Coronavirus and faith - Page 5

Rincewind · 8th April 2020, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by zooterkin

Israel health minister, who claimed Covid-19 is a divine punishment for homosexuality, tests positive for Covid-19...

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...19/ar-BB12goRL

Does that mean he's homosexual?

Gord_in_Toronto · 8th April 2020, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Rincewind

Does that mean he's homosexual?

It ain't necessarily so. The Guy in the Sky is not infallible. Reminds me of this joke:

Quote:

There is a guy who is playing golf with a priest. While they are on the 10th green the guy misses a three foot putt and says, "God dammit, I missed." The priest tells him not to use vulgar language on the golf course. Then on the next hole the guy misses a two foot putt and says again, "God dammit, I missed." The priest tells him that if he continues to use vulgar language on the golf course, he will have God strike him down with lightning and kill him.

Then on the next hole he misses a one foot putt and says, "God dammit, I missed." All of a sudden a tremendous bolt of lightning comes down and kills the priest! Immediately after, a voice comes out of the clouds and says, "God dammit, I missed."

dudalb · 8th April 2020, 08:36 PM

I hope this guy meets his "friend" real soon

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-w...ices-says-true

The Atheist · 9th April 2020, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by dudalb

I hope this guy meets his "friend" real soon

I'd go along with that.

I love this bit:

Quote:

“If it [virtual services] did work, why has America spent billions and billions building churches?” Spell asked

Easy answer to that - he hasn't read the bible, which specifically states you shouldn't waste money building churches.

dann · 9th April 2020, 01:07 AM

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert:
This Year, Consider Praying From Home (April 7, 2020)

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

(You could also consider not praying at all - now would be a good time to give up old habits - but if you absolutely have to ...)

catsmate · 9th April 2020, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by Thor 2

I don't detect a gleeful smirk on your face do I catsmate?

Not particularly. I would have preferred they, and their congregants, to be less stupid but one cannot expect fully rational behavior from the mentally ill.

The local and state authorities that didn't intervene deserve our ire.

catsmate · 9th April 2020, 01:50 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

You know that story was made up?

Yes I did. But religion is all about emulating acts that never actually happened.

Originally Posted by zooterkin

Israel health minister, who claimed Covid-19 is a divine punishment for homosexuality, tests positive for Covid-19...

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...19/ar-BB12goRL

Isn't that the second such case? I'm sure I remember a similar infection of someone who condemned Covid-19 as their god's odium.

catsmate · 9th April 2020, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by Rincewind

Does that mean he's homosexual?

In the vein of Haggard, Craig, Foley et al? Quite possibly.

Steve · 9th April 2020, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

I'd go along with that.

I love this bit:

Easy answer to that - he hasn't read the bible, which specifically states you shouldn't waste money building churches.

It could also have something to do with the fact that (almost?) all of those churches were built before virtual services had become possible.

The Atheist · 9th April 2020, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Steve

It could also have something to do with the fact that (almost?) all of those churches were built before virtual services had become possible.

The bible was written ~1800 years ago - I'm certain all of America's churches were built after 200 CE.

Resume · 9th April 2020, 02:24 PM

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/louis...xQ4IE-BMZkqiYO

Quote:

An evangelical pastor who is refusing to abide by Louisiana’s ban on large public gatherings and continuing to hold in-person church services suggested his parishioners would not mind dying for their faith. "The Bible teaches us to be absent from our bodies as to be present with the Lord,” said Spell, a Pentecostal preacher. “Like any zealot or like any pure religious person, death looks to them like a welcome friend. True Christians do not mind dying. They fear living in fear."

I'd be fine with this if the idiots didn't take out others with them.

Love thy neighbor? Kill em all and let god sort it out. **** you Pell.

Steve · 9th April 2020, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

The bible was written ~1800 years ago - I'm certain all of America's churches were built after 200 CE.

I agree with this but I have no idea why you wrote it in response to my post.

Athyrio · 9th April 2020, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

Easy answer to that - he hasn't read the bible, which specifically states you shouldn't waste money building churches.

Right. Of course, this verse may have been referring to stoners.

“Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as sayeth the prophet.”

https://biblehub.com/kjv/acts/7-48.htm

Thor 2 · 9th April 2020, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by Thor 2

I don't detect a gleeful smirk on your face do I catsmate?

Originally Posted by catsmate

Not particularly. I would have preferred they, and their congregants, to be less stupid but one cannot expect fully rational behavior from the mentally ill.

The local and state authorities that didn't intervene deserve our ire.

This was intended as a jibe at dann who has a keen eye for detecting gleefulness.

zooterkin · 10th April 2020, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by catsmate

Isn't that the second such case? I'm sure I remember a similar infection of someone who condemned Covid-19 as their god's odium.

Were you thinking of this, from earlier in the thread?

Originally Posted by zooterkin

Pastor who claimed COVID 19 was a hoax dies of it.
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/progre...ies-from-virus

dann · 12th April 2020, 08:51 AM

Social distancing at the Vatican today:

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

dann · 12th April 2020, 09:10 AM

Photos from around the world: Præster med mobiler og stor afstand på kirkebænken: Se billederne af påske midt i pandemien (DR.dk, April 12, 2020)

Trebuchet · 12th April 2020, 10:45 AM

Any reports of right-wing churches definently holding services yet?

Craig4 · 13th April 2020, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

Any reports of right-wing churches definently holding services yet?

A church in Kansas held two services yesterday. A third was scheduled but that was canceled. It was clear to the reporter at the time why the third service didn't go on.

zooterkin · 13th April 2020, 06:33 AM

Meanwhile, mainstream churches in the UK follow the government guidelines. My mum's church has been having services via video link, and the C of E churches are closed too.

P1170543.jpg by zooterkin, on Flickr

P1170542.jpg by zooterkin, on Flickr

dann · 15th April 2020, 03:05 AM

The Humanist Report, April 11, 2020:
Right-Wing Religious Nutjobs Are Going to Spread COVID-19 to Everyone Unless We Stop Them (17:03 min)

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

Thor 2 · 15th April 2020, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by dann

The Humanist Report, April 11, 2020:
Right-Wing Religious Nutjobs Are Going to Spread COVID-19 to Everyone Unless We Stop Them (17:03 min)

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

Scary stuff indeed.

There is no chance you can talk these kind of religious nut jobs out of their convictions. Even if the evangelist preacher was struck down with the virus, while at full throttle during the service, you will only hear words like : "It was God's will and He must have purpose in doing this." or more specifically "God needed him in Heaven to do stuff."

I've had first hand experience of just this kind of reasoning, when my very devout brother was struck down with cancer at the age of 55. In spite of all the prayer sessions his family and friends conducted to no avail. When he died anyway it was God's will ...... praise Jesus!

Craig4 · 16th April 2020, 01:11 PM

If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human.

carlitos · 16th April 2020, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human.

Put on a mask, go outside for a walk or something. This isn’t emotionally healthy.

Craig4 · 16th April 2020, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by carlitos

Put on a mask, go outside for a walk or something. This isn’t emotionally healthy.

With all credit to the screen writers of "Red Dawn", the hate keeps me warm, gives me purpose.

The Atheist · 16th April 2020, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human.

Haha! That is very nicely said.

Here - watch this to restore a tiny bit of faith in those with faith, or at least, put a smile on your face.

https://fox4kc.com/news/local-pastor...nds-worldwide/

Thor 2 · 16th April 2020, 03:05 PM

God has a sense of humour!

Oh my, is there anything so stupid a preacher will not say it? Thanks for the link The Atheist.

dann · 16th April 2020, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human.

It does seem to be a Trump thing, doesn't it? The rightwing Christian preachers in deep denial over Covid-19's danger (Guardian, April 4, 2020)
Are there any examples of U.S. churches critical of Trump and/or of right-wing Republicanism that are also in denial about the virus?

Resume · 18th April 2020, 01:35 PM

https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-brief...ks-evangelists

Quote:

A Louisiana pastor who has drawn criticism for holding in-person church services despite coronavirus guidelines is asking people to donate their stimulus checks to evangelists who “haven’t had an offering in a month.”

In a video posted to YouTube on Wednesday, the Rev. Tony Spell called on the public to get behind a new online challenge he is dubbing the #PastorSpellStimulusChallenge.

There are three rules to the challenge, Spell said in the video. The first rule is that it starts on Sunday. The second, he said, is for people to “donate your stimulus money.”

“Rule number three,” he continued, is to “donate it to evangelists, North American evangelists who haven’t had an offering in a month; missionaries, who haven’t had an offering in a month; music ministers, who haven’t had an offering in a month.”

People will do this. And it this really just one rule?

The Atheist · 18th April 2020, 03:04 PM

That's beautiful!

Thor 2 · 18th April 2020, 03:24 PM

Really chokes me up it does. To think of all those good people donating their stimulus checks to an evangelist, so he won't have to sell one of his jets to make ends meet.

The Atheist · 18th April 2020, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by Thor 2

Really chokes me up it does. To think of all those good people donating their stimulus checks to an evangelist, so he won't have to sell one of his jets to make ends meet.

If you look at it logically, televangelists are actually the hardest atheists in existence. They do know their bibles, and I know that factually, because of the way they cherry-pick it.

Knowing the bible, you'd be fully aware that the sky-fairy's not going to like you scamming people in his name, so you'd need to be very sure the god is all bull.

Ulf Nereng · 19th April 2020, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

If you look at it logically, televangelists are actually the hardest atheists in existence. They do know their bibles, and I know that factually, because of the way they cherry-pick it.

Knowing the bible, you'd be fully aware that the sky-fairy's not going to like you scamming people in his name, so you'd need to be very sure the god is all bull.

Yes. Here's one cherry they never pick: (Matt 6:5)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

The Atheist · 19th April 2020, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Ulf Nereng

Yes. Here's one cherry they never pick: (Matt 6:5)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

That's the one I mean.

I blame Saulus 100%. Without that drugged-up loser, Aquinas would never have been able to write his puddle of puke known as Summa Theologica and the Roman and other chuirches would be completely different beasts.

The most ironic thing of all, to me, is that they call it Christianity then ignore almost every word their alleged son of the sky-fairy the did or said.

Trebuchet · 19th April 2020, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by Resume

https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-brief...ks-evangelists

People will do this. And it this really just one rule?

Same guy now has a church member dead of Covid-19 and the lawyer who was defending his services is hospitalized with it. But he claims its a lie.

Gord_in_Toronto · 19th April 2020, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

Same guy now has a church member dead of Covid-19 and the lawyer who was defending his services is hospitalized with it. But he claims its a lie.

Quote:

Wittenbrink (the pastor) had made numerous Facebook posts criticizing Louisiana’s lockdown restrictions and defending Spell’s right to continue holding large services. “Will the government stop the virus? Or will God stop the virus? Jesus healed the sick. Mother Teresa and countless saints have attended the sick. We are quarantining the healthy,” he wrote in one post.

The fraudulent "Mother" Teresa may "have attended the sick" but I strongly doubt that anyone in her Houses of Dying did anything but die.

The Atheist · 19th April 2020, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Gord_in_Toronto

The fraudulent "Mother" Teresa may "have attended the sick" but I strongly doubt that anyone in her Houses of Dying did anything but die.

Nicely put. I'm enraged every time that filthy murderous whore's name is mentioned as an example of good works.

Darat · 20th April 2020, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

Nicely put. I'm enraged every time that filthy murderous whore's name is mentioned as an example of good works.

Have you read the correspondence she had with her spiritual advisors and so on? It made me even more sickened about her so called “good works”. When she was telling people dying in pain that they should be thankful of their suffering as it was a blessing from god she was doubting he even existed! One can at least understand someone who has “drank the koolaid” doing cruel and terrible things because they sincerely believe in what they are doing but this monster didn’t even believe in the crap that was coming out her own mouth.

Thor 2 · 20th April 2020, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Ulf Nereng

Yes. Here's one cherry they never pick: (Matt 6:5)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

Easy to see why this instruction of Matthew's wasn't promoted by by the churches: No money in it. Can't have folk just praying alone in their own rooms: How are you going to get the collection plate in there?

The Atheist · 20th April 2020, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Darat

One can at least understand someone who has “drank the koolaid” doing cruel and terrible things because they sincerely believe in what they are doing but this monster didn’t even believe in the crap that was coming out her own mouth.

Absolutely correct.

Here's another mass-murder-to-happen:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coron...b635d25d6ec824

8th April 2020, 07:36 AM	#161
Rincewind Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Adirondacks, NY - with Magrat! Posts: 8,550	Originally Posted by zooterkin Israel health minister, who claimed Covid-19 is a divine punishment for homosexuality, tests positive for Covid-19... https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...19/ar-BB12goRL Does that mean he's homosexual?
	__________________ I used to think I was happy. then I met Magrat...

8th April 2020, 02:25 PM	#162
Gord_in_Toronto Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20,405	Originally Posted by Rincewind Does that mean he's homosexual? It ain't necessarily so. The Guy in the Sky is not infallible. Reminds me of this joke: Quote: There is a guy who is playing golf with a priest. While they are on the 10th green the guy misses a three foot putt and says, "God dammit, I missed." The priest tells him not to use vulgar language on the golf course. Then on the next hole the guy misses a two foot putt and says again, "God dammit, I missed." The priest tells him that if he continues to use vulgar language on the golf course, he will have God strike him down with lightning and kill him. Then on the next hole he misses a one foot putt and says, "God dammit, I missed." All of a sudden a tremendous bolt of lightning comes down and kills the priest! Immediately after, a voice comes out of the clouds and says, "God dammit, I missed."
	__________________ "Reality is what's left when you cease to believe." Philip K. Dick

8th April 2020, 08:36 PM	#163
dudalb Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Posts: 50,334	I hope this guy meets his "friend" real soon https://thehill.com/homenews/state-w...ices-says-true
	__________________ Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty. Robert Heinlein.

9th April 2020, 12:27 AM	#164
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	Originally Posted by dudalb I hope this guy meets his "friend" real soon I'd go along with that. I love this bit: Quote: “If it [virtual services] did work, why has America spent billions and billions building churches?” Spell asked Easy answer to that - he hasn't read the bible, which specifically states you shouldn't waste money building churches.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

9th April 2020, 01:47 AM	#166
catsmate No longer the 1 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 23,836	Originally Posted by Thor 2 I don't detect a gleeful smirk on your face do I catsmate? Not particularly. I would have preferred they, and their congregants, to be less stupid but one cannot expect fully rational behavior from the mentally ill. The local and state authorities that didn't intervene deserve our ire.
	__________________ As human right is always something given, it always in reality reduces to the right which men give, "concede," to each other. If the right to existence is conceded to new-born children, then they have the right; if it is not conceded to them, as was the case among the Spartans and ancient Romans, then they do not have it. For only society can give or concede it to them; they themselves cannot take it, or give it to themselves.

9th April 2020, 01:50 AM	#167
catsmate No longer the 1 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 23,836	Originally Posted by The Atheist You know that story was made up? Yes I did. But religion is all about emulating acts that never actually happened. Originally Posted by zooterkin Israel health minister, who claimed Covid-19 is a divine punishment for homosexuality, tests positive for Covid-19... https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...19/ar-BB12goRL Isn't that the second such case? I'm sure I remember a similar infection of someone who condemned Covid-19 as their god's odium.
	__________________ As human right is always something given, it always in reality reduces to the right which men give, "concede," to each other. If the right to existence is conceded to new-born children, then they have the right; if it is not conceded to them, as was the case among the Spartans and ancient Romans, then they do not have it. For only society can give or concede it to them; they themselves cannot take it, or give it to themselves.

9th April 2020, 01:52 AM	#168
catsmate No longer the 1 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 23,836	Originally Posted by Rincewind Does that mean he's homosexual? In the vein of Haggard, Craig, Foley et al? Quite possibly.
	__________________ As human right is always something given, it always in reality reduces to the right which men give, "concede," to each other. If the right to existence is conceded to new-born children, then they have the right; if it is not conceded to them, as was the case among the Spartans and ancient Romans, then they do not have it. For only society can give or concede it to them; they themselves cannot take it, or give it to themselves.

9th April 2020, 11:06 AM	#169
Steve Philosopher Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney Nova Scotia Posts: 8,392	Originally Posted by The Atheist I'd go along with that. I love this bit: Easy answer to that - he hasn't read the bible, which specifically states you shouldn't waste money building churches. It could also have something to do with the fact that (almost?) all of those churches were built before virtual services had become possible.
	__________________ Caption from and old New Yorker cartoon - Why am I shouting? Because I'm wrong!"

9th April 2020, 12:51 PM	#170
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	Originally Posted by Steve It could also have something to do with the fact that (almost?) all of those churches were built before virtual services had become possible. The bible was written ~1800 years ago - I'm certain all of America's churches were built after 200 CE.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

9th April 2020, 02:24 PM	#171
Resume Troublesome Passenger Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 18,836	https://www.huffpost.com/entry/louis...xQ4IE-BMZkqiYO Quote: An evangelical pastor who is refusing to abide by Louisiana’s ban on large public gatherings and continuing to hold in-person church services suggested his parishioners would not mind dying for their faith. "The Bible teaches us to be absent from our bodies as to be present with the Lord,” said Spell, a Pentecostal preacher. “Like any zealot or like any pure religious person, death looks to them like a welcome friend. True Christians do not mind dying. They fear living in fear." I'd be fine with this if the idiots didn't take out others with them. Love thy neighbor? Kill em all and let god sort it out. **** you Pell.

9th April 2020, 03:03 PM	#172
Steve Philosopher Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney Nova Scotia Posts: 8,392	Originally Posted by The Atheist The bible was written ~1800 years ago - I'm certain all of America's churches were built after 200 CE. I agree with this but I have no idea why you wrote it in response to my post.
	__________________ Caption from and old New Yorker cartoon - Why am I shouting? Because I'm wrong!"

9th April 2020, 07:02 PM	#173
Athyrio Hipster Doofus Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nutsack, FL Posts: 2,171	Originally Posted by The Atheist Easy answer to that - he hasn't read the bible, which specifically states you shouldn't waste money building churches. Right. Of course, this verse may have been referring to stoners. “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as sayeth the prophet.” https://biblehub.com/kjv/acts/7-48.htm

9th April 2020, 09:58 PM	#174
Thor 2 Philosopher Join Date: May 2016 Location: Brisbane, Aust. Posts: 6,598	Originally Posted by Thor 2 I don't detect a gleeful smirk on your face do I catsmate? Originally Posted by catsmate Not particularly. I would have preferred they, and their congregants, to be less stupid but one cannot expect fully rational behavior from the mentally ill. The local and state authorities that didn't intervene deserve our ire. This was intended as a jibe at dann who has a keen eye for detecting gleefulness.
	__________________ Thinking is a faith hazard.

10th April 2020, 01:16 PM	#175
zooterkin Nitpicking dilettante Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Berkshire, mostly Posts: 48,397	Originally Posted by catsmate Isn't that the second such case? I'm sure I remember a similar infection of someone who condemned Covid-19 as their god's odium. Were you thinking of this, from earlier in the thread? Originally Posted by zooterkin Pastor who claimed COVID 19 was a hoax dies of it. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/progre...ies-from-virus
	__________________ The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.Bertrand Russell Zooterkin is correct Darat Nerd! Hokulele Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232 Ezekiel 23:20

12th April 2020, 09:10 AM	#177
dann Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 13,566	Photos from around the world: Præster med mobiler og stor afstand på kirkebænken: Se billederne af påske midt i pandemien (DR.dk, April 12, 2020)
	__________________ /dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx

12th April 2020, 10:45 AM	#178
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 31,025	Any reports of right-wing churches definently holding services yet?
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

13th April 2020, 05:55 AM	#179
Craig4 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: I live in a swamp Posts: 22,564	Originally Posted by Trebuchet Any reports of right-wing churches definently holding services yet? A church in Kansas held two services yesterday. A third was scheduled but that was canceled. It was clear to the reporter at the time why the third service didn't go on.

13th April 2020, 06:33 AM	#180
zooterkin Nitpicking dilettante Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Berkshire, mostly Posts: 48,397	Meanwhile, mainstream churches in the UK follow the government guidelines. My mum's church has been having services via video link, and the C of E churches are closed too. P1170543.jpg by zooterkin, on Flickr P1170542.jpg by zooterkin, on Flickr
	__________________ The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.Bertrand Russell Zooterkin is correct Darat Nerd! Hokulele Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232 Ezekiel 23:20

16th April 2020, 01:11 PM	#183
Craig4 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: I live in a swamp Posts: 22,564	If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human.

16th April 2020, 01:24 PM	#184
carlitos "más divertido" Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA! USA! Posts: 22,786	Originally Posted by Craig4 If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human. Put on a mask, go outside for a walk or something. This isn’t emotionally healthy.

16th April 2020, 01:47 PM	#185
Craig4 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: I live in a swamp Posts: 22,564	Originally Posted by carlitos Put on a mask, go outside for a walk or something. This isn’t emotionally healthy. With all credit to the screen writers of "Red Dawn", the hate keeps me warm, gives me purpose.

16th April 2020, 01:54 PM	#186
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	Originally Posted by Craig4 If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human. Haha! That is very nicely said. Here - watch this to restore a tiny bit of faith in those with faith, or at least, put a smile on your face. https://fox4kc.com/news/local-pastor...nds-worldwide/
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

16th April 2020, 03:05 PM	#187
Thor 2 Philosopher Join Date: May 2016 Location: Brisbane, Aust. Posts: 6,598	God has a sense of humour! Oh my, is there anything so stupid a preacher will not say it? Thanks for the link The Atheist.
	__________________ Thinking is a faith hazard.

16th April 2020, 11:54 PM	#188
dann Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 13,566	Originally Posted by Craig4 If the Trumptrash going to these services get the virus and die I don't really care; in fact if it happened in a swing state I'd be giddy. However, I note that zoonotic transmission is possible so a Trump supporter might be able to give it to a human. It does seem to be a Trump thing, doesn't it? The rightwing Christian preachers in deep denial over Covid-19's danger (Guardian, April 4, 2020) Are there any examples of U.S. churches critical of Trump and/or of right-wing Republicanism that are also in denial about the virus?
	__________________ /dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx

18th April 2020, 01:35 PM	#189
Resume Troublesome Passenger Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 18,836	https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-brief...ks-evangelists Quote: A Louisiana pastor who has drawn criticism for holding in-person church services despite coronavirus guidelines is asking people to donate their stimulus checks to evangelists who “haven’t had an offering in a month.” In a video posted to YouTube on Wednesday, the Rev. Tony Spell called on the public to get behind a new online challenge he is dubbing the #PastorSpellStimulusChallenge. There are three rules to the challenge, Spell said in the video. The first rule is that it starts on Sunday. The second, he said, is for people to “donate your stimulus money.” “Rule number three,” he continued, is to “donate it to evangelists, North American evangelists who haven’t had an offering in a month; missionaries, who haven’t had an offering in a month; music ministers, who haven’t had an offering in a month.” People will do this. And it this really just one rule?

18th April 2020, 03:04 PM	#190
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	That's beautiful!
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

18th April 2020, 03:24 PM	#191
Thor 2 Philosopher Join Date: May 2016 Location: Brisbane, Aust. Posts: 6,598	Really chokes me up it does. To think of all those good people donating their stimulus checks to an evangelist, so he won't have to sell one of his jets to make ends meet.
	__________________ Thinking is a faith hazard.

18th April 2020, 05:47 PM	#192
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	Originally Posted by Thor 2 Really chokes me up it does. To think of all those good people donating their stimulus checks to an evangelist, so he won't have to sell one of his jets to make ends meet. If you look at it logically, televangelists are actually the hardest atheists in existence. They do know their bibles, and I know that factually, because of the way they cherry-pick it. Knowing the bible, you'd be fully aware that the sky-fairy's not going to like you scamming people in his name, so you'd need to be very sure the god is all bull.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

19th April 2020, 01:10 PM	#193
Ulf Nereng Muse Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Norway Posts: 570	Originally Posted by The Atheist If you look at it logically, televangelists are actually the hardest atheists in existence. They do know their bibles, and I know that factually, because of the way they cherry-pick it. Knowing the bible, you'd be fully aware that the sky-fairy's not going to like you scamming people in his name, so you'd need to be very sure the god is all bull. Yes. Here's one cherry they never pick: (Matt 6:5) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

19th April 2020, 02:22 PM	#194
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	Originally Posted by Ulf Nereng Yes. Here's one cherry they never pick: (Matt 6:5) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen." That's the one I mean. I blame Saulus 100%. Without that drugged-up loser, Aquinas would never have been able to write his puddle of puke known as Summa Theologica and the Roman and other chuirches would be completely different beasts. The most ironic thing of all, to me, is that they call it Christianity then ignore almost every word their alleged son of the sky-fairy the did or said.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

19th April 2020, 02:51 PM	#195
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 31,025	Originally Posted by Resume https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-brief...ks-evangelists People will do this. And it this really just one rule? Same guy now has a church member dead of Covid-19 and the lawyer who was defending his services is hospitalized with it. But he claims its a lie.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

19th April 2020, 06:28 PM	#196
Gord_in_Toronto Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20,405	Originally Posted by Trebuchet Same guy now has a church member dead of Covid-19 and the lawyer who was defending his services is hospitalized with it. But he claims its a lie. Quote: Wittenbrink (the pastor) had made numerous Facebook posts criticizing Louisiana’s lockdown restrictions and defending Spell’s right to continue holding large services. “Will the government stop the virus? Or will God stop the virus? Jesus healed the sick. Mother Teresa and countless saints have attended the sick. We are quarantining the healthy,” he wrote in one post. The fraudulent "Mother" Teresa may "have attended the sick" but I strongly doubt that anyone in her Houses of Dying did anything but die.
	__________________ "Reality is what's left when you cease to believe." Philip K. Dick

19th April 2020, 06:46 PM	#197
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 28,282	Originally Posted by Gord_in_Toronto The fraudulent "Mother" Teresa may "have attended the sick" but I strongly doubt that anyone in her Houses of Dying did anything but die. Nicely put. I'm enraged every time that filthy murderous whore's name is mentioned as an example of good works.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

20th April 2020, 01:10 PM	#198
Darat Lackey Administrator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 96,954	Originally Posted by The Atheist Nicely put. I'm enraged every time that filthy murderous whore's name is mentioned as an example of good works. Have you read the correspondence she had with her spiritual advisors and so on? It made me even more sickened about her so called “good works”. When she was telling people dying in pain that they should be thankful of their suffering as it was a blessing from god she was doubting he even existed! One can at least understand someone who has “drank the koolaid” doing cruel and terrible things because they sincerely believe in what they are doing but this monster didn’t even believe in the crap that was coming out her own mouth.
	__________________ I wish I knew how to quit you

20th April 2020, 02:39 PM	#199
Thor 2 Philosopher Join Date: May 2016 Location: Brisbane, Aust. Posts: 6,598	Originally Posted by Ulf Nereng Yes. Here's one cherry they never pick: (Matt 6:5) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen." Easy to see why this instruction of Matthew's wasn't promoted by by the churches: No money in it. Can't have folk just praying alone in their own rooms: How are you going to get the collection plate in there?
	__________________ Thinking is a faith hazard.