21 Questions for me
I am jumping on the band wagon. Ask anything.
Be warned...I WILL answer truthfully and very raw.
Be warned...I WILL answer truthfully and very raw.
posted by Joshua Sager at
4:06 PM
Thursday, October 13, 2005
SCP FEATURES
- STEVE'S BLOG
- SCP PODCAST
- SCP MYSPACE PAGE
- My Life As The Goofy Guy
- SCP goes South Park
- From a Dork to all the Dork's in the world
- Back-Stabbing Church People
- I Shaved Today
- Community of the Church Haters
- June 2005
- July 2005
- August 2005
- September 2005
- October 2005
- November 2005
- December 2005
- January 2006
- February 2006
- March 2006
- April 2006
- May 2006
- June 2006
- July 2006
- August 2006
- September 2006
- October 2006
- November 2006
- December 2006
- January 2007
- February 2007
- March 2007
- April 2007
- May 2007
- June 2007
- July 2007
- August 2007
- September 2007
- October 2007
- November 2007
- December 2007
- March 2008
- April 2008
- May 2008
- June 2008
- July 2008
Previous Posts
Archives
62 Comments:
Interesting. on the one hand, your reputation as "the goofy guy" may subject you to questions regarding how you prefer to wipe; on the other, Steve's questions are interesting for anyone dealing with faith, which could lead to copycat questions....hrmm...
but anyway, I was wondering this:
On Steve's question thinger, he more or less established that cussing wasn't necessarily all that bad. Assuming you more or less believe the same, why do you hold back? Or perhaps you hold a different view on that...?
...'cuz it just seems curious that you'll describe a penis & ejaculate costume but can't bring yourself to say "fucked up."
#1 -Cussing
I normally do not hold back. I am only holding back lately because people freak out. So maybe now I will hold back from Cock&Balls.
Bottom Line...
I hate knowing that the things I say or write can turn someone away from our discussion here at scp.
You are damned if you do and damned if you don't. Now isn't that fucked up?
Do you really refer to your cats as your 'nuts'? And (follow-up wuestion) what is your opinion of poultry-like bloggers who want to fix everyone, and what should be done with them??
#2
Yes, I really do have two cats named peanut and cashew. And I do call them my nuts.
Poulty-like bloggers....hhhhmmmmm. Someone is trying to get a rise out of me. Jeff you know better. Though I do like the taste of chicken.
Though I do like the taste of chicken.
This could be taken on many levels...
ewwwwww....
Hrm.
Don't take this the wrong way, but since a)the site opens on Steve's blog (well, mine does) and b) you've a reputation for not blogging often, you may want to ask Steve to link to yer blog, if you're looking for more exposure on this.
...and I bring up the cussing again 'cuz there usually seems to be this odd little pause whenever either of you swear or are about to, like yer worried about it. Which, I guess, ya kinda are.
But anyway...
You alluded a while back that you were taking a less involved role in the church. So, a multi-part:
To what extent are you currently involved in ministry, how has your involvement in SCP affected that, and how have those around you reacted to any changes?
OK, here's one for you Josh: what is the worst example of stupid church behavior on your part?
I was just thinking about that for myself this morning, and I cringed as I remembered how, at the first Christmas after I became a Christian, I put a witnessing tract in every Christmas card that I handed out. I also used to leave them around my brother and sister-in-law's house.
Tracts are pretty stupid. I guess they work for somebody, but I think they're just stupid.
Josh:
If there is one thing you would want us to know or understand about you, what would it be?
-C.
Well, frankly Josh, I couldn't give a flying fuck about your cussing...you seem a tad tamer than I. ;)
I'm glad to have this opportunity. I feel like I've corresponded with steve a bit and know him, but you, Josh, seem to be a bit of a mystery to me. Thus, I have a question. It's a long one...so bear with me:
::What do your supervisors at Church think of you? I mean, do they know about StupidChurchPeople.com, are they supportive or do they just not know about it really? And, if they don't really know, how do you go about serving with those people who (from your church's website) seem to have different values etc than you?
(Okay...that was long.) Here's the Reader's Digest condensed version:
Do your co-workers really know you spiritually and personally? To what degree? And, if they knew you fully, what would they think of the guy who goes to the halloween party dressed as a giant penis?
Aw...fuck it... that still wasn't short but I'm a longwinded son-of-a-bitch, so deal with it.
;)
Coke or Pepsi?
Preterist or Dispensationalist?
Boxers or Briefs?
Hal Lindsay or Tim LaHaye?
Jim and Tammy or Jan and Paul?
#3
To what extent are you currently involved in ministry, how has your involvement in SCP affected that, and how have those around you reacted to any changes?
I work pat time at the church. Half of which I am involved with the youth ministry and the other half I am the "Media Guy". My involement with SCP hasn't changed anything at the church all that much. I have the same feelings I did a year ago when I was full time. And you know what, I haven't gotten much of a reaction from the other staff at the church.
#4
what is the worst example of stupid church behavior on your part?
Living out the "turn or burn" lifestyle. Where every conversation turned to conversion. People needed to live for Christ right then and there or they would have missed their chance.
Just being to damn forceful. And then acting like I had everything together.
#5
If there is one thing you would want us to know or understand about you, what would it be?
I DO care about people a lot. I DO want to "save" the world. I just think Modern Christianity is fucked up.
#6
::What do your supervisors at Church think of you? I mean, do they know about StupidChurchPeople.com, are they supportive or do they just not know about it really?
I think they like me. Well...I think.
They DO know about SCP. Though, they do not talk to me about it. It is kind of weird. I think they are a bit threatened by the whole thing.
------------------------------------
And, if they don't really know, how do you go about serving with those people who (from your church's website) seem to have different values etc than you?
Again, they do know about SCP. It is hard at times when I see and hear things that just piss me off. I don't say much anymore because I have said things before, only to have them brushed off. I DO want to change the church and I am still trying to find the right way to change it.
---------------------------------
(Okay...that was long.) Here's the Reader's Digest condensed version:
Do your co-workers really know you spiritually and personally? To what degree? And, if they knew you fully, what would they think of the guy who goes to the halloween party dressed as a giant penis?
They haven't asked. I don't think I need to walk into the office and let everyone know where I am at spiritually and personally. I don't know why they don't ask. Hell, I don't ask them.
Oh, the penis costume. I think they would laugh.
#7
Dorsey-You are a cheater. That is way to many DIFFERENT questions. I will answer a few though.
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke
Boxers or Briefs? Boxers
Jim and Tammy or Jan and Paul? Jim and Tammy...check out their son...www.vivalarevolution.org
Hey, I was just trying to help you get to 21, man. Way to dodge the LaHaye question. I'll bet you have the whole Left Behind series right under your bed, next to your Penthouses, don't you?
I wouldn't read that shit if it was the last shit on earth.
SHIT!!!
I wouldn't read that shit if it was the last shit on earth.
...now, tell us what you really think. LOL
You meant Left Behind, not Penthouse, right?
Josh, one more from me: You've mentioned that you have non-believing friends (as do I). If they were all killed in a car crash, what do you think their final destination would be?
Peace, bro.
#8
You've mentioned that you have non-believing friends (as do I). If they were all killed in a car crash, what do you think their final destination would be?
As a follower of Christ I believe it is through Him we are saved. I also believe God is all about love. Basically you are asking me if I think they would burn in hell, right?
I really don't know anymore. I grew up being taught that they would go to hell. I just don't know anymore. I pray that they would be destined for heaven.
What is the purpose of the church (and by church, I am referring to the body of Christ as well as the institutional church)?
Basically you are asking me if I think they would burn in hell, right?
Yeah, pretty much Josh. For the record, I'm where you're at on this issue. See here for more if you're interested.
#9
What is the purpose of the church (and by church, I am referring to the body of Christ as well as the institutional church)?
Group worship, group focus, group care. All centered around Christ.
What does that look like?
FUCK. I don't know.
What's your favorite scripture & why?
If Jesus came today, who do you think would want him dead?
#10
What's your favorite scripture & why?
Joshua 1:9
I love knowing that God is with me everywhere in every situation. It scares me at the same time.
#11
If Jesus came today, who do you think would want him dead?
You. Me. Every christian I have come in contact with.
The idea of Christ is so out there, that I almost don't believe it. If someone walked around today claiming to be Jesus I would say they were "disturbed" and brush them off.
I often wonder if I am any better than the Jews who crucified Jesus. Not really. I would do the same. Even now.
In your "church haters" blog, you mention an anarchist who was out to disprove everything you discussed.
How do you deal with the people who think all Christians are stupid because they believe the Bible to be illogical, a fairy tale, etc? Could/ would you stand your ground in a (theo)logical debate? Would you take a different approach? Or would you simply ignore them?
#12
How do you deal with the people who think all Christians are stupid because they believe the Bible to be illogical, a fairy tale, etc? Could/ would you stand your ground in a (theo)logical debate? Would you take a different approach? Or would you simply ignore them?
Honestly, I don't need to get into a debate. I wouldn't ignore them. I would listen. That's about it.
Okay, Josh.
Here's another question:
If you had to paint yourself into a corner (and understanding that no person is really COMPLETELY conservative/Republican or liberal/Democrat) where would you put yourself politically? Or, as you've asserted before, do you really just not care (no value attached, it's fine if you don't)?
...but if you really DON'T care...why don't you care?
Okay, I have a question for Josh (hi, Josh! Nice to meet ya, thanks for this opportunity!):
What do you think of women in ministry? And by "ministry," I mean even as pastors. Even as head pastors.
And (am I allowed 2 questions?) why is there a distinction made (I think Jeff made it) between the "institutional church" and the body of Christ? If we have the former, and it's operating as it should, why the crap do we need the former?
Oops. I meant to say, "if we have the LATTER, why the crap do we need the former?"
So true, Ninjanun (still my fav blog name so far.) why DO we need the institution if WE are the Church, doing it's job?
I think it's because we've become lazy and the "real" work of Christ is too much trouble. Besides, fish frys and Fifth Sunday singings are so much easier to handle. (-:
Chad
mrpreacher.com
Is your name "josh?" :p
Let Josh answer the question! No fair giving him hints. ;)
#13
If you had to paint yourself into a corner (and understanding that no person is really COMPLETELY conservative/Republican or liberal/Democrat) where would you put yourself politically? Or, as you've asserted before, do you really just not care (no value attached, it's fine if you don't)?
Politically? Hell... I don't know. Really...like i have said before...I don't care(until if affects me).
#14
What do you think of women in ministry? And by "ministry," I mean even as pastors. Even as head pastors.
I don't know. Half of me wants to say that I don't want to deal with monthly bleeding. And emotions. Then...again...do we need that emotion lifestyle to survive?
I LOVE women. And I hope they are as much as an importance to the church as I am.
What's wrong with the Left Behind series?
#15
What's wrong with the Left Behind series?
Better question:
What's wrong with Christian's making loads of money in the name of Christ?
I am a hypocrite. I have never read any of the Left Behind series. I have not even seen the movies. I DID recently rent a christian movie. The hit movie "Gone". It was the worst movie I have ever seen in my life.
I don't think there's anything wrong with making loads of money in the name of Christ as long as you're true to the message. Passion of the Christ anyone?
Left Behind fictionalized the end times. So, they made a ton of money in the name of the end times. It really puts the books of Daniel, Ezekiel and mainly Revelation into perspective. They're saying "Hey this is how it could happen."
Nothing wrong with that.
You're right though most "Christian" movies and the studios that make them have a long way to go in terms of production value.
*hangs head in hands and sobs for humanity*
::hands ninjanun a tissue::
there, there, let it all out.
I have another question. Why should anyone listen to us as Christians?
I mean as a group we can't agree on anything. We have more denominations any other faith. We have more versions of the word (bible), each one claims to be the best one out there. When we disagree with someone we pray that God will give them the ability to receive knowledge, which really means "God perform a Headnassendectomy on (insert name), so that they might get their head out of their ass and see things my way". We can't agree on the best way to get the message of Christ to the masses.
If the message of Christ is so simple, how did we manage to screw it up so much? So why should anyone listen to us?
I don't think there's anything wrong with making loads of money in the name of Christ as long as you're true to the message. Passion of the Christ anyone?
I couldn't disagree more.
Why does the Jesus character of most Jesus movies made seem to be a "good-looking", physically-fit, with a six pack and somewhat sexy, pouty look about him... how the passion of Christ would have changed had Gibson chosen someone that was "homely" as Jesus is proported by Scripture to have looked. Would the message have changed had Jesus been played by a guy, 5'5" tall, overweight, with balding hair, a long straggly beard, with bad teeth?
True to the message??? HA!
The Left Behind series made tons of money because of the "Fear Factor" of the end times and the authors abilities to manufacture that into 7 or 8 or however many the hell (pun intended) FICTIONAL books they have on the "end times".
People buy into "fear" and the media (and politicians) capitalize on that fiction of pure fear.
We are soooooo stupid!
So, Steve are you saying the end times won't be a scary period in our history? The authors didn't have to work too hard to make the end times scary. The book of Revelation does fine on its own.
Left Behind wasn't a total scare-fest though. I mean I did get attached to the characters, and I was rooting right along with all the other stooopid people when Jesus threw the anti-Christ and false prophet into Hell at the end. When all is said and done the authors will have turned the end times into 15 books for the adult series and 40 for the kids series. Yes, I have read both and listened to all the dramatic audio productions too. What can I say? I'm a stupid church person and a fan LOL
If you remove the good looking Jesus from the Passion of the Christ and replace him with the kind of guy you described Steve I think the sales would have been even higher. Cuz the guy you described probably resembles in some physical respects everyone's boss at their job. So, yeah, who wouldn't want to pay money see "their boss" get his ass kicked and then crucified on a cross? That's the American Dream right there! LOL Well I wouldn't cuz I work for my dad in our family business :-)
All kidding aside though, did Gibson tell the story pretty much as the bible tells it? Keep in mind he's one of those Vatican I Catholics, so he added some imagery that I can't find in the bible for dramatic purposes. Do you not leave the theatre sick to your stomach, because of the brutal way in which Jesus was killed? And He did this voluntarily so we wouldn't have to. Remember, it's supposed to be US on that cross, we earned it. He took our punishment. That's the true message I was referring to.
Zecryphon, i grew up in the South where the Left Behind series' theology (pre-millennial dispensationalism) rules the world. But the rapture/tribulation view is only one way to view the Second Coming of Christ. I didn't become aware of this until i got older and found out that the rapture theory is less than 200 years old and that the book of Revelation is mostly about emperor worship in the Roman Empire at the end of the 1st century (although Revelation indeed does mention the end of the world in the last few chapters). I'm not belittling your theology and such, but i just hope you know that there are other options than the Left Behind end-times theology. It just happens to be the most popular right now.
Josh, it seems that you and Steve are in favor of a "church"/Christianity with no organizational scheme or pastor (or something to that effect) or rather just an atmosphere that has "group worship, group focus, group care. All centered around Christ." Is this essentially different from any other theistic (but non-christian) community that worships God and loves all people and cares for those in the community? If not, then what is the point of Christianity?
robtaylor, I love your pancake bunny!
So, rob, organization and leadership structure are the ONLY differentiating factors in Chrisitanity then?
I never said I took Left Behind and the theology stated therin as gospel. I know there are other views on the subject, because I've read about them. All I'm saying is, it was an entertaining bit of reading, and I learned some stuff along the way.
So I'm the only one here, so far, that likes the Left Behind series. Big deal, let's move on. I'd like an answer to my other question, which I'm sure I'll get when Josh has time to read it and post on it.
As for the pre-trib rapture theory being only about 200 years old. I suppose that could be true. But I've seen things written about a pre-trib rapture that are certainly older than 200 years.
What about what Ephrem the Syrian said in A.D. 373 "For all the saints and elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribultion that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins." Where was he getting this from? I mean it would be centuries before Magret MacDonald came along and started the pre-trib rapture theory. Maybe there's something more to this buried in the scriptures?
Josh I'm sorry, this is your blog and your post, I didn't mean to turn it into a pre-trib rapture debate. My hubmlest apologies.
Steve said "Would the message have changed had Jesus been played by a guy, 5'5" tall, overweight, with balding hair, a long straggly beard, with bad teeth?"
Where are you finding this physical description of Jesus? I know he wasn't as tall as we've seen Him portrayed in movies. But what about all this other stuff.
Overweight? The guy walked everywhere he went, how fat could he have been?
Baldness and bad teeth? You mean He could walk on water and save the world from its sin, but he couldn't defeat male pattern baldness? And the bad teeth part, I didn't realize Jesus was actually British.
Your post made me mad, I have to admit. Because you completely skipped over the whole salvation thing and went off on a physical descritption of Jesus in the movies tangent. I think the reason they make Jesus so good looking in the movies is for the sympathy factor. People are more likely to feel bad about a handsome guy dying for the sins of the world than the short, fat, schmoe type you described.
Let's face it, if you're casting the role of Jesus do you want Jim Caviezel or Mel Brooks? Remember though, you're more interested in the selling of tickets and profit margins than the spreading of the gospel of Christ. Who would you choose?
Chad, in response to: "So, rob, organization and leadership structure are the ONLY differentiating factors in Chrisitanity then?"
I'm not saying they are, but judging from SCP's views, i was just asking Josh if his conception of Christianity is fundamentally different than any other theistic religions...and what are the implications of that. In comparison to others, is his religion just a general "worship/love God and love/help everyone" philosophy, but merely Jesus-flavored?
Zec....
Your post made me mad, I have to admit. Because you completely skipped over the whole salvation thing and went off on a physical descritption of Jesus in the movies tangent.
Not the first person I made mad this week. Getting somewhat used to it. Plus I am in a pissed off mood.
I skipped the whole salvation thing? What do you want me to say? Yes Mel Gibson's movie showed Jesus's death on the cross. Good job Mel.
As has been pointed out elsewhere, Jim Caviezal has blue-eyes and his previous role was playing an Irish-American cop. Recently he played Bobby Jones, an American golfer. If Gibson wanted historical accuracy why did he cast Jesus with light skin and Northern European features. Why does that make you mad to point that out?
There is no way to know what Jesus looked like, but we can presume from the prophecies in Isa 53 that he "had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him....Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
My description was probably as far-fetched in one direction as the "hollywood Jesus". Yet, isn't it more amazing that if he was ugly that he could move people to follow him to the point of death. Doesn't play well on broadway, but I think it makes for a more fascinating story.
I think the reason they make Jesus so good looking in the movies is for the sympathy factor. People are more likely to feel bad about a handsome guy dying for the sins of the world than the short, fat, schmoe type you described.
Exactly. Thank you for making my point more clearly. You do get this don't you? And this doesn't make you mad? It's called manipulation Zec.
Also, the same reason why when a blond haired girl goes missing we hear about it on CNN for months and in that same span several young black or latino girls go missing and we don't hear a thing. Again all manipulation of emotions, mixed in with favoritism for the beautiful, rich and famous.
And I made you mad? Why? Because I point out what you (and I) have bought into?
Let's face it, if you're casting the role of Jesus do you want Jim Caviezel or Mel Brooks? Remember though, you're more interested in the selling of tickets and profit margins than the spreading of the gospel of Christ.
Exactly.
And this doesn't make you mad?
So here's a question, which Jesus would you more likely follow at first glance?
You're right Steve, I should probably be pissed off at Hollywood for making Jesus something He clearly wasn't. Tall, handsome, fluent speaker of English. But as with alot of other things, I've become desensitized to it, to the point of I'd probably be a little freaked out if I saw a Jewish Jesus on screen.
All I know is that I read your post and it had an effect on me. I guess because in your post you seemed to state that since Hollywood did not use someone who represented what Jesus probably looked like that somehow changed the message of Jesus and the significance of what He did for us. In my opinion, one has nothing to do with the other. Jesus came to save us from our sin and reconcile us to God. Who cares what He looked like.
As for which Jesus I would follow, I'd like to think I'd follow the one that fulfilled all the prophecies of the messiah and amazed me with His miracles and teachings, just like the disciples did. But then just like the disciples I'd probably run for the hills at the first sign of trouble and then come back to Him after he rose from the dead. I don't follow someone based on their looks. Let's face it I listen to music by bands made up of some really fugly people LOL
eh...everyone seems kinda touchy 'round here lately...
...and I dunno. People in general have always seemed to make the "good guys" pretty and the "bad guys" ugly. Jesus being THE good guy, it seems inevitable that he would be portrayed as pretty, historical accuracy be damned. Its what the masses want.
Of course, "pretty" and "ugly" are subjective terms dependent on the source culture. Hence Jimmy Caviezel and countless other portrayals of a white Jesus. And I'd swear I've seen a Chinese Jesus mixed in with some missionary documents.
Meh. Long story short, chalk it up to inevitability...and the only thing you get out of getting mad at inevitability is really frustrated.
eh-heh...::cough::
What do you think, Josh?
Josh Smosh....we are taking over here... he thinks I think this is all about me anyway so I will just go ahead and infiltrate him over here... "Love you Joshy"
Zec...I think what he looks like should be (and possibly is) a part of the message. He was at best ordinary looking, but evidently much worse than that.
...nothing in his appearance that we should desire him....Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not...
Isn't that part of the message? He was despised and rejected not only for what he DID but also for what he LOOKED LIKE. No one noticed Jesus for what he looked like. Even further, according to this prophecy if you take it for a possible description of Christ, so ugly men hid their faces so as not to look at him. That thought intrigues me.
Read the gospels with a picture of an ugly Jesus and it does drastically change the message and in many ways makes it more powerful. People were drawn to him and followed him even though he was so ugly they had a hard time even looking at him... wow!
And yeah D I am touchy... wanna make somethin of it?
::Grin::
Well Steve, if nothing else you've given something to think about. I never took into consideration what Jesus looked like and how that impacted His message.
Good stuff.
I hope you cheer up soon. :-)
Steve said: "People were drawn to him and followed him even though he was so ugly they had a hard time even looking at him... wow!"
Steve I was just wondering what's it gonna feel like when you see Jesus for the first time in Heaven and the first thing he says to you isn't "Well done good and faithful servant" or "Congratulations, you made it!" but rather "So you think I'm ugly huh?" It might really hurt your chances of receiving all those special rewards you've earned.
::chuckling at his own humour::
because no one else does.
...well, that depends on whether you've got my shirt...
...but if that email never reached you, that just made very little sense...
I think I am done with these questions.
Thank you for coming by and getting to know me...eerr...yea. Fill free to ask me more questions via email at josh@stupidchurchpeople.com.
Post a Comment
<< Home