It has gone from individual conscience to groupthink, which is not a good thing if you are a truly traditional Baptist. The whole point of delaying baptism was to wait until a person could make a reasoned choice.

I think the early founders of the Baptist church would be spitting mad that today’s Southern Baptists spend so much time being, well, PAPISTS, following “leaders” rather than the Bible.

Not that it’s all anything but bunk, of course, whether you call your invisible friend “God” or “Yaweh” or “Allah” or whatever, he’s still invisible, and he’s still, well, imaginary. But folks do like having imaginary friends, because imaginary friends are always there for you, always have an open ear, and never criticize you. But that still doesn’t make imaginary friends real…

– Badtux the Baptist Catholic Penguin

Almost everyone I have encountered doing this ranting wouldn’t have lasted past the midterm in the most basic course at Colgate, because they parrot, they don’t understand.

I completely agree with John Locke’s observation: “The one only narrow way which leads to heaven is not better known to the magistrate than to private persons, and therefore I cannot safely take him for my guide, who may probably be as ignorant of the way as myself, and who certainly is less concerned for my salvation than I myself am.”

When irritated I have been known to remark: “If heaven includes you, I certainly don’t want to go there.” I have never claimed I’m a nice person, but really, who would want to hang out for all eternity with these simple-minded jerks?

I got so annoyed a couple weekends ago when a group tied to accost me, that instead of just saying “no, thanks.” and moving on as i normally do, I decided to let them have it, loud enough so that everyone nearby could hear. 🙂

“OK. Let’s get something straight here. I was raised a Christian and a Catholic for most of my youth. I was raised in Corpus Cristy parish; I attended a private catholic primary school and college, I went to bible studies and Sunday school, I was an Altar boy. I have read the bible many times and I’m certain I know and understand it far better than you. I know who I am, I know what I want and need, I have made my peace with God and he will judge me when the time comes. If you are unsure who you are or your place in the World or whether you are a sinner or not… That is entirely YOUR problem and doesn’t give you the right to project your insecurities and problems on us! Here’s a clue, why don’t you all go find a life and stop bothering people! If people want to find God, I am certain by now they know where to go to start looking. Looking inside is a good start and being honest with your self is the best way to find Him! Hypocrites will never find God, and I really hope I am there to see you all on judgment day! Then, that would make all this crap worth it! Have a nice day, and best of luck finding what you seek, just go seek somewhere else!

There were many stunned looks and even an angry face or three (some people really can’t handle truth or honesty you know 😉 ). But there were many smiles and even laughter from the crowd of suckers that had gathered. My work was done. LOL

I’ve had so many young fools trying to convince me that my only chance of redemption and salvation was to go to their master’s particular church as he was the only path to salvation! You know… with so many groups preaching that they are the *one true way*(tm) to God, that it proves to me that He has given up on us as a bad idea and turned His attention somewhere else. He’s probably decided that He’ll sort us all out on Judgment Day, which it appears may be fast approaching. That’s fine by me. 🙂

I reserve the right to ask Him one question (if I ever do meet Him): “What the hell was all that garbage about??” 😀

The preemptive apology, Map – it doesn’t work, but it’s nice to know that what ever follows is going to be a bucket of bigotry show you don’t have to waste your time being outraged.

My friends have the class and self-awareness to know that “some of my friends” is just a cover. Just like “I don’t mean to be a jerk but…”