Responses to "Meteors and other Judgments of God"

Ingress		Archive		Skewed
	Comic		Rumours

Responses to "Meteors and other Judgments of God"

Note: Editorials on this web site are a feature of the past. We are no longer interested in responses to these pages, nor will we publish them. These will be retained here for a time, for archive purposes.

[Regarding "Meteors and other Judgments of God"]
Could said religious group in your town be Mormons by any chance? And is the same religious group that didn't allow drinking of caffeine until they purchased stock in Coca-Cola? Is it also the same religious group that perpetuated African-Americans have tails, and that they could not hold posts in their organization, nor could gay/lesbian individuals? Is it also the same religious organization where the young men party constantly until they become 18, and then they hop on bikes and ride around the world on their 'missions'? And the young women are so pure and innocent that they usually ended up pregnant by twelth grade or married in their Senior year?? I guess you guys are right, Boise hasn't changed much at all.

Maybe you should approach the church about linking your web page to theirs!!

That is one thing I always notice when I return home, the amount of fundamentalist advertisement on the television stations. I love and believe in God with all of my heart, and as the Bible states: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." Matthew 7:1-2. Religion is a funny word, and there has been so much done in the name of "Christianity' that is anything BUT Christ-like. Perhaps in his next life, Pat Robertson will come back in some form of humaness that will teach him some valuable lessons.
Elizabeth Edwards <Soulfire1@worldnet.att.net.>
Sacramento, CA USA - Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at 17:24:28 (MDT

[Of course, we must respond.]
There are reasons why we did not mention the names of the religions ('The 700 Club' is not a religion) that we used for examples of people proclaiming inanities in the name of deity.
"Meteors and other Judgments of God" was not meant to be adversarial to belief-systems in particular nor religion in general. It was written (primarily) to indict people in positions of religious authority that pronounce bold-faced ludicrousness, and claim that their message is from God. There is an important difference between that, and judging a whole religious group to be ignorant or 'bad'.
If we were writing from elsewhere, the local religion that falsely threatened environmental doom to influence parishioners to vote against a lottery could easily have been any other religious group.
The variety of behaviors that you mentioned could have been attributed to members of most any other group, because these are examples of human behavior -- not just of the one group that you apparently find obnoxious. All organized religions have examples of impropriety -- not only among a few members -- but as policy. That still does not subtract from whatever greater good that people find by affiliating themselves with these groups, else they would not do so.
The Mystic
Country, of the Blind - Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at 20:58:10 (MDT

[On "Meteors and other Judgments of God"]
Actually, Your article looked more like some of the jizz that would fall out of your gay friend's behind once the parade finished in Florida. Pat has some of the most astounding credentials in any field; ancestor of two former president's founder of 7 NON-Profit churches and a College for Christians. The man lives a very modest life and gives over %30 of his earnings to charities and churches. The point of Pat saying hurricanes would come is simple: if you whipe the dust from your bible Mr. Cheesebrows, you will see that Homosexual acts are a sin, and literal interpretations of the bible are correct in Bible Teaching Churches and Christian Views. Pat's comments in no WAY WHATSOEVER would get him MORE $700 a month, insomuch as Reggie White's lecture on homesexual acts either. But, if you do some real research before the full blown epidemic of AIDS hit, you will see that hundreds of preachers (documented on tape before the fact) talk how a great retribtution is in store for those whose sins is homosexuality. My friend, the sin of homosexuality, in the eyes of God, is detestable. Hundreds of thousands of Christians state that they do have a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and they speak with Him. The comments made by a true member of the Church Of God, are spoken from the mouth of the Father. Some money-minded people have tainted the image of preachers. Of 5 Billion people, perfection WILL NOT be attained. People will take advantage of others. Some men, like Pat, want to help others see the light and walk in the light of the lord. Others, do not.
The Big Dog <stanford2000@hotmail.com>
Fremont, CA USA - Saturday, June 20, 1998 at 04:50:08 (MDT

[We answer Big Dog's comments further down.]

[On "Universal Language -- Even in California"]
Basically, I just wrote to say that was an excellent article. I stumbled accross the article because I have a cable modem and I've looked at and downloaded most of things worthing d/l'n so I fell on your crappy web page. But, the article is good. Furthermore, the 227 is a great idea because of one simple point. THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. NOT THE United States of LAZY MEXICANS. No other country's educational system places as much importance on an outside language because of the whining Hispanics, Mexicans, Latinos. NOTICE THIS--- you will not find many ASIA or Far East students or parents in CA. complaining about the rule. BECAUSE THEY LEARNED THE FREAKIN LANGUAGE. The student's aren't parented by lazy, welfare collecting mexican's with dual citizenship in the U.S and Mexico, who can't even speak English let alone teach their child. American's should learn to respect the effort students from the Far East (mainly Jap, Asian and Viet. students)of being able to handle both language and cultrual differences so effectively. Look into the people complaining........You'll see the truth. American Schools, created to serve the ENGLSIH SPEAKING citizens of the US, should not diverge from the main path by spending billions of dollars to teach children to speak a language they should already know. Proposition 187 would best serve the Hispanic Civil Rights Leader complaining, but seriously, Private-for profit schools should be set up to bring non-English speaking students up to a pre-set educational standard determined by Richard Riley, or Walter Chiavvecci at the Board of U.S Education. Parent's want their kids to learn at U.S schools, then they can pay out of their pockets to get them up to speed with English Speaking students. These students are of diverse mix White, Yellow, Black...so stereotypical racial complaints of violations of civil liberties do not exist within this method. PARENT'S PAY FOR THEIR KIDS TO LEARN, They pass, they go to English speaking schools. U.S economy benefits with more jobs, success to business with growing market of Mexican's leaving taco-land to live the lives Reggie White so truthfully speaks. AGREE or Disagree?????? send me a line..... stanford2000@hotmail.com
The Big Dog <stanford2000@hotmail.com>
Fremont, CA USA - Saturday, June 20, 1998 at 04:34:55 (MDT

[Response to both of Big Dog's comments]
Re: "Universal Language -- Even in California": As I wrote "I have not come to any firm conclusions about Prop 227. (I may never. I don't live in California.)" At a quick glance, I don't have a big philosophical problem with the idea of establishing a separate school to bring non-English speaking students up to an adequate knowledge of English. I know people who have always lived in America who are so unskilled in their native language that they would have benefited from it -- might still benefit.
If these schools would be for-profit, why not put all education on the free market, rather than paying for it from tax dollars? (I know people generally don't agree with this idea -- as they would have a problem with the idea of individually paying for their own refrigerators, if government had been providing them at taxpayers expense and in accordance with a mandated "icebox standard".) But if a parent doesn't pay above and beyond their taxes for extra tutoring in mathematics skills, than why should language tutoring cost extra? As I indicated above, these classes would probably include a lot of students born in the U.S. It seems like it would require less bureaucracy to go with the current program of keeping non-English speakers in the same schools, and give them a year to learn the language.
Your argument gets lost however, when you use phrases such as "LAZY MEXICANS", "welfare collecting mexican's" and "Mexican's leaving taco-land". Your opinions appear to be based -- not on intellect -- so much as on prejudice. Your conclusions become dubious. My motivation to write "Universal Language -- Even in California" was not racist, and I hope you did not get that impression from it.
By the same token, your comments on "Meteors and other Judgments of God" are colored by your obvious aversion to homosexuality. My article was not intended to address that issue at all -- since I am generally disinclined to write on sexual activities that are private, therefore not my business. The article was about those who react to behaviors they believe to be evil by predicting disasters, as well as prophecies in general that go unfulfilled, but the followers don't care. It doesn't take a spiritual gift to predict a hurricane in the Orlando area. A vague knowledge of the climate will do nicely. I notice you didn't address Mr. Robertson's meteor.
My copies of Hebrew and Christian scriptures aren't that dusty. If -- for the sake of discussion -- I concur that they both indicate that homosexuality is a sin (whatever that means), I see no indication in Hebrew scripture that the practice is somehow worse than eating a fish without scales or a turkey -- which is related to the vulture (also declared to be abominations) or having sex with a woman when she is menstruating. From Christian scriptures, I don't see homosexuality classified as worse than having been married several times (the Samaritan woman that Jesus met by a well) or disobedience to parents and covetousness (from Paul's list of sins in the epistle to the Romans). Of all the possible 'sins' that a Bible-believing Christian is to avoid, homosexuality is simply one that greatly pegs the discomfort meter for many -- apparently including yourself.
Those who choose to adopt scripture as a rulebook, and as you say "want to help others see the light and walk in the light of the lord" should consider adopting Jesus' methods and attitude also. That would be the gentle "go and sin no more", rather than "the jizz that would fall out of your gay friend's behind". You would be more effective in your stated goal, when attempting to convince those that act according to conventions that are unlike your own. You might not want to try your arguments on a "lazy mexican" however. That would probably be more "Christian love" than you could muster.
And who the hell is 'Mr. Cheesebrows'? (I'll bet that my ignorance reflects my lack of exposure to television.) And "crappy web page"? Many people think it is well designed, has elements of utility and fun, and is chocked full of thoughtful commentary. It pulled in your attention, didn't it?
The Mystic
Country, of the Blind - Saturday, June 20, 1998 at 11:10:30 (MDT

[Re: Recent Guestbook Entries about 'Meteors' and 'Universal Language']
Somehow anti-government wackos don't seem to bother me all that much, but the rampant bigotry of 'The Big Dog' against homosexuals and those of foreign descent has got me all nauseated -- even more so than the sniping against the Mormons by Elizabeth Edwards (I guess even though one should 'judge not', that making fun of other folks' religious beliefs is perfectly okay because there's no instruction specifically against it in the Bible). I notice she neglected to mention her own religious affiliation...thereby cleverly avoiding getting her own 'full measure' from any Mormons stumbling across this site who might take exception to her mean-spirited characterization of their religion.

As for the 'Big Dog', the pure hate and narrow-mindedness of his/her comments defies any further comment I could possibly make that doesn't include retching noises. I thought the Collective's response to both was right on target -- and surely more polite than mine.

Freedom of speech is important, I know. Take away one person's rights and everyone else suffers; I know that, too. Doing the right thing and letting everyone have their say is a tough thing when it includes entries like those mentioned above. I applaud the courage of the this site's designers in taking the First Amendment seriously and not being selective about which responses remain in the guestbook... even those as sick-making to this particular person (and other like-minded folks, I'm sure) as those few that follow this one. I sincerely hope that more people who are unquiet in mind, rather than lacking in tolerance and/or good sense, will find their way to this website and not be turned off by the recent idiotic entries in this guestbook.

Keep up your great work. It is a fine thing you are doing.
Carrie <jimsmuse@planet.net>
Anytown, USA - Saturday, June 20, 1998 at 12:59:41 (MDT

These comments are directed toward the 'Big Dog'.

<sarcasm>First of all, let me congratulate you!</sarcasm>

It isn't an easy task getting on the Internet and making a complete fool of yourself. Most people don't have the balls to do such a thing. It's a good thing stupid people are too dumb to know their ignorant. (or is it ignorant people don't know when they're being stupid?)

Big Dog, the only reason we need racist people like you in this world is to entertain America on the Jerry Springer Show.

Mexicans are hard workers -- period. Believe me, I know. Rather then degrading them based on your narrow-minded perceptions, you should be praising them for some of good traits they have, such as:

They accept a lot of the 'hard labor / low paying' jobs in this country. These jobs are part of the great circle of life. Yes, whether you want to believe it or not, you need someone to 'feed the fire' in order to navigate a ship, not just the Captain and his sailors. There aren't nearly enough 'Lazy-Uneducated-Whining Mexicans' to take the jobs out there that so desperately need to be filled:
- farm-hands (i.e. migrant workers), car washers, custodians, assembly-line operators, or landscapers.
Not that there's anything wrong with those jobs, or any other honest work, but let's face it... these are the jobs Hollywood stereotypes Mexicans as having. Regardless, people who have limited communication skills (like you), or are uneducated (like you), have to take what they can get and I RESPECT those people, whether they're black, brown, red, or white, a Yale Grad, or a High School drop-out. Look at the big picture! Not everyone can live the American Dream (whatever that is) -- Economics baby.
Mexicans are family oriented. They feed their families.
- I'll tell you what, beans/rice/tortillas/salsa is an economically smart way to keep kids well-nourished.
They also have a tendency to back each other up, at any cost. You don't often see parents kicking their kids out onto the streets, or families disowning their loved ones when they make mistakes, and you almost never here of Mexicans giving their babies up for adoption or abortions. They are extremely tight people. It would be unheard of for a Latino family to put their Grand Parents in a nursing home -- They take care of their own.
They'd rather be on the corner selling oranges, then on a freeway exit begging.

As for your comments on Gay folks, WHAT REALLY IS YOUR PROBLEM? Enjoy life! Be glad that you are alive. Take care of yourself and the ones you love, rather then worrying about what other people's sexual preferences are. One's sexual preference is such a small part of who that person really is.

It breaks my heart to think people like you are out running the streets. I have a great love for the human race and I think culture is a beautiful thing. You should too.
Rossow
Boise, ID USA - Saturday, June 20, 1998 at 13:17:52 (MDT

[We voted and decided that the following comment was in response to "Meteors and other Judgments of God"]

We are not deceived.
4.Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you,
5.for many will come in My Name, saying I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray.
11.And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error.
23.If anyone says to you then, Behold, here is the Messiah! or, There He is!-do not believe it.
24.for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
!!!!!25.SEE I HAVE WARNED YOU BEFOREHAND.!!!!!
Jesus, The Bible, Matthew 24:4,5,11,23,24, and 25
If you had done some research you would have found that my Father warned us "repeatedly" about the things you write of. And it is going to get much worse than it is.(Read the whole chapter).I am a Christian, conservative, Queer who loves Jesus very much (I met Him when I was 12 or so). So you think we live on faith alone?
16.And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever-
17.The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive, ......John 14:16,17.
Let the false prophets rage.Do not be afraid, my Father predicted them 2000 years ago. We do know of them. We do notice them. They embarass me. But we know the Word. And the Word is the sword that we use to cut their lies off until they're naked in the Truth.
(What do you want to know?) LOVE!!!!!!!!
johnny brooks <johnnybrooks@yahoo.com>
houston, tx USA - Tuesday, August 04, 1998 at 08:12:43 (MDT

Just read your commentary on Pat Robertson and others who make false statements in Gods' name. I agree that they should not do this. I also feel you should get your facts straight before you write your editorials. The "700" in the name refers to the number of people who donated money to Pat in the early 70's to buy two new TV cameras for him--- not to any minimum level of donations for membership. Pat and the rest have enough problems without you making up little extras to help them along.
Joe Jones <TxtbkRevws@aol.com>
Longview, TX USA - Tuesday, July 27, 1999 at 16:21:19 (MDT)

The Mystic sez: I wish I could find my reference for that information; seems like it was from a cnn.com article, but perhaps I read it wrong. I've looked further and from the only reference I could find (in 20 minutes or so), you may be more right than I. PR needed (quantity) 700 (amount) $10 contributors per month to keep the show.

I am not sure who wrote the piece that i just read about Hal Lindsey, but i do wish to say that you should really study up your facts before throwing slander their way. Mr. Lindsey is very responsible about not being a date setter, BUT he does say that the time is near. A Bible believing Christian surely can not dispute this. All the signs are here, and he says that we should be aware and should be prepared, and preach the Word to whoever will hear. I can not understand why that would be a problem to you. Maybe you should be aware as well, and don't spend your time degrading others, and concentrate on the Word of God, the Bible. Thank you and God Bless!! Stacey
Stacey <Stacia20i@aol.com>
Redding, CA USA - Monday, September 27, 1999 at 03:12:17 (MDT)

From: SWill11558@aol.com
Date sent: Sat, 27 Nov 1999 10:53:36 EST
Subject: Responding to Meteors & Other Jodgements of God

The bible tells us to test everything we hear to make sure we do not get led away by deceiving spirits. Unfortunately, some Christians do not know their bible or feel if someone says they are from God it must be true. I did not know that tidbit about Hal Lindsey...Thanks for pointing it.

Subject: Meteors and other Judgments of God
Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2000 09:49:16 EDT
From: Elgast@aol.com

If all you say is true, about Pat Robinson and others that is a sad statement as to how the world views Christians. It shocks me to think that a single man thinks he can figure out God - if that is so then I serve a mighty small God. I TOTALLY agree with you in thinking the predicitons, meteors and other acts of violence are from God. I DO NOT believe that at all.

I do believe, however, that homosexual acts are forbidden from God. But our job as people are to love one another, unconditionally. And through that love we will be able to reach people in helpless, hopeless situations. I believe very much in my faith in God - I do not buy into saving the world on a television program, or bombing abortion clinics, or predicting the end of the world. I do want you to know that not every Christian believes in all those things. Those are just the ones that make television news. Sad enough, that is what people want to hear - the worst.

Be informed when new content is added.

Email a Link to this page.

Email the SOB who publishes this.