Randy Cassingham's Blog

Quite a few readers responded with distress that hundreds of This is True readers unsubscribed because "I made Christians look bad" (or, alternatively, because in the story I wrote "atheists made Christians look bad". Sorry, but both concepts are incorrect: a few Christians made themselves look bad. Was their action an indictment of all Christians? Of course not. But a lot of Christians certainly felt that way, which says more about them than it does about the story (or the atheists involved).

But before we go on, read the story.

As usual, the comments from readers who actually think about their actions are interesting:

• Rev. Dan, a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor in Pennsylvania: "I thank you for pointing out the 'log in (Christians') eyes'. Such reporting helps me better to be aware of mistakes I myself might have made. I count myself fortunate to learn how our actions appear to others."
• Brendan in California: "I am once again dismayed to hear that you received backlash against your perfectly fair story from the Christian population. I being not only a true subscriber (premium for 2 years), but a Youth Pastor and Seminary Student, am impressed with you for continuing to stand your ground against ignorant Christians who love their blinders. There has been more than a few times where I have taken your stories about hypocritical Christians straight off your e-zine and into my sermons. They have been a great help in teaching my young Christians (ages 13-18) what their faith should/shouldn't look like. The only real question I had about the story was, how does an atheist pray? In all sincerity, I was very curious about what the atheist said at the invocation."

Atheists, of course, don't pray. They may say an invocation, however, which isn't the same thing. A copy of the invocation in question is on the page with the story.

• Cathy in North Carolina: "I am also one of the Christian faith, but often find myself embarrassed by those who flaunt their Christianity as the only way of life. It has come to the point that I no longer identify myself as Christian, and am wary of those that do, for they tend to be the most apt to spout 'better than thou' dogma. Those secure in their choice of faith, for there are so many valid versions to choose from, will have no issue with you stating the obvious! I understand that it is frustrating when such insecurities translate into $$, but I am proud to be a part of (how ever small, as a subscriber), your newsletter that shines light on everyone who behaves as a righteous ASS!"

Indeed, as I've said before, that is the saddest part of this minority of self-identified "Christian" readers acting the way they do: they drive people away from their own faith, their churches, even their self identity ("I no longer identify myself as Christian, and am wary of those that do"). Jesus taught about the problems that hypocrisy brings; almost intent on proving that, some of His followers insist on giving an example as to why. Yet they accuse me of being the problem!? How very sad.

To end on an up note, I offer this from Max in Missouri: "I appreciate your words on Christians. But please make fun of us Jews too, and all the other religions for that matter. Religious people tend to be a bit stuffy and we can use a little ribbing. Oh, and one thing for sure comes through loud and clear from your stories: God definitely has a sense of humor."