Back in July, we sprawled all over this Wall about some sanctimonious loon who decided it would be a grand idea to burn a wheelbarrow full of Qu’rans in an effort to talk smack about Muslims on September 11.
Never mind that only an underground stink tank full of extremists committed those heinous acts on that fateful day. Mr. “Too Stupid to Read the Paper” decided burning their holy writ was precisely how to keep demented Muslim Jihadists down to a calm sense of being.
Yeah well, he was sorely mistaken as the entire country not only told him just how stupid he was, but that there could be a slight attempt to bomb his Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla. like Hiroshima. In short, he realized not having a high school education was too much to overcome, so he better keep the gig he has.
It seems “Reverend” Terry Jones since deciding to no burn a Qu’ran, has deserved some love. Aaaaaaaaaaaand tell what he’s won:
The Rev. Terry Jones, the Florida pastor who caused a firestorm last month when he came close to staging a public Quran burning, is getting a new car courtesy of a New Jersey dealership. In the run-up to the planned book-burning, Brad Benson Hyundai in New Brunswick offered Jones a vehicle if the pastor backed down on his threat.
A car. A friggin’ car?! Seriously?
I adore Jesus and stand up for disenfranchised folk of other religions in the name of witnessing and good form, and run out of gas on the freeway. This jackleg fool gives the entire Body of Christ a bad name and is bribed with a new car to stop… if even for a while.
Let’s keep it classy New Jersey.
“We heard on the news that he was going to burn the Quran,” Benson Hyundai general manager David Canton told CNN on Saturday. “He stood up to his end of the bargain and we’re standing up to ours,” Canton said.
MEMO to Mr. Canton: Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
Now he has something shiny to tow that chuck of crap around
You reward this waste of space for sardonic behavior, and why? Because you are wholly empathetic to the plight of innocent Muslims in America? Of course not. Dude knew this idiotic offer would make national news, so he’s getting a little love.
Thing aren’t that great in the automotive industry lately. So, that’s nice. Live to threaten another day.
Hey, car salesman? You know what people think of Christians by-and-large thanks to this turd? Well, you are not doing any favors for your industry with this novel marketing effort either.
Shoot, I didn’t burn a Qu’ran? Wanna’ hook a brother up with a new Sonata? I’ll be happy to be your personal journalist for a year for that magnanimous of an offer.
And just so we are fair, Jones said that he will donate the car to a Muslim charity. Because it’s not like extremists in the Muslim community have ever used cars for evil intentions.
You know the type, those curmudgeons who refuse to allow those younger whippersnappers lap them in traffic, talk back to them in the mall and tell them anything about history. We could really learn something from them… that is, unless you are 76-year-old Louis Farrakhan, in which case, “Dude, say when. Please?”
Is this how it all started? With Agent Zero here?
Why? It seems he has chimed in with the CDC, the White House and every other federal organization that says, “Meh” to the H1N1 vaccine.
It was a warm day at the Holy Day of Atonement, which was also the 14th anniversary of the Million Man March. He figured it’s been a few years since he had that one zinger to keep him in headlines, so he unloaded a round of fresh ammo on this afternoon:
“The Earth can’t take 6.5 billion people. We just can’t feed that many. So what are you going to do? Kill as many as you can. We have to develop a science that kills them and makes it look as though they died from some disease,” Farrakhan said, adding that many wise people won’t take the vaccine.
Stay classy, Louie.
When my lil’ Wall Watchers got the piggy virus, I thought the same thing: “Man, this is uncool. The only way I can save my children from tyranny and oppression is to give them a vaccine that Whitey made to create genocide upon our young people.”
Thanks for the confirmation.
By the way, while you are condemning every medical worker in the country, Moses called and advised Ancient Egypt wants their Pharaoh back. Seriously, brother minister? Is the CDC really the “Caucasian Destroyer Coalition“?! Back to the story…
“The black community has become toxic and must cleanse and restore peace from within,” Farrakhan said.
True, but how do you suggest they do it unless they heed the advice of radical xenophobes like you and Marcus Garvey and exile themselves to Africa?
I’m not sure you have seen the headlines, but life ain’t peachy in the motherland, brother. Intense famine. Extreme poverty. Sickness beyond measure. And that AIDS thingy just won’t slow down.
But, he’s on to something I guess because there’s not a lot of charity for swine flu in Zimbabwe.
If the black community must restore peace from within, then shouldn’t said black community rid themselves of those who do nothing but stir up pestilence and pain? You know, on the inside?
At a time when Inspiration Networks has been cutting jobs, freezing wages and even adjusting the office thermostat to save money, the chief executive of the Charlotte-area broadcaster has invested about $4 million in a lakefront home under construction in South Carolina.
So, let me get this correct: More than half of Cerullo’s staff was sent packing without a severence check, yet, this dude still has enough cash flow to build – as the story reads – “one of the priciest homes in Western S.C.” Stay Classy, David.
It seems this false profit is one of – if not, the – highest paid evangelist in the world making a cool $1.5 million annually. You know, because God wants to “provide,” right?
What’s the use, dude? Really?
David Cerullo is one of the reasons the unemployment rate is through the roof, and yet, he is trolling Home Depot to lay Italian tile in his kitchen. And if that’s not bad enough, get this spin control:
A network spokesman did not respond last week to repeated calls and e-mails requesting comment about the new house. In a March interview, Cerullo defended his salary and said he’s turned down recommendations that he be paid more. He said that appeals to donors are based on the Bible, and 80 cents of every dollar donated is spent to spread the Gospel.
A couple of things about that retort, slick:
Who in the world would want to pay a evangelist more than that? What board of yes men… er, advisors would agree you are doing such a kick butt job that you need more cash when so many folk around you have so very little?!
So, 80 cents of every dollar is spent to spread the Gospel. Technically, sure you can sleep well on that drivel. But um, do you mean your fancy, shmancy jet? That’s helping the spread. What about your tailor-made suits? Well, a brother has to look good spreading it. And, then there’s the staff you fired (yeah, I keep going back to that one). Them unemployed folks begging God for answers means you have success stories. Sounds like ministry to me. (sigh).
Yeah, that’s spreading it thick, all right.
Who is this dude? A preacher or Donald Trump?
Wall Watchers, do frauds like this really deserve tax-exempt status? Then why not more of the real people in the Church speak out for those – namely those without a gig thanks to Dimwit Cerullo – who can’t?! Where are we?
Okay, so here’s your challenge… do something for those who can’t do for themselves.
If a preacher earns it in the for-profit arena, great. If he earns it in a non-profit arena, isn’t that an oxymoron?!
Here’s his link for some contact. Let him know what you think about the travesty going on in South Carolina. And if you can’t tell him your educated opinion, at the very least, read to the man:
Jesus said, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” His disciples were astonished, as many in the “prosperity” movement should be. So Jesus went on to raise their astonishment even higher by saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” They respond in disbelief: “Then who can be saved?” Jesus says, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:23-27).
Now, before you begin scribing your pontification about how God wants us blessed… listen to this. That parable wasn’t just speaking about the money in this cat’s 401K or savings account. It was about the attitude of his heart. Money came first. Greed came first. Not God, nor his people.
Same goes for this pulpit pimp who is lounging while those he let go are languishing.
And believe me, with that kind of jackleg pimped-out attitude, it’s going to be very difficult to get into the kingdom of God. Now, spread that, David.
If I hear Darth Vader and the guy who invented Members Only jackets are gone, and the 80s will officially be over. And for some people, it already is with the passing of the self-entitled “King of Pop.”
Michael Jackson was many things to many people. There wasn’t a single person alive with the ability to speak who didn’t have an opinion on this man. And who was the last person that could say that?
Even Michael looked like this from time to time
His music was always there – and so were the harrowing stories – and then in a flash, all we had was his music because the man was gone. But despite the rumor mill spinning like a wheel in the middle of the Daytona 500, let me ask you something:
In the words of the hallowed Maximus Dedimus Meridius, “Were you not entertained?”
When Google crashed – yeah, Google – as a result of people trolling for insight on Michael Jackson’s death, one of quickest things that happened was downloading his music.
Why now?
Folk weren’t searching for latest on pedophilia, homosexuality or really bad outfits looking like Captain Crunch.
No, it was the music, because after the source is gone, what’s left is the legacy.
It’s because people don’t really appreciate and cherish items while they are in front of their face.
Jesus people, we can learn something from this mayhem. Much was the case with Jesus and if Ridley Scott was around in Gethsemane, perhaps Christ’s words would have been echoed in a gladiatorial coliseum.
Consider the miracles. The feats of mercy. The love shown despite circumstances. Followers of Christ, “Were you not entertained?”
Why wait until it’s too late to appreciate what we have? Why wait until folk can’t discuss different ideas and ruminate opposing views to simply talk facts? Remove said things and that’s when the memories are beholden to those who had them – whether about Jesus or, in this case only, Michael Jackson.
But, as a body of Christ, we understand we are not here to live for self, but for God. We don’t worry about tomorrow, but today. We exist to serve Jesus, not man.
Probably looking for Jesus there too
And so, to give closure to the countless millions in the Church who still adored Michael Jackson despite the terrible stories, I’ll ask the question out loud that you’re afraid to ask at this week’s Bible study, “Was he a Christian?”
Without question, Jackson was on a quest of “spirituality.” But where did it lead him?
He had a knowledge of the Bible. Listen to the “Man in the Mirror“, read James 1:22-25 and you tell me. But was it a full understanding that Jesus is Lord?
He would be seen wearing a face-covering burga – for some, it was religious practice and for others, it was plastic surgery run-a-muck.
And all the while, no one seemed to care about his soul… just keep cranking out that legendary music, Michael… or however you are spelling it now.
Some consider a person’s doxology should be as private as his vote, but if you are saved, that commitment should be as public as what color you are. [Yes, there’s a joke there considering the topic, but I’ll reserve that at this time :)]
However, it was painfully obvious to those of us who considered ourselves “fans” that Jackson was not comfortable in his own skin.
Again, you don’t go from the Watchtower, tour the Bible and end up on a Musallah and not have plaguing questions about God, Jesus and your eternal demise.
Jackson clearly was riddled with those questions, and he like so many before him, had a public life of good works to help him sleep well at night. From “We are the World” to the amazing benefits he did for children with life-threatening disease, but he didn’t take those with him.
Sure, we all talk about them now, but works aren’t enough, as Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Who was there to tell him that? Jesse? Al? A day late and a dollar short.
He was 8 years old singing with his brothers on national TV. He lived his life on stage, in front of cameras and under the eye of speculation.
And in a life of zoo animals, little children and corny dogs (otherwise known as Neverland), it’s no surprise there wasn’t someone of a Christ-like mindset to tell him about the Lord.
Back to TMatt and the “Get Religion” piece:
So what does this add up to, in a tragic life that begins with — Jackson said — years of physical abuse as a child, followed by years under the knife of doctors, lawyers, psychologists and paparazzi? There is a religion ghost here, or two. But does that mean that there is a religion thread throughout this troubled life, other than yearning and confusion?
To be seen soon in St. Peter's Basilica?!
Candlelight vigils. 24/7 Michael music on local radio. Outstanding tributes on national TV (Shout out to the BET Awards. Very nice). All are necessary for this pop music legend, but it’s not enough if that decision for Christ wasn’t made.
“But will he really be dead? It wouldn’t be surprising if, in a few years, he was spotted in a gas station in Memphis, perhaps with his former father-in-law Elvis Presley, another of those myths – like Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix or John Lennon – that never die in the imagination of their fans. And Michael Jackson, who died yesterday at the age of fifty, is definitely a pop music legend.”
But the eternal question is “What was the King of Pop to the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings?”
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV).
Ah well, who knows? But, as you can see to the original opine, he was many things to many people.
And if those aforementioned, his friends or even his own parents didn’t care enough to ask about his relationship with Jesus Christ, I suppose the only question they’re left asking is, “Were they not entertained?”
Until the eternal answer is confirmed – and it won’t be this side of heaven – we will all have his remarkable music and continue to be entertained by the music behind the man… not the other way around.
Everything is on the rise in this tumultuous economy – energy, food, clothes and school.
Even if a couple wants to tie the knot, they have to visit the local Justice of the Peace to make public (and legal) their vows of love, and also to save some major cheddar.
You priced out a wedding lately? The facilities, the officiant, the frilly decorations, the bad hotel food and the Valium you get upon the bill being printed.
Meet the betrothed couple in question: Dante White & Nhiahni Chestnut – both in love, with each other, out of work and without a home. BUT, they got married.
“I was basically living from day to day, trying to survive, and I wound up meeting him,” Chestnut told AFP at the couple’s wedding, held in the tiny chapel of Grace Episcopal Church in Washington’s Georgetown neighborhood.
Sweet, right? Hold that thought.
At a recent Bible study at the aformentioned church, White mentioned in passing the joy of being married, if only he had the cash.
“In good Grace church congregation fashion, everyone got behind the idea: one person managed flowers, I helped with the wedding rings, one woman made the cake, someone helped with the tux and someone else with the bride’s gown,” she [some chic who goes to the church] said.
So, sweet now? Not so much.
The church paid for the wedding, rented the threads, made the cake and even sent them on a honeymoon. Only one thing… THEY ARE STILL HOMELESS.
How about thinking ahead Grace Church? Let’s keep it classy.
Maybe a trip to Tahiti can wait for… oh, I don’t know… an efficiency apartment in the friggin’ city! Are you kidding me? No one considered these two that way?
Kinda thins the blood of the pulse of this ministry, eh?
Sure, “love will keep us together” but the streets will rip any couple apart. Simply unconsicousable. But if I may wax eloquent:
Who, being loved, is poor? ~ Oscar Wilde
My vote (and soon coming prayers) would be for this couple. Sigh.
Back in July, we sprawled all over this Wall about some sanctimonious loon who decided it would be a grand idea to burn a wheelbarrow full of Qu’rans in an effort to talk smack about Muslims on September 11.
The Writing on the Wall 