the junior Senator. You did notice the :P

[AnneD]

32. Thanks Tansy...

I corrected it. When you've seen one nutter, you've seen them all.

[MineralMan]

15. Bravo! to your pastor!

[Control-Z]

Well, I don't believe in god

but I love the message. If only all religions and faiths could stick to promoting human compassion and generosity...

[AnneD]

25. As a Christian I can tell you.....

that is suppose to be the message and shame on those that tell otherwise.

[onpatrol98]

136. Supposed to be the message...

Absolutely, that and the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that provides full and free deliverance from the power and penalty of sin according to the grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone. And, if we're supposed to believe in protecting and caring for the helpless, Pat's strange discourse was just....strange.

In my opinion, it was never supposed to be about hatred, hostility, unnecessary wars that have nothing to do with protecting the population, etc.

[sandnsea]

16. I'd say "addled and confused" is generous

but then I guess that's part of the point your pastor was making. I wish there were more like him. Nice to know there are a few anyway.

:applause:

[Control-Z]

19. Lol

sandnsea, you crack me up sometimes. Thanks. I needed that this morning.

[AnneD]

29. I admit....

I buried my face in my Bible to stifle my snicker when he said that. I was not alone.

[CJCRANE]

17. It also brings to mind

the feeding of the five thousand.

[Catshrink]

21. Wonderful!

So often the only "Christians" we hear from are those who follow the OT. This is refreshing.

[Octafish]

22. Good News!

Thank you infinitely, AnneD.

[PatSeg]

23. Very inspiring

Thanks for sharing with us.

[LiberalFighter]

24. WOW!! Down in Texas? Again wow!!

Texas is not a lost cause. Would love to see more of that all over the US.

[AnneD]

40. I live in the vast blueness....

of my beloved Houston. The best quote about Houston..."if Houston were a dog she's have three good legs, one good eye, buck teeth, and fleas the size of corn nuts, But she would be one of the best dogs you ever had."

I think the rest of the country hasn't gotten over the Parker vote yet-but we're still happy as clams. You make your paradise where you can.

[chervilant]

126. hmm...

I, too, live in Houston. I've had some of my fellow teachers try to steer conversations towards bashing Ms. Parker, but I'm quick to share that I went to college with Annise and know her to be an ethical, hard-working, and delightful person. I am THRILLED she's our new mayor!

[AnneD]

151. We invited Annise Parker to come to our church......

She and her partner did visit. They stayed afterwards and it was a nice chance to ask questions ( and the folks in the congregation are not shy either). It was so nice to see her win over the congregation.

[onpatrol98]

160. Win Over

Well, in the end, people want results. It doesn't do much good to get people who insist that they believe exactly as you do, and then don't carry out anything that they profess to believe in. In the end, regardless of the background, education, or whatever else that differentiates, people want politicians that want to work and make positive changes for their community. I think Americans are getting tired of career, corporate, politicians. And, simply looking for hard workers.

[AnneD]

170. Most of us were aware of her record....

and liked it, but there is a difference between a voter and a supporter that votes. I know for a fact that after she came, she got financial support and volunteers. I am old school and really like to meet the candidates if possible before I vote. I am in a positions to meet them because I vet candidates and their records for our union.

[AnneD]

171. Dupe

Sorry computer problems

[AnneD]

172. dupe

again.

[AnneD]

173. dupe

:blush:

[dixiegrrrrl]

135. THAT is a great quote!

So wonderfully southern.
Equally Southern is the genteel response to the mad ramblings of Buchanan, etc:
" Bless his heart. We'll pray for him to get into his right mind".

[elocs]

26. If Jesus were walking the earth today he would be kicking ass and taking names

like he did in the Temple with the moneychangers. Of course the Robertson and right wing evangelical types would never recognize Jesus and just call him some radical and liberal homeless guy and most likely would simply call him the antichrist. Ironic, but true.

[timtom]

36. Actually, Robertson, et al, would

have him crucified.

Like they did the last time.

[bobbolink]

48. Bingo.

[elocs]

58. Exactly. n/t

[Angry Dragon]

137. I agree totally

the churches would ask him to prove that he was Jesus and expect all others to believe based on faith.

[Gman2]

28. More than that.

Jesus shared his best stash, with partiers. Not puritans. And he did it to keep the party going. And the obvious goal of the party, as explained right in the bible, was to get drunk. Too drunk to determine the quality of the wine, later in the eve. Frivolous merriment was obviously endorced, by the king of kings.

In fact, this place could use some frivolous merriment.


In contrast, Jesus gave more, to the already happy. What we are doing in Haiti, is far from giving to the already happy.

[AnneD]

35. Spot on......

THE BIG LESSON: GOD has given in abundance, sharing is always more fun. Hoarding just leads to worry, suspicion,fear, jealousy, greed,etc etc etc.......Gee does that sound familiar.

[Hello_Kitty]

30. Yay for your pastor! eom

[Hannah Bell]

31. good to hear.

[undergroundpanther]

34. I thank your pastor

for growing a spine.
Still can't stand your god,but your pastors heart is in the right place kudos to him

[EFerrari]

37. Difficult times are the true tests of mettle.

Your pastor seems to have passed his test with flying colors. :party:

[Blasphemer]

38. Good for your pastor! I hope it's the same in churches everywhere... nt

[Vidar]

39. Kudos to your Pastor & thanks for posting.

[lisa58]

41. I love it...thanks for sharing that - made my day!!!!!

[peacetalksforall]

42. Thanks for posting. Good for your pastor. And good for me. When I heard

what Robertson said (I still haven't been able to suffer knowing what Limbaugh said) - I told myself that that minute in time when he said what he did about Haiti was a pivot point for him. I told myself that anything of good in his legacy had died and he had killed it.

No matter what shocking thing he has done or said, including befriending Charles Taylor and milking a gold mine with cheap labor while flying back and forth to his mine in his private jet - no matter what he has done, he gets away with it. Not this time. I think his power will wane. His devoted, some of whom he made into bigots, will always be with him, but borderline people will hesitate and those who have not had respect for him for a dacade or more, will shun him and join the ranks of those who speak out against his atrocities of speech.

I wish I could take HIS INFERRENCES THAT HE ALONE KNOWS WHAT THE DEVIL HAS SAID as humor and laugh at out loud at the scandal of it, but I can't because he has smeared little people - little in the form of ownership and opportunity and getting pushed around - much at the will of certain leaders in our history.

I think your story is kind of an affirmation - your soft spoken? neutral pastor racheted it up over this episode in the life of a man who has been spreading hate for a long time.

If you ever have an opportunity, thank your pastor for me.

[AnneD]

50. That is what made Pastor's remarks about the addled uncle......

and his embarrassing pronouncements at a family gathering SO funny. We can all identify with it. In a family gathering you just dismiss your uncle as crazy and move on. Humour takes the sting out of it and we can see him for what he is. You just pray for forgiveness and understanding.

[proud patriot]

43. very moving , thanks for spreading the word

made me smile and brought a tear to my eye .

[Christa]

44. K & R

and I don't even believe in a god.

[Wickerman]

45. Thanks for your story. What made me even happier was being the 106th recc! n/t

[bobbolink]

46. Beautiful...thank you so much for sharing this, and thanks to your beautiful and courageous pastor!

Now, if there can begin to be this kind of plain speaking out about poverty in THIS country!

[tilsammans]

49. Yes! Putting the "Christ" back in "Christian"

The way it should be.

Thank you for posting this encouraging, inspiring story. :hug:

[jotsy]

51. Faith is easier to find when stories like this are what we talk about; thanks for that!

smooches and squeezes to your pastor from me for treating such voices as dismissively as they should have been from the instant they started spewing.

[Hekate]

52. Wow, Anne, That brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

to you, your pastor, and all those with ears to hear and eyes to see

Blessed be from my circle to your church.

Hekate

[winyanstaz]

53. I am not a Christian...I am Pagan...

But even I know that is what a true follower of Christ should sound like and do.
Blesss Be to the Christians that follow the Prince of Peace.

[KonaKane]

118. I'm a Pagan too

and agree with you 100%. Jesus is just alright with me, it's his fan club that keeps me awake at night.

[winyanstaz]

175. yup....and they are working themselves up to be even scarier...

By the way :) m.m. :hi:

[Odin2005]

54. Awesome! K&R

[ornotna]

55. Great story

Thanks for sharing it with us.

[AnneD]

56. Thanks for the wonderful feedback.......

I hope you were as inspired as I was.

I hope that you are inspired to help these folks. It will be an uphill battle but it can be done if we all roll up our sleeves. Yes there will be setbacks, the world is full evil. But I will not let that deter me in doing what I know is right and kind.

Matthew 25:31-46 (New International Version)

The Sheep and the Goats

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

[penndragon69]

57. I will NEVER trust the clergy.

But this man sounds like a good man of decent character, we need more like him and fewer
pat robertsons in the world.

But Remember...

Jesus was the original INSURGENT!

He was executed for trying to raise an army to
overthrow the roman occupiers of Palestine!

[BeatleBoot]

67. ?

WTF?

[VermeerLives]

70. Huh?

Jesus Christ was not executed for trying to raise an army against anyone. Where are you coming up with this? Certainly not from the Scriptures.

Jesus never formed an army (unlike Mohammed, for example, who not only formed an army but also murdered many people). Jesus said His kingdom was not of this earth. Jesus was a threat to the Jewish religious leadership of his day, who accused him of blasphemy, for making Himself out to be God (which he indeed did do).

[winyanstaz]

85. You are both correct.....

Jesus was not trying to raise an army....but
he was gaining such a following that they were AFRAID he would raise an army.
He was also a threat to the religious leadership which was also worried he would take over their temples and get rid of the old ways.
Remember, it was Jesus who was said to have gone in and wiped the floor with a few of the money changers (bankers) in the temple and he was also the one that said that the old testament and the old ways were not to be followed..but that he brought a new way.
He was for peace then...same as he would be today.
So you are both right. He was not trying to raise the army they thought he was but they were of this world and didn't understand his message anyways.
They assumed he would do what they would have done if they themselves were in power which would be to raise an army and overthrow the old order of things.

[Name removed]

93. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Fire1]

59. I commend your minister. Many would not have the courage

to say what needs to be said. Politics is even in the pulpit.

[onpatrol98]

140. So true

That is so true...and sometimes you really want your pastor to stand up and thump the podium and speak the truth and I think they should.

[Faygo Kid]

60. We ALL need to call them out. Enough "putting up" with Limbaugh.

Pat is a senile cretin, but Rush is and has been powerful for 20 years, and his baleful influence has greatly harmed our nation. I for one am tired of those who respond to every Limbaugh post with "Why do you listen to him?" or "Who cares?" Well, I care. I care for basic decency and integrity in my country, and I have been sickened by that ass clown and the hatred he spews for 20 years. Way back in the mid-90s after a Sunday morning workout a group of us went out for coffee, and the reaction around the table was unanimous: Rush back then was perceived as a great danger to our nation. Even that long ago. And he has proven to be so.

So the next time someone dismisses or condemns a DU poster for bringing Rush's hate to our attention, expect me to weigh in on the poster's side. Heavily.

[Dinger]

61. Kick & Rec # 159

Thanks for posting this! Wonderful story!

[Uncle Joe]

62. That's sounds like an inspiring sermon.

Thanks for sharing AnneD.:thumbsup:

[me b zola]

63. Thank you for posting this

~signs of hope. :)

[groundloop]

64. Thank You. I often wish our Pastor didn't seem to always avoid controversy

[onpatrol98]

142. Avoid Controversy

Hmm...that's a good point. To me, it seems like pastors avoid "some" controversies. Perhaps its a bit more consistency that I would like to see.

[Missy Vixen]

65. I love your pastor

I'll bet God loves him, too.

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:37-40

[Delphinus]

66. I'm not a Christian

and I *love* this story! Thanks for sharing. And good on him - this is what needs to happen.

[GeorgeGist]

68. Under the circumstances ...

I think it is quite callow to toot one's horn.

[niyad]

69. k and r--your pasto is a hero.

[Jamastiene]

71. Sweet n/t

[Demoiselle]

72. Thank you for this, Ann..

I love what the pastor said. It is the essence of what Christianity should be. I love the silence that follows.It means the congregation really heard him and processed it. And maybe, most of all, I love the chorus of AMENS that followed.
Maybe there's hope after all.

[KrazyinKS]

73. Same thing happened at our church

We have three pastors and two were gone today. So the lady pastor gave the sermon. She is too polite to rip into someone so she gave no names, didn't have to. She definitely denounced Robertson, which is saying something because she really is very polite. She gave Job as an analogy of the terrible things that can happen to very good people. Not people who make a pact with the devil. Robertson needs to be put in a straight jacket, he is nuts. God, why don't I have my own talk show?

[AnneD]

75. We had a a lively conversation in Bible study.....

And we talked about Job, even if it wasn't on the agenda. I joked about it taking me over 25 years to understand Job. But it seems that the older I get and the more I experience and witness tragedies-the more I understand. I see Haiti as the land of Job (full of sorrow and woe). And who's to say, God moves in mysterious way. The Haitians in the end may finally be restored, like Job. We can only pray and give them our love and help.

[onpatrol98]

143. So True

Excellent Point...God moves in ways that seem mysterious to us

[onpatrol98]

145. Your own talk show

LOL...get your own show. There are plenty of online radio talk shows. I bet you would be great. Blogtalk is one. Shoe ??? something or another. LOL. Let us know when you get started.

[tblue]

74. Talk about "the least if these"! Your pastir gets it.

He is an angel on earth. He may well have saved many lives by his words today.

[baldguy]

76. Your Pastor is a wise man.

A quality which is too often in short supply in others of his profession.

[Bluzmann57]

78. Let me add one

AMEN Brother!

[rasputin1952]

79. Americans don't like to kick people when they're down, especially

when it's a natural disaster.

Robertson and Limbaugh are parasites...their god is cash.

It is time to call them what they are...knuckledragging miscreants that do not deserve any respect.

Your pastor is a good man.

Proud to K&R...:kick:

[winyanstaz]

86. So why are we still invading other countries and talking about more wars?

I agree..the American people are kind and want to help.
The people that run our country though..dont give a rat's ass who dies or why so long as they make money and gain power.

[rasputin1952]

89. Basically because some Americans are assholes...

I was also talking about natural disasters in play...not politics.

[Douglas Carpenter]

80. kick and recommend

[1776Forever]

81. I am still looking for that kind of church and may find it in my small town.

Blessings to the Pastor. He IS truly walking in Jesus path!

[AnneD]

84. Keep looking and don't give up...

It took me a while-the Christian Conservative movement turned me off so. If an 'official' church can't be found, get together with like minded folk and form a study group. I didn't limit myself to any denomination, I looked at the members. You will know when you are in the right place.

[1776Forever]

141. Thank you for the kind words. I will keep looking.

:hi:

[dhpgetsit]

82. Amen!

There are some real Christians around us.

[PatrynXX]

83. my old Lutheran English teacher....

has no respect for the Rush's of the world and was again embarassed by Pat Robertson. Pat speaks for an extremely few Christians today. For most he's an annoyance.

[Jennicut]

87. My Pastor at the Lutheran Church I go to went to Haiti about two years ago

It was a project for giving clean water to people by giving money to build wells. I have no doubt that our church will be giving as much as it can for Haiti in the next weeks and months. There are good religious folks out there, it is just the idiots have been louder.

[varelse]

88. Recommended

"Finally, real Christians are taking over the church."

Even an atheist can appreciate that this is good news :)

[defendandprotect]

91. "Finally, real Christians are taking over the church" ---

OK -- well, get rid of that one-all-male god as fast as you can and

the male-supremacist foundation -- !!

Interesting post -- but it's shocking that anyone would have to tell "Christians" that

the atrocious comments made by Pat Robertson and Limbaugh are just plain wrong!

Presumably, they now understand that -- all to the good!!

:)

[The Backlash Cometh]

94. Trust me.

That pastor got at least one call from someone who said they are never coming back.

Pat him on the back for me, however. "Jobe" well done. (

[scytherius]

95. I am an atheist . . . and that is wonderful. n/t

nt

[jwirr]

96. Thank you for posting and your pastor for speaking.

[JNelson6563]

97. wow!

Awesome story. Thanks for posting. That pastor of yours sounds like quite a fellow. Wish there were more like him.

Julie

[butterfly77]

98. Kick &Recommended!!!

[femrap]

99. Maybe this will end the

'popularity' of Limpballs and the 700 club. But I guess there will always be hateful people.

[Roland99]

100. Awesome, AnneD! I hope it inspired much giving from the church

And it's too bad we can't turn all of our monetary giving into solid action on the ground but we can only do that of which we are capable and able.

[AwakeAtLast]

101. I wanna go to your church!

:D

[JDPriestly]

103. Thank you. A fresh perspective. It is so refreshing.

[emsimon33]

104. Now, if he would only speak out for those in the U.S. with no health

insurance, those who are less fortunate and suffering due to the greed of our elected representatives and corporations!

[SalmonChantedEvening]

105. Righteous. n/t

[truedelphi]

106. What a wonderful hopeful story. Thank you. n;/t

[IndianaGreen]

107. K&R n/t

[LynneSin]

108. Proof that 95% of us Christians are pretty decent folks being ruined by the other 5%

what a wonderful post to share with us

[donheld]

109. Wonderful!

[roamer65]

110. Same at a church I went to today. My jaw just about hit the floor.

Very good sermon on how our mouths can cut worse than a double-edge sword. 'Ole Patty really alienated a lot of Christians with his remarks.

[checks-n-balances]

111. What Robertson would think of the REAL Jesus...

whom he THINKS he knows?

[CLANG]

112. That's good news of course.

But as a humanist, I think common humanity and compassion should be all that is needed to trigger a response. You either have a conscience or you don't.

I like to think that many millions of people in the US have the compassion, and the expendable funds to make a difference.

Of course, I thank and give great respect to anyone that will give freely to this cause, religious or not. It's the least we can do for those that truly need and depend on us.

[GoneOffShore]

113. Good for your pastor -

[NoSheep]

115. Thank you for sharing this story.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

116. !!!

Oh, I laughed at "For they are just like the addled and confused elderly uncle that attends family gatherings and makes embarrassing pronouncements."

I'm still giggling like a little girl. Your pastor is awesome.

[Duval]

117. I really like your Pastor. n/t

[AlbertCat]

119. Everyone's so impressed and moved and inspired!

So this one pastor is courageous? That's frightening if this is what passes for real courage from "real" Christians. Everyone's gonna pray for everyone else. Isn't that special?....When it should be so common he needn't have to mention it. I am quite disheartened that this is what is needed to get Christians to do the obvious and least they can do....pray. Did he get them all to send money? Do they have to be told with the fear of shame to do that too?

[redwitch]

177. I doubt he is alone.

And I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of churches and other houses of worship took up a collection for Haitian relief efforts. Ours did. Many people are pretty decent, even if they are Christian.

Sorry you are so bitter Albert.

[Hugin]

120. Very nice, AnneD.

I wish I could have been there... But, your retelling was almost as great. :)

[mojowork_n]

121. We got an even stronger message along the same theme.

Fr. Tom used the most appropriate word I could think of to charcterize Pat Robertson's statements. He flat out said they were, "vile."

But then he caught himself, with the double-edged sword in his own hand; that whole concept of "Judgement," '...in the same way that you judge others, so shall you be...'

...You had to be there.

[woodsprite]

122. Ours offered a similar message this morning

both about the wine and mentioning Robertson's remarks. She didn't mention Limbaugh thought, although implied people that think like are not practicing Christians, in the way that Jesus would have them be Christian.

We also sang a hymn written for Haiti and had a special collection, which she said would continue until Haiti rebuilding was underway. Tomorrow the Presbytery is having a work party at one of the churches to assemble health kits for those who have lost everything there.

[shireen]

124. please share this thread with your pastor ....

i'm so pleased to see the large number of recs, 390 so far. Your post has resonated with a lot of people, including this agnostic. I hope you print this out and give it to your pastor -- it will do his heart good to see that his sermon reached more people than he imagined.

:hi:

[Buzz Clik]

132. Urging a Christian pastor to read a thread at DU?

:scared:

Maybe if he just read a paper copy...

[onpatrol98]

146. Print To Hand Out To Pastor

Printing it out is a great idea. But, leave out the URL...I think he'd be blown away by a lot of the other stuff. He would have a year's worth of sermons in an hour. LOL.

[shireen]

178. that might not be a bad idea.

imagine all the fresh sermon ideas he'd get from our crazy little community. :D

[onpatrol98]

180. Good Point

LOL. Good point!

[Enthusiast]

127. Your story restores my faith. nt

[DisgustedInMN]

128. A proud #400 rec.

If there were more Christians like your good Pastor and less like Pat Robertson, the world would be a better place.

[onpatrol98]

149. More like AnneD's Pastor

I think more pastors are like Anne's. But, they don't reach the national spotlight. They live quiet lives in towns all across America. But, no one's putting a microphone in front of their mouths at every given opportunity. So, the world sees the mega churches and the Pat Robertsons of the world and says...Oh, all Christians are like these.

[Frustratedlady]

129. And, that was as it should be. I hope other pastors did the same.

These radicals have given a bad name to christianity and the goodness of people. They are the ones who are following the devil in their hateful messages.

Thank you for the story and give your pastor a pat on the back for me.

[DailyGrind51]

130. My Catholic church took up a second collection at all its masses for Haiti.

[redwitch]

176. All of them did. Which should add up nicely.

All over the world. :-)

We are planning special events too. A member of our parish went to Haiti last year with a group and took amazing photos so we will have a gathering/fundraiser and watch the slides.

[Buzz Clik]

131. This is a miracle! An openly Christian poster with an openly Christian thread at DU.

An the OP wasn't bashed for being a Christian.

:wow:

And major thumbs up to the OP and its content. What a fantastic demonstration of Christians acting consistent with their religion.

[onpatrol98]

144. Good Point!

That's another good point. The poster was willing to take the possible barbs to share her experience. I think that is also part of what it means to be a Christian. You know we often say we want Muslims to stand up and reclaim their religion. I say it from time to time. It could be that as Christians, we're starting to do the same. And, we need to do more of it. It should have been easy for the poster to share this experience on DU. After all, it's supposed to be the republicans who are intolerant. Not us democrats. But, in reality, intolerance isn't limited to a political party or a religion, it can be found anywhere. Your post provided such an inspiration for all of us, that I am glad that you were willing to share it. It says a lot about your pastor, but it also says a lot about you.

Matthew 10:32-33
(32) "Every one therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will confess him before My Father Who is in heaven.
(33) But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father Who is in heaven."

Luke 9:26
"If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

[Buzz Clik]

148. Awesome!

[DailyGrind51]

157. I hope this becomes a trend.

[onehandle]

174. A rare tolerant moment. But if this was in the so called 'Religion/Theology' room...

Where the most anti-religion DUers hang out to bash the religious.

The tolerance would be absent.

[Buzz Clik]

179. without question.

[mochajava666]

133. K&R

[soarsboard2]

138. Religon CAN Be a force for good

too bad it is not most of the time.

[RedRoses323]

139. Goose Bumps

Thank you for sharing AnneD - I love it! O8)

[Tim01]

147. Our pastor said the same thing on Sunday.

He was like "There are some people, people who call themselves christians.......no, I'm not going to talk about it,,,,,.............Well they've been on the news................no,no, I'm not going to talk about it.............................................................................................................................................YES I AM. I AM GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT.

Our church is a very caring and inclusive church.

[onpatrol98]

150. Awesome

Awesome!!!

[AnneD]

156. LOL....

I love it. Hard to ignore it when it is staring you in the face.

I think our pastor has a mild case of cerebral palsy. On occasion, it takes him time to get things out, but he always has something important to tell us. I liken him to Moses at times. Moses had a speech impediment and really left the sermons to Aaron. Even so-that did not keep him from addressing the Pharaoh.

This year Pastor agreed to have a pet fair and provide a Blessing of the Pets Ceremony. The Elders were concerned at first, but he did some finagling and had it down as a private usage event to circumvent objections. Church members were invited and the Hispanic Church we partner with provided food as a fundraiser. It was many of these Elders first time to really meet the Hispanic Church. It proved to be such a wonderful time and the Elders were stunned. Lot's of community came out and it was such a wonderful event-we started planning for next year before the Pet Fair was over.

We are so proud we had it. I remember the Hispanic Preacher being so wonderful. I asked him if they had raised enough money with their dinners and deserts. He said he was so thrilled they had made enough to fund this entire year! I was so happy about that because in less than a month later he was taken from us by a massive heart attack. I don't know if we would have had the same response to our brethren had we not shared that wonderful time together. I think an important lesson was learned and our church became the better for it.

[goclark]

152. My Minister gave a magnificent sermon about Haiti too ~

He always delivers thoughtful messages.

Last night I attended a beautiful Concert in Los Angeles in Honor of MLK.

The huge church was filled to the brim.

Usually the Concert is free but this year they took up a collection for Haiti.

The audience pulled out their checkbooks and raised thousands in just one afternoon.

[Joanne98]

153. That's great news. I've been hoping that Christians would come around.

I know I bash them but sometimes that's the only way to get people's attention. The corruption of the church by big business has been one of the country's biggest problems. Maybe it's starting to come undone. I'll pray for that.

[dmallind]

154. May there be more like him everywhere. What would really be nice

Is if someone with that attitude also had the drive and charisma to set up the megachurch broadcasting schtick that Pat has. The wackjob fundies have had mass market Christianity to themselves for decades. Surely some liberal believers can sell the sizzle with equal success and provide a counterpoint.

[Piewhacket]

155. There you go. Finally, some o' that "old time religion". I had almost despaired....

Grandaddy, the Rev Piewhacket, may he rest in peace,
would have been proud of your minister, I be thinking.

"Our best wine". Make sure it is the very best*.


* That does not mean the most extravagant or expensive,
although that might in fact be the case.

It means generously and "from the center of the heart"!
(Just in case anyone misunderstood the minister.)

[chervilant]

158. hmm...

Sad that your pastor is a rare voice in the wilderness, giving those who post herein the opportunity to assert "Me, too! I believe this way, and I do NOT appreciate what those vile cretins said!"

Will we--as a species--ever evolve spiritually to the point that we no longer have among us hedonistic hate mongers like Robertson and Limbaugh (and the many who follow their every utterance, who believe as do they)?!?

I have to keep reminding myself to hate the sin, and not the sinner. Clearly, I have not evolved enough spiritually, because I am completely repulsed by both these disgusting men.

[Jim__]

159. Great news! Thanks for posting. - n/t

[Jester Messiah]

161. This atheist approves. [nt]

[Deep13]

162. Go for him. And for you. nt

[Deep13]

181. I meant "good" not "go." nt

[SidDithers]

163. That's all well and good...

but the phrase "real Christians" rankles.

Pat Robertson is a Christian too. He just happens to be a bigoted, asshole Christian.

Edit: I'm glad to see caring and compassionate Christians speaking out against Robertson and his ilk.

Sid

[onpatrol98]

165. Prayer Line Open

We'll keep the prayer line open for Pat Robertson.

[AnneD]

168. Maybe Real Christians is not accurate....

because you are right. How about more Christians that not just talk the talk but walk the walk the walk. And that my friend is the hardest thing we have to do.

If I were put in a room with Cheney, I might not be so Christian. What I uttered when I saw Bush on TV was far from Christian-yet I knew better and prayed for forgiveness. I prayed for Bush (in my more cynical moments-I prayed for a long life if only to keep Cheney from being the President.)

But in the end, I realize that it is not my will but God's. What happens happens. I only hope that I have done his will. I can't begin to understand but I know in my heart Christ wants us to love and help the poor. In fact, I have to laugh at those preaching the prosperity message-for Christ mention caring for the poor far more than accumulating wealth.

[AnneD]

169. Dupe

I am having computer problem today.

[Mithreal]

166. This brings tears to my eyes. I say this even though I am agnostic.

It can't stop with Haiti though. It would be a disgrace and return to the status quo. Action is needed at all times not just during emergencies. Now are the people ready for that?

[Jakes Progress]

167. pat and rush are proof there is a god.

They are evil incarnate, the devil. And nature always provides an opposite.