Shi'ite Christians

Or:Very, very religious persons who don't know when to leave the hell enough alone.

I'm a fairly religious person. I have a strict code of ethics that by and large intersects with those laid down by Christ. I'm not a big one for praying (it's started to seem kind of hypocritical to say anything other than thanks, given that I know God ain't gonna protect me and mine from anything bad, why ask?) I wish I went to church more, but work doesn't allow. So, in no way, shape, or form is the following an attack on organized religion or any denomination or practice of Christianity.

I'm getting into the car after exitting the post office, and it being Wisconsin, and WI weather being what it is, I'm wearing my leather jacket, and the warmest shirt under it that I own - my Punisher sweatshirt. Which has the standard Punisher skull emblazoned spraypaint style on the front.

I've got one leg in the car when an overweight, late-middle-aged to early elderly gent steps down off the sidewalk in front of the car, approaches my door, and crooks a finger at me.

This is somewhat odd. He looks like one of my old teachers, but not quite. Thinking that maybe my fly's open or I dropped a $20, and he's looking to Pay It Forward today, I get back out.

"Excuse me," says the man.

"Can I help you?" is my standard reply.

"There's one man in all of history who came to bring peace and everlasting life, only one, and his name is Jesus Christ. Whether you choose to accept him is up to you."

I'm too busy trying to figure out what he's going on about to process his next words correctly, but I'm thinking it was something along the lines of "You must choose, but choose wisely." Sort of like from Indiana Jones, but not nearly so inspiring when it doesn't come from a 900 year old Crusader.

Getting defensive, I say "I am a Christian, what are you talking about?"

Serenely, he points at my shirt and replies "I see that symbol, and I am reminded of that man who came to bring..."

I cut him off. "This symbol's from a movie."

He raises a hand. "I mean no offense. I don't know if it is or not. But be that as it may..." He drones on for another moment about my choice and the man who came to bring everlasting life, while backing up and moving away.

"Thanks. Have a nice day." I get back into the car.

Still torques me off. This is the only problem I have with Christmas - not the (wonderful) marketing, not the commercialization - all the religious fruits come out of the cake. Unless I'm wearing something so...vile...that I'm breaking public decency laws, why do you give a damn what I wear, and who are you to try and tell me that my shirt (inferred) is a symbol of Satanism. It must be real ... nice to be that secure in your own righteousness that you can deign to lecture people you've never met before on how their clothing threatens their salvation.

Adrian

Hehe, I can see what you are saying. He's probably one of those guys from the movie "Jesus Camp". LOL... On the more serious note, you are right. Religion is a personal idea, agree? Trying to evangalize someone you don't know because of the shirt they are wearing is rather intrusive. Don't take it to heart Adrian, the guy is probably crazy. Living in South Carolina, I've seen these kinds of people and while bringing people to Christ is all well and good, predjudging based on your clothing is predjudice. Do you think God would like that?

Ryan

Do you think God would like your tee shirt ?

This is a question I was asked recently by a christian friend about a Jovi t shirt. She said why do you wear a face/symbol of something on your chest that looks like you are worshipping a band ..... do you support everything they do and stand for.

I was really shocked.. and we discussed it at length. I guess I always think a t shirt is just a tee shirt , but if we are wearing a logo on it does this mean it is more important than who we are and what we represent as far as others see us.

We can offend someone with what we are wearing and I guess it can get in the way of people seeing who we really are. Im much more than a jovi fan and I dont know why I wear Jovi t shirts. It doesnt make a difference to my life either way, but perhaps it does to others as they are the ones who have to look at the shirt, as I cant see the picture when Im wearing them. What right do I have to force them to look at BJ when they perhaps might not want to ..

Im still thinking about this subject .....

Dawn

I don't think God really cares what design is printed on my t-shirt. I'm pretty sure Jesus said it's what's on the inside of the cup that counts...

Not to have your religious sensibilities offended is not a "right." I'm not hurting anyone, I'm not depriving them of their liberty or property, I'm merely annoying them (if that). Therefore, their "right" to not be offended is not a right, simply a preference. Since I'm not doing anything to infringe upon their possessions or well-being, I'd consider it my "right" to wear whatever Punisher t-shirt I want.

Adrian

This discussion reminds me of the guy that was thrown out of a mall in upstate New York for wearing a Give Peace a Chance T shirt during the 2000 recount. It offended people sitting in the food court and they complained to the mall security.

I guess that since I grew up in the "hippie" era when everyone wore the most outrageous thing they could think of I have never judged a person by what they wear - or how long their hair is.

Why is it that people literally want others to be a mirror that reflects only what they are? If they see anyone different (skin color, dress style etc) they are perceived as bad or evil?

Why don't people celebrate their differences rather than pressuring others to conform to their values?

Kathleen

I don't care about celebrating differences. Hate me, my clothes, my hair, my eyes, my skin, my beliefs...whatever. Just keep it to yourself, leave me the heck alone. Like that one...lawyer I think it was, kicked out of his house in NO after Katrina "I wish to be treated with benign indifference."

I'll do the same.

'Long as we don't start getting violent over our differences, I don't see why we can't just hate each other in silence, if that's what we wish to do. It'd be better if we didn't, but humans being what they are, it's gonna happen. I just want to be left alone.

Adrian

Excuse me? He got thrown out? And people were offended over a goddamn T shirt? These people had too much time on their hands. ****ing hell.

you gewt ur weridos in every thing! lol tho i would love to get the punisher pendent! lol the film was quite good! thats the lastest one not the one from the 80s!


tho it reminds me of the flight attendent who was told to go home from the BA airport because she was wearing a cross around her neck!

totally different scenario.

BA mandates that non necesarry religious artefacts (which a cross is) are not to be worn as part of their uniform rules.

i don't believe there's a dress code for mankind as a whole...

And why can't people see that by forcing someone to conform to their values, they're actually repressing someone elses?

Ice