Most importantly, I want to be a cool and clever religious believer.

[Kerrytravelers]

I guess to AOL, these people are news... I'll report, you decide...:eyes:

<http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050417201009990013&ncid=NWS00010000000001>



Slogans on Edgy Religious T-Shirts Gain Notice, Sales
'Got Jesus?' and 'Satan Sucks' Are Among Items Available at Kansas Store

By CARL MANNING, AP

<snip>

Along with ones saying "Got Jesus?" and "Fear God" are shirts declaring, "Satan Sucks," "My God can kick your god's butt," and "To Hell with the Devil."

<snip>

Teens and those in their early 20s see consumerism as a way to express convictions, she said.

<snip>

Noting trends typically start on the coasts, Stellin said, "I wouldn't be surprised if it worked its way to the Midwest because the core values of religion are much stronger in the Midwest and South."

<snip>

"There has been such a rise in spiritual interest across the country, especially the youth looking for ways to express their faith and values," he said. "They are wearing T-shirts both as a fashion statement and a faith statement."

<snip>

"My concern with the T-shirts is that may be good for rallying the faithful, but offensive to those outside that circle," Detweiler said. "Did Jesus build bridges or burn them? Did Jesus ever say they shall know us by our T-shirts?"

But extreme clothing has appeal, said Abe Hernandez, a founder of a chain of five C28 stores in southern California and a line of wholesale clothing that includes T-shirts sporting "King Kong Wasn't My Grandpa."

<snip>

"If I wear it, I'm not only saying that I'm a religious believer but that I'm also a cool and clever religious believer," Cobb said. "Being cool and clever is what young people want to do."






Here is a little poll AOL had on a sidebar. I voted inappropriate.

What do you think about this mixture of pop culture and faith?
Nothing wrong with it 48%
I'd be careful about it 27%
It's inappropriate 25%






Personally, as a Christian, I find beauty in the mystyism and reverence of my Catholic faith. I think this crap cheapens the faith and insults others in quite an offensive manner. I think all faiths are connected in a spiritual way and to insult them is to insult your own faith. And to those who choose not to join a faith, it is insulting to them as well.

I don't need a corporations assistance in expressing my convictions. I have a large vocabulary and an education to do that quite nicely. BUt, I do find it interesting that the south and midwest have crowned themselves the true protrayers of religoin and faith. If this is their "faith," this cheapening and insulting expression of insecure dominance, they can have it.

But most importantly, I want to be a cool and clever religious believer. :eyes:

[TlalocW]

1. In high school

My brother went on a religious kick and used to wear a white sweatshirt with the red, white, and blue Pepsi circle symbol on it, but instead of Pepsi, it said Jesus. He thought it was cool that certain elements in our high school didn't like it.

TlalocW

[elehhhhna]

2. Satan Sucks. Nice family fare.

[UdoKier]

3. This is nothing new.

I was just watching "Sister Act 2" last night, and in the film, the choir goes into a rousing chorus of "You down with G.O.D.? Yeah, you know me!" - based on the song "O.P.P. (other people's pussy) Very nice! And that movie was 12 years old!

But it shouldn't surprise people that religion would be dumbed down like everything else. Why teach religion rich with history and nuance, when you can distill it down to a rap song, and thus avoid the questions that are inevitably raised by all the massive contradictions in the bible.


But the film was a joy to see nonetheless, thanks to a young, beautiful pre-stardom Lauryn Hill. She was already a stunning vocalist, even back then.