Spyke
lemmy.world

Avoid talking to them!

They might make sense, and we haven't finished indoctrinating you!

188

I love comic sans.

Name another font that can start a small officeplace insurrection just being used to announce cupcakes in the fridge. I love watching people catch fire over a cupcake announcement.

2
Serinusreply
lemmy.world

Something like "I see God and have to tell you about it".

9

No no, you need to use the advanced ones on Mr Grouch, or he'll trick you into realising the load of crap we've been feeding you.

But yeah it's weird to see witnessing used to mean basically the same as "evangelizing", I associate witnessing to crime...

4
lemmy.ml

Holy shit. I can't believe I recognize this art.

This shit is ancient, and it was drawn as satire/bait. Nobody is handing out these flyers seriously. This post is rather embarrassing. Satire is dead I guess.

Edit: sources:

Source for text: scroll for text. I don't know where the goat went. This website is a high-effort satire page that hasn't been updated since like 2010. Looks real at first glance but just click around, it's clearly not a real church.

76
lunar17reply
lemmy.world

So I followed your link, found the quoted text, and and had a look around the website. I genuinely cannot tell if this is satire. Most of the links are now dead, but the ones that work seem to lead to serious sources. If it is satire, it is very high effort.

Anyway, I'm going to share with a friend who has more personal experience with this kind of thing and get their perspective.

43
lunar17reply
lemmy.world

So quick update: my friend who was homeschooled in a religious household but is now atheist thinks it is not satire. My take is that if this is satire, it's going over a lot of people's heads.

35
lemmy.world

i cant believe some people think this is satire i mean come on its a real ministry with a clear message of love and salvation through jesus christ its not some kind of joke or parody its a genuine attempt to spread the word of god and bring people to christ

i mean look at the content like habus corner where it says wouldnt you rather have just one god who loves you a bunch than a bunch of gods that dont love you at all thats just so profound and insightful

and the maze training where you help lambuel get to the church on time while avoiding temptations thats just so practical and wise i mean who wouldnt want to avoid money and ice cream and slutty lips and a cozy bed

i mean what kind of person would create a fake ministry just to mock good christians and make fun of their faith

21
ByteJunkreply
lemmy.world

And for all He's done for us, all Jesus wants is for us to love Him back! He wants us to love Him soooo much that any other love would be like hate: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." I love Jesus more than ANYTHING... how 'bout YOU?

Cmon really? How is it not evident that this is satire?

Ps: it wasn't very clear, but just adding to previous fellow's points.

7

Pretty sure the post you're responding to is satire. Poe's Law.

4
oce 🐆reply
jlai.lu

I think there is worse in churches with actual believers.

6

Well, there's this...

...but honestly, I could see somebody sufficiently naive not recognizing that for what it is.

This one, however, is a bit less covert:

And then you recall reading this in the intro on the first page, and a pattern starts to develop:

My OBJECTIVE is JUST 4 KIDZ! The "Z" is for "ZEALOUSNESS," 'cause Jesus wants us to be hot for Him, not lukewarm.

15

There is an image to a shop page:

This link is broken. Hmm.... If this were a real organization that needed money, wouldn't they either shut this site down entirely or fix their shop page?

Notice the LOL acronym. Now visit this page:

kids artwork

Here are some of my favorites (notice most of these children are pretty talented and drawing with computer programs in 2010):

Edit: I should have grabbed the image with "shotacat" lmao

22

It's satire, but Poe's Law is STRONG with this one! There are plenty of people who unironically believe more ridiculous things than what's on that site.

3

It's very well written satire. As someone who's previously been part of evangelical house churches I can tell it's been written by someone who was part of church life for years.

It's so very well done I wasn't sure myself of it was real or not. Believe it or not I've known many genuine Christians who could crank out earnest content that was this cheesy and insane.

The clincher for me if that it neither asks for money nor gives an address. => Satire

(On the kids ministry page, the music track listings are particular genius)

2
gruereply
lemmy.world

I don’t know where the goat went.

It tries to serve you .swf (Shockwave Flash) versions unless your browser doesn't support embedding, in which case it'll serve you .gifs instead. I guess that, since modern browsers do support embedding in general but not Flash, that's why they don't display either version.

Here are some of the .gif alternatives:

15

The only one I don't get is the Hebrew kangaroo. I guess the artist couldn't figure out what fauna was appropriate so they went for a rhyme instead? IMO, there's lots to choose from, but a "rabbi rabbit" would have also been pretty clever.

Edit: as a work of satire, I guess all four are equally and deliberately screwed up, now that I think about it.

3
Lemminaryreply
lemmy.world

Satire is dead I guess.

Yes. We're at this point now. It's Poe's law.

10
tetris11reply
lemmy.ml

After clicking through the site, and seeing a list of church members, I'm really not sure it's satire. If it is, it's keeping a very very straight face.

2

Man this brings me back, haven't seen this since the 2000s. You can find the goat as a printable figure on the Kidz crafts link

4

Yeah I remember this from back in the day. Indignant atheist teenage me was pretty incensed at first, but the page about plans to build a massive cross-shaped satellite that transmits bible verses was a bit of a giveaway.

3

This site may be satire, but it's also linking to the southern baptist's on the off chance you want to "find christ". So, they're definitely Christians. if it is satire, then it's triggering poe's law.

1
lemmy.world

You cannot attempt to battle an atheist unless you're a level 10 Christian with at least a max level crucifix.

53

That will only work if the atheist doesn't have any patients proficiencies, which comes with almost every athiest subclass. This gives the athiest advantage on charisma, intelligence, and wisdom saving throws from a character with the Christian class against the atheist. This is of course negated completely if the christian comes into the battle with the lawyered-up buff, but I didn't splurge on the LegalEagle's Book of Many Laws. So I'm not sure how that mechanic works.

15
lemmy.world

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Even the bible says there are plenty of side bitches. God just doesn’t want you to have any.

34
Zorsithreply
lemmy.blahaj.zone

That doesn't even say you cant worship other gods, just that this god comes first?

13

Praise Zeus! <-- bad

...but not as much as Yahweh! Man, he's the best! <-- a-okay!

3
Furbagreply
lemmy.world

New gospel: All Gods are real and the reason they no longer meddle in the affairs of mortals is because they are too busy fighting their wars in heaven.

29

New gospel: All Gods are real

That's the old gospel. Even at the time of the apostles polylatry (like idolatry, but different). All the gods are real but this god is your god. Hence all the proscriptions against idolatry and other gods.

And they fought in spirit and by archons. When David slew Goliath (or his chroniclers stole valor from Ethanan), that was a contest between gods, even as modern interpretations of the fight coach it in materialist terms.

The rising denial of gods via monotheism occurred after Caesar became Christian since prior Caesars got into the habit of persecuting those who didn't worship Caesar's god, or eventually Caesar, himself.

5
Furbagreply
lemmy.world

Sorry, I never read The Lord of the Rings so I don't understand any of this lore.

5

I just finished reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman so this theory seems good to me!

3
beefbotreply
lemmy.blahaj.zone

Ha! Love the idea of joining a church and then comparing their god to all the other ones. “Who do you think would win in a fight?” And watch the feathers fly

15

I mean Saitama literally does beat God. Only to forget or something

6
Honytawkreply
lemmy.zip

If we are going by canon.

Jaweh controls the universe surrounding the Dragonball Universe.

3

YHVH is biblically the god of earth, and that is a promotion from god of Israel.

Only in the last few centuries has our understanding of the scope of the universe expanded to make that infinitesimally insignificant in the scope of the universe, even if the earth is still critical to us.

Sadly, the dominionists may drive us to extinction.

1
lemmy.world

I remember two adults acting as aegis for their child. The kid approached my door, handed me a flyer and asked me to come to his Jesus party. The parents were smiling hopefully. I have no idea what Jesus party even meant.

I kneeled and said flatly "There's no such thing as Jesus. Your parents and your pastor are lying to you."

They were HORRIFIED, the parents rushed up my stoop, the father literally grabbed the kid under his arm like a football and they fled.

Am I an asshole? No. That child needed to know he's being deceived.

52

They will never be able to take from that child, the seed of truth I planted in that moment.

Not trying to over-inflate the incident, but I remember being that young and looking to my elders for guidance. It would have been great if one rebel, at any point in my childhood, just said yeah I don't buy this shit either.

19
Umthisguyreply
lemmy.world

Possibly unpopular opinion by a fellow atheist, but you're just as bad as a preaching Christian by doing that. Trying to turn others to your belief system, however right it may be, is shitty, homie. Way to ruin a kids party, when you admit yourself you didn't even know what they meant by Jesus Party. Made an assumption, ruined a kids week. YTA.

8
piccoloreply
sh.itjust.works

The difference is OP didnt go knocking on their door spreading their belief. If they cant handle differing views fear of shaking their faith.... than maybe dont go knocking on stranger's doors preaching your beliefs.

15

True that the parents were using the kid as a shield. True that Our Hero turned the fire that should have targeted the parents onto the kid. ESH.

3
Umthisguyreply
lemmy.world

When did he say they were spreading their beliefs? Didn't sound like they said anything about religion except that it was a Jesus themed party, and he didn't even know what that meant, it could have meant a lot of things.

0

Unless the people were latino and the kid was named Jesus and there was a misunderstanding... pretty obvious what a 'jesus party' is.

1

Nah. They knocked on the door and interrupt a stranger's day to sell Jesus. They need to learn to not do that if they're not prepared to deal with the responses.

15

Meh. If you come knocking on my door and tell me all about Jesus I'd probably tell you he's been dead for two thousand years. I don't have to support your delusion just because you barged into my life, and I think accommodating that bullshit just makes Christians worse.

Would I say that if I passed someone by on the street? No, of course not. But if you ask for my opinion you're going to get it.

1

Yeah totally understandable. Except in this case, they didn't tell him all about Jesus, they invited him to a kid's party. And they didn't ask for his opinion, nor did they give theirs.

1

I bet this guy also goes to the mall during Christmas and yells to the line of kids that Santa isn't real.

-12
lemmy.world

Why are they always so sad, or why are they so sad when there are evangelical christians around? Because I think it's the latter.

50
lemmy.world

This is a bit more insidious than it appears- because it's asking kids to rat out atheists to religious officials.

There are absolutely areas in the US where being discovered as an atheist will ruin your life.

49
Zettareply
mander.xyz

It's so fucking culty to prevent kids from getting information that goes against the religious leader's beliefs as well.

"Don't talk to the atheist! They might give you bad ideas that will send you to HELL" Literally preventing the spread of information that goes against their beliefs.

30
IcePeereply
lemmy.beru.co

It's called indoctrination. This is ironic as Christian Nationalists are in the vanguard against Transvestite Story Hour and panic over all the gay/transexual/satanic grooming that's going on.

7

TBH, it's all indoctrination, or non of it is. The word "indoctrination" has taken on negative connotations (maybe it always was a fright word). However, I think, focussing on the word and it's connotations is, perhaps concentrating on the wrong thing. I think the spotlight should be shifted to the content of how we bring up the kids.

3

I'll never accept any religion as long as atheist hate remains. How can you blame someone for not believing something with zero substantial evidence?

13

You can always say you believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster, tho.

4

I was WAY more grumpy as a believer. Whoever wrote this probably pisses off all the atheists around them because they don't know how to treat them.

33
prolereply
lemmy.blahaj.zone

Right? I basically gained 1.5 days per week that had been previously ripped from me.

9
lemmy.world

As a former catholic, I still can't wrap my head around a whole day of worship followed by an all-evening "bible study" later in the week. I distinctly recall priests getting to the point, singing a few songs, reading some stuff, knocking out a few weekly rituals, feeding the entire congregation, all in under 45 minutes^1^. I can't fathom what another 18+ hours of weekly religiosity would even contain.


  1. Hey padre, can we speed this up? There's a game on right now and that parking lot is a nightmare.
6

Yeah it was awful.

We were always taught that people with that attitude were "lukewarm Christians," and that god would "spew you out of his mouth" (yes, that's literally in the Bible).

Also, whether or not Catholics were even "Christian" by our definition, would get you different answers depending who you asked. Many viewed the concept of praying to a saint, or the virgin Mary, to be directly in conflict with the idea of monotheism (but the Trinity is different, because...?)

While ignorance is bliss, and I'm sure it feels nice to believe in something more, I'm glad to be free of that madness.

7

Fr. I was so grumpy when I thought I believed in God because I'd gaslit myself into thinking I deserved to go to hell for not being able to force myself to believe "enough". Super healthy mindset for an 8 year old right? Right??

2
lemmy.world

I suspected it might be but Mad Max references seem a bit heavy for space jam

3

It is a Mad Max reference, but I think it's a reference to a Space Jam scene making a Max Max reference.

2
midwest.social

Turns out, the Bible is wrong. The truth will not set you free. The truth makes you into a grumpy goat.

31

But what of tithing?? Who shall grift receive these woebegone atheists' untaxed revenues?

6

What a self-tell.

"Everyone that I am aware of being member of a group, is like that."

Mhm I wonder how you know that they are and why they are in a mood like that.

31
lemmy.today

Grumpy and bitter? You are the fucktards constantly trying to spoil all the fun!

29
lemmy.sdf.org

I don't believe in a higher power. That's why I'm so fucking grumpy. It's certainly not because we can't have healthcare. It's not because of a genocide. It's not because workers are exploited. Not because our planet is destroyed. No, it's all because I don't believe in a cloud man.

24

But if you believe in a higher power you can tell yourself God works in mysterious ways and the genocides are to teach other more important people lessons because there is a plan and everything happens for a reason.

Then you can ignore it all and be blissfully happy in ignorance.

9
lemmy.ca

If I remember correctly this is from a site it gave fursona to other groups they didn't like including Jewish, and Islamic folks. It was an educational site directed to children

22
lemmy.world

Yeah it was called Lambuel or something. I got a lot of laughs out of it.

7

https://objectiveministries.org/kidz/

I think it was here. But it's either gone now or lost somewhere in the slop. I can't even tell if this real or some kind of satire.

What is this?

What should you do if you find an Atheist?

If you find an Atheist in your neighborhood, TELL A PARENT OR PASTOR RIGHT AWAY!

You may be moved to try and witness to these poor lost souls yourself, however AVOID TALKING TO THEM!

Atheists are often very grumpy and bitter and will lash out at children or they may even try to trick you into neglecting God's Word.

Very advanced witnessing techniques are needed for these grouches. Let the adults handle them.

2

"Witness techniques ". = Regurgitating religious propaganda and "gotchas"

19

I am immensely more fulfilled and content now than when I thought there was a wizard in the sky who reads my mind and judges me

19
lemmy.ca

Yeah, I'm a grumpy atheist. Guess what, I was an even grumpier theist.

17

Believing that there was a god who could make life less shitty for everyone but simply chooses not to would definitely make me grumpier.

10

ROFL That’s hilarious, I’m only grumpy on the days that fatigue can’t be beat by sleep. Otherwise, I’m pretty happy as my joy doesn’t come from the belief in something that might not exist.

14

I bet Mr. Gruff (and while I'm at it, Baphomet) has goat powers like being able to digest just about anything, and walk up slight inclined walls and cliffsides.

If you see someone who is grumpy and bitter rather than trying to witness to them (which doesn't work — we all force-fed Jesus the way we force feed geese) try bringing them cookies or inviting them to the community barbecue.

14

I wonder what they think of countries around the world, like Australia, where "non-relgious" is on the way to being the highest self-reported group (38.9%) beat out by Christianity (43.9%), in 2021.

You're not considered "weird" by having any religious belief, but you may find it hard to make friends outside your religion if you're deeply religious.

There's honestly some stigma against it. Which is well deserved.

11

Guaranteed this was put out by a very clever anti social atheist

9

Father, we also have other related news, We have a cease and desist from the Almighty claiming that if we continue to use his name to push our own agenda he is ready to take legal action.

8
lemm.ee

I'm a Christian, the opposite happens as well. Why can't we discuss our beliefs in a civilized manner? I will never tell my "pastor" about an atheist or theist in my area. Especially considering I have atheist friends.

7

I don't need to discuss your beliefs for the same reason I don't need to discuss the beliefs of the schizophrenic man that stands outside my building, clad in a blanket, shouting at the sky.

12
Dozzi92reply
lemmy.world

I have Christian friends. We all hang out because none of it matters. Sometimes we chat about it for the sake of chatting about it, but generally it's the last thing on anyone's mind. People who are vocal about their beliefs, one way or another, are annoying.

8

I lost a great life long friend 4 years ago and we gamed together. Sometimes when religion came up in a game we discussed it. Disagreed about it. Picked the controllers back up and played some more.

1

"Why some of my best friends are atheists! I just don't let them anywhere near my kids."

6

So you're telling me it also reduces children and zealots disturbances? That's a great advertisment for it!

7
feddit.uk

The word "witness" caught my eye. Is this a Jehovah's Witness thing?

Are they using child labour to hand out their shitty pamphlets now?

7

Witnessing is a generic Christian term that is based on Acts 1:8, it basically means sharing your experience and belief with others.

4

Or they are afraid of the atheist telling the child its all lies and social control. Thus way they encourage the child to self report in case there is even a slight possibility that the child might learn something other than the dogma they spew

1

I like how rational sorrows about the state of the world is considered grumpy compared to mindlessly giving away any responsibility by praying.

Raped your wife/daugther? Pray! Got raped by family? Pray!! Pillaged an entire workforce for every dime they had, killing some of them by removing healthcare/firing them? Pray! Having no healthcare on the deathbed? Pray!!!Be an drunk asshole abusing your family? Pray!!!!!

Shut the fuck up an PRAY!!!!!!

6

Just tell them to come back to you after they get everyone that's already Christian to agree on everything first.

6

Atheists are always pulling this face like they can’t believe how stupid and credulous the person they’re speaking to is. Every single one I’ve met does this.

5

Very advanced witnessing techniques are required, such as compromat or threat of hanging.

3

“Why are they always so sad?”

Oh well, I guess believe whatever makes you feel good?

1
techtreply
lemmy.world

The thumb looks cartoonish, the fold under "...but then why are they" is inconsistent and has the bottom of letters too far under it, the words at the bottom of the page look especially borked (look at "are needed"). Pretty certain this is a generated image.

-1

Ah nice find, thanks! I think this was used as a reference to generate an image of someone holding an actual printed copy, then

2
techtreply
lemmy.world

I think it's worse than what you've described -- the closer I look, the worse it gets. The font isn't slightly blurry, it's garbled and the letters are inconsistent. The crinkle lines aren't just smoother, they don't look like paper crinkle (loose point on my part, I'll concede -- hard to describe). The fingernail isn't oddly translucent, the entire thumb looks like a cartoon thumb. Someone else found the original image on ytmnd, I think using that as an input is how the length and consistency of the text was barely maintained. The bottom right part of the background behind the goat demon isn't right either, unlike the original.

1