Interview with a Christian – Part 2
Here we pick up where we left off yesterday with our reporter friend stating that people to live in whatever manner they choose, and complaining about the Indiana pizzeria denying service to same-sex couples. Here is my answer:
Me: Actually, that isn't true. In fact there was not one single complaint, nor denial of service to anyone ever. However, because of their religious beliefs, because the owners are Christians, the WBND reporter who “broke” the story, actually made the entire thing up. It was a total fabrication. In spite of that, however, the militant homosexual faction of malcontents in this country went ballistic and began threatening to kill the owners and burn the store to the ground. All because of a lie perpetuated by a reporter. A reporter, I might add, who has yet to apologize for her actions. Actions that could have easily gotten someone killed. Actions that forced a family to go into hiding in fear of their lives.
Reporter: Be that as it may, I still don't understand why Christians think the law shouldn't apply to them. “It contradicts our faith” they say, but what they are really saying is, “we are intolerant and we should be allowed to be intolerant.”
Me: I'm not sure how you might think Christians would feel the RFRA shouldn't apply to them. Of course they want it to apply to them! Are you saying Christians do not want equality for themselves? I fond it interesting that there are homosexuals out there who are specifically targeting Christians and Christian owned businesses and manipulating the RFRA in order to use it to discriminate against Christians. Are there bakeries and florists and printers, etcetera who willingly and cheerfully support same-sex marriages and who willingly and cheerfully participate in such? Of course there are. And if these homosexual activists were truly and sincerely interested in having baked goods, floral arraignments and wedding invitations for their ceremony, then they would avoid businesses that choose to not participate in their ceremony. Unless they want the drama created by purposely seeking out Christians and Christian businesses, knowing they will choose to not participate, and then going through the whole litigation process. If they were to choose the former, then their wedding is foremost in their mind and that is what they are working toward. If they choose the latter, however, then it is intolerance, bigotry and hatred that is spurring them on. So yes, Christians are interested in keeping the RFRA alive for their own protection. Unfortunately, the militant homosexual faction in our society is able to manipulate the RFRA and the government is more than willing to allow it to be manipulated, and all for the singular purpose of persecuting Christians.
Reporter: “Militant homosexual faction of our society”? Really? That sounds rather intolerant on your part, don't you think? I thought your God was all about love. Love your neighbor and so on. How can you claim to be a Christian and yet be so intolerant about a group of people who express their love in a manner different than your own? I would submit that it is actually you who are intolerant and narrow minded.
I will say, I respect people of faith, and I salute the extraordinary works of compassion and social justice that many of them do, and I will admit that sometimes we in the news media tend to focus on the shortcomings of religious institutions rather than on their positive contributions. And I fully support the right of religious people to believe what they want and say what they wish, but, only in their pews, in their homes and in their hearts. Those are the only places where those views are appropriate. If you bring them outside and into the public arena, then I have a responsibility to put you back in your place, because if I don't, if you are allowed to single out one group of supposed sinners, then who is to say you will stop with that group? No, you must be stopped and put Christianity back where it belongs, out of the public arena.
Me: It sounds to me like you are the one being intolerant here, being oh so ready and willing to restrict the free exercise of my religious beliefs, beliefs, I might add, that you have shown yourself to be completely ignorant of. You are, and have been, accusing Christians of actions that are not conducive to Christianity. Actions that I have agreed are not Christian – actions that the Bible says are not Christian and cannot be engaged in by Christians. To use an example you have previously brought up – the Westboro Baptist Church, proves that just because someone presents themselves as a Christian doesn't mean they actually are. If you understood the Bible, then you would understand what I am saying here. The Bible very clearly points out what is and what isn't a sin, and in fact very clearly says that we are all sinners and there is nothing we can do to change that fact. It is who we are, it is what we all are, and the Bible tells us that because of our sin we are all destined to an eternity in hell, apart from God. However, because Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified on the cross, dying as an atoning sacrifice for our sins – for all of our sins, because of this we have the opportunity to turn to Him in prayer, seek forgiveness for our sins and repent of our sins. This will ensure us an eternal life in heaven with God and not an eternal life in hell apart from God.
Reporter: You know, you tell a good story, but the fact is, if you people are left unchecked you would eventually institute a theocracy here in America, a theocracy no different than the one in Iran. We are not all intolerant totalitarian Cro-Magnon's like you, and the cold hard fact is that we have all, in many ways, been a victim of the Scriptures and theology that have been used to keep us as slaves. It's been ingrained in us, and now you are using it against the LBGT community. And to you and those like you I say just shut the [expletive] up! I am sick and tired of all this “Jesus talk” and I find it disgraceful! You people do not seem to understand that it is not for the public arena! Keep your religious beliefs to yourself, no one wants to hear it!
Me: What I have been trying to explain to you is that our faith teaches us to be concerned for the spiritual welfare of others. We are to tell others about Jesus and the love He has for all of us, and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world. We do not want to enslave anyone, in fact, the reverse it true. We want to see those who are still enslaved to sin be set free. Free to love and worship God, their creator. Something they are unable to do while chained and enslaved to sin.
Reporter: Sheesh! You are starting to sound like Franklin Graham! “Oh the evil! Oh the sin!” You know, somebody ought to lock that guy up and give him a bag of cocaine and just let him blow his brains out. I mean, it's common knowledge that he is a cokehead of the worst kind.”
Me: I'm not sure where you get your information, and I am not sure your information is even accurate or remotely true. But I will say that Jesus died for your sins just as He died for the sins of all mankind. He can cleanse you of your sin and He can break the shackles that bind you and enslave you to sin. He is just waiting to hear from you. For you to come to Him with a repentant heart seeking forgiveness.
Reporter: He just might have a long, long wait.
Me: I hope and pray not.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Note: As I mentioned at the beginning of this “interview,” it is imaginary. At least in the sense that I have not sat down and been interviewed by anyone in the media. That does not change the fact, however, that the words “spoken” by the reporter are actual words spoken by actual news and media personalities. They have been lifted from several online sources where the actual words of these personalities were recorded, and they have been edited only to keep the flow of the conversation going. The intent of their words remains intact here. This is not to say that every media personality is anti-Christian, because clearly, they are not. But there are some, and some of them, many of them in fact, are nationally known. There is a war going on in this country, a war against Christians and Christianity.
SOURCES:
Religious Freedom vs. Individual Equality http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/02/opinion/charles-blow-religious-freedom-vs-individual-equality.html (accessed April 6, 2015)
Why does the government consider this grandmother public enemy No. 1? http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/02/19/why-does-government-consider-this-grandmother-public-enemy-no-1/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
24-34-601. Discrimination in places of public accommodation – definition. http://www.lpdirect.net/casb/crs/24-34-601.html (accessed April 6, 2015)
TV Reporter’s Cheap ‘Gotcha’ Story Incites Hate Mob Against Indiana Pizza Shop http://theothermccain.com/2015/04/01/tv-reporters-cheap-gotcha-story-incites-hate-mob-against-indiana-pizza-shop/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Liberal Media Attacking Conservative Christians To Promote And Protect Vulgar, Anti-Christian Bigots http://www.mrc.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdf/Watchdog/2012/MRC-WatchdogJune2012lr.pdf (accessed April 6, 2015)
Bill Maher: Christians have neurological disorder http://www.wnd.com/2005/02/28970/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
America Tolerates Anti-Christian Double Standard http://www.rense.com/general87/drt.htm (accessed April 6, 2015)
Your God and My Dignity-Religious Liberty, Bigotry and Gays http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-religious-liberty-bigotry-and-gays.html?partner=MYWAY&ei=5065&_r=0 (accessed April 6, 2015)
Time and Newsweek blatantly attack Christian doctrine http://creation.com/time-and-newsweek-blatantly-attack-christian-doctrine#virgin (accessed April 6, 2015)
Anti-Christian Bias in our Society http://www.godlessgeeks.com/LINKS/AntiXtian.htm (accessed April 6, 2015)
Does the American News Media Have an Anti-Christian Bias? http://dailysignal.com/2013/12/26/media-anti-christian-bias/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Media Matters' Anti-Christian Agenda Exposed http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/April/Media-Matters-Anti-Christian-Agenda-Exposed/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Fox News Martyrs Tim Tebow With Claims of Anti-Christian Media Bias http://archives.politicususa.com/2011/12/03/tim-tebow-fox-news.html?utm_medium=twitter (accessed April 6, 2015)
The Top 50 Liberal Media Bias Examples
http://www.westernjournalism.com/top-50-examples-liberal-media-bias/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Here we pick up where we left off yesterday with our reporter friend stating that people to live in whatever manner they choose, and complaining about the Indiana pizzeria denying service to same-sex couples. Here is my answer:
Me: Actually, that isn't true. In fact there was not one single complaint, nor denial of service to anyone ever. However, because of their religious beliefs, because the owners are Christians, the WBND reporter who “broke” the story, actually made the entire thing up. It was a total fabrication. In spite of that, however, the militant homosexual faction of malcontents in this country went ballistic and began threatening to kill the owners and burn the store to the ground. All because of a lie perpetuated by a reporter. A reporter, I might add, who has yet to apologize for her actions. Actions that could have easily gotten someone killed. Actions that forced a family to go into hiding in fear of their lives.
Reporter: Be that as it may, I still don't understand why Christians think the law shouldn't apply to them. “It contradicts our faith” they say, but what they are really saying is, “we are intolerant and we should be allowed to be intolerant.”
Me: I'm not sure how you might think Christians would feel the RFRA shouldn't apply to them. Of course they want it to apply to them! Are you saying Christians do not want equality for themselves? I fond it interesting that there are homosexuals out there who are specifically targeting Christians and Christian owned businesses and manipulating the RFRA in order to use it to discriminate against Christians. Are there bakeries and florists and printers, etcetera who willingly and cheerfully support same-sex marriages and who willingly and cheerfully participate in such? Of course there are. And if these homosexual activists were truly and sincerely interested in having baked goods, floral arraignments and wedding invitations for their ceremony, then they would avoid businesses that choose to not participate in their ceremony. Unless they want the drama created by purposely seeking out Christians and Christian businesses, knowing they will choose to not participate, and then going through the whole litigation process. If they were to choose the former, then their wedding is foremost in their mind and that is what they are working toward. If they choose the latter, however, then it is intolerance, bigotry and hatred that is spurring them on. So yes, Christians are interested in keeping the RFRA alive for their own protection. Unfortunately, the militant homosexual faction in our society is able to manipulate the RFRA and the government is more than willing to allow it to be manipulated, and all for the singular purpose of persecuting Christians.
Reporter: “Militant homosexual faction of our society”? Really? That sounds rather intolerant on your part, don't you think? I thought your God was all about love. Love your neighbor and so on. How can you claim to be a Christian and yet be so intolerant about a group of people who express their love in a manner different than your own? I would submit that it is actually you who are intolerant and narrow minded.
I will say, I respect people of faith, and I salute the extraordinary works of compassion and social justice that many of them do, and I will admit that sometimes we in the news media tend to focus on the shortcomings of religious institutions rather than on their positive contributions. And I fully support the right of religious people to believe what they want and say what they wish, but, only in their pews, in their homes and in their hearts. Those are the only places where those views are appropriate. If you bring them outside and into the public arena, then I have a responsibility to put you back in your place, because if I don't, if you are allowed to single out one group of supposed sinners, then who is to say you will stop with that group? No, you must be stopped and put Christianity back where it belongs, out of the public arena.
Me: It sounds to me like you are the one being intolerant here, being oh so ready and willing to restrict the free exercise of my religious beliefs, beliefs, I might add, that you have shown yourself to be completely ignorant of. You are, and have been, accusing Christians of actions that are not conducive to Christianity. Actions that I have agreed are not Christian – actions that the Bible says are not Christian and cannot be engaged in by Christians. To use an example you have previously brought up – the Westboro Baptist Church, proves that just because someone presents themselves as a Christian doesn't mean they actually are. If you understood the Bible, then you would understand what I am saying here. The Bible very clearly points out what is and what isn't a sin, and in fact very clearly says that we are all sinners and there is nothing we can do to change that fact. It is who we are, it is what we all are, and the Bible tells us that because of our sin we are all destined to an eternity in hell, apart from God. However, because Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified on the cross, dying as an atoning sacrifice for our sins – for all of our sins, because of this we have the opportunity to turn to Him in prayer, seek forgiveness for our sins and repent of our sins. This will ensure us an eternal life in heaven with God and not an eternal life in hell apart from God.
Reporter: You know, you tell a good story, but the fact is, if you people are left unchecked you would eventually institute a theocracy here in America, a theocracy no different than the one in Iran. We are not all intolerant totalitarian Cro-Magnon's like you, and the cold hard fact is that we have all, in many ways, been a victim of the Scriptures and theology that have been used to keep us as slaves. It's been ingrained in us, and now you are using it against the LBGT community. And to you and those like you I say just shut the [expletive] up! I am sick and tired of all this “Jesus talk” and I find it disgraceful! You people do not seem to understand that it is not for the public arena! Keep your religious beliefs to yourself, no one wants to hear it!
Me: What I have been trying to explain to you is that our faith teaches us to be concerned for the spiritual welfare of others. We are to tell others about Jesus and the love He has for all of us, and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world. We do not want to enslave anyone, in fact, the reverse it true. We want to see those who are still enslaved to sin be set free. Free to love and worship God, their creator. Something they are unable to do while chained and enslaved to sin.
Reporter: Sheesh! You are starting to sound like Franklin Graham! “Oh the evil! Oh the sin!” You know, somebody ought to lock that guy up and give him a bag of cocaine and just let him blow his brains out. I mean, it's common knowledge that he is a cokehead of the worst kind.”
Me: I'm not sure where you get your information, and I am not sure your information is even accurate or remotely true. But I will say that Jesus died for your sins just as He died for the sins of all mankind. He can cleanse you of your sin and He can break the shackles that bind you and enslave you to sin. He is just waiting to hear from you. For you to come to Him with a repentant heart seeking forgiveness.
Reporter: He just might have a long, long wait.
Me: I hope and pray not.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Note: As I mentioned at the beginning of this “interview,” it is imaginary. At least in the sense that I have not sat down and been interviewed by anyone in the media. That does not change the fact, however, that the words “spoken” by the reporter are actual words spoken by actual news and media personalities. They have been lifted from several online sources where the actual words of these personalities were recorded, and they have been edited only to keep the flow of the conversation going. The intent of their words remains intact here. This is not to say that every media personality is anti-Christian, because clearly, they are not. But there are some, and some of them, many of them in fact, are nationally known. There is a war going on in this country, a war against Christians and Christianity.
SOURCES:
Religious Freedom vs. Individual Equality http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/02/opinion/charles-blow-religious-freedom-vs-individual-equality.html (accessed April 6, 2015)
Why does the government consider this grandmother public enemy No. 1? http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/02/19/why-does-government-consider-this-grandmother-public-enemy-no-1/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
24-34-601. Discrimination in places of public accommodation – definition. http://www.lpdirect.net/casb/crs/24-34-601.html (accessed April 6, 2015)
TV Reporter’s Cheap ‘Gotcha’ Story Incites Hate Mob Against Indiana Pizza Shop http://theothermccain.com/2015/04/01/tv-reporters-cheap-gotcha-story-incites-hate-mob-against-indiana-pizza-shop/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Liberal Media Attacking Conservative Christians To Promote And Protect Vulgar, Anti-Christian Bigots http://www.mrc.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdf/Watchdog/2012/MRC-WatchdogJune2012lr.pdf (accessed April 6, 2015)
Bill Maher: Christians have neurological disorder http://www.wnd.com/2005/02/28970/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
America Tolerates Anti-Christian Double Standard http://www.rense.com/general87/drt.htm (accessed April 6, 2015)
Your God and My Dignity-Religious Liberty, Bigotry and Gays http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-religious-liberty-bigotry-and-gays.html?partner=MYWAY&ei=5065&_r=0 (accessed April 6, 2015)
Time and Newsweek blatantly attack Christian doctrine http://creation.com/time-and-newsweek-blatantly-attack-christian-doctrine#virgin (accessed April 6, 2015)
Anti-Christian Bias in our Society http://www.godlessgeeks.com/LINKS/AntiXtian.htm (accessed April 6, 2015)
Does the American News Media Have an Anti-Christian Bias? http://dailysignal.com/2013/12/26/media-anti-christian-bias/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Media Matters' Anti-Christian Agenda Exposed http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/April/Media-Matters-Anti-Christian-Agenda-Exposed/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
Fox News Martyrs Tim Tebow With Claims of Anti-Christian Media Bias http://archives.politicususa.com/2011/12/03/tim-tebow-fox-news.html?utm_medium=twitter (accessed April 6, 2015)
The Top 50 Liberal Media Bias Examples
http://www.westernjournalism.com/top-50-examples-liberal-media-bias/ (accessed April 6, 2015)
RSS Feed
