THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD
(apologies to Keith Olbermann)
Pastor Stephen J. Anderson
“Even according to the official version, little Barry boy is a bastard,” Anderson says. “Because he was conceived out of wedlock. His mother has an illegitimate marriage to a guy who’s already married to somebody else…and then he’s actually raised by a guy named Lolo Soetoro. That’s who is actually raising him, and then he’s going around as Barry Soetoro…. Here’s the alternate version, which I actually believe to be reality,” Anderson told his congregation. “I do not believe that Barack Obama Sr. is probably even the real father. Because a lot of times, women will do this, wicked women will do this: where they would basically , you know, oh I’m pregnant, quick, marry somebody, OK, so basically, pass it off as, OK? Especially back in those days.”
I’ve spent the past 13+ years ridiculing intolerant, self-righteous Bible thumpers who believe that their bastardized, hate-fueled version of Christianity gives them the absolute right to publicly pass judgment on those they despise. The “God’s on my side” argument is as tired as it is ridiculous, never mind that it runs completely counter to the tenets of Christianity. Despite that, this isn’t going to be another episode of singling out and laughing at a zealot who doesn’t get that he’s descended to the realm of self-parody. No, there are far too many of those out there, and I’m tired of beating that drum.
What concerns me is that people like Pastor Stephen J. Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ, preside over churches which enjoy tax-exempt status. The caveat that comes with that status is the rule that a church which has been granted tax-exempt status CANNOT engage in political advocacy. Even if you don’t consider Pastor Anderson’s self-righteous bleating to be political advocacy, it’s at the very least hateful and disrespectful…and what’s “Christian” about that? Granted, Pastor Anderson is certainly free to his opinions and to speak his mind. When that free speech crosses the line into political advocacy, though, there are two options available under the law:
- A church should do the right thing and give up its tax-exempt status, or
- It should cease advocating for a specific political ideology.
Pastor Anderson seems to be doing his part to buttress the argument that churches shouldn’t be tax-exempt by asking his parishioners to pray for the death of Barack Obama. I’d argue that if Anderson’s a Christian, I’m the Queen of England, but I’ll leave the theological aspect of the equation to those inclined to care about such things. What I want to know is why American taxpayers are subsidizing the Faithful Word Baptist Church and so many others like it when they believe their faith gives them the right to choose not to follow the rules…including advocating for the death of the President? What that has to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is beyond my minimal understanding.
Beyond the hypocrisy involved in combining preaching and politics, if your faith allows to treat the President with such blatant, inhuman disregard, I’d submit that you’re a pretty miserable excuse for a human being. Would it kill you to show a little respect?
