Hall of Flames

Hall of Flames - Pastor Tim's Hate MailThe world (and unfortunately some churches) have many discontented people and spiritual bullies. So when you try to uplift, entertain and encourage people, (and maybe even make them laugh) it only stands to reason that every now and then someone is going to go off the deep end on you. On the internet that deep end usually manifests itself through a vitrious and gall filled e-mail sent so the author can get his/her jollies by blasting you (otherwise known as a "flame").

Here is a collection of some of the more entertaining flames I have received. Don't worry about me. I've been around enough to know that such people come with the territory. Only, my approach is different that most other's. Most usually just get quiet or apologize in order to either placate the flamer and avoid getting burned up totally.

Me, I'd rather have a good laugh at their expense (after all I didn't make them type what they typed) and, in the case where they may attend the church I pastor, tell them to straighten up or go find another church to wreck.

Nobody eats sheep while this shepherd is on duty!

Do-Si-Don't Tell Jokes About Square Dancing

In response to the "Flu Do-Si-Do" joke (http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh-archive/5577-the-flu-do-si-do) the following comment was left anonymously under the name "A Caller" with a fake e-mail address.

This joke only perpetuates the hay-seed old time barn-dance that was Square Dancing. Modern Square Dancing is a Great & Fantastic, wholesome activity that is enjoyed by millions WORLD WIDE!!! We dance to every genre of music. Old & New. But, unfortunately, we can not seem to break "the image" of the dumb-hick hillbilly because of stupid things like this. I am ashamed that a "Church" would post something like this. Dance in Joy for the Lord and Let He that is without sin Cast the First Stone.

Read more: Do-Si-Don't Tell Jokes About Square Dancing

This is False Religion

j.*****@hotmail.com sent me the following feedback as to why they unsubscribed from the Cybersalt Digest newsletter.

jehovahs witness's have the truth, this is false religion

I replied:

Thanks for taking the time to send me your feedback.  It helped me to realize I'm being clear enough about what I believe.

- Pastor Tim

Kit Hates Christmas

In response to James Snyder's article "Behold, the Christmas Grinch Cometh" kit*****@gmail.com left the following comment through the artciel commenting system:

"Isn't it a shame that Christmas came out of the desire of the early church to destroy the religious holidays of others?
How dare those other people want to celebrate their own holiday at Yuletide, instead of the deliberately misplaced date of the birth of your demigod.
Of course, I doubt you'll allow this comment - despite the church's acknowledgment of this , most Christians hate to be reminded of the true roots of their holy day's dishonesty."

I replied:

Read more: Kit Hates Christmas

No News is Good News

OK.  So each day in my Cybersalt Digest newsletter I try to put pithy (BTW I don't have a lisp) comments to describe things that are new on the Cybersalt Site.  I put this news under a heading that says "Cybersalt News".

Yesterday there was no news so instead of leaving that section blank I put:

"I have good news for you; well, they say no news is good news."

Helen C. replied:

"This isn't funny, esp coming from a man of God.  The Gospel is literally GOOD NEWS."

I wrote Helen back:

Read more: No News is Good News

Thinking of Me

This flame I orignally didn't bother putting here but when the sender contacted me again out of the blue months later it was clear it owned a spot here.

So back on January 19th (today is March 27th) B***** Baker unsubscibed from one of my lists and gave the following reason for doing so:

I only wanted jokes, not to be preached to.  Left the cult of mormonism, and at this point I just don't want to be force fed about any religion, cause I found out that the Mormons were and still are a bunch of liars and I have no idea where their theory of theology came from along with all those secrets. Of course they never told me any of this when I was recruited,which is why I left.  I have since rejoined my Catholic church,and am much happier, but I only go when I want to go.  They don't take "attendance" like the mormons do.  I am currently helping a gal leave mormonism as well, as she was lied to also.I feel that God must be asking me to help her as she seems to be going through a very hard time right now, and has now gotten rid of all her mormon literature.  I guess she had been praying to the mormon version of God, and not the real one, or to the real Jesus.  That is where I come in, to show her right and wrong, but not to force any faith on her, as she needs my total support right now, and if she decides to go to any church, then that is her decision.  Thank you.

To busy to really diagnose what causes a person to feel force fed while reading an e-mail they signed up for from a pastor, I replied:

Read more: Thinking of Me

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