(thanks to Bob for this one...and for the title)
Apparently, pastor Steve Riggle of Grace Community Church in Houston believes that the United States should be a theocracy, and wants to fortify Houston as a symbol of a "Christian" nation by erecting several giant crosses all around the city.... "If we do it here, Riggle said, "I believe it will happen in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and New York City.".... "This will mark our city for God," he said. "If this doesn't work - nothing else will work. But if we get it right, everything will fall into place.".... RIggle is starting with plans for crosses at Grace's south and north campuses, and he plans eventually to "surround the city."
Uh...say hello to the American Taliban...and cue the execution of unbelievers in 3...2...1....
I don't begrudge Pastor Riggle his beliefs or the strength of his convictions, but what in the world gives him the idea that Houston needs to be "staked out" for Jesus? What is it about grotesque, outsized, monolithic symbols that will do anything at all to mark Houston for God? Is this idea supposed to be the moral equivalent of dogs marking their territory by pissing on trees? Man, there are times when I really miss handing out the DUMB@$$ AWARD, knowhutimean?? Who knew that Christians need to mark their territory...and wouldn't it be cheaper (and more entertaining) for Riggle to wander around town pissing on tree trunks?
You know, instead of spending untold thousands of dollars to build obnoxious memorials to his own piety and righteousness, wouldn't it make more sense (and do a LOT more good) to spend that money on...oh, I don't know...how about some good works? Surely there are homeless in need of food and clothing? What about children who need a safe place to play during the summer? How about teaching life skills to those simply looking for a little bit of assistance as they try to create a better life for themselves?
Instead of taking a cue from the Savior he professes to follow, Riggle is determined to turn Houston into a laughing stock- which, when it comes to religion, isn't exactly much of a stretch. In his determination to prove that his is bigger than yours or mine, Riggle wants to prove that when it comes to cheap, meaningless symbols of empty piety, size really does matter.
