really?

[floatingleaf]

So, I was reading some stuff on www.AlterNet.org - my main source of news these days - and there was an article about this kooky fundamentalist preacher who thinks that modern society's departure from strict biblical patriarchy is the source of all evil. He's not the only one, of course, and sadly, this kind of thing doesn't even shock me anymore - there's so much insanity going on these days, it barely causes a raised eyebrow. But there were a lot of angry and/or mocking comments under the article, and someone posted this link:

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/11/you_know_whats_wrong_with_amer.php

So now I know what's wrong with America. And I can't resist sharing this revelation. I thought at first it was some sort of lame satire... but I'm afraid that guy is actually serious. He is a famous controversial religious figure, apparently. One who takes his literal interpretation of the Bible to a whole new level. gairid, you are going to love this. Just make sure to move any drinks away from the keyboard. And read the comments, too. The comments are better than the video itself, actually. I swear I must have shrieked with laughter for about an hour.

Ahhh, what interesting times we live in. *sporfle*

Yes, I do realize that the fact this guy has a following who take him seriously is not funny at all. But sometimes all you can do in response to such self-righteous nonsense is laugh. Otherwise you'd go mad.

Comments

[surreysmum.livejournal.com]

*shaking head*

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

Isn't it just... I don't even know what to say. When I arrived in the US seven years ago, I though I was moving into a civilized country - at least more civilized than the one I left. Now I'm not so sure anymore. *sigh*

[gairid.livejournal.com]

JUst finding this post now, m'dear. I'm saving the link and will get back to you when I get a chance to read it!

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

No pressure.:) Save it for when you're in need of a good belly-laugh.:P

[gairid.livejournal.com]

Okay...I just opened the link to find out it was good ole Pastor Steven. I've run into this guy's unhinged nuttiness on a few other occasions and though I hadn't seen this vid before, I heard about the whole pissing thing. KInda interesting that he zeroed in on that particular Bible verse (and notice how he immediately twisted it to fit his own mindset rather than taking it at face value). I'm waiting to see if the teabaggers pick up the cry that Obama pees sitting down (though how on earth anyone should know such a thing or even thinks about it is beyond me).

Pastor Steven is a closet case if I ever saw one and seriously, if he and his kind were not so virulently hateful I would feel sorry for him--the stress of repressing himself has clearly made him batshit crazy.

I'm pretty sure I've read about this clown on dark_christian. If you haven't seen it, it's a community that discusses the far right dominionism problem---the discussion is reasoned and respectful for the most part and when it breaks down the mods are good about keeping things under control (unlike some of the atheist groups whre I swear I can understand why so many people believe atheism is itself a religion---some of them are just as crazed on the other end of the spectrum as the Fundies.)

Going back now to continue reading the hilarious comments on Ole Pastor Steve!

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

notice how he immediately twisted it to fit his own mindset rather than taking it at face value

Oh yeah, he put his own very intriguing spin on it.:P

Pastor Steven is a closet case if I ever saw one and seriously, if he and his kind were not so virulently hateful I would feel sorry for him--the stress of repressing himself has clearly made him batshit crazy.

Ditto.

I swear I can understand why so many people believe atheism is itself a religion---some of them are just as crazed on the other end of the spectrum as the Fundies

Yes, I've been noticing that too. There are a lot of religion-themed articles on AlterNet, and the discussions in comments often get very heated. Whatever happened to 'live and let live'? I mean, I totally understand the rage against evil brought by religion in general (Inquisition, crusades, suicide bombings etc.) - but you don't have to actually be an atheist to feel this rage, or to denounce the institutions and their abuses of power without denouncing all underlying beliefs.

For the record, I consider myself an agnostic. I think 'militant atheism' (hostile and mocking approach to believers) it just as arrogant and close-minded as religious fundamentalism. Both attitudes imply that we humans have all the answers - and we very clearly don't. The (peaceful) exchange of ideas and the seeking of answers is what makes life worthwhile to any thinking, feeling person, imho.

Pastor Steve is a sad case, but at least provides some entertainment.:P