I'm so glad I finally had the chance to see that. I'd heard so much....

uhh? yea? uh? ok? umm.... ok.

I posted this months ago on my blog and it's still one of the most popular ones. It's like a car wreck -- you have to see it. I recall one commenter said she was so disturbed by this woman's behavior she couldn't watch the whole thing. By the way, Margaret voted for Kerry.


(kidding)

If you want to know whether that woman was really a Christian, simply ask yourself - "Would Jesus have behaved like that?"

I didn't see the whole T.V. show, but I saw enough from the clip to see that she displayed none of the fundamental characteristics of Jesus Christ. That lady was no FUNDAMENTAList CHRISTian. But certainly a crazy freak!

Thanks for posting it gvod. Well worth sharing.

-james

Oh my, just look at how stunned her children are. This is so sad.

Holy crap..what a psycho.

People like that give Christians a bad name....although its refreshingly funny to see she decided to keep the money. Slamdunk!

Glad I started on the last page and worked forward. I would have missed this.

Poor kids.

This is too funny.

*promote, in Jesus' name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lol...you beat me to it. I almost promoted.

Re-promoting this video to the front page as a VideoSift Classic. Originally published on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 (promotion called by gold star member SnakePlissken)

Isn't gluttony a sin?

She ripped up the check she received for doing the show on the air, but then happily cashed a replacement off it. Tis true.

Don't ya just love hypocrisy? hee hee hee

She went to live with the Sith?

Ok seriously, this does sicken me a bit. She's a total loon that's obvious, but why was she yelling at her kids? She's acting as if the father and kids made her do this against her will! This show was her idea too. She's a TOTAL hipocrite for taking the money.

What a freaking lunatic. You know if she was a real Christian, she would have befriended the other family with the hope that their lifestyle alone influenced them. Someone who is a real Christian should have taken this nut job aside and quoted:

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:17

She like many other Christians think that anything different or non-Christian should be feared and hated. That's wrong.

I take the risk of setting off the atheists here by quoting from the Bible, but this woman is a fundamentalist wacko, and doesn't not represent Jesus Christs teachings or folks of that faith that are genuine.

I'm upvoting because I want people who claim to be Christians to see this and check themselves. If your behavior and actions or spirit remotely resembles this woman's...then you're part of problem here in the U.S. and not the solution.

Religion is mind control. Some people are just more susceptible to it than others.

agree in part with you, Snake

But you omit to mention what part.

Ever evasive in religious discussions, aren't you swampgirl.

Being an Atheist, I can assure you I am not offended, nor is quoting the Bible offensive. Most Atheists I know (and most people from other religious backgrounds in general) are tolerant and respectful of one another's belief systems. Unfortunately, it is the loudest from every sect that gets the attention...thus (by default and erroneously) they are viewed as the "spokesperson" for that particular belief.

More and more we are becoming aware of it. The Falwells and the O'Hairs will hopefully soon become ideologies of the past...in favor of tolerance and respect.

Unfortunately, as long as we have a Fundie President who says that god talks directly to him, it's a long, hard road.

what a sad freak.

You're right. If you only knew the background I'm from, Snake.

I consider religion to be nothing more than a tool used to maintain a subservient populace, and therefore intolerable and unacceptable.

People are free to believe whatever they want (as the woman in this clip proves), but when you blindly agree with archaic and irrational myths that have directly caused the deaths of millions of people throughout history, you shouldn't really expect your beliefs to be respected.

"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca (born 5 BC, died 65 AD)

The assertive atheist: http://www.flamewarrior.com/index.htm

@ snappy, those arn't her kids, hense trading spouses.

That is, without doubt, one of the scariest things I've ever had the misfortune to witness. The people who filmed it should get some kind of bravery award.

yes, those were..she had just come home to her own family right? (1zin1)

"People are free to believe whatever they want (as the woman in this clip proves), but when you blindly agree with archaic and irrational myths that have directly caused the deaths of millions of people throughout history, you shouldn't really expect your beliefs to be respected."

Agreed. But I differ where you think religion shouldn't be repected. (am I right in saying that?) I separate those who are "religious" from those I consider genuine seekers of a higher being.

Snake, I think the danger is in lumping the two thought systems into one basket. There are those who believe in a god (or gods), then there are those who believe they are better than everyone else for that particular belief.

Religion doesn't kill people...people who use religion for their own gain kill people.

Personal belief systems should always be respected. The sins of the father are not handed down to the son. More people have been murdered in the name of the Christian God, yes...but that does not mean the local Protestants in your neighborhood are going to call for a Holy War. Baptists, maybe. ;-)

Then there are those like SG who are seeking out the higher being in themselves...in their own locus of control. Very different animal, that.

If we, as Atheists, start demeaning others for their beliefs then we are no better than the Jerry Falwells of this world. There is a balance. I hope we can all one day acheive it.

http://www.videosift.com/story.php?id=7732

...what he said.

"I separate those who are "religious" from those I consider genuine seekers of a higher being."

Point taken, although the line is still blurry.

My next question would have to be why would you start your search for meaning/purpose/whatever in life by insisting that there must be a "higher being" involved? It's the same as someone saying "I just know there's a giant green horse watching over us and if I dedicate my life to Him, He will surely reveal himself to me". Surely a search for meaning/purpose/whatever should start within observable reality?

-----------------------------------

"There are those who believe in a god (or gods), then there are those who believe they are better than everyone else for that particular belief."

Come on Daphne... Even the bible says that the Christian God is the One True God and that the only unforgiveable sin is to not believe he exists. Are you really trying to convince me the bible teaches inter-religious tolerance?

god wants spiritual fruits ... not religious nuts!!!

"Surely a search for meaning/purpose/whatever should start within observable reality?"

This *is* the basis for a genuine quest for "God". It's the Jerry Falwells, the al-Qaedas, rubbish like the woman in this video and all they represent that obscures the journey.

"Come on Daphne... Even the bible says that the Christian God is the One True God and that the only unforgiveable sin is to not believe he exists. Are you really trying to convince me the bible teaches inter-religious tolerance?"

Snake, it's true... but the Bible does teach to love your enemies..."turn the other cheek" and so-forth...

At worst, a Christian should still befriend someone of a different faith. At best, the Christian should realize that he doesn't corner the market on divine truth and everyone has the right to find their answers on their own.

But how does it make sense to assume that there's a god in the first place? You've already made your conclusion before you even started searching.

It's like insisting there's a chicken living on the moon, then trying to find it by staring at your feet.

no Snake, it's not :-) You're being absurdly simplistic hon.

Answer the question then instead of being evasive: How does it make sense to assume that there's a god in the first place?

It's not deciding there is a God and then proving it...at least not for me. Unfortunately we can't erase all the religious history of mankind. If we could, it would be interesting to see the same questions be asked again.

Are we alone? Did this all happen by chance?

Am I being evasive? lol...I thought I was just being objective..

To you Snake it looks like I'm arguing on the side of the Fundies, I don't feel I am. I can see how you might conclude that.
Yes, it's our right to be religious and subscribe to whatever dogma fits our needs...but to those of you who have dissmissed it all outright find it hard to even repect someone that has questions.

Here's the "God Warrior" on Leno. Roseanne is included. Scroll down for the video.

I couldn't find it on Google Video nor YouTube.

http://malcontent.typepad.com/malcontent/2005/11/lenos_couch_not.html

"Come on Daphne... Even the bible says that the Christian God is the One True God and that the only unforgivable sin is to not believe he exists. Are you really trying to convince me the bible teaches inter-religious tolerance?"

Oh, hell no. This is the kind of objective reasoning that solidifies my feelings on that book. It's a lovely piece of literature, but it was written by a male-dominated world (and changed by Kings, depending on their particular agenda) who were as intolerant and self-serving as any other cult-head would be.

However, that is merely my take on it. I have no right to tell someone else what they can and cannot believe or how they should feel about a certain book. Their religious journey is not mine to take. I cannot make decisions on their actions for them - I can only decide what my actions will be based on what they do. Locus of control.

I watched the link from oohahh, and while it is interesting, the only part I balk at is the fact that he says we should NOT respect another person's belief system. I think that is where the danger absolutely lies.

My family is Fundie...poor things. I grew up in a Fundie household, so the Bible was shoved down my throat at a very early age. My mother still sends me emails saying she is sad that my son and I will burn in Hell. My son's father is from a family of Orthodox Jews. His sister took me aside after my son was born and told me that they would not recognize our child as their nephew if he wasn't circumcised...because that is their belief. Nothing personal.

This is the kind of fanaticism that causes the most hurt and bitterness. Religious dogma does not work in practice. But it does not make my family evil...it does not make my ex's family evil. It makes them unyielding, thus unable to grow as Human Beings.

But all I can do is respond. I cannot change their beliefs, but I respect their right to have them. After all, they are the ones who are missing out on a beautiful relationship with an amazing child.

As a side note, I think it's hilarious that the Super Mario Brothers Super Show TV Theme is related to this sift.

Saved that link dotdude, and uploaded it to youtube, but i foolishly put LENO in the name, ugh, it got rejected, so im uploading it again, ill post the youtube link here when im done.

I posted the super show, LOL

dotdude, thanks for the link. Wow she tried to put a good face on it, but didn't work.. she's nuts

Last year I had seen a clip on AOL of the bobble head presentation first. It got me curious about the whole “God Warrior” thing.

Yikes! Nice Fundie attitude...trying to get off with Leno on the air. Isn't coveting a sin?

so is lusting and lascivious, daphne

awww...all that work her whole life and she ends up going to Hell. Too bad. Thank you for playing.

;-)

Faith: not wanting to know what is true.~Nietzsche~

"Yes, it's our right to be religious and subscribe to whatever dogma fits our needs...but to those of you who have dissmissed it all outright find it hard to even repect someone that has questions."

You couldn't be more wrong. I have a lot of respect for people who ask questions, but even more respect for those who are serious about finding rational answers to them without resorting to clumsy assumptions involving myth and superstition.

Poor fat lady´s kids.

First the person above is totally insane. And needs medication. I fear for her children, especially since they are all daughters. So much heartache comin'. AM suprised the husband didn't step in smack her and tell her to calm her ass.

Faith is needed at a certain level however, I mean I agree with everything you guys say. I know that religion and all is a strech on our preceptions, I respect all religions and tolerate them all (I can't stand people converting me, its creepy). However I do believe faith is needed. In my extended family alot of my uncles and aunts have reached ripe old ages and retirement. In the closing years of their life they commit to religion and such because they had little less left, their children had grown and moved elsewhere, they could no longer work, they threw themselves selflessly into their communities and turned things around by doing charity and donation work under religion. They didn't do it becuase they were fundamentalists, they did it because they were coming close to crossing over, and in those times of solitude they needed the comfort and support that is offered at most religious gatherings. This is why religion in some sense is important. There is alot of instances where faith is regained because of a particular traumatic experience, I used to belittle such instances of lapse of reason but slowly you understand that for some the shock of lose or death is so great that they cannot cope on their own and need the psychological comfort offered through faith.

And that's all that religion is, psychological comfort. You don't die you progress to either heaven or hell based on your behaviour. Someone is always watching after you. You are never alone. So on and so forth.

My ex, has a deep fear of being alone. Over many covnersations I have had with her, her main driving reason for believing (but not practicing) is the fact that believing makes her feel like she is not alone. And in some people that is such a large psychological controlling factor, that institues faith. She is totally a rational person, but this psychological fear she possess drives this link to religion.

Thats my 2 cents. Myself? Am agnostic, I believe in the life, and not a religion because for all the shit out in the world, you can always go to the edge of the ocean and marvel at the beauty, complexity, and vastness of nature.

Putting aside the chicken/egg or I/Thou argument of whether it is appropriate to posit divinity first and then go about proving it, how about the pragmatic role of religion as an organized social construct?

I would argue that the majority of all churchgoers do not grapple with the philosophy of faith. They go because they want to be with their neighbor in a community that comforts them. Fundamentalists go because they need an outlet for their fear and their hate.

Organized religion has a lot to answer for throughout history. It has indeed stifled free thinking and encouraged prejudice and complacency. It has also produced great thinkers and amazing art. I wouldn't throw the whole social construct over the myth and superstition ledge.

"But how does it make sense to assume that there's a god in the first place? You've already made your conclusion before you even started searching."

Snake, people that have made up their minds already aren't searching.

How does one find rational answers to "is there a higher being in existance that helped shaped the universe I live in" without postulating, at least for arguments sake, "if there is a God, what clues will lead me toward proving his/her/it's existence?"

Science cannot satisfy these questions, hence faith.

Why look for rational answers to irrational questions?

"If there is a God, what clues will lead me toward proving his/her/it's existence?" is as sensible and rational a question as "If Superman exists, will he come and save me if I'm getting mugged in an alley?" or "If Santa exists, will he get me a GI Joe with Kung Fu Action Grip this Christmas?"

"Science cannot satisfy these questions, hence faith."

Just because the finest scientific minds on our planet can't find the answers to silly, childish questions about obviously fictional, mythological beings (probably because they have far more important questions to answer) it doesn't make sense to just "have faith" that there is a god despite a complete lack of evidence.

Or to put it another way, it makes just as much sense to say that you "have faith" that Santa, Superman, and the Easter Bunny exist.

I'm just glad there are adults around who grew out of fairytales during childhood.

See, now why resort to insults? There's no need for that...IF we respect each other's belief system.

Calling something someone else believes in "childish," "silly," and allude to it not being "important" is what all this hatred and war is about. Insulting another person's lifestyle and/or faith does not make your point clearer or more incisive...it just adds another wedge that separates all of us.

"Can't we all just get along??!"

What you pointed out as insults were actually observations.

I can see how people who cling to ridiculous beliefs could be insulted or upset - kids usually take it pretty hard too when they find out Santa doesn't exist - but that wasn't my intention.

You're asking me to respect people's opinions when they believe that obvious fantasy is real, and I can't.

I have nothing personal against swampgirl or anyone else who has beliefs based in the supernatural. I just think they're reacting to fear rather than rational thought.

"Silly," "childish," and "ridiculous" are opinions, not observable data.

But good to know you didn't intend to insult anyone.

There's no Santa!!!!?? WTF?

Snake you're making my point. You don't have respect for people that question anything differing than your viewpoint. There is no evidence of God, but questioning the possibilities doesn't make one a child.

Hey, I'm not insulted by the way.

"There's no Santa!!!!?? WTF?"

lol

So... ummm... geeee... wasn't that fat lady some kind of crazy?!?! Hehehe...

Yep... craaaaaazy!

Ahem...

Want to see fundie jesus freaks doing their worst, look at this:http://www.videosift.com/story.php?id=9634&where=index

"You don't have respect for people that question anything differing than your viewpoint."

Incorrect.

"There is no evidence of God, but questioning the possibilities doesn't make one a child."

I didn't say it did. I said it was a childish opinion, clung to by people who are terrified.

[idiotically insensitive comment removed by SnakePlissken]

"I'll finish by saying that if your children don't give you more than enough purpose/reason to exist/whatever to not be bothered about whether or not there's a magic invisible man in the sky, you have my sincerest condolences."

I agree with that snake, but I believe most people go through life not really confornting the question of faith head on. The sense of security offered by religion is very strong. I mean for most people to really think about existance and come to the realization that they will die, there is no afterlife, you die and thats it. Well they can't accept that as is. Because life after death is the major foundation of all religions. I think most people like that sense of continuation, that death is not the end. Thats why people hold on to it.

I don't think it's childish, I think it's evolutionary. I mean if you think about it, ideas behind secular thought, developed years and years ago. I believe that over time religion will itself die out or be augumented to accept the realities that exist within the rational and physical world.

hey hey, no need to go there, Snake. My children are my life. Again, you seem bitter and want to insult, why? If you tire of this thread simply don't reply or say you're finished. If you're offended, sorry. I happen to enjoy these discussions, and your posts.

I'm just so glad that Snake is not venting the spleen anymore.

I'm not. I could use differing opinions of various sides on this subject at this time of my life.

???

This time of your life?

Oh, my dad passed away recently so I'm going thru the usual "what's it all mean" thing.

You see I was raised by Fundamentalist Baptists. I finally had "had enough" around age 22. Now in my 30's my dad passes away. He was a very strong believer. His last request to me was to come back to church and raise my children as Christians. It sort of messed me up a bit and made me question my life. Is the idea of God a bunch of fairy tales, like Snake says or is there a God?

that's what I meant by "this time in my life"

Ahhh. Condolences... seriously.

Well, if you are looking for a specific answer here, I think you will find as many different opinions on the whole "is there a God" question as there are people willing to give it to you. You probably already know mine if you've read some of my posts, but I, like many, am still seeking answers to many questions I have. The questions I have are mostly philosophical and astro-physical (is that the right word?), rather than meta-physical. I don't believe in God. I'm not saying you shouldn't. I don't know you, and my opinion shouldn't count for scratch to you, but I will say I don't think you should feel pressure to go "back to the church" if it isn't right for you. At least for now. It isn't going anywhere. Read some Ayn Rand. ;-) Your children have their whole lives to decide what they wish to believe. Your father being a "very strong believer" does not mean you are beholden to his wishes, as much as you wish to honor his life. Live your life for you. Try to be happy. Regardless of what you believe or don't believe, or understand or don't understand, being happy and just "living" are really all we can do. If you believe there is a God, then you probably believe that is what he would expect of you. If you don't believe in God, then why would you want to live any other way? JMHO.

In my opinion, the guy is being a judgemental asshole. Personally, I'm a Christian. I don't care what other people believe and I don't think they are going to be punished. I respect people who are atheists, buddhists, hindi, jewish, etc. He obviously doesn't, seeing as he calls believers "silly and childish". I might not believe in other religions, but I'd be a total douche if I said that all Buddhists or Jews are "silly and childish". Not believing in something is not being judgemental, but insulting the people who do is.

"hey hey, no need to go there, Snake. My children are my life. Again, you seem bitter and want to insult, why? If you tire of this thread simply don't reply or say you're finished. If you're offended, sorry. I happen to enjoy these discussions, and your posts."

You're right, swampgirl. I was trying to explain my belief that there is more than enough breathtaking beauty in this world (and universe) to be appreciate of and humbled by that the idea of a god is (to me) completely redundant, but I was thoughtless and rash in using your kids as an example and I genuinely apologize. If you want me to delete the comment I'll be happy to, and I'll try to be more respectful of your present transitory situation in future. I know it's not easy.

farhad, I agree. People accept religion because they're afraid of death. I think it's smarter to use that energy confronting your mortality and appreciating the life you have, instead of treating it like the crappy, inconvenient period before you go to a perfect heaven that isn't really there.

rickegee... Spleen-venting on politics is out. Everything else is fair game.

-----------------------------------------------------

"In my opinion, the guy is being a judgemental asshole. Personally, I'm a Christian."

Your god is disappointed in your lack of forgiveness and inability to turn the other cheek.

"I don't care what other people believe and I don't think they are going to be punished."

The bible says to deny the existence of the christian god is the only unforgiveable sin, and therefore punishable by an eternity in hell. Are you saying you disagree with the written word of god?

I think you might be confused on the point of religion to most people (at least most people I know). To me, the main part of religion isn't heaven and hell. It's about a way to live your life. I tend to look at it more as a guideline on how to live. It gives me good morals to live by, and that's why it is important to me. If scientists somehow completely proved that Jesus was fake and that my religion is nothing more than a lie, I wouldn't be upset, because just the basic principles of Christianity have led my life in what I believe to be the right direction.

BTW, daphne, I think you missed the point Stan Harris was trying to make about respecting others' religious beliefs.

fieldsr, It's great that Christianity helped you learn good morals but morality is not the exclusive domain of the church, and good parenting is just as - if not, more - effective at teaching kids a strong sense of morality.

And no, I'm not confused at all about the fact that a lot of people take from their religion whatever is convenient to them, and omit whatever isn't.

Snake, maybe you understand my evasivness on taking a concrete position. I just don't have a concrete position. I hate that, but there it is. Maybe I'm an athiest in denial. Maybe I want to believe, but can't. Not an easy place to be in.

Thanks for what you said. Same to you fletch, farhad and fieldsr :-) Oh, and Daphne

(this was to fieldsr, btw)

I don't need religion to guide my moral compass.

I had a coworker actually tell me that I was the type of person that would never pull over to help a stranded motorist because I didn't believe in God. That conversation ended when I asked him just how many people he has pulled over to help, or if he had EVER helped anyone. The nerve of some Christians! ;-)

You claim to be a Christian, yet you dismiss heaven and hell? I think the whole purpose of being a Christian is to get to heaven, isn't it? At least a huge part of it... isn't that the goal? If the tenets of Christianity help you live a better life, more power to ya, but that don't necessarily make you a Christian. Aesop's fables have taught me some very valuable life lessons, but that don't mean I believe goats can talk.

Haha I dont really dismiss the whole idea of it. It's too much to wrap my head around really, but if we have such a loving god, it seems hard to believe that he'd throw people in hell for their beliefs especially since many people are raised into their religious beliefs, making it harder for them to change. I believe in heaven, and I guess I believe in hell but I have no idea who goes where. I believe that Christ came to save us from our sins, so technically, by believing that, I am a christian.

"it seems hard to believe that he'd throw people in hell for their beliefs especially since many people are raised into their religious beliefs"

One of my huge problems with the whole thing. My grandfather was a minister, and my mom was my Sunday school teacher (all the way through confirmation). She hated those kinds of questions.

"There is nothing interesting about me really."

I bet there is.

I watched that show a few times. That episode was one of the ones I saw. Probably the last one. She was scary!! I was mad when I forgot to watch the second episode she was on. Hopefully it will be on iTunes or something and I will get to watch it.
Thanks for the post!

we need more discussion

*promote

Promoting this classic video back to the front page; last published Monday, September 18th, 2006 10:32am PDT - promote requested by K0MMIE.

magic is real!

Wow....just wow. I am really sitting here in awe at the moment. I somehow (and thankfully) missed this a year ago when it was posted.

The level of delusion this woman displayed goes beyond simple zealotry. Anyone who gets so angry that they lose control of their speech really needs to take a break, step back and do some examination. She's progressed passed the point of rational thinking, to a place where her beliefs have actually manifested themselves into a do-or-die state of mind. Interesting how she chooses anthropomorphizing into a "spiritual warrior", rather than say a "spiritual defender". There's that lovely tolerance Christianity teaches us. She is also so riled up, she fails to see the harm she is causing towards her own husband and children. It also appeared that this was not the first of this woman's rants in the household, as the youngest, while visibly upset, was not crying. If she wants to fuck up her own life with her religion-centric belief system, so be it. But the husband should extricate himself and the kids from this woman's vicinity until she seeks professional help in dealing with her psychosis.

What a fucking wackjob.
Philosophy > Religion

Love the thumbnail for this...it's almost the best part. You can see how batshit crazy she is just from that.

In Jesus' name I litter!

*1sttube *religion *terrible

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*promote

Promoting this video back to the front page; last published Wednesday, December 26th, 2007 6:02am PST - promote requested by dotdude.

Nobody called social security on that lady? Sad, sad world.

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(I Think)

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