Sermon rips anti-bullying bill

Hugh Freaking Dillon
Hugh Freaking Dillon Posts: 14,010
edited March 2013 in A Moving Train
http://bcove.me/d0c7nih7

The pastor of a large Steinbach (Manitoba Canada) church has warned local politicians, teachers, media members and other local citizens in prominent jobs that God can replace them if they stay silent on the call to oppose the province's Bill 18.

At his Feb. 24 sermon to thousands of parishioners at Southland Church in Steinbach, Pastor Ray Duerksen specifically cited Hanover and Steinbach councillors, Hanover school trustees, doctors in the regional health authority, MLAs and MPs, police, firefighters, teachers, and media members and said: "God did not place you in your position because you are the only person who can do your job that well.

"If you don't do it, God will set you and I aside, and raise up someone who will."

Bill 18, which aims to fight bullying, guarantees any student in a public or private school who asks to form a gay-straight alliance must be supported by the school. Some Christians in southern Manitoba have said the bill infringes on their right to support schools that reflect their religious values.

A source in Steinbach who requested anonymity said Wednesday there is local talk that some church members are planning to run their own slates in the 2014 school board and city council elections, to try to "stack" the public bodies.

Duerksen said in his Feb. 24 sermon God placed people in their positions -- including him -- for a reason.

"We have influence. You are an Esther or a Mordechai because you have influence," the pastor said, apparently referring to a Book of Esther story in which two characters who had influence in the court of a king are praised for standing up for the "people of God" despite personal risk.

"It's (Bill 18) a legitimate fear, and I should do something about it.

"God doesn't need us," Duerksen said. "Too many people take for granted their positions of influence."

Duerksen did not respond to an interview request Wednesday.

The sermon came the same morning as a meeting and prayer session later that evening that drew 1,200 people to Steinbach Christian High School to oppose Bill 18 -- Duerksen used his sermon to exhort his parishioners to attend.

Duerksen asked those who choose to remain silent on Bill 18 how they can ever explain themselves to their children and grandchildren.

Several area municipal councillors are reportedly members of the Southland congregation. In his official online biography, Tory education critic MLA Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach) says his family has belonged to Southland for 15 years.

If Bill 18 passes, Duerksen said in his sermon, "We're going to lose our religious freedom.

"We lost the abortion debate in the '70s... we lost the same-sex debate," and it's not going to happen again, he said.

Duerksen said if Steinbach Christian High School is forced to allow a gay-straight alliance in the school, "that is an attack on our religious freedom."

Steinbach Christian has 235 students in grades 5 to 12.

Meanwhile, Steinbach Regional Secondary School has 1,394 public school students in grades 10 to 12 and is the fourth-largest school in Manitoba. The Hanover School Division has told Education Minister Nancy Allan it will comply with Bill 18, and will accommodate any student who requests a gay-straight alliance.

In his sermon, Duerksen said any sex outside of the parameters of a man and a woman married to each other "is wrong." Duerksen said Bill 18 is the greatest challenge facing Christian churches, and said it is part of a hidden agenda to destroy Christianity.

Duerksen said the Bible is being treated as "hate literature."

The church and the community are in "mortal danger" over the legislation, Duerksen said.

Southland Church has scheduled a prayer session on Bill 18 Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • josevolution
    josevolution Posts: 32,092
    What a crock of shite 4hr sermon on a friday night to spew hate :fp: :fp:
    jesus greets me looks just like me ....
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    What is a gay-straight alliance?
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,778
    aerial wrote:
    What is a gay-straight alliance?

    http://gsanetwork.org/about-us
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • So does this mean I can't bully Christians anymore?

    Because that's going to make my Sundays a lot more boring.

    I mean... Last Ash Wednesday I must have told about 200 people "your priest needs to clean his belt buckle."
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics. Kids have been bullied for centuries. How about a class for adults on how to teach you child NOT to be a bully. I taught my children to treat people how you want to be treated. I taught them it is not nice to make fun of people. I also taught them school is for academics ONLY. Myself and our FAMILY will teach them about feelings. They do NOT have to accept an opinion just because a teacher says so, or any other adult. I am responsible for MY children, no one else is.
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln
  • Smellyman
    Smellyman Asia Posts: 4,528
    aerial wrote:
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics. Kids have been bullied for centuries. How about a class for adults on how to teach you child NOT to be a bully. I taught my children to treat people how you want to be treated. I taught them it is not nice to make fun of people. I also taught them school is for academics ONLY. Myself and our FAMILY will teach them about feelings. They do NOT have to accept an opinion just because a teacher says so, or any other adult. I am responsible for MY children, no one else is.

    http://community.pearljam.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=205310&p=4948858#p4948858
  • aerial wrote:
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics.


    Oh for fuck's sake, drop the "thought police" screed, it's fooling nobody.

    There is not a single person who's trying to teach kids how to "feel." Saying that "people have been bullied for centuries" doesn't really cut it, either. People owned slaves for centuries and we also use to publicly flog women who got pregnant out of wedlock. Those weren't OK, either.

    We're not talking about saying "haha.. you can't throw a ball." Bullying today isn't the same thing you grew up with. Bullying today involves long-term, vicious and unrelenting attacks, organized by groups of kids, often using even the internet thus making it possible to now publicly shame and humiliate teenagers to a world-wide audience even in their bedrooms. Bullying is also a major catalyst for teen suicide.

    And while I'm sure you'll never understand the ghastly experience of growing up being told on a daily basis that you're worthy of death or being too scared to even go to school because of the endless threats you receive at all times of the day or night... I can assure you that you would most likely not be able to handle it.

    So stop wishing your brats could still rung gleefully around the schoolyard shouting "whale slut n*gger bitch" at the fat black girl at their school.

    And if you're going to tell me that your kids would never act like that... then I'll tell you "then this won't affect you or them in any way other than THEY are also not allowed to be called 'Dumbass Priest-fucking bimbo christian' or have students start rumors that they got herpes from having sex with your brother.

    Yes... in fact.. this protects them, too.
  • Bentleyspop
    Bentleyspop Craft Beer Brewery, Colorado Posts: 11,640
    aerial wrote:
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics. Kids have been bullied for centuries. How about a class for adults on how to teach you child NOT to be a bully. I taught my children to treat people how you want to be treated. I taught them it is not nice to make fun of people. I also taught them school is for academics ONLY. Myself and our FAMILY will teach them about feelings. They do NOT have to accept an opinion just because a teacher says so, or any other adult. I am responsible for MY children, no one else is.

    After reading that post I have wonder where you stand on sex education in schools

    Bet I can guess
  • aerial wrote:
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics. Kids have been bullied for centuries. How about a class for adults on how to teach you child NOT to be a bully. I taught my children to treat people how you want to be treated. I taught them it is not nice to make fun of people. I also taught them school is for academics ONLY. Myself and our FAMILY will teach them about feelings. They do NOT have to accept an opinion just because a teacher says so, or any other adult. I am responsible for MY children, no one else is.

    Well... congratulations on being a champion.

    And in the meantime... there are countless children that do not get the proper guidance at home... spending the majority of their day fomulating their ideas about how the world works within their school setting. School is not the African plains and survival of the fittest. Many kids need adult intervention to make conditions bearable for learning and for their social emotional development (among so many other things). Many kids also need to be mentored so that they stop hurtful behaviours and develop the appropriate levels of empathy and acceptance that help our society move forward.

    If one was to think kids provide the entire picture to their parents in their nightly 20 minute dinner conversations... I would be inclined to think one had their head lodged firmly in an unpleasant place. I am always amazed at the ignorance some parents have towards the genuine character of their children: continually making excuses for their kids when they act out and blaming other kids, teachers or the system for their poor conduct.

    Schools are for much much more than academics. Get serious.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    aerial wrote:
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics. Kids have been bullied for centuries. How about a class for adults on how to teach you child NOT to be a bully. I taught my children to treat people how you want to be treated. I taught them it is not nice to make fun of people. I also taught them school is for academics ONLY. Myself and our FAMILY will teach them about feelings. They do NOT have to accept an opinion just because a teacher says so, or any other adult. I am responsible for MY children, no one else is.

    Well... congratulations on being a champion.

    And in the meantime... there are countless children that do not get the proper guidance at home... spending the majority of their day fomulating their ideas about how the world works within their school setting. School is not the African plains and survival of the fittest. Many kids need adult intervention to make conditions bearable for learning and for their social emotional development (among so many other things). Many kids also need to be mentored so that they stop hurtful behaviours and develop the appropriate levels of empathy and acceptance that help our society move forward.

    If one was to think kids provide the entire picture to their parents in their nightly 20 minute dinner conversations... I would be inclined to think one had their head lodged firmly in an unpleasant place. I am always amazed at the ignorance some parents have towards the genuine character of their children: continually making excuses for their kids when they act out and blaming other kids, teachers or the system for their poor conduct.

    Schools are for much much more than academics. Get serious.

    Why not get the parents of these kids that have no empathy and have them learn empathy? Have them learn parenting the way they should......Is it because that is not what they are teaching children. Is it because the schools want to indoctrinate the children to accept anything?
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    aerial wrote:
    I don't feel schools should teach kids how to FEEL. They need to stick to academics.


    Oh for fuck's sake, drop the "thought police" screed, it's fooling nobody.

    There is not a single person who's trying to teach kids how to "feel." Saying that "people have been bullied for centuries" doesn't really cut it, either. People owned slaves for centuries and we also use to publicly flog women who got pregnant out of wedlock. Those weren't OK, either.

    We're not talking about saying "haha.. you can't throw a ball." Bullying today isn't the same thing you grew up with. Bullying today involves long-term, vicious and unrelenting attacks, organized by groups of kids, often using even the internet thus making it possible to now publicly shame and humiliate teenagers to a world-wide audience even in their bedrooms. Bullying is also a major catalyst for teen suicide.

    And while I'm sure you'll never understand the ghastly experience of growing up being told on a daily basis that you're worthy of death or being too scared to even go to school because of the endless threats you receive at all times of the day or night... I can assure you that you would most likely not be able to handle it.

    So stop wishing your brats could still rung gleefully around the schoolyard shouting "whale slut n*gger bitch" at the fat black girl at their school.

    And if you're going to tell me that your kids would never act like that... then I'll tell you "then this won't affect you or them in any way other than THEY are also not allowed to be called 'Dumbass Priest-fucking bimbo christian' or have students start rumors that they got herpes from having sex with your brother.

    Yes... in fact.. this protects them, too.

    You do not know the hell I grew up in, and you have no idea what you are talking about when you act as though you know me. I made myself rise above it and became the person that was NOT like the ones that made my childhood hell. If it was not for my Christian Aunt I was able to spend the summers with I don't think I would have turned out to be the functioning person I am today. Believe me I know what it is like to have a hard childhood.
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln
  • Thirty Bills Unpaid
    Thirty Bills Unpaid Posts: 16,881
    edited March 2013
    aerial wrote:

    Why not get the parents of these kids that have no empathy and have them learn empathy? Have them learn parenting the way they should......Is it because that is not what they are teaching children. Is it because the schools want to indoctrinate the children to accept anything?

    Highly unrealistic. Come on. Do better than that.

    Paranoia.

    If it's not one conspiracy... it's another for you. The schools and teachers are doing their best to help educate our youth- there is no hidden agenda. Stay focused on your belief that the government is trying to get you and that Obama is an alien.
    Post edited by Thirty Bills Unpaid on
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • aerial wrote:
    You do not know the hell I grew up in, and you have no idea what you are talking about when you act as though you know me. I made myself rise above it and became the person that was NOT like the ones that made my childhood hell. If it was not for my Christian Aunt I was able to spend the summers with I don't think I would have turned out to be the functioning person I am today. Believe me I know what it is like to have a hard childhood.

    Then why not remember your roots and advocate for those that need advocating for?
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    aerial wrote:
    You do not know the hell I grew up in, and you have no idea what you are talking about when you act as though you know me. I made myself rise above it and became the person that was NOT like the ones that made my childhood hell. If it was not for my Christian Aunt I was able to spend the summers with I don't think I would have turned out to be the functioning person I am today. Believe me I know what it is like to have a hard childhood.

    Then why not remember your roots and advocate for those that need advocating for?

    I am not on board with people being picked on. I just think some people need to stop acting like a wuss and grow a thicker skin. People need to stop trying to legislate how others feel.
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,909
    What a stupid asshole.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • aerial wrote:
    aerial wrote:
    You do not know the hell I grew up in, and you have no idea what you are talking about when you act as though you know me. I made myself rise above it and became the person that was NOT like the ones that made my childhood hell. If it was not for my Christian Aunt I was able to spend the summers with I don't think I would have turned out to be the functioning person I am today. Believe me I know what it is like to have a hard childhood.

    Then why not remember your roots and advocate for those that need advocating for?

    I am not on board with people being picked on. I just think some people need to stop acting like a wuss and grow a thicker skin. People need to stop trying to legislate how others feel.

    how is this being a wuss? and how is this legislating others' feelings?? this bill is about the freedom to form a support group to help each other through these types of situations. you call that being weak? you said it yourself, without your aunt you may not have made it.

    these groups are the Aunts that other people don't have.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • aerial wrote:
    I am not on board with people being picked on. I just think some people need to stop acting like a wuss and grow a thicker skin. People need to stop trying to legislate how others feel.

    And again... This is NOT ABOUT HOW YOU OR ANYONE ELSE FEELS. WE DO NOT CARE.

    And for someone who rails about how people need to grow a thick skin, you sure did get pretty pissy and upset when I told you that you were probably too much of a whimp to take being really bullied.

    Seems that you need to practice what you preach. Stop being such a wuss and address that this isn't about how anyone "feels."

    Nobody cares about your feelings.
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    aerial wrote:
    I am not on board with people being picked on. I just think some people need to stop acting like a wuss and grow a thicker skin. People need to stop trying to legislate how others feel.

    And again... This is NOT ABOUT HOW YOU OR ANYONE ELSE FEELS. WE DO NOT CARE.

    And for someone who rails about how people need to grow a thick skin, you sure did get pretty pissy and upset when I told you that you were probably too much of a whimp to take being really bullied.

    Seems that you need to practice what you preach. Stop being such a wuss and address that this isn't about how anyone "feels."

    Nobody cares about your feelings.

    I was not up set just I just let you know that YOU do not know what your talking about.........
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln
  • aerial wrote:
    I was not up set just I just let you know that YOU do not know what your talking about.........


    Says the guy who's whining about how teachers are telling his kids how to "feel." :fp:
  • aerial
    aerial Posts: 2,319
    aerial wrote:
    I was not up set just I just let you know that YOU do not know what your talking about.........


    Says the guy who's whining about how teachers are telling his kids how to "feel." :fp:

    No whining here. I'm saying it ain't gonna happen......I'm saying I am responsible for my children not the government.
    “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln