Saturday, July 30, 2011
There really are two Americas and I will never, and I mean NEVER, relate to this one!
But I do have to say that there are several members of my family who would feel right at home listening to that prayer and watching those cars drive around, and around, and around, and around, and....well you get the idea.
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Well. I mean. Well.
ReplyDeleteI guess we know where the priorities of U.S. Religion are.
WeeeHah!!! I don't get it either, but what does an east coast liberal elitist know anyway :)
ReplyDeleteya know i've been a nascar fan for most all my 55 years, ( guess most of it goes back to all the years i raced flat track motorcycles ) but that, THAT, I have no idea where that chubby cheeked idiot was coming from, whatta douch
ReplyDeleteWhy is there a public prayer before an auto race? And why wouldn't it include "keep the drivers safe?" (Maybe it did, I had to stop listening after a minute...cannot stand that TN drawl without throwing in the preacher whines.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Southerner, and I hate NASCAR. Bad cars, worthless drivers, and soooo much money. It's all about profit and sponsorship--more so than any other professional sport.
ReplyDeleteWere a certain bearded man from Nazareth to find himself at a NASCAR race, methinks he'd overturn quite a few tables, especially after that horrific, offensive, stupid prayer. Moneylenders in the temple and all that!!
I follow NASCAR, but the whole "pre-race prayer" thing still wigs me out a bit.
ReplyDeleteTalk about using the "Lords name in Vain". -prime example
ReplyDeleteJesse, I have been a nascar fan for over 40 years, and am agnostic, have no problem with a prayer before the race, especially for the drivers, crew, and fan safety. However, this guy is a laughing stock in both the nascar and the conservative christian arena, trust me, he won't be invited back.
ReplyDeleteWhat a waste of a prayer.
ReplyDeleteI could not listen to the end, but I hope to God he prayed for the safety of the drivers.
That should have been first.
I grew up near DC, in Virginia, and had friends that were totally into the NASCAR thing. Those of us that weren't called them "rednecks" and made fun of their hobby. Back then, I'd have to say, the rednecks I knew that went to NASCAR events would have been the first to laugh their ass off at some douchebag preacher spouting prayers at a car race. These guys were pure redneck heathens with absolutely no gods but moonshine and weed. Not sure when bible thumping got entwined with car racing but it makes me laugh, and I'm certain it would make my outlaw, redneck, high school acquaintances laugh really hard as well.
ReplyDeleteNASCAR has its roots in the bootleg running of booze during Prohibition. There never seemed to be much room for god in the redneck booze-running trade.
This is just another example of the crazy god folks trying to insinuate their fairy tale into all aspects of life. Yawn, these people need to learn to think for themselves rather than spend all their time applying a crazy 3000 year old fairy tale to all aspects of life.
Gryph, ya lost me with the title of your post. Are you saying there is a racing America and a non-racing America? I am a long time reader of IM, and know you to be quite open-minded, across the board, as well as know you like to stir the pot so to speak, to engender lively discussion!
ReplyDeleteI am a NASCAR fan and in all likelihood do not fit the generally accepted stereotype of a NASCAR fan. I understand that not everyone likes to watch racing, and there are sports events that I don't care to watch. I am well educated, served my country in the Air Force for 21+ years, not considered to be a "red neck", and am a Liberal politically. Having said all that, while I believe in God, organized religion leaves me cold. There have been many discussion threads on IM about the radical religion sects (Quiverfull, et al) and the danger they present to society. Yet, here is a religious man being looked down upon for a humorous, tongue-in-cheek prayer prior to a sporting event. I have no idea what his take on religion is, but I bet it poses no threat to us; in fact, isn't it refreshing to be able to listen to that message rather than the messages of Pastor Muthee, Pastor Terry Jones, and Pastor Harold Camping?
Brett
Um, the "two Americas" idea had to do with socio-economic division, I believe. Anyone who is surprised about this kind of stuff at NASCAR doesn't get out much.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me this obsession with Christians isn't really getting you anywhere, Gryphen. If you have a spiritual practice, why don't you just share it with all of us?
If you don't, why don't you share what does make you feel good about life and your place in it?
Otherwise, time to find new topics. I guess it's a quiet week with Sarah and Bristol, hmmm?
Maybe you'd like to do a survey of other religions and focus on what you like about them? Maybe you'd like to highlight the secular humanist movement and share what you like about it?
Or maybe you can just find new ways to be positive, instead of incessantly negative.
I am all for stopping folks like the Palins, but at some point my life has to be about more than that. What about you?
The Fundamentalist Christians of the NASCAR world do not represent Christians everywhere.
ReplyDeleteFundamentalists, in general, do not represent all of Christianity.
While my attempts at clarification are probably not needed and likely are not appreciated here, I feel an obligation to keep people honest - or at least better informed.
I have read that perhaps only 25% of Christians are what we would consider Fundamentalist, and among those there are upwards of 70% who in fact do NOT desire America to become a Christian nation.
The fear and the hype about this far outweighs the perceived threat.
If there are NASCAR fans who are put off by this stuff, they need to complain loudly.
anon @ 3:35..
ReplyDeletegood point comparing muthee, camping and jones to the nascar evangelical..
the guy was cheerful and said some unconventional things - ya'll could have found it amusing
ReplyDeleteit was josh billings who advised, "always take hold of things by the smooth handle"
"In Jesus' name, boogeta boogeta, boogeta!" WTFlip is that supposed to mean?
ReplyDelete@3:55 uh-hem...hello concern Troll. Me thinks you need to reconsider the name of Gryph Blog...OPPOSITE of:
ReplyDelete"The Moral Majority"...
"The origins of the Moral Majority can be traced to 1976, when Jerry Falwell embarked on a series of “I Love America” rallies across the country to raise awareness of social issues important to Falwell. These rallies were an extension of Falwell’s decision to go against the traditional Baptist principle of separating religion and politics, a change of heart Falwell says he had when he perceived the decay of the nation’s morality. Through hosting these rallies, Falwell was able to gauge national support for a formal organization and also raise his profile as a leader. Having already been a part of a well-established network of ministers and ministries, within a few years Falwell was favorably positioned to launch the Moral Majority.
The Moral Majority was formally initiated as a result of a struggle for control of an American conservative Christian advocacy group known as Christian Voice during 1978. During a news conference by Christian Voice's founder, Robert Grant, he claimed that the Religious Right was a "sham... controlled by three Catholics and a Jew." Paul Weyrich, Terry Dolan, Richard Viguerie (the Catholics) and Howard Phillips (the Jew) left Christian Voice. During a 1979 meeting, they urged televangelist Jerry Falwell to found Moral Majority (a phrase coined by Weyrich). This was also the beginning of the New Christian Right..."
So, has anyone been able to find a picture of his "smokin' hot wife?"
ReplyDeleteOther than being a bit disrespectful, I didn't see anything overtly wrong with this pastor's prayer.
NASCAR is not my cup of tea, nor my husband's. To be honest, I'd never really heard of NASCAR until about 10 or 15 years ago. But I'm not going to look down upon those who enjoy it. To each their own.
3:55 is cordially invited to stop reading IM at any time. The idea for visiting a blog (I thought) was to see what the writer has say, not to dictate what the writer 'should' be saying. Lots of other blogs out there that might float your boat a bit higher --- or....you could always start your own blog and wait for folks to tell you what to write about.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Gryphen, for interjecting on your behalf but sometimes ...yeesh!
This commenter reminds me of the folks that apparently can't find the 'off' button on the tv/radio when they don't want to listen.
Oh, nooooooo, they would rather complain.
Like I said....yeeesh!
Goodness people! Lighten up! Jesus has a sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteActually, I thought the whole so-called prayer was pretty damned ridiculous and funny...as apparently did most of the drivers there who were listening to it and laughing through it. I'd like to see what that fat boy thinks of as a "smokin' hot wife".
ReplyDeleteBill Maher "America's Indoor Palin's..."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcmN5DMTpD4
The anti-Christian. No prayer asking to protect the drivers and spectators. Just "smokin' hot wife" and "boogety boogety boogety!" That about sums it up. I guess. Maybe
ReplyDeleteGryphen, I'm with you on the obnoxiousness of having a whole free market sportin event opening with a prayer - but you didn't get the joke on this one? I take it you haven't watched Will Farrell's character say this ridiculous prayer as Ricki Bobby of Talladega Nights:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuAUI_0knfk
5 miserable years in a Catholic elementary school is good prep for this kind of "prayer"
ReplyDeleteYou only hear the first 3 words then you depart mentally to gleefully invoke the wrath of the demons of hell.
I was in my late teens before I realized that there are people that actually listen when someone introduces a prayer as if it's perfectly acceptable to inflict one. I don't understand WHY they listen but the fact that they do still astounds me.
Wish there was some way to "recommend" certain comments on these threads. Also think the preacher man at the NASCAR thingie was more humorous than dangerous. It takes all kinds, and we progressives, more than anybody, need to be tolerant.
ReplyDeleteI want to take back OUR country: From the "Christians"...
ReplyDeleteIs it in our Constitution to have freedom of and FROM religion?
What TF happened to that?! I have a sense of humor but this sheeit is getting SO OLD!
Yeah, the guy was "off track" in any number of ways, a fat target, for Believers and non-Believers alike.
ReplyDeleteBut, gotta tell ya, I do think Christ would have enjoyed "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity." (Or at least John the Baptist would have?) And Christ definitely stood up for, broke bread with (and was surrounded by during his lifetime) all manner of folk that were "off track," that mainstream people (like us) held contempt for. The awkward, the less than eloquent (also like us). That was his specialty.
His specialty also, may I add, were mainstream people who held others in contempt (like us).
I'm not a big fan of prayers before sporting events. . .but I am a big fan of prayer. And if I am honest, I am sure a few of mine would flunk the "appropriate test" . . .and thank God only He was listening at the time.
I might be wrong here, and the theology way too simple, but I get the impression that Christ values those who "show up" - regardless of a less than stellar performance.
MicMac
Thanks, Gryphen, I really needed a laugh, and I had to laugh at this guy. I'm not a fan of NASCAR, but have no problem with people who are nor people who shop at Walmart.
ReplyDeleteI don't care what you decide to write about, it's your blog and your right to do it, if peeps don't like it, try another blog.
Thank You for my smoking hot wife, for your hand in making these things possible... sunoco, for gas, and oil, 7-11, Piggy Wiggly, Bartles and James wine coolers, coleman tents, condoms and ky yours and mine, Viagra, gretian formula, and anyone else who sponsors cars. Boogety boogety hee haw whop dee do, pass the bisquits and red gravy. Protect the drivers, gentlemen, start your engines but stay away from my smoking hot wife.
Amen
And, Lynne, might I ask you to reconsider your comment about “fat boy” and “his smokin’ hot wife”? Are the chubby forever banned from real love? If his wife falls short of your standard of “hot” – does that really, truly call into question her desirability as a wife?
ReplyDeleteI thought the Feminist movement precisely targeted contempt for women based upon their appearance. Surely you are not buying into that one. In fact, if one might find his wife to be somewhat short of “smokin’ hot” by some sort of universal physical standard – does this not celebrate, not diminish, the love this man has for his wife in his own eyes?
And the man, himself?
MicMac
This was just a play on the prayer from Talladega Nights--nothing original here.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a religious person, but it really is offensive to me to hear people speak about God in such idiotic ways. It is offensive when people suggests that they won a sporting event because of God, or that they won an award because of God - as if those things would be on a God's priorities to deal with - not missing children, hunger, sexually or abused children, people dying in droughts, war, in tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes-- not the people who are dying from various diseases. No, God is a fan of award shows, DWTS results, sports and fixes the results for His or Her favorite.
ReplyDeleteAnd if God gave this guy a Hot Wife as his blessing, what did she ever do to God to be given away like a prize to such a homely fellow like that?
I check this blog at least three times a day and have made numerous comments on here. I think the post on this topic is kind of over the top. Not all NASCAR fans are Christian fanatics. My wife and I attend all the NASCAR and Indy car events at Texas Motor Speedway, and we are as liberal as you can get. If you have been to any of these races you would see that there is every form of life there. Watching the people at the races is as entertaining as the race itself. Just because a preacher has a little fun with the pre-race invocation, isn't a reason to condemn anyone who is associated with the sport. We have a lot more important things to be concerned about right now. Trust me, NASCAR fans aren't trying to destroy our country by allowing a goofy prayer at the beginning of a race.
ReplyDelete3:55 - you don't read this blog very often if you conclude that Gryphen doesn't speak to positives.
ReplyDeleteJust read the posts about his daughter, for example, or his compassion towards the Tucson shooting victims or any number of other topics.
Gryphen has discussed his spiritual views, and he is not down on Christians per se. He, like most of us, are against hypocrites which are the Christianists are (faux-Christians).
I challenge you to go through his archives. This is a moral, caring and optimistic man who values truth, family and integrity.
DumbASSCar. Give me world rally. Those guys can drive.
ReplyDeleteBrett 3:55 PM - I agree with you organized religion is deadwood. I really wish people would stop confusing Christianity with 'public christians' they see on TV, & using their questionable example to mock all Christians.
ReplyDeleteThey don't do that with other religions.
Sharon TN
Gryphen!
ReplyDeleteThis picture (Sarah da Borg) is for you and IM's readers.
enjoy!
http://i.imgur.com/UdJUn.jpg
I'm thinking the fastest way to guaran-damn-tee separation of church and state is to take away the last barrier: taxes.
ReplyDeleteNo more exemptions for church property, income, or personnel. Let's see how long some of the megachurches last when they have to file their taxes...
Then buffoons like this guy might actually have to pay attention to their congregations.
I also live in the South and I don't get NASCAR either. It's like watching M&M's circle the inside of a toilet bowl. But I spend part of every afternoon jumping horses over fences and I'm sure there are people who don't get that either. So to each his own.
ReplyDeleteNACAR is the new pro wrestling...one step up from repubaggers.
ReplyDeleteGoL
Brian Williams of NBC is a big NASCAR fan. One never knows.
ReplyDeleteBill
Lighten up people.I am a Cali liberal,who has lived in the South.I enjoy NASCAR(my younger son watched it every weekend at home until he went off to college).This Preacher was having some fun,and the drivers enjoyed it.Having been to some churches in the South,and some of the gospel churches here in Cali with friends,this guy is "normal".He sure beats those hypocritical priests I grew up having to listen spew b.s. in the Catholic Church.I believe in God,not religion,and I am pretty sure God is okay with someone having a good time and making us laugh.
ReplyDelete"God's priorities… missing children, hunger, sexually or abused children, people dying in droughts, war, in tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes… people who are dying from various diseases."
ReplyDeleteSo, uhm… why exactly DOESN'T "god" deal with these issues?
====
For anyone interested, there is a superb book out called "The God Virus". It explains PERFECTLY the mechanisms that allow otherwise normal people to self-lobotomize certain sections of their brains. Works for all religions equally, even the "religion" of communism.
Even if you have been an atheist or agnostic, after reading this book, you will never be able to look at any of these religious antics—or at the individuals infected with the god virus—in the same way again.
http://www.thegodvirus.net/
Non-denominational evangelicals are gathering strength, and are making quite a concerted effort to inject their virus into every aspect of secular culture. Even if you can laugh off certain instances of it, it's designed to acclimate us and "soften us up" for a hostile takeover.
Notice the strained and artificial invocation of god in a lot of TV shows lately? Yeah, me too.
...and you wonder why I contend that religion in general, and Christianity in particular, is a joke?
ReplyDeleteThere's a NASCAR track here in Kansas and I must admit - I'D RATHER WATCH THE GRASS GROW than go to a "race"! They totally turned me off when they pandered to ol' bushie!
ReplyDeleteI used to watch, but it is getting boring, and the fans just don't show up like they used too, if you watch you will notice the stands half empty and the cameras trained not to show the empty stands. They are pretending everything is ok, but it is not. It is an old white boy game and is fading away....
ReplyDeleteI've lived in the south all my life and had no desire to follow Nascar although I love just about any kind of sports. Crazy to sit and watch cars go round'n'round. Went to my first Nascar race (free tickets) a few years back and was blown away and had a great time. Didn't understand a lot of the inter-workings but was intrigued by everything going on inside and outside of the track. Watching it on TV just doesn't do it justice.
ReplyDeleteLike Nascar, my first exposure to real wrestling was when my son joined the High School wrestling team. I wasn't too excited about his decision for my only exposure to 'wrestling' was the TV kind of which I totally deplore. Anyhow, it was an eye opener regarding the real sport of wrestling as well as and what it takes to train. Developing strength, agility, dexterity, with allot of perverseness and practice which helped him with his first love, soccer. I can away with a great appreciation of that sport and to this day, I rank it as one of the most individually challenging sports that I've encountered.
The take away from all this is that through my experiences with sports, I've learned to keep an open mind to all things and to minimize any preconceived notions.
As for the Nascar preacher presence at the race, whatever floats their boat as long as there isn't any call for violence, belittlement and hatred being blasted over the speakers.
BTW. Micmac - I really appreciated your message and can easily relate for I'm not a practicing mainstream adult and really don't care to be.
Come on, loosen up. I think the guy was just having fun. Although.....product placement prayers are the very definition of taking the Lord's name in vain. LOL!! That said, his prayer wasn't malicious (for example, gay-hating) and it made me smile. It makes me sad that fakey Christianists have put people off on religion and prayer.
ReplyDeleteI actually thought it was cute. It made light of racing and if he has a "smokin' hot wife"...well, more power to him.
ReplyDeleteOh, and, here's a link to the Pastor, his kids Eli and Emma, and his "smokin' hot wife".
ReplyDeletehttp://familybaptistchurchlebanon.com/default_files/Page581.htm
I don't know how long ago this picture was taken, but I think it's great he thinks she's "smokin' hot"!
Aw come on, I thought it was funny.
ReplyDeleteWow, I must say I'm pretty shocked so few people recognize the Talledega Nights subreference. I guess your readers got punked, Gryphen.
ReplyDeleteI live in the heart of Nascar country, right outside Charlotte, NC, home of the Nascar hall of fame museum! Ironically, it's located on Martin Luther King Blvd! My stepdad dragged my mom to a Nascar race years ago and she said she'll never go back; way too many confederate flags flying around, ha. I don't know how it is today, but this prayer thing doesn't surprise me. I've never been to a Nascar race and probably never will, not my thing; but it's a big thing around here and the local news covers it extensively, so i'm very familiar with it.
ReplyDelete