In a move that echoes the arrogance and ignorance of the Church during the Dark Ages (and beyond), the Rev. David H. Benke, a Lutheran pastor who participated in a post-September 11 interfaith prayer service in Yankee Stadium, has been suspended by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod for "syncretism", the mingling of Christian and non-Christian beliefs. The NY Times article is here [free registration required].
Among the more noxious quotes from his accusers:
"Instead of keeping God's name sacred and separate from every other name, it was made common as it was dragged to the level of Allah."
"[Praying] with pagan clerics in Yankee Stadium was an offense both to God and to all Christians."
I don't think that Betty Bowers or the Landover Baptist Church could have done better. And it seems all the more ironic coming from the Lutheran church whose founder (Martin Luther) proclaimed:
"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe."
Steven McDonald (of Redd Kross, the SMG and Ze Malibu Kids) has a great new performance art project... he's recorded Redd Blood Cells... adding bass, vocals and assorted overdubs to the White Stripes. It's fab; download tunes here.
If you've never heard the Kross & dig that punk pop thang, e-mail me and I'll hook you up.
And if you haven't wasted enough time yet today...
Howdy. This is my first bellyfuzz post. I'm so... honored to be here. Or something.
Now, for my first tric... er... link:
Am I the only one who's pretty sure this kid needs a different hobby? And I don't think it's an accident that his last name is CAMP?
If you don't mind dealing that infernal RealPlayer stuff... you really should watch the video that's linked on the right side of that page... it's... both amusing and disturbing. Thus, it's great bellyfuzz material.
On Jerry's side note: you pretty much can't make the kitties be friends. They might eventually grow to tolerate the little guy, but you guys need to resign yourselves to the fact that they might never be friends. The old kitties can be pretty set in their ways sometimes. :)
