I opened up the morning paper today and out slid the Faith & Values section. Yes, I said the Faith & Values section. The entire front page of this section is dedicated to the Big New Church (I hereby dub it Big New Church because it needs a name, and Jessie has already vetoed McAnything).
At the top it provides an explanation--some background as to why this is such an important story (all names of people and places have been changed to protect the innocent and/or stupid):
"In last Sunday's paper, Next to Eastwick University Professor Smart Man criticized the billboard advertising campaign of Big New Church, and the article generated many comments, both pro and con, from readers. The Eastwick News offered Big New Church pastor Jim Jones an opportunity to respond to Mr. Smart Man's essay, but the offer was declined."
In light of Alexandra's research, which indicates Pastor Jones refuses to speak to anyone outside the congregation, this isn't surprising. We've learned he delegates all communication and ministry outside the actual rock concert that is his sermon to assistant pastors, secretaries, etc, letting members of his brain-washed flock speak for him. But this time, not even a lowly congregation member offered to go on record to defend the church's aggressive and controversial big money recruitment strategy. Not one.
I kind of wish Alex and I were heading over there this morning--I'm sure the sermon will be interesting. There's nothing like a little perceived persecution to help strengthen the brainwashing of a cult.
At the top it provides an explanation--some background as to why this is such an important story (all names of people and places have been changed to protect the innocent and/or stupid):
"In last Sunday's paper, Next to Eastwick University Professor Smart Man criticized the billboard advertising campaign of Big New Church, and the article generated many comments, both pro and con, from readers. The Eastwick News offered Big New Church pastor Jim Jones an opportunity to respond to Mr. Smart Man's essay, but the offer was declined."
In light of Alexandra's research, which indicates Pastor Jones refuses to speak to anyone outside the congregation, this isn't surprising. We've learned he delegates all communication and ministry outside the actual rock concert that is his sermon to assistant pastors, secretaries, etc, letting members of his brain-washed flock speak for him. But this time, not even a lowly congregation member offered to go on record to defend the church's aggressive and controversial big money recruitment strategy. Not one.
I kind of wish Alex and I were heading over there this morning--I'm sure the sermon will be interesting. There's nothing like a little perceived persecution to help strengthen the brainwashing of a cult.
Another picture for fun...I call this Church of Rock with a Really Cool and Expensive Sports Car on the Big Expensive Stage--think that's Pastor Jones' car??
1 comment:
Do you wanna go? What are you doing up? I think we should take a recorder with us. I bet if it's seen that we will be escorted off of the property. I also bet that there are tapes of the sermons for sale as you leave the Big New Church.
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