Comments on: Religion—in the Worst Sense of the Word http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html Intentional Leadership Sat, 26 May 2012 20:55:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Rob Sorbo http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-141094 Rob Sorbo Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:16:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-141094 Wow. Scary. Wow. Scary.

]]> By: V. Erickson http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-113873 V. Erickson Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:51:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-113873 I think what truely upsets me just as much is the silence of Christians. We watch these things and say nothing. Oh, we may shake our heads and talk to each other but we don't stand up and say we don't agree. Our silence is sometimes mistaken for acceptance or agreement. Just look at Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. They protest against homosexuality in the most hateful way. One sign said, "God hates faggots!" They have expanded to protest at funeral of known homosexuals. Just read the entry on Wikipedia to see what a vile example they are to the world of Christians. But what to we do in response. We shake our heads, say that so wrong and move on through our lives. Why don't we stand up to the Westboro Baptist Church and other haters and perverts of God's Word? Where are the protesters that stands across the street from their signs with signs of our own. We have the truth on our side. "God is love!!!" "Judge not lest you be judge." I wonder how the homosexual community and others would respond to Christians who stood up and shouted back at them. "They're not with us." " They are counterfeit." " They have no truth because they have no love." " We're not with them." " They do not speak for us." When will we begin to shout louder so the world can hear us over them. "God is love and in Him there is no fear or shame." " Because He first loved us first we are able to love." "Christ taught us what real love is. Love is patient. Love is kind..." Let's stop shaking our heads, watching new stories about churches like this one here and Westboro Baptist. Let's get so busy showing them who Christ really is that we become God's representatives not them!!!! I think what truely upsets me just as much is the silence of Christians. We watch these things and say nothing. Oh, we may shake our heads and talk to each other but we don’t stand up and say we don’t agree. Our silence is sometimes mistaken for acceptance or agreement. Just look at Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. They protest against homosexuality in the most hateful way. One sign said, “God hates faggots!” They have expanded to protest at funeral of known homosexuals. Just read the entry on Wikipedia to see what a vile example they are to the world of Christians. But what to we do in response. We shake our heads, say that so wrong and move on through our lives. Why don’t we stand up to the Westboro Baptist Church and other haters and perverts of God’s Word? Where are the protesters that stands across the street from their signs with signs of our own. We have the truth on our side. “God is love!!!” “Judge not lest you be judge.” I wonder how the homosexual community and others would respond to Christians who stood up and shouted back at them. ”They’re not with us.” “ They are counterfeit.” “ They have no truth because they have no love.” “ We’re not with them.” “ They do not speak for us.” When will we begin to shout louder so the world can hear us over them. ”God is love and in Him there is no fear or shame.” “ Because He first loved us first we are able to love.” “Christ taught us what real love is. Love is patient. Love is kind…” Let’s stop shaking our heads, watching new stories about churches like this one here and Westboro Baptist. Let’s get so busy showing them who Christ really is that we become God’s representatives not them!!!!

]]> By: Joshua Hood http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-81809 Joshua Hood Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:23:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-81809 Unfortunately, these type of people create many of the false stereotypes that cause nonbelievers to dismiss EVERYTHING, and throw the baby out with the bathwater. May God give those who are exposed to these fanatics wisdom and understanding to evaluate and understand their error, and not be further alienated from "Christians". Joshua Hood 2020visiononline.org Unfortunately, these type of people create many of the false stereotypes that cause nonbelievers to dismiss EVERYTHING, and throw the baby out with the bathwater. May God give those who are exposed to these fanatics wisdom and understanding to evaluate and understand their error, and not be further alienated from “Christians”.

Joshua Hood
2020visiononline.org

]]> By: alex http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-44088 alex Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:26:08 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-44088 Nice overalls. ;-) Those are 14 confused people. Nice overalls. ;-) Those are 14 confused people.

]]> By: Arkmow http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-38306 Arkmow Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:15:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-38306 I find their behavior very embrassing, but at the same time I see an opportunity to show the real Jesus to our genereation. Most likely sinners will talk amongst themselves about it and the mocking ones will use it to taunt us. But we need to steal the show by bringing it up first. Then we have the upper ground from which to declare Christ in all His glory. Thank you Amazing Grace Baptist Church for giving us a conversation starter. I strongly disagree with their stance, but I thank God for the opportunity to lift up Jesus. I find their behavior very embrassing, but at the same time I see an opportunity to show the real Jesus to our genereation. Most likely sinners will talk amongst themselves about it and the mocking ones will use it to taunt us. But we need to steal the show by bringing it up first. Then we have the upper ground from which to declare Christ in all His glory. Thank you Amazing Grace Baptist Church for giving us a conversation starter. I strongly disagree with their stance, but I thank God for the opportunity to lift up Jesus.

]]> By: Heath http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-41443 Heath Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:29:30 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-41443 Stuff like this makes my heart break and blood boil. The toughest thing is that you can't reason with people like this even if you showed them all the newer Greek and Hebrew manuscripts since the KJV was first published. Sadly, the more attention this guy gets the worse it makes us all look. Stuff like this makes my heart break and blood boil. The toughest thing is that you can't reason with people like this even if you showed them all the newer Greek and Hebrew manuscripts since the KJV was first published. Sadly, the more attention this guy gets the worse it makes us all look.

]]> By: Theological Ignorance « A Ruach Journey http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-38144 Theological Ignorance « A Ruach Journey Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:24:42 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-38144 [...] "permalink" : "http%3A%2F%2Fruach.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F20%2Ftheological-ignorance%2F" } When I see things like this, I feel shame that I might be connected with them and anger at their ignorance!  What foolishness. [...] [...] "permalink" : "http%3A%2F%2Fruach.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F20%2Ftheological-ignorance%2F" } When I see things like this, I feel shame that I might be connected with them and anger at their ignorance!  What foolishness. [...]

]]> By: Patrcik Aquilone http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-38135 Patrcik Aquilone Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:50:16 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-38135 I am amazed at this, but not shocked. I have seen this before and will see it again. Sad, sad, sad. I am amazed at this, but not shocked. I have seen this before and will see it again. Sad, sad, sad.

]]> By: Lorraine http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-38119 Lorraine Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:30:48 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-38119 I wish more people would read the whole series fo books that begins with "1632" by Eric Flint. I understand better now why we absolutely MUST have separation of church and state--for the benefit of the church. Lorraine I wish more people would read the whole series fo books that begins with "1632" by Eric Flint. I understand better now why we absolutely MUST have separation of church and state–for the benefit of the church.
Lorraine

]]> By: Vicki Small http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37982 Vicki Small Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:14:15 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37982 Someone above stole my thunder with a slightly different version: I have heard one man actually say that the KJV was good enough for St. Paul, so bless God, it's good enough for us. This story also reminds me of two other real happenings, over the years. Back in the '70s, a church in the midwest had been having "revival" services. The evangelist had been railing against sex and violence, bringing TV into the discussion. So before the week was over, he called for every member to bring their televisions to the church for a big bonfire to be built out back, one night. The members did that, but one fellow was more enthusiastic; he brought a shotgun (or maybe a rifle) and blasted the picture tube out of his set--in protest, of course, against violence and sex on TV. The other embarrassment took place more recently, when Terry Schiavo's feeding tube had been removed. And, sadly, this was shown on national news. One man in the crowd trying to get past a guard screamed at the guard who was only doing his job. His statement: "Jesus Christ hates you!!" Oh, yes, I cringed. Someone above stole my thunder with a slightly different version: I have heard one man actually say that the KJV was good enough for St. Paul, so bless God, it's good enough for us.

This story also reminds me of two other real happenings, over the years. Back in the '70s, a church in the midwest had been having "revival" services. The evangelist had been railing against sex and violence, bringing TV into the discussion. So before the week was over, he called for every member to bring their televisions to the church for a big bonfire to be built out back, one night. The members did that, but one fellow was more enthusiastic; he brought a shotgun (or maybe a rifle) and blasted the picture tube out of his set–in protest, of course, against violence and sex on TV.

The other embarrassment took place more recently, when Terry Schiavo's feeding tube had been removed. And, sadly, this was shown on national news. One man in the crowd trying to get past a guard screamed at the guard who was only doing his job. His statement: "Jesus Christ hates you!!" Oh, yes, I cringed.

]]> By: Butch Maltby http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37972 Butch Maltby Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:22:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37972 We joust and make fun of extreme cases of silly faith like this church but wander through most Christian bookstores and the same senseless palaver screams at you. The great books linger long after the crowds have left. But like a teen consuming cotten candy at the state fair over and over and over again we have a Christian publishing enterprise still "dumbing down" with "Hey come feel good!" books. My intelligent non-Christian friends laugh. I sometimes cry about it. We joust and make fun of extreme cases of silly faith like this church but wander through most Christian bookstores and the same senseless palaver screams at you. The great books linger long after the crowds have left. But like a teen consuming cotten candy at the state fair over and over and over again we have a Christian publishing enterprise still "dumbing down" with "Hey come feel good!" books. My intelligent non-Christian friends laugh. I sometimes cry about it.

]]> By: kyle watson http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37931 kyle watson Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:54:40 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37931 I'm disappointed that my two published books are not on the list to be burned. What a great and free marketing tool. I'm disappointed that my two published books are not on the list to be burned. What a great and free marketing tool.

]]> By: Tom Estes http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37929 Tom Estes Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:50:03 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37929 First of all, doing a book burning is crazy, that is undeniable. But you seem to think one is crazy if they believe the KJV to be the only correct version, which isn't fair. For the record, it is also an undeniable fact that the all other versions actually have verses removed, and have sort of important words like "blood" and "Jesus" taken out. Am I crazy if I don't want a Bible like that? First of all, doing a book burning is crazy, that is undeniable. But you seem to think one is crazy if they believe the KJV to be the only correct version, which isn’t fair.

For the record, it is also an undeniable fact that the all other versions actually have verses removed, and have sort of important words like “blood” and “Jesus” taken out. Am I crazy if I don’t want a Bible like that?

]]> By: Donna Maria http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37930 Donna Maria Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:09:46 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37930 Oh wow! That quote hit the nail on the head indeed. Oh wow! That quote hit the nail on the head indeed.

]]> By: Brandon http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37927 Brandon Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:58:17 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37927 I wonder if The Shack or The Message will start the roasting? :) I wonder if The Shack or The Message will start the roasting? :)

]]> By: patriciazell http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37925 patriciazell Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:03:50 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37925 I can't do anything about any other person's walk with God, so I don't go looking for things to criticize. None of us are perfect but all of us are loved, including those church members on the video. No matter what foolish things I do or any other believer in Christ does, God's absolute love is steadfast and unchangeable. Our focus is to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. My prayer is that God will reach deep into everyone's heart and reveal His perfect, complete, and real love for each one of us. I can't do anything about any other person's walk with God, so I don't go looking for things to criticize. None of us are perfect but all of us are loved, including those church members on the video. No matter what foolish things I do or any other believer in Christ does, God's absolute love is steadfast and unchangeable. Our focus is to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. My prayer is that God will reach deep into everyone's heart and reveal His perfect, complete, and real love for each one of us.

]]> By: @MichaelGHolmes http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37924 @MichaelGHolmes Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:57:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37924 This is just sad and narrow-minded!!! This is just sad and narrow-minded!!!

]]> By: Derek http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37922 Derek Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:35:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37922 These are the KJO people. I'm more sanguine than most of your commenters: I think television viewers will understand that this group is not representative of Christians as a whole. These are the KJO people. I'm more sanguine than most of your commenters: I think television viewers will understand that this group is not representative of Christians as a whole.

]]> By: Jeremy Wight http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37921 Jeremy Wight Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:44:25 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37921 So sad. Pray for them So sad. Pray for them

]]> By: Beth Harkins Ingersoll http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-2#comment-37919 Beth Harkins Ingersoll Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:34:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37919 Do I think this church has problems with its belief system? Absolutely. There's obvious issues. What really bothers me is the reaction of "Christians" to this spectacle. This is all over the blogs I frequently visit, and I'm distressed by all the condescending and snarky comments. There are many referring to the preacher's "bib overalls" (hello, judgement!) and lack of membership (what about the state of those 14 souls?). Is this how Jesus would respond to this preacher and his tiny congregation? There's a word for us - mockers. Christians participating in this kind of behavior is what gives Christianity a bad name, moreso than pastors of teeny churches. Instead of making fun of them, we need to be hitting our knees and asking God to open the eyes and hearts of this congregation, revealing the falsehoods they now believe, and use this situation for His glory. Do I think this church has problems with its belief system? Absolutely. There's obvious issues.

What really bothers me is the reaction of "Christians" to this spectacle. This is all over the blogs I frequently visit, and I'm distressed by all the condescending and snarky comments. There are many referring to the preacher's "bib overalls" (hello, judgement!) and lack of membership (what about the state of those 14 souls?).

Is this how Jesus would respond to this preacher and his tiny congregation?

There's a word for us – mockers. Christians participating in this kind of behavior is what gives Christianity a bad name, moreso than pastors of teeny churches. Instead of making fun of them, we need to be hitting our knees and asking God to open the eyes and hearts of this congregation, revealing the falsehoods they now believe, and use this situation for His glory.

]]> By: stephenbateman http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37918 stephenbateman Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:26:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37918 "Mark Driskol" urrrrr yea. that's very unfortunate. "Mark Driskol" urrrrr yea. that's very unfortunate.

]]> By: Bill Whitt http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37917 Bill Whitt Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:22:40 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37917 I grew up in a KJV-only church, and i know the damage that view can inflict. What a massive growth spurt happened in my spiritual life when a friend gave me an NIV Bible and I realized I actually could understand God's Word! Such a shame to waste the first decade and a half of my life not understanding what God was trying to tell me. But more than anything else, that view results from a complete lack of understanding of how Bible translation works. The KJV is not the most understandable translation available, and it's not the most accurate either. For people who want a word-for-word translation, try the ESV, the NAS, or even the NKJV. You'll be glad you did! I grew up in a KJV-only church, and i know the damage that view can inflict. What a massive growth spurt happened in my spiritual life when a friend gave me an NIV Bible and I realized I actually could understand God's Word! Such a shame to waste the first decade and a half of my life not understanding what God was trying to tell me.

But more than anything else, that view results from a complete lack of understanding of how Bible translation works. The KJV is not the most understandable translation available, and it's not the most accurate either. For people who want a word-for-word translation, try the ESV, the NAS, or even the NKJV. You'll be glad you did!

]]> By: SecondChair http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37916 SecondChair Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:13:07 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37916 If I send them a copy of my book and they burn it (I'm sure they would!) do you think my sales would go up? Pathetic. If I send them a copy of my book and they burn it (I'm sure they would!) do you think my sales would go up?

Pathetic.

]]> By: Marcie http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37915 Marcie Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:45:13 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37915 That is truly frightening video. Great post--I could not agree with you more! That is truly frightening video. Great post–I could not agree with you more!

]]> By: Caleb Breakey http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37914 Caleb Breakey Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:44:13 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37914 I only wish I had the money to travel across the states to meet this man, take him out for lunch, and talk Jesus Christ. How very sad this situation is. P.S. I've worked in media since I graduated, and this story is journalism at its worst. Short clips, no perspective, no nothing (though I know TV has its restraints). I only wish I had the money to travel across the states to meet this man, take him out for lunch, and talk Jesus Christ. How very sad this situation is.

P.S. I've worked in media since I graduated, and this story is journalism at its worst. Short clips, no perspective, no nothing (though I know TV has its restraints).

]]> By: Ian http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37912 Ian Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:07:47 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37912 "Much prayer is needed for those that may be confused...! " That means more than what you intended it to. It's a shame that all the people on this little comment system are dishing out sorrow as if they're any less ignorant of what this church is actually protesting. The method might be crude but the truth stands on it's own. It is ignorance that's fueling this posts debate. Salt irritates. All I'm reading is sugar. "Much prayer is needed for those that may be confused…! "

That means more than what you intended it to.

It's a shame that all the people on this little comment system are dishing out sorrow as if they're any less ignorant of what this church is actually protesting. The method might be crude but the truth stands on it's own. It is ignorance that's fueling this posts debate.

Salt irritates. All I'm reading is sugar.

]]> By: Donna Farley http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37911 Donna Farley Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:13:33 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37911 ...fourteen members....... We know all about the iconoclasts.....these people are logoclasts.... …fourteen members…….

We know all about the iconoclasts…..these people are logoclasts….

]]> By: Kyle Reed http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37910 Kyle Reed Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:03:25 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37910 I don't give videos like this much thought. Really laughter is what ensues from these types of things. I just find it ironic that the church is called "amazing grace" baptist church. Kind of missing that connection. Check this website though and see how much traffic they got to their blog yesterday: http://fundamentaltop500.com/ I don’t give videos like this much thought. Really laughter is what ensues from these types of things.
I just find it ironic that the church is called “amazing grace” baptist church. Kind of missing that connection.

Check this website though and see how much traffic they got to their blog yesterday: http://fundamentaltop500.com/

]]> By: Brian Alexander http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37909 Brian Alexander Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:56:34 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37909 I really hate it when I watch videos like this. It's truly a sad depiction of what the church is suppose to look like. I wonder if anyone in the congregation has ready any of the books or even wrote their own. Makes me stop and think about how religious the church is today about things. This is TAKING IT TOO FAR though! I really hate it when I watch videos like this. It's truly a sad depiction of what the church is suppose to look like. I wonder if anyone in the congregation has ready any of the books or even wrote their own. Makes me stop and think about how religious the church is today about things. This is TAKING IT TOO FAR though!

]]> By: Peter_P http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37908 Peter_P Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:41:37 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37908 What scares me the most about this is not how deluded they are but that it shows how easily we can fall into the trap of believing something which is blatantly false. I think back to all those Christian ministers who were KKK members, who genuinely believed, at the time, that they were right. It makes me wonder not just IF I have some bad theology/ideals somewhere inside but rather WHERE my bad theology is. If I try to believe that I am any less fallible than the man in this video, then I'm heading for a big fall! Thank you for sharing this with us today, Michael. What scares me the most about this is not how deluded they are but that it shows how easily we can fall into the trap of believing something which is blatantly false.

I think back to all those Christian ministers who were KKK members, who genuinely believed, at the time, that they were right.

It makes me wonder not just IF I have some bad theology/ideals somewhere inside but rather WHERE my bad theology is.

If I try to believe that I am any less fallible than the man in this video, then I'm heading for a big fall!

Thank you for sharing this with us today, Michael.

]]> By: BLF http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37907 BLF Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:30:26 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37907 Religion vs. faith. I like this topic. I think in the current days we do need more and more good spiritual life. I am glad to see people taking care of their spiritual self; Christians, Buddhists, Muslim any other people asking themselves every day why I was sent to the Earth and what is my mission here. Whenever I see good people in a religious organization I am happy praying with them. But I generally keep healthy distance from the religious organizations. Religion vs. faith. I like this topic. I think in the current days we do need more and more good spiritual life. I am glad to see people taking care of their spiritual self; Christians, Buddhists, Muslim any other people asking themselves every day why I was sent to the Earth and what is my mission here. Whenever I see good people in a religious organization I am happy praying with them. But I generally keep healthy distance from the religious organizations.

]]> By: Josh Wagner http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37906 Josh Wagner Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:11:42 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37906 I feel very frustrated at this. As a logical person, I could point to many flaws in their thinking, but I'll keep those to myself. As someone else said, they still need grace the same as we all do. It still bothers me that this is how Christians get portrayed on mass media. For that matter, religious groups in general. As for "religion" vs true faith, I think this video tells enough. Religion is rules. Faith is more like a journey. I feel very frustrated at this. As a logical person, I could point to many flaws in their thinking, but I'll keep those to myself.

As someone else said, they still need grace the same as we all do. It still bothers me that this is how Christians get portrayed on mass media. For that matter, religious groups in general.

As for "religion" vs true faith, I think this video tells enough. Religion is rules. Faith is more like a journey.

]]> By: FMF http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37905 FMF Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:05:04 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37905 I had a couple of thoughts (in addition to the "how could they do that"/"what a shame" ideas already expressed: 1. 14 members at the church. Wow, there's a shocker. 2. GREAT marketing! Talk about a good idea (though it may be the wrong one) to "get your name out there". With this going, they may get a few new people abd see 20% to 30% growth by next weekend... I had a couple of thoughts (in addition to the "how could they do that"/"what a shame" ideas already expressed:

1. 14 members at the church. Wow, there's a shocker.

2. GREAT marketing! Talk about a good idea (though it may be the wrong one) to "get your name out there". With this going, they may get a few new people abd see 20% to 30% growth by next weekend…

]]> By: fogbound http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37904 fogbound Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:46:02 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37904 What a specimen of religious insanity! I'm just reading a great book, "Christianity's Dangerous Idea" by Alister McGrath and he focuses on how some of these strange and wild concepts have arisen from the time of the Reformation. It is sad and unfortunately some non-Christians will look at this as a representation of Christianity. But we live in a free country and freedom of speech guarantees that even crackpots can have their say. Thanks for sharing this. What a specimen of religious insanity! I'm just reading a great book, "Christianity's Dangerous Idea" by Alister McGrath and he focuses on how some of these strange and wild concepts have arisen from the time of the Reformation. It is sad and unfortunately some non-Christians will look at this as a representation of Christianity. But we live in a free country and freedom of speech guarantees that even crackpots can have their say. Thanks for sharing this.

]]> By: Sandra King http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37903 Sandra King Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:45:03 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37903 What happens to those who bring the "heretic" Bibles? Is there a steak (I mean, stake) prepared for them? What happens to those who bring the "heretic" Bibles? Is there a steak (I mean, stake) prepared for them?

]]> By: Obihaive http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37900 Obihaive Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:28:34 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37900 Well, as the old hymn says "They will know we are Christians by our love!" ....Ahhh, so sad. Well, as the old hymn says "They will know we are Christians by our love!"
….Ahhh, so sad.

]]> By: @theCRICKETtoy http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37898 @theCRICKETtoy Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:16:46 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37898 The idea of Christians dancing around a fire burning the Bible on "All Hallows' Eve" does have some sad humor/irony in it. That really did get me laughing, but incredibly sad. I will tell people that just as Brittney Spears doesn't represent all artists and Lindsay Lohan doesn't represent all actors, some people do not accurately represent Christ. Today, let's just try and let our actions deafen the noise (and sadly the smoke) of those misrepresentations of the Christ that we know. The idea of Christians dancing around a fire burning the Bible on "All Hallows' Eve" does have some sad humor/irony in it. That really did get me laughing, but incredibly sad.

I will tell people that just as Brittney Spears doesn't represent all artists and Lindsay Lohan doesn't represent all actors, some people do not accurately represent Christ.

Today, let's just try and let our actions deafen the noise (and sadly the smoke) of those misrepresentations of the Christ that we know.

]]> By: Rosslyn Elliott http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37896 Rosslyn Elliott Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:01:44 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37896 Isn't it ironic that these good Christians will be dancing around a fire on Halloween night and burning holy books? LOL! We need to keep our sense of humor, too, even if it's mordant humor. Isn't it ironic that these good Christians will be dancing around a fire on Halloween night and burning holy books? LOL! We need to keep our sense of humor, too, even if it's mordant humor.

]]> By: Ali http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37894 Ali Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:56:37 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37894 This is such a thought-provoking and sad video. People like these give Christians a bad name, and make us look stupid and ignorant. I feel sorry for these people that they are so limited in their views. People like this seem to have no understanding of the concept that the Bible was originally written in another language, and that there are multiple renderings of certain passages. This is such a thought-provoking and sad video. People like these give Christians a bad name, and make us look stupid and ignorant. I feel sorry for these people that they are so limited in their views.

People like this seem to have no understanding of the concept that the Bible was originally written in another language, and that there are multiple renderings of certain passages.

]]> By: Rick Yuzzi http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37893 Rick Yuzzi Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:51:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37893 This shows how dogmatic and wrongheaded some denominations can be. It's interesting how he and other "King James Only" Christians think that a version of the bible commissioned 1,600 years after the birth of Christ is the only inspired word of God. It's the original writings that were inspired, not any translation. It is the purpose of the translation to reliably convey what the original writings said. The newer translations are not only easier to read, but they make use of even earlier manuscripts that were not available when the original King James was written. This shows how dogmatic and wrongheaded some denominations can be. It's interesting how he and other "King James Only" Christians think that a version of the bible commissioned 1,600 years after the birth of Christ is the only inspired word of God. It's the original writings that were inspired, not any translation. It is the purpose of the translation to reliably convey what the original writings said. The newer translations are not only easier to read, but they make use of even earlier manuscripts that were not available when the original King James was written.

]]> By: Peggy Reeves http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37892 Peggy Reeves Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:37 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37892 I am SAD and MAD. Mad because God's church doesn't deserve to be represented this way. Why not show all the good things that are going on in churchs...the lives that are being redeemed, physical and spiritual healing, people being set free from strongholds, missions, the meeting of needs within the community and more. I personally don't want to be anywhere close to the burning of God's HOLY WORD....it doesn't matter what translation it is. Two verses come to mind when I see something like this: Rom. 12:19 "Never take you own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I will repay,' says the Lord." I think I will stay far away from the burning of Bibles or any Christian books. I falter enough as it is but to Intentionally attack God's Word and Christian authors...I don't think I'll go there. Then James 4:10 "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." I pray that I stand with the humble in the presence of God's grace. I am SAD and MAD. Mad because God's church doesn't deserve to be represented this way. Why not show all the good things that are going on in churchs…the lives that are being redeemed, physical and spiritual healing, people being set free from strongholds, missions, the meeting of needs within the community and more.
I personally don't want to be anywhere close to the burning of God's HOLY WORD….it doesn't matter what translation it is. Two verses come to mind when I see something like this: Rom. 12:19 "Never take you own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I will repay,' says the Lord." I think I will stay far away from the burning of Bibles or any Christian books. I falter enough as it is but to Intentionally attack God's Word and Christian authors…I don't think I'll go there.
Then James 4:10 "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." I pray that I stand with the humble in the presence of God's grace.

]]> By: Jason http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37890 Jason Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:24:21 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37890 And my Christian friends wonder why I, as a lover of Jesus, don't want them to label me as Christian. Thanks for shedding light on this. And my Christian friends wonder why I, as a lover of Jesus, don't want them to label me as Christian.

Thanks for shedding light on this.

]]> By: Timothy Fish http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37889 Timothy Fish Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:23:30 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37889 I wonder if he would have said that if he had really met our Christ. I wonder if he would have said that if he had really met our Christ.

]]> By: Timothy Fish http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37888 Timothy Fish Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:22:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37888 By the same argument on the other side of the coin, why would we want to write books in the first place? Doesn't that align us with those who generated Communist propaganda? Not every book burner is Hitler and I can name a great many books that ought to be burned. The disagreement is in which ones. By the same argument on the other side of the coin, why would we want to write books in the first place? Doesn't that align us with those who generated Communist propaganda? Not every book burner is Hitler and I can name a great many books that ought to be burned. The disagreement is in which ones.

]]> By: Timothy Fish http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37887 Timothy Fish Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:17:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37887 That's down right slanderous. I very much doubt that this church has any thought of going out and killing those with whom they disagree. As a matter of fact, the First Amendment offers as much protection who wish to voice their displeasure through book burning as it does to those who write the words in the first place. As long as they own the books, they can burn them. That's down right slanderous. I very much doubt that this church has any thought of going out and killing those with whom they disagree.

As a matter of fact, the First Amendment offers as much protection who wish to voice their displeasure through book burning as it does to those who write the words in the first place. As long as they own the books, they can burn them.

]]> By: @M_Featherson http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37886 @M_Featherson Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:16:03 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37886 It's unfortunate that this Pastor holds the views that he does. However, it's worse that the main stream media chooses such an extremely negative example of Christianity to offer to the world. Are the activities of a church with only 14 members truly news worthy? It just seems to perpetuate the notion that the media has low regard for religion in general and Christianity in particular. It's unfortunate that this Pastor holds the views that he does. However, it's worse that the main stream media chooses such an extremely negative example of Christianity to offer to the world. Are the activities of a church with only 14 members truly news worthy? It just seems to perpetuate the notion that the media has low regard for religion in general and Christianity in particular.

]]> By: matt mikalatos http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37885 matt mikalatos Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:07:54 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37885 I will gladly sell them a big heap of my book when it comes out. I was at the bookstore yesterday and one of the clerks was doing the "remainders" ritual of ripping the covers off the unsold books. It made me feel a little nauseous. I wanted to go buy all those books so she didn't have to mangle them like that. I wanted to say, "You could at least do that somewhere private." Anyway... sometimes people are hung up in the KJV and against all other Bibles and books because on a pretty deep level they already have a Bible that says what they want it to say, and they don't want to understand what it actually says better... either by discovering it for themselves with a more accessible translation or by having someone exposit it for them. I will gladly sell them a big heap of my book when it comes out.

I was at the bookstore yesterday and one of the clerks was doing the "remainders" ritual of ripping the covers off the unsold books. It made me feel a little nauseous. I wanted to go buy all those books so she didn't have to mangle them like that. I wanted to say, "You could at least do that somewhere private."

Anyway… sometimes people are hung up in the KJV and against all other Bibles and books because on a pretty deep level they already have a Bible that says what they want it to say, and they don't want to understand what it actually says better… either by discovering it for themselves with a more accessible translation or by having someone exposit it for them.

]]> By: SRivera http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37884 SRivera Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:06:39 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37884 Well the goo d news is that they only have 14 members :D Well the goo d news is that they only have 14 members
:D

]]> By: AnneLangBundy http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37883 AnneLangBundy Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:51:33 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37883 I'd like to think that my zeal has never led me to say anthing so extreme. But I suspect that at some point, while still coming to better understanding of the truth, I've also destroyed God's Word in the life of another by my misguided testimony. Every Christian is a hypocrite, because none of us lives up to the standard of Jesus Christ which we uphold. This man is also in need of grace, not only from God but also from other Christians. I pray that as truth is shared with him in love, he might be as broken and repentant for this sin as I am for mine. I'd like to think that my zeal has never led me to say anthing so extreme. But I suspect that at some point, while still coming to better understanding of the truth, I've also destroyed God's Word in the life of another by my misguided testimony.

Every Christian is a hypocrite, because none of us lives up to the standard of Jesus Christ which we uphold. This man is also in need of grace, not only from God but also from other Christians. I pray that as truth is shared with him in love, he might be as broken and repentant for this sin as I am for mine.

]]> By: Rocco http://michaelhyatt.com/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html/comment-page-1#comment-37882 Rocco Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:50:49 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/10/religion-in-the-worst-sense-of-the-word.html#comment-37882 By all means then, burn all the other versions of the Bible. [sarcasm intended] By all means then, burn all the other versions of the Bible. [sarcasm intended]

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