Angry People

During my time on campus yesterday I saw some kind of demonstration going on, and it turns out that a bunch of angry "Christians" with signs and lists of people who were going to burn in hell were drawing an equally agitated crowd. I didn't get close enough to see if I made the list, though as a scientist I think I'm included by default. I had no interest in these people, I didn't want to give the impression that I was involved in any way. There was a girl holding a "Free Hugs" sign several meters away. I made a bee-line for her, gave her a hug, and we both agreed that this whole things just makes us angry. And then I started heading for home.

Much to my dismay, they were asked to leave while I was walking to the bus and I found myself in the midst of about 6 wackos carrying signs and dressed in stupid anti-gay clothing, asking guys around them angrily if they were homosexuals. Thankfully they went in the opposite direction I was going when I crossed the street for the bus.

Never mind that the Bible doesn't technically advocate this kind of behavior. The last time I checked, Shmucky McShmuck with a sign doesn't decide anything for any deity.

Without giving these people too much of the attention they are so desperate to acquire, I just want to say a few things. I often hear people say that these people "make Christians look bad". It's true, they repel people from religion and give the absolute wrong impression. The point for these people isn't to draw anyone to Christianity, all they want is to be "persecuted" while making their testament to Jesus. That is the ONLY goal: it isn't about getting people to change their ways, it isn't about bringing people around to their way of thinking. They will say anything, no matter how backward, to get people angry at them, so the fact that they were removed from my campus just strengthens their cause. I know it doesn't make much sense to normal people; but that's because we're - well - normal.

If you want these kinds of people to go away, all you need to do is ignore them. Which of course goes against all normal human nature, and it sort of sounds like the lame advice parents give children who are dealing with a bully on the playground. Christians are told they will be persecuted and ridiculed in the name of God, which is very true and I've experienced it myself as a scientist of faith. However, THESE kinds of people have perverted and distorted this aspect of the religion. The absolute worst thing you can do is give them the time of day when they are behaving like this.