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Farewell to the Spectator
December 16, 2011 | 8 comments
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Tentative Praise for Ryan’s New Bipartisan Medicare Plan
December 15, 2011 | 3 comments
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Examiner for Romney, National Review Against Gingrich
December 14, 2011 | 39 comments
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Paul Ryan to Introduce New Medicare Plan with Democrat Ron Wyden
December 14, 2011 | 4 comments
The Spectacle Blog
Bad news, folks: Andres Serrano’s “Immersion (Piss Christ),” one of America’s most important and venerated gratuitous artistic insults to Christians (it depicts Jesus covered in urine), has been damaged by vandals while on display in Avignon, France. So terrible that such a violation of free speech could occur in a supposedly enlightened, Western country. Watch out everybody: zealots are on the march.
In other freedom of speech news, this story from the California Catholic daily:
Investigators suspect arson in a fire that destroyed St. John Vianney Church in Citrus Heights over the weekend.
“The investigators have been quite definitive to me, this was very definitely a deliberate act,” Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, told the Los Angeles Times.
The fire, which began shortly after midnight on Saturday, left only a burned out shell where the 5000-member parish’s sanctuary once stood. Various press reports said the blaze caused an estimated $8 million to $10 million in damages. The fire burned for almost three hours before firefighters were able to extinguish it.
…
The arson at St. John Vianney Church is the latest in a string of crimes against Catholic institutions across California. In January, a vandal spray-painted the words “Kill the Cathlics” on the walls of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim and St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. Beginning in December 2010, Holy Family Catholic Church in Glendale was forced to tighten security measures after a thief repeatedly broke into collection boxes used by parishioners to donate money to the needy.
And there are many more stories like this one from just the past few days.
View all comments (49) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Joseph Lawler
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/04/19/limited-concerns-about-piss-ch
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PattyMor| 4.19.11 @ 11:15AM
Can you imagine any artist brave enough to depict a picture of the Prophet (of the religion of peace) in a vat of urine? I say not; only Christianity is reserved for such profanity. Indeed the Devil is hard at work.
LarryK| 4.19.11 @ 2:11PM
Yea, If there were a "Piss M*******" work of "art" there would be cries of jihad and fatwas galore. "Religion of Peace", as Mad Max would say, "My big Ol' butt."
CalMark| 4.19.11 @ 2:12PM
Thomas Aquinas said the only thing that could possibly make him question God's goodness was the mosquito. My own such question is why the Devil is allowed such sway in a country full of decent people.
SoCon| 4.19.11 @ 5:13PM
Because not enough decent people have objected to this hatred yet.
David T| 4.19.11 @ 11:19AM
If the churches were predominately black and located in the South, the media would be in a frenzy.
Zero Establishment| 4.19.11 @ 11:23AM
The coming persecution is in its infant stages. Christians will act the same way as they did during other violent movements (Popular Front - Spain, Nazism - Germany, etc.). They'll either be indifferent to it (the majority) or stand up and be further persecuted for their beliefs (the minority).
W| 4.19.11 @ 11:38AM
The attacks on the Catholic churches should make make happy all the anti-catholic bigoted idiots who regularly write their moronic rants on the site. Come on, let's hear it: false religion, priests, beads, Romanist, popery.
Quartermaster| 4.19.11 @ 6:18PM
In my opinion, Roman Catholicism is a false form of Christianity, but I still hate to see their Church buildings torched. Anywhere such crimes take place is a powder keg. Like every leftist gang in history, the left loves violence in the name of their cause. Decent people had better stand up and decry this trash, or decent people will find themselves in the same furnace in to which the Nazis pushed Germany and the Bolsheviks pushed Tsarist Russia.
Kyle| 4.19.11 @ 6:31PM
Decent people better speak out or your church could be next.
W| 4.19.11 @ 6:45PM
And who appointed you to decide what is a true or false form of Christianity? Skip quoting some obscure Bible verse from your computer
'....still hate to see their Church buildings torched..." doesnt sound very convincing, as if you had to think about it. the word "still"
Kyle| 4.19.11 @ 6:50PM
Nothing decent about that qualifier: Intolerance comes in all forms.
darcy| 4.19.11 @ 11:57AM
I do hope your comment about Serrano's work was tongue-in-cheek. The work itself should have been roundly condemned by civilized and decent people everywhere at the time of its creation; that it was not is not a sign of tolerance and "free speech" but of barbarism. Evil, no matter how cloaked in euphemism is still evil.
Today, we can't even name our enemies as terrorists, or their wicked deeds as Islamic terrorist acts -- we call them man-caused disasters, or some other foolish and deliberately misleading, obfuscating terms. But we're all supposed to applaud the new "freedom" of expression when it includes grossly blasphemous acts, as was Serrano's so-called art.
Good for France that it is waking from its secular slumber to embrace its Christian heritage. I only hope it's not too late.
SoCon| 4.19.11 @ 12:06PM
St. John Vianney Church in Hacienda Heights was a beautiful church, and it's deliberate destruction is a heinous act against the good Catholic parisioners who worshiped there.
I've attended mass there; it is where my father in law became a Catholic.
The parishioners of St. John Vianney are heartbroken but not defeated--they have already started a building drive and are accepting donations to help them rebuild their church. Please pray for this vibrant Catholic community.
Occam's Tool| 4.19.11 @ 1:25PM
The action against the church is despicable. Unfortunately, more is coming as we are ground between the mills of Atheism and Islam.
SoCon| 4.19.11 @ 1:47PM
Bring it!
Push-back is good, dear O's T.
Occam's Tool| 4.19.11 @ 6:10PM
I have no problem with what was done to the Piss-Christ, really; but I do have a problem with the desecration of churches, So-Con. Is that a statement you agree with, or do you think the church vandalism was good? I'm honestly confused.
SoCon| 4.19.11 @ 6:20PM
Sorry for the confusion--I agree with you!
I know more violence is coming our way and we have to gird our loins to defend our way of life.
This church was truly beautiful and it breaks my heart that it was purposely burned to the ground. It was a very large structure--the fire that consumed it must have been huge.
I cannot fathom the evil that resides in the hearts of some people. Frightening.
Too Many Tims| 4.19.11 @ 1:08PM
I was disappointed to learn that the object in question was in fact, not a big jar of piss, but a mere photograph of one.
Darudz| 4.19.11 @ 1:12PM
Here's an idea for Mr. Serrano: display a copy of the Koran in a jar of urine. He should be an equal opportunity blasphemer.
SoCon| 4.19.11 @ 1:49PM
Good luck with that! The gutless wonders wouldn't dare.
Seek| 4.19.11 @ 3:28PM
"Piss Christ" is ancient news. That whole affair is so 1989 and had been done to death by the end of 1990. Why give a hoot? One anecdote a cultural trend does not make.
Brooke| 4.19.11 @ 3:39PM
Funny you don't address the torched churches.
Why is that? Would you also dismiss torched mosques?
WB| 4.19.11 @ 3:43PM
I think you already know the answer to that one ...
Brooke| 4.19.11 @ 4:02PM
Of course I already know; I just want to call the troll out on his rank hypocrisy.
Ken| 4.19.11 @ 3:35PM
Burning of Catholic church? That's nothing to get worked up about. Burning of a Koran? That's so despicably intolerant everyone must weigh in with their sputtering indignation.
Margie| 4.19.11 @ 4:27PM
Catholic doctrine that isn't Biblical I do not agree with, but I don't rejoice at the burning down of any church building that Christians gather in, just for the record.
Though I'm sure some Catholics would rejoice in the burning down of a building containing me in it.
Occam's Tool| 4.19.11 @ 6:11PM
The Margie! The Margie! Yippee!
(Not that I'm enthusiastic or anything.)
Margie| 4.19.11 @ 6:27PM
(((blushing))).
Thanks, OT.
W| 4.19.11 @ 6:41PM
OT, you approve of anti catholic bigots like margie? ask for her opinion of your religion, Judaism, and then write back.
Margie| 4.19.11 @ 6:53PM
First you say, bring it on~ a phony, two bit thing to do.
Then we sincerely show some solidarity and this is what we get?
What a fake, phony fraud you are, W.
W| 4.20.11 @ 8:45AM
did not say "bring it on." do not need or want what you think is solidarity from an anti catholic bigot. you rants on this site are the verbal equivalent of the burnings. your so called solidarity is phony, you share the same anti catholic bigotry as the hoodlums doing the burnings. and skip the computerized bible verses. don't care what you "think"
Kyle| 4.20.11 @ 2:54PM
Not much of a Christian is she? Nasty and spiteful, Margie pushes people away from Jesus Christ. Prideful people like Margie do more harm than good, and she should repent while she still can.
Margie| 4.20.11 @ 4:24PM
I just have one question for you Catholics who despise me for speaking from the Bible~
Are you anti Bible believing Christian Bigots?
Kyle| 4.20.11 @ 4:45PM
Margie, you don't speak from the Bible, you speak from hatred and bigotry. The fruit of your labor proves it. You sow anger and discord hardly the work of a true Christian.
Look into your heart before it's too late.
Tina B| 4.19.11 @ 5:45PM
Margie, is it really you???
Margie| 4.19.11 @ 5:48PM
Hi Tina B.
Yes, it's me.
Tina B| 4.19.11 @ 6:01PM
One wacko gathers a group of other whacks and publicly burns someone's holy book. Whether it is really a holy book is neither here nor there. I don't happen to think it is inspired by anyone good, not the Lord and not any angels of His. Across the globe, a few days later, the practitioners of the co-called holy books religion murder more than 20 people in revenge.
Then we have California. Someone is not just burning a holy book, they're doing millions of dollars in damage to an entire (thousands of people) congregation, who supported the building of that church, and who are now left with a disaster area to remind them of the hatred that inspired this it for a long time to come. And no one will even protest this. Where is the media coverage?
Somehow they found out about the Kansas Krazies all the way in Afganistan, and responded mightily. Too mightily, and in their typical murderous fashion.
But here, in the home of the brave and one of the last of the lands of the free, members of the the MSM press corps are lying on the couch like an evil Petunia Pig, with whiskers, popping bon-bons in her mouth as the Roman Catholic churches burn. How come I am just seeing it in print now, was it a secret? Wasn't it newsworthy?
Deborah D | 4.20.11 @ 8:31AM
It makes no sense to me that the crazies in Kansas could inspire the torching of a Catholic Church. Aren't they "Baptist"? Or is it because whoever did the torching don't distinguish between Christian faiths?
Whatever the motivation, as a Catholic or a Baptist, we should all take this as the first shot across the bow. Be on guard, all Christians, something evil is stirring.
Kyle| 4.20.11 @ 2:46PM
Most likely anarchists are torching Catholic churches. The Catholic Church has stood up for the unborn and traditional marriage, and that is anathema to the hate-filled atheists.
Tina B| 4.19.11 @ 6:05PM
Margie,
Praise God, good to see you back,
and any church should be glad to have a fiesty Christ lover like you sit in the pews. If they are preaching according to the Word, and only His Word, I am sure you'd be "amen"ing , que nos?
:-)
Margie| 4.19.11 @ 6:20PM
YES.
Thanks, Tina.
I originally stuck up for that preacher man to burn the koran, but I changed my mind. (repented). I do not think it is a good idea to do such a thing, and though I hate the "Religion of Peace", why make trouble where there wasn't any there.. why instigate it?
Souls are won to Christ by example, and one on one (or preaching from a soap box for that matter), but they are won by others hearing the SCRIPTURES.
If I wanted to burn a koran, I'd do it in private.. but I don't see the need for it, anyway. I have to say that burning it in public is sorta like the guy in the New Testament that prayed loudly in public to be seen by other men.
Not a good thing.
ThatJoeGuy| 4.19.11 @ 7:17PM
Boy, I do not even want to be in the same solar system as this 'artist' when he faces the Almighty.
Darudz| 4.19.11 @ 8:01PM
I think God will be really Pissed.
Tina B| 4.19.11 @ 8:09PM
When we would hear about the death of a prominent atheist or someone who creates art that defames Christ, our Savior, my hubby or I would look at each other and one would say, "Hello, God" the other would reply "Hello, God". that's all we'd say. Out of respect for the dead.
Then my darlin hubby died, almost a year ago, in the night, and in his sleep. He'd mentioned that as a great way to go, just the previous week. True story.
He'd nearly died 3 years prior, entered as an alcoholic with a big hole in his stomach and peritonitis, and exited the hospital dry and thankful to God 2 months later. He retired on a small pension and gratefully , as he regained his health and began to enjoy life sober.
Then he was gone in the blink of an eye exactly three years later. "Hello, God." He got to bow down and say that to the face of the Lord. And Greg and I both know, the Lord said, "Hello my Gregger."
He had been waiting to see Christ as he watched the world around him changing. What a sweet welcome home it must have been. Many of us here in these posts are awaiting just that. The church arsonists, and the "liberal" art funders, or funders of "LIBERAL" non-art, will really get to say, "Hello God." Everyone will, and you can take that to the bank.
Margie| 4.19.11 @ 8:25PM
Tina,
Great testimony concerning your beloved. I know many such cases and have a few friends in the same boat. One friend I knew from childhood comes to mind in particular. When Jesus rescued me from the bonds of Sin, I used to witness to my old friends in the neighborhood, including him.
Only one friend repented and became a Christian, his cousin, my best friend!
Decades later, (4)~ I looked up his name on Google and wrote to him. Turns out (he was a drug addict and alcoholic and did time in prison as a youth)~ turns out he had an accident while doing some carpentry and broke his neck.
He's now a paraplegic and in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
But do you know what? He told me he prays to Yaweh, as he puts it. He is clean and sober now and keeping as healthy as he can.
Sometimes God lets us go for decades, sometimes to near life's end in our own way, and then He swoops down and says, "It's time for you to come to Me",
I have heard that God doesn't let those who are His die until they are ready. It only makes sense to me!
Hello God, indeed. :^)
wodiej| 4.20.11 @ 9:43AM
wonderful story, thank you for sharing.
wodiej| 4.20.11 @ 9:40AM
Denigrating Christ (or anyone for that matter) is not art. It's a perverted, delusional, misplaced venue for someone who lacks peace in their spirit.
Margie| 4.20.11 @ 4:33PM
Genuine Christians care about the Bible, and seek to live by what it says. Are not His Words to be the standard?
If so, then better find out if what your Religion is teaching you is Biblical or NOT.
Jesus said we aren't His disciples UNLESS we continue in His Word.
ttp://www.studyyourbibleonline.com/
Especially meaningful is this:
"If we accept the Bible as divinely inspired and authoritative, then we are admitting that its teachings must rule our lives. Whatever the Bible says is what God says or what Christ says. The Lordship of Jesus only becomes a reality in a person’s life inasmuch as that person submits his/her life to the specific teachings of the Bible. Whether it is on salvation, or morality, or integrity, or worship, or the family, or sexual conduct, or whatever else it might be, the Bible conveys the will of God for our lives. That is why it is so important to do precisely what the Bible says."
Think about it. If you're HATING a Bible believing Christian for the simple FACT that he or she stands on the Word of God~~ just WHAT does that make YOU?
You will have to answer to God about that.
Lotsa luck!
Kyle| 4.20.11 @ 4:51PM
Genuine Christians are not prideful like you, Margie, and you will have to answer to God for that!
You're going to need more than luck where you're going.