All Christians Are Scum!
Are we offended yet?52 total reviews
Comment from cterp
Steve,
Just trying to catch up on some of your work and found this. Good rant; some people's politics are astonishing. It seems remarkable that we share the same human form at times. And now we here in the states have The Donald leering over us. Well, it's only 3 hrs to the Canadian border from here.
reply by the author on 28-Jun-2016
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Steve,
Just trying to catch up on some of your work and found this. Good rant; some people's politics are astonishing. It seems remarkable that we share the same human form at times. And now we here in the states have The Donald leering over us. Well, it's only 3 hrs to the Canadian border from here.
Comment Written 26-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 28-Jun-2016
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Thank you.
This really was a rant - not like me, really. Written in response to a more sincere post that posited that all Muslims were mad, bad and dangerous.
Steve
Comment from Just2Write
Well, your title is sure to get a lot of attention - and possibly not the loving 'Christian' kind. Hate, and words that promote it are against the law in my country. Folks who condemn another in a derogatory way are likely committing a hate crime. The poem which offended you sounds like a hate crime to me - but then so is your rant. Which, I'm pretty sure, was your point.
I'm not a follower of any particular faith either - but I do wish that others who do follow a particular path to do so in light and harmony. Their religious freedom stops within about 4" from another person's nose.
It's a shoe-in that ALL religions and cultures have their zealots. There is perhaps only one supreme being - and He/She is none of us puny mortals with our nebulous morals.
Good article, Steve.
I can see why the site doesn't allow one to criticize another writer - there would be chaos if they allowed that - believe me. I've had a few stinkers come after me, and I'm as bland as vanilla pudding.
I'm deliciously oblivious to the offending post - but, if a piece of writing derogatorily dresses down another group of people or their religion - then it should qualify as a piece of hate trash and should be removed from the site.
I don't care what religion or righteous ideal motivates it. Christians hold no special badge of honour. Nor does anyone else.
Rose
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2016
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Well, your title is sure to get a lot of attention - and possibly not the loving 'Christian' kind. Hate, and words that promote it are against the law in my country. Folks who condemn another in a derogatory way are likely committing a hate crime. The poem which offended you sounds like a hate crime to me - but then so is your rant. Which, I'm pretty sure, was your point.
I'm not a follower of any particular faith either - but I do wish that others who do follow a particular path to do so in light and harmony. Their religious freedom stops within about 4" from another person's nose.
It's a shoe-in that ALL religions and cultures have their zealots. There is perhaps only one supreme being - and He/She is none of us puny mortals with our nebulous morals.
Good article, Steve.
I can see why the site doesn't allow one to criticize another writer - there would be chaos if they allowed that - believe me. I've had a few stinkers come after me, and I'm as bland as vanilla pudding.
I'm deliciously oblivious to the offending post - but, if a piece of writing derogatorily dresses down another group of people or their religion - then it should qualify as a piece of hate trash and should be removed from the site.
I don't care what religion or righteous ideal motivates it. Christians hold no special badge of honour. Nor does anyone else.
Rose
Comment Written 24-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2016
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Rose, thanks for the thoughtful response.
I am a little conflicted on some of this. I don't ordinarily condone censorship, but there has to be a line somewhere, where you declare 'You can't say that!' More so on a community site like ours where those who may be offended have no real right of reply.
Steve
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We all live with some degree of censorship. Like on a good farm - There's all kinds of animals, and each has different needs. Unfortunately, if we didn't restrict where some of them must be penned, the pigs would soon overtake the barnyard. I'm all for freedom of expression - but there should be no room for hate, and zero tolerance for it.
Comment from Loren (7)
Your passion is evident, but I must admit I'm not familiar with the poem you are referencing. But then I don't think the poem itself is the point of your article. It is the subject matter of that poem. Surely one can give a subjective oratory about their beliefs and consequently (and possibly) give an offense to someone listening in the audience. And now there is ire. Why? In my humble opinion it comes down to one thing: Pride. It is not rude saying how you feel, but rather it is being real (at that particular moment anyway). As CS Lewis once wrote: "Pride is a spiritual cancer. It eats up the very possibility of love or contentment or even our common sense." As a Christian I am not asked to judge others because it is only God that knows their hearts. Among other things I'm only asked to love as God loves me, to be patient, kind, non-envious, or boastful or prideful. I am not to dishonor others, nor be self-seeking, or easily angered. As to all the bluster of what others say. Like Shakespeare put it: "(They) strut and fret their hour upon the stage. And then is heard no more: it is a tale. Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing ." So, I am not offended by others oratories --- that is all it is after all, oratory and no one knows the total answer anyway. But, when it comes down to it, I will state as Joshua from the Bible said "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Write on, Steve, write on! Loren
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2016
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Your passion is evident, but I must admit I'm not familiar with the poem you are referencing. But then I don't think the poem itself is the point of your article. It is the subject matter of that poem. Surely one can give a subjective oratory about their beliefs and consequently (and possibly) give an offense to someone listening in the audience. And now there is ire. Why? In my humble opinion it comes down to one thing: Pride. It is not rude saying how you feel, but rather it is being real (at that particular moment anyway). As CS Lewis once wrote: "Pride is a spiritual cancer. It eats up the very possibility of love or contentment or even our common sense." As a Christian I am not asked to judge others because it is only God that knows their hearts. Among other things I'm only asked to love as God loves me, to be patient, kind, non-envious, or boastful or prideful. I am not to dishonor others, nor be self-seeking, or easily angered. As to all the bluster of what others say. Like Shakespeare put it: "(They) strut and fret their hour upon the stage. And then is heard no more: it is a tale. Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing ." So, I am not offended by others oratories --- that is all it is after all, oratory and no one knows the total answer anyway. But, when it comes down to it, I will state as Joshua from the Bible said "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Write on, Steve, write on! Loren
Comment Written 23-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2016
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Loren, thanks for the great review - it is not often someone quotes the Bible, C.S. Lewis and Shakespeare in response to something I write!
I will write on - sequel of sorts coming up!
Steve
Comment from Tpa
As a writer, you have every right to express your liberty as many soldiers died for you to have that right, which I'm sure were Christians. Everyone has a right to voice their views, other may consider offensive, but they do bare that right. Writings like yours and theirs draw this world farther apart. I think if more people spend more time collaborating on working together, living together, and above all respecting each other's religion, our world would be a most peaceful place.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2016
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As a writer, you have every right to express your liberty as many soldiers died for you to have that right, which I'm sure were Christians. Everyone has a right to voice their views, other may consider offensive, but they do bare that right. Writings like yours and theirs draw this world farther apart. I think if more people spend more time collaborating on working together, living together, and above all respecting each other's religion, our world would be a most peaceful place.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2016
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Thanks for reviewing. I hope you read to the end which should have revealed that I have absolutely no intention of expressing negative views about Christianity or any other religion.
In fact my piece was a protest about another poem on this site that did put down those who follow islam in the harshest terms.
trust me, I am a man of peace and good will, and I agree entirely with your final sentence.
Steve
Comment from lindafisher
I am very lucky that I hold no religious beliefs and am not a hater. I must admit to being amazed that you can spout hatred but cannot criticise. Someone's got their priorities all wrong. I would have been very interested to read your post in it's entirety. Regards Linda
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2016
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I am very lucky that I hold no religious beliefs and am not a hater. I must admit to being amazed that you can spout hatred but cannot criticise. Someone's got their priorities all wrong. I would have been very interested to read your post in it's entirety. Regards Linda
Comment Written 22-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2016
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Linda, thanks for stopping by. I have calmed down a little now, but still quite proud of standing up against what I considered to be a vicious diatribe.
Steve
Comment from Patricia Brooks
I don't have to read the poem in question or the reviews; I am hearing the same from many disgraceful seekers of the presidency (sic!) They should be condemned by every citizen; instead, it looks like one could be nominated by a major party as a contender for the presidency of this country! My fiance and I, being lifelong activists for justice and equality, are already talking only half-jokingly about where we will move if such a catastrophe should actually transpire. I was raised in a Christian Protestant denomination; but it took me only two weeks of History of Religions 101 in my freshman year, with its information on the Crusades, the Inquisition, burning Joan of Arc, not to mention the Salem witch trials, to declare that I no longer considered myself a Christian. Luckily, my college was Quaker, so it had a traditional Quaker silent meeting, centered on the belief of "that of God in everyone", with all the attenders sitting in silence, seeking 'the Light' together, and I have done so ever since.
I have not seen the poem in question, but agree that if it contains ANY form of hate speech, it should not be allowed on the site. There is WAY TOO MUCH hate speech out there already. What must the world think of us, as it is broadcast 24/7 from our TV stations and in our press. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and I hope the administration will reconsider: freedom of speech does not include hate speech against any group or religion. From that point, the only direction is down.
Patricia Brooks
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2016
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I don't have to read the poem in question or the reviews; I am hearing the same from many disgraceful seekers of the presidency (sic!) They should be condemned by every citizen; instead, it looks like one could be nominated by a major party as a contender for the presidency of this country! My fiance and I, being lifelong activists for justice and equality, are already talking only half-jokingly about where we will move if such a catastrophe should actually transpire. I was raised in a Christian Protestant denomination; but it took me only two weeks of History of Religions 101 in my freshman year, with its information on the Crusades, the Inquisition, burning Joan of Arc, not to mention the Salem witch trials, to declare that I no longer considered myself a Christian. Luckily, my college was Quaker, so it had a traditional Quaker silent meeting, centered on the belief of "that of God in everyone", with all the attenders sitting in silence, seeking 'the Light' together, and I have done so ever since.
I have not seen the poem in question, but agree that if it contains ANY form of hate speech, it should not be allowed on the site. There is WAY TOO MUCH hate speech out there already. What must the world think of us, as it is broadcast 24/7 from our TV stations and in our press. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and I hope the administration will reconsider: freedom of speech does not include hate speech against any group or religion. From that point, the only direction is down.
Patricia Brooks
Comment Written 22-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2016
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Patricia, thank you for your thoughtful response. I am sorry this reply is so late, but I have had many though-provoking reviews to deal with!
You are not the only FS member to mention that they might have to move if Trump happens to become President, and the unthinkable becomes nearer to reality every day. The History teacher at the school where I do relief teaching was pointing out today, that this was exactly how the german people viewed Hitler at the start of his rise to power - no one quite believed that such a caricature could become their leader. In case you're wondering, new Zealand is very nice and we have plenty of room!
Steve
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Yes, I've heard New Zealand is nice -- thanks for the offer! And yes, right after 9/11, I looked around at all the flags and the patriotic songs being sung in church (the reason I left) and said out loud, "This is exactly how Nazi Germany started." And it was no accident: the next day the Patriot Act was pulled out of someone's pocket, a huge document that could not have been written in advance. Watch "The Reflection Pool", available from Netflix. I didn't want to see it; don't blame you if you don't. My fiance hasn't felt up to it yet since I've gotten here. But it's indisputable. These people will stop at nothing. And after a lifetime of activism, I'm actually thinking of packing it in and trying to enjoy what's left of my life. Sigh. Thanks for still being angry enough to put this out.
All the best,
Patricia
Comment from c_lucas
Study World History and you can't help to run into "The Holy Crusades, The Inquisition, Christian armies fighting each other, Last, but not least--racism. Steve I was just getting started. The History of Christianity has a lot more.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2016
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Study World History and you can't help to run into "The Holy Crusades, The Inquisition, Christian armies fighting each other, Last, but not least--racism. Steve I was just getting started. The History of Christianity has a lot more.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2016
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Thanks, Charlie.
Yet most (sensible) Christians are wonderful people. My point was that you can't condemn an entire religion on the basis of what fanatics do in its name. But somehow, it seems you can - and you can even have the abusive stuff receiving warm reviews in FS.
Steve
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You're welcome, Steve. Charlie
Comment from MelB
I'm not sure what poem you are referring to, but I understand what you are saying. I agree with you that not all Muslim people are bad. It is a radical Islamist group that are the terrorist cell. I'm a Christian and it does sadden me that so many people have been hurt by Christians. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is one. You will truly know one when you see a light coming from them that you don't see in others and they will be kind and loving - but not perfect. Even Christians mess up and make mistakes. I fully believe there is good and bad in all races, religions, sexes, etc. I have friends on here who have different faiths than mine. I've had a few conversations with them about their faith and mine, but in no way have pushed them. I respect them and their decisions. It seems like since the first of the year, there have been some new people on here who are causing quite a stir. I'm not sure if they wrote the post you referred to or not, but I'm sorry this kind of thing is happening. I hope those people realize they are not being kind and change. I also hope that others learn not to let them bother or upset because that is the reaction they want. Anyway, I thought this was a good rant and I hope it helped to write it.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2016
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I'm not sure what poem you are referring to, but I understand what you are saying. I agree with you that not all Muslim people are bad. It is a radical Islamist group that are the terrorist cell. I'm a Christian and it does sadden me that so many people have been hurt by Christians. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is one. You will truly know one when you see a light coming from them that you don't see in others and they will be kind and loving - but not perfect. Even Christians mess up and make mistakes. I fully believe there is good and bad in all races, religions, sexes, etc. I have friends on here who have different faiths than mine. I've had a few conversations with them about their faith and mine, but in no way have pushed them. I respect them and their decisions. It seems like since the first of the year, there have been some new people on here who are causing quite a stir. I'm not sure if they wrote the post you referred to or not, but I'm sorry this kind of thing is happening. I hope those people realize they are not being kind and change. I also hope that others learn not to let them bother or upset because that is the reaction they want. Anyway, I thought this was a good rant and I hope it helped to write it.
Comment Written 21-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2016
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Mel, thank you for the sensible and thoughtful response.
I got fairly cranky about what I saw as a clear case of offensive and abusive attacks against Muslims. Ironically, it was my piece that was censored for quoting the offending poem.
All calmed down now, but still not happy at the number of people who came out in defence of such hateful words.
Steve
Comment from Adri7enne
I read the Forum thread and I almost felt I was taking sides by reviewing your post. LOL! Not really! I can see where you used sarcasm to make the point. It's sort of scary when anyone makes wild assumptions that urge you to throw out the baby with the bath water. There are fanatics in every religion, except maybe the Bhudihsts. I like the Bhudists, and I'd like them even better if they were easier to spell. LOL!
Well done, Steve. I believe the degree of civility of a people can be measured by their tolerance for differences. You sure stirred up a bit of controversy. Might make some of us think a little.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2016
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I read the Forum thread and I almost felt I was taking sides by reviewing your post. LOL! Not really! I can see where you used sarcasm to make the point. It's sort of scary when anyone makes wild assumptions that urge you to throw out the baby with the bath water. There are fanatics in every religion, except maybe the Bhudihsts. I like the Bhudists, and I'd like them even better if they were easier to spell. LOL!
Well done, Steve. I believe the degree of civility of a people can be measured by their tolerance for differences. You sure stirred up a bit of controversy. Might make some of us think a little.
Comment Written 21-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2016
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Write 50 times Buddhists, Buddhists, Buddhists.....
I'm not usually a stirrer but I couldn't contain myself this time and I'll probably do the same again if similarly provoked. Somebody has to stand up against the haters.
Steve
Comment from Dr. Nad
All Christians Are Scum! Is really quite a piece. I certainly get your point, it comes through loud and clear. I really don't think you have missed the mark by not having the quote you wanted in your piece. My confession to you is that I am one of those Christ followers. I think in every religion there are a group who have hijacked that faith and espouse teachings and beliefs that the devout of that faith Do not embrace. What is difficult for you, me and everybody is the fact that at the core of every religion known to man is the fundamental belief in the exclusivity of their faith. What we can and should practice is a compassionate tolerance of belief that is unlike our own. The truth is we can't all be right. But we can all be kind. Rather than push my religion. I attempt to pass on my story. Thanks for sharing!
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2016
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All Christians Are Scum! Is really quite a piece. I certainly get your point, it comes through loud and clear. I really don't think you have missed the mark by not having the quote you wanted in your piece. My confession to you is that I am one of those Christ followers. I think in every religion there are a group who have hijacked that faith and espouse teachings and beliefs that the devout of that faith Do not embrace. What is difficult for you, me and everybody is the fact that at the core of every religion known to man is the fundamental belief in the exclusivity of their faith. What we can and should practice is a compassionate tolerance of belief that is unlike our own. The truth is we can't all be right. But we can all be kind. Rather than push my religion. I attempt to pass on my story. Thanks for sharing!
Comment Written 20-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2016
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Thank you for your thoughtful response to my piece. I really only wrote it to highlight how bizarre it is to condemn all members of a religion, because of the actions of a few.
I wish everybody had your common sense and compassionate approach. I may borrow your little saying, if you don't mind - we can't all be right, but we can all be kind.
Steve
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You are very welcome,
Embrace the Love from above!
I would be honored for you to use it.
Thank You for your kind words.
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You are very welcome,
Embrace the Love from above!
I would be honored for you to use it.
Thank You for your kind words.
