Apr 27, 2012
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As many as 100 high school students walked out of a national journalism conference after an anti-bullying speaker began cursing, attacked the Bible and reportedly called those who refused to listen to his rant “pansy assed.”
The speaker was Dan Savage, founder of the “It Gets Better” project, an anti-bullying campaign that has reached more than 40 million viewers with contributors ranging from President Obama to Hollywood stars. Savage also writes a sex advice column called “Savage Love.”
Savage, and his husband, were also guests at the White House for President Obama’s 2011 LGBT Pride Month reception. He was also invited to a White House anti-bullying conference.
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Savage was supposed to be delivering a speech about anti-bullying at the National High School Journalism Conference sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. But it turned into an episode of Christian-bashing.
Rick Tuttle, the journalism advisor for Sutter Union High School in California, was among several thousand people in the audience. He said they thought the speech was one thing – but it turned into something else.
“I thought this would be about anti-bullying,” Tuttle told Fox news. “It turned into a pointed attack on Christian beliefs.”
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Tuttle said a number of his students were offended by Savage’s remarks – and some decided to leave the auditorium.
“It became hostile,” he said. “It felt hostile as we were sitting in the audience – especially towards Christians who espouse beliefs that he was literally taking on.”
Tuttle said the speech was laced with vulgarities and “sexual innuendo not appropriate for this age group.” At one point, he said Savage told the teenagers about how good his partner looked in a speedo.
The conservative website CitizenLink was the first to report about the controversy. They interviewed a 17-year-old girl who was one of students who walked out of the auditorium.
“The first thing he told the audience was, ‘I hope you’re all using birth control,’” she told CitizenLink. “he said there are people using the Bible as an excuse for gay bullying, because it says in Leviticus and Romans that being gay is wrong. Right after that, he said we can ignore all the (expletive deleted) in the Bible.”
As the teenagers were walking out, Tuttle said that Savage heckled them and called them pansy-assed.
“You can tell the Bible guys in the hall they can come back now because I’m done beating up the Bible,” Savage said as other students hollered and cheered. “It’s funny as someone who is on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the Bible how pansy-assed people react when you push back.”
The executive director of the National Scholastic Press Association provided Fox News with joint statement from the Journalism Education Association that was sent to members – after a number of people complained about Savage’s remarks.
“We appreciate the level of thoughtfulness and deliberation regarding Dan Savage’s keynote address,” the NSPA wrote. “some audience members who felt hurt by his words and tone decided to leave in the middle of his speech, and to this, we want to make our point very clear: While as a journalist it’s important to be able to listen to speech that offends you, these students and advisers had simply reached their tolerance level for what they were willing to hear.”
The NSPA said they did not have a prior transcript of Savage’s speech and that wish “he had stayed more on target for the audience of teen journalists.” They also said it provided a “teachable moment” for students.
As for Savage’s attack on people of faith?
“While some of his earlier comments were so strongly worded that they shook some of our audience members, it is never the intent of JEA or NSPA to let students get hurt during their time at our conventions,” they wrote.
However, not once did the NSPA or the JEA offer any apologies to the students or faculty advisors or anyone else in attendance.
Savage did offer a sarcastic apology “if I hurt anyone’s feelings.”
“But I have a right to defend myself and to point out the hypocrisy of people who justify anti-gay bigotry by pointing to the Bible and insisting we must live by the code of Leviticus on this one issue and no other.”
Tuttle said that he “felt duped” by the event. “There were Christian schools who went to the conference. To have this happen was disappointing and shocking.”
The NSPA said they should have done a better job preparing schools for what to expect.
For his part, Tuttle said that he will definitely be more cautious about the speakers at future conventions.Tuttle related how Savage told students that for a number of years he was not allowed in schools. He told the students that because it’s gained national acceptance “he’s reveling in the fact that it’s basically a middle finger to all those teachers and administrators who wouldn’t let him have access to those students before.”
But for some of Tuttle’s students – they felt like the anti-bullying activist was in fact – the bully.
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So let me get this straight…this guy intends to stop bullying by behaving as a bully and a bigot? Makes perfect sense to me!
you should watch the south park episode about stopping bullys. it hits some of the same notes
Good call AJ, south park always manages to hit the nail on the head. Sad that a cartoon has the only sane views on many of today's issues.
Another skeptic taking the Bible out of context. Tyrpical. Ironic he's against bullying when he himself is doing just that. The intolerant preaching tolerance. Hypocrisy
I think there is a word for this…oh yeah, "hypocrite!"
Dan Savage doesn't know what he's talking about concerning the Bible being that he's never studied it for himself, nor does he put the Word of God into context. He took a forum that was supposed to be about journalism and promoted his personal beliefs. The problem is that he and other people like him don't like to have anyone defend themselves with their beliefs when they conflict with his belief that homosexuality is right. Not only do I disagree with him, I also disagree with the way some Christians have handled the issue of homosexuality. While I agree that it is wrong, I don't believe that I should vehemently work to stop someone who chooses to live their life as a homosexual from living that way. What I as a Christian should do is lovingly show and speak to as why I CHOOSE not to live this way as well as what God says about this CHOICE of lifestyle. God has given every person free will to make their own decisions, he doesn't agree with all of them, but he won't force people into doing things his way. If Savage truly studied the Bible he would understand that the Levitical code was written for the Jews and does give a foundation for what has become Christianity BUT we as Christians are to live the way Jesus has instructed. And there is NEW TESTAMENT doctrine that speaks of homosexuality being wrong so it's not just Leviticus. And on the issue of the Apostle Paul encouraging slavery, ONCE AGAIN AN EXAMPLE OF SOMEONE WHO NEVER STUDIES THE BIBLE JUST READS AND THAT'S IT. Don't you know that the Bible wasn't originally written in English? The Old Testament was written in Hebrew/Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek. Don't you also know that English is the most limited language in all of the Earth? There for in order to truly understand the meaning of MOST BIBLICAL PASSAGES, it's essential to know the historical context, as well as what the original language says before coming to a conclusion, because in a room full of people that have actually studied the Bible, Savage's comments would prove who ignorant he really is as well as how intolerant he really is. It's funny how those that expect tolerance from others never seem to want to give it themselves.
I have a minor in religious studies and have studied the Bible in Hebrew and Greek, and I am here to tell you that there was nothing glaringly inaccurate, especially in regard to the topic at hand, in what Dan Savage said. It's risible for you to declare that he is ignorant, but you don't take each of his points and demonstrate why. Then you bust out with this absurdly stupid and ignorant statement: " Don't you also know that English is the most limited language in all of the Earth?" According to whom? Do you know how many linguists would laugh right in your face over that statement? Of course many linguists are PCMC, so the most you'll probably get out of them is that all languages are perfectly suited to the peoples who speak them, but if anything English, with the world's largest vocabulary (and therefore myriad synonyms with which to express nuance of meaning), is the language on Earth with the LEAST limits. You are truly a buffoon.
Christopher Nicholson You prove my point with your lack of maturity and name calling. Thanks!
What makes me frustrated is not that he bashed Christians and God's Word, I expect that to happen..we're TOLD it will happen
BUT how dare he come and speak on bullying only to bully Christians. How dare he call us hypocrites, when he's just as much of a hypocrite as we are.
For you to call what he did "bullying" is an outrage to kids who are actually bullied. You should be ashamed of yourself.
For you to call what he did "bullying" is an outrage to kids who are actually bullied. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Bully (verb): Use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone).
This man is being a bully and for you to not call it that just shows how ignorant this world is to bullying. He used his moment of fame on the stage to belittle Christians and what we believe. He was supposed to speak of bullying, but rather turned it into Bible bashing. How in the world is THAT supposed to combat bullying?
You said for yourself that, "Bullying is a targeted physical and emotional attack on someone." and this man is attacking Christians emotionally. So, by your own definition of bullying, he is indeed doing just that.
Kattie Mary Cathlene I've been been bullied and I have witnessed bullying. Don't you dare tell me I don't know bullying when I see it. How self important do you have to be to think that your absurdly stupid beliefs should be immune to criticism? Just who the FUCK do you think you are? These spoiled brats weren't bullied. They were a bunch of entitled snots who think that Dan Savage shouldn't have been allowed to express his opinion.
It's outrageous for you to call these kids showing their asses bullying. Google India Tracy; that's what real bullying looks like. Real bullying is being forced to go to school where you are daily harassed, threatened, demeaned, and often physically attacked for something you cannot change. Real bullying his having the back of your neck grabbed, having your head bashed into a locker, and being told to "change your fucking religion or we'll change it for you." Victims of real bullying don't have the option of rudely walking out on their bullies in an indignant puerile display. It's not bullying to be called out on the hypocrisy of your religious beliefs. It's not bullying because you heard someone say something you don't like, especially when you can walk away from the speaker and no one stops you.
The fact that you would call this an incidence of bullying shows how ignorant YOU are to bullying. You should be ashamed.
Kattie Mary Cathlene I've been been bullied and I have witnessed bullying. Don't you dare tell me I don't know bullying when I see it. How self important do you have to be to think that your absurdly stupid beliefs should be immune to criticism? Just who the FUCK do you think you are? These spoiled brats weren't bullied. They were a bunch of entitled snots who think that Dan Savage shouldn't have been allowed to express his opinion.
It's outrageous for you to call these kids showing their asses bullying. Google India Tracy; that's what real bullying looks like. Real bullying is being forced to go to school where you are daily harassed, threatened, demeaned, and often physically attacked for something you cannot change. Real bullying his having the back of your neck grabbed, having your head bashed into a locker, and being told to "change your fucking religion or we'll change it for you." Victims of real bullying don't have the option of rudely walking out on their bullies in an indignant puerile display. It's not bullying to be called out on the hypocrisy of your religious beliefs. It's not bullying because you heard someone say something you don't like, especially when you can walk away from the speaker and no one stops you.
The fact that you would call this an incidence of bullying shows how ignorant YOU are to bullying. You should be ashamed.
There is a point where a speech crosses a line of objectivity. Every journalist know this. How and why didn't this speaker follow through the same way? Stay on topic with "anti-bullying". Once he started to rant he crossed that fine line. Those students that walked out made the right choice. It is funny how some people of special interest groups, preach tolerance. Yet themselves do not practice it. In this case there was no love in it. Cursing, bashing and acting like a bully ones self does not help anybody.
Just how much of an asshole do you have to be to call what Dan Savage said "bullying." Google "Inda Tracy" to see what REAL bullying looks like, you fucking mental midget. What an insult it is to kids who are actually bullied to belittle the term in this way.
And don't you DARE demand that I be tolerant of intolerant subhuman filth like you.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:16-21.
The world will always love darkness rather than light. Jesus Christ has always been an offense to many people because he requires you to make a decision about your life. This comes as no surprise. God's word says "Yes, all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." I pray for this man… the wrath of God will be poured out on Him unless he repents. I also pray for our country. We many be nearing a day where there is religious persecution towards Christians. I pray that we will be able to stand.
Sickening. I'm afraid for him and for all those who feel he's right.
You mental-dwarf God-botherers live in the one country on Earth in which Christians the most UNWARRANTED privilege, and you have the gall cry persecution. What an outrage to the Christians in places like Pakistan and Egypt – albeit no less stupid and ignorant in their beliefs as you – who are in actual fact being persecuted. Get that chip off your shoulder.
I see many arguments appealing to the objectionable nature of his statements, but none about the actual content.
You know its all good, this is America, I think? I mean we're still a Democracy right, not a Plutocracy/Theocracy. We still have a right to speak (with the right amount of money), there is the 1st admendment, right?
Interesting approach to anti-bullying. Begin with attacking Christians, as if they are responsible for bullying in schools.
Savage accused Christians of supporting slavery and the Old Testament Law. How convenient to forget the Christians like William Wilberforce who helped abolish slavery in England.
As for the Old Testament Law, Christians don't follow it and the People who do have made Israel the only safe country in the middle east for Gays.
It is more in vogue to attach Christians than Muslims who actually hate gays and kill them in Muslim countries. Let Savage get off the plane in any Muslim country with "Gay Pride" on a T-shirt and he'll find out fast. Forget them and attach Christians and Jews instead.
Yet, none of this has to do with school bullying. If Savage is a speaker to fight bullying, organizers need to find someone who actually cares about the topic of bullying.
Good response and very a pro pos.
The problem is, and just like in this case, too many people confuse biblical Christianity with the havoc that Roman Catholicism let loose all over Europe for so many years. WAKE UP; Jesus and biblical Christianity are very different from historical Popery. Why do so many conveniently forget that many Protestants were put to death for many years by the Roman Catholic church. The hypocrisy and greed of the RC church doctrine and heirarchy are epic and it is this that is often represented as "Christianity" in movies and secular history books.
I am not saying that all Roman Catholics are bad and I'm not trying to pick a new fight; all I am saying is that the historical facts cannot be denied (just ask Martin Luther and William Tyndale… the list could go on) and I have found that most people who attack the Bible do so with the clear confusion of equating true Christianity with historical Roman Catholicism.
I appreciate your pointing out that these liberal philosophies would not have a moment's chance in most of the countries in the world; especially in the wildly (and I did mean "wildly", not "widely") growing Muslim religion!
As someone else pointed out, men loved darkness rather than light; it will always be so but God's grace is still sufficient and Christians need to be wise as serpents but HARMLESS AS DOVES.
Sadly, many of the conservatives and Bible defenders here sound at least as mean-spirited as those with whom we disagree. This ought not to be.
Good response and very a pro pos.
The problem is, and just like in this case, too many people confuse biblical Christianity with the havoc that Roman Catholicism let loose all over Europe for so many years. WAKE UP; Jesus and biblical Christianity are very different from historical Popery. Why do so many conveniently forget that many Protestants were put to death for many years by the Roman Catholic church. The hypocrisy and greed of the RC church doctrine and heirarchy are epic and it is this that is often represented as "Christianity" in movies and secular history books.
I am not saying that all Roman Catholics are bad and I'm not trying to pick a new fight; all I am saying is that the historical facts cannot be denied (just ask Martin Luther and William Tyndale… the list could go on) and I have found that most people who attack the Bible do so with the clear confusion of equating true Christianity with historical Roman Catholicism.
I appreciate your pointing out that these liberal philosophies would not have a moment's chance in most of the countries in the world; especially in the wildly (and I did mean "wildly", not "widely") growing Muslim religion!
As someone else pointed out, men loved darkness rather than light; it will always be so but God's grace is still sufficient and Christians need to be wise as serpents but HARMLESS AS DOVES.
Sadly, many of the conservatives and Bible defenders here sound at least as mean-spirited as those with whom we disagree. This ought not to be.
How was this an attack on people of faith? The Bible is very pro-slavery. How is it a bad thing to point out what's actually in the book? How is it hateful for him to quote the Bible? Can someone explain why anyone was offended by this?
It is not the fact that he pointed out that slavery was acknowledged and regulated in both the Old Testament and the New Testament; it was many of the other things he said. He did not state these things with any amount of respect or sincerity of wanting to represent things rightly. I find it truly sad, hypocritical and disturbing that SO many liberal people will speak SO disdainfully about the Bible and Christianity, and its followers, but would never come close to being that disrespectful of Islam, Allah or the Koran. They KNOW they would put their own lives into jeopardy to do so, but that religion is so much more intolerant than the teachings of Jesus rightly understood, it's impossible to compare.
If one tries to understand the whole of Scripture, it's my understanding that the slavery in the Bible times was drastically different from what was practiced in the last few centuries in Europe and America. It was more of an "indentured" service and it was often voluntary. I am sure there are exceptions. Some slaves were criminals or from conquered lands in the OT particularly. What IS relevant in the conversation is that the Bible even gave dignity to people in this position by dictating decent treatment of them. It reminds Israel that they once sold themselves and their children into slavery in Egypt. The NT does not in any way command slavery but it tells followers to treat servants well — much better than was commonly done in other cultures. It was also often for a given time period and the slave was to be given property when their service was over. But as another appropriately pointed out, Christians largely led the charge for abolition. Why is this conveniently forgotten?
I am no scholar but I think the Bible explains itself very well if one is willing to take the time to read it in context and as a whole. Most people, like the man in the video, seem to be unwilling to do so. I am going on the supposition that you asked your question sincerely and are willing to at least listen to what a possible answer might be. Most people are not.
The speaker misrepresents a number of things. Like others have said here, it is preposterous to make a connection that Christians are bullies or that they countenance and support anyone being mistreated for any reason. They are no more so than black people are naturally inclined to crime or all Muslims are terrorists, yada, yada, yada. It is a stereotype and is ungracious. Yes, there are those who profess Christianity that give it a bad name, as there are people in all walks of life that give their beliefs, vocations and practices a bad name. It is also very offensive to misrepresent the Bible in such a broadly misapplied way. The best thing to do would be to seek out people of faith who know their faith well, try to understand it/them so that they can recognize those who profess the faith but sadly give it a black eye through their ignorance or malice.
What did Jesus do? He made friends with publicans and sinners but He did not excuse nor applaud their sin – He lived a sinless, blameless life and then died to pay the price for the sins of all who would believe in Him. The adulteress repented of her sin and followed Jesus. That is the point; He saves people from their sin, not in their sin; for how can we, who are dead to sin, live any longer therein (Romans 6:2)?
Mr. Savage, your battle is not with Christians, your battle is with God. Good luck with that one.
Mr. Savage, your battle is not with Christians, your battle is with God. Good luck with that one.
Why isn't this treated as a "hate crime"?
The old saying Hurting people , Hurt people comes to mind. I saw a man who was lashing out. I bet he has had run ins with the nuts at westborough baptist. They give Christianity such a bad name.
The old saying Hurting people , Hurt people comes to mind. I saw a man who was lashing out. I bet he has had run ins with the nuts at westborough baptist. They give Christianity such a bad name.
Why isn't this treated as a "hate crime"?
What I think you guys are not understanding is that he is being exactly what he is there to stop. He is being a bully. People have a right to do what they want in this world and that is between them and God (I am not dismissing homosexual behavior though). But speaking to these students in that manner is bully like and he should be smart enough to understand that. He is persecuting them for their beliefs and they did nothing but silently walk out. He publicly humiliated them which is unacceptable. I'm happy for the students because they stood up for what they believed in and it if it meant walking out of that room, so be it.
I get so sick of these jerks. Darkness cannot stand the light.
That just doesn't make sense. The anti-bully speaker Being a BULLY. Insane
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Savage
"…he volunteered for the Bauer campaign with the intent to infect the candidate with his flu. He wrote that he licked doorknobs and other objects in the campaign office, and handed Bauer a saliva-coated pen, hoping to pass the virus on to Bauer and his supporters (though he later said that much of the article had been fictitious). He also registered and participated in the caucus, which was illegal, as Savage was not an Iowa resident. He was charged and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of fraudulent voting in a caucus, and was sentenced to a year's probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $750 fine".
Some of the posts on this page do not help what people agree with in this video. Savage has a single picture of what all Christians believe and is misinterpreting the Word of God. As Christians we should be speaking against THAT. There is a way to minister to those in the sin of homosexuality, just like we minister differently to those who have alcohol or drug or other addictions. Stop arguing about why and how this country got to be this way and begin to change it in a way that is more Christ-like.
We should be praying for Dan Savage and others like him who have been misinformed by those who cannot differentiate a person from their sin. Hate the sin, not the person.
So it's alright for this pervert to call Christian ''Pansy Asses".. in that case, am I suppose to call them immoral? The difference is ''I don't hate them, I am disgusted by what they do''..
This man, Dan Savage, has totally and completely contradicted himself. It's hypocritical. His "campaign" is null and void. Bullying is not ok, except against Christians, in his world.
"an illegal Kenyan Muslim Marxist racist Chicago street monkey".
Ha ha… yeah, you know about hate,…no question.
This guy is a low life piece of scum. He's exactly who he's preaching about, he's a bully. He hates Christians and is a bigot. Calling them names in the manner he did is no different than when he was bullied.
So you call him "a low-life piece of scum, a bully, hateful, bigot". In making your point didn't you just become exactly like who you're preaching against? He called them "pansy-asses". Doesn't that make you worse than Dan since you used 5 words to "bully" and he only used one?
So you call him "a low-life piece of scum, a bully, hateful, bigot". In making your point didn't you just become exactly like who you're preaching against? He called them "pansy-asses". Doesn't that make you worse than Dan since you used 5 words to "bully" and he only used one?
I love how this article reports on the account of one person who happened to be there. There are videos of the whole thing that are readily available (on this page, as a matter of fact), but for some reason Starnes has to report inaccuracy after inaccuracy, based on what someone told him? Pretty shoddy journalism there, Starnes. As for calling this an attack on people of faith, I have to ask– so do you equate hypocrites (the people he was criticizing) with people of faith? If so, that's okay, but maybe you should think about that position.
That's FOX yet again.
it's obvious that the people who walked out were not listening to his speech with an open mind. what he said is absolutely true, a person cannot use the levitical laws in the bible as an excuse to mistreat homosexuals while ignoring all of the other laws listed in the same book. dan savage's comparison to slavery was well-stated.
Johanna Vonkuster Here, Here!
The Holy Bible is the only (Basic Instuctions before leaving Earth) Jesus Christ son of the living God is the only Way truth and life to make it to heaven. Time is running out! Jesus is right at the door to return for the rapture of the church and believers in Christ. He comes like a theif in the night, do not fall asleep get your house in order and pray always that you will be accountable to escape all the things that are coming upon this earth.
So many of the comments I'm reading are so intriguing. I am thoroughly amused. I wish I knew how your brains worked. Would love to have a day like in the movie "Being John Malkovich". Just to see what's it's like to be your heads. To actually experience your thought processes which lead you such odd conclusions. I'm being serious. Because it's hard for me to fathom your complete lack of irony. Or how you read the Bible and espouse the exact opposite of what Jesus taught and how he lived his life. I'll never get the chance unfortunately. Oh, well. Cheers from the "intolerant" Left.
Andy my friend, Jesus upheld every thing that is in the Bible as God's word. Which means everything in the old testament as well as how he taught in the new testament. If you think because Jesus taught about love and kindness to our fellow man means that he was ok with homosexuality then you are missing who he really is and what he stands for. As I have mentioned, I live for Christ, however I am flawed. And I will not judge and cannot judge others for their life-style even if it goes against what I believe to be true. And I think a true Christian should do that. Many times Christians take what we believe to be right and attack people with it because we think that is what God has asked us to do. I have never come across that in the Bible. Why do so many Christians feel as if they have to play God? And in the past I was guilty of that at times. But thank God that he has changed my heart. He is God, and I am his servant. I want to reap the blessing that God can give one. How can I ever do that if my heart is filled with anger, hate, or dislike for those who are gay? And as I said before, I am a man who doesnt believe that (homosexuality), is what God wants, but I am never going to attack someone for it. The measure that I want from God I must give to those around me. And that doesnt mean those I pick and choose. Everyone.
Don Stanley Wow. What a great comment. What you're espousing strikes the perfect tone and is in line with the example and teachings of your Savior. Which is in stark contrast to most of the comments being posted here. My comment was not about the legalistic aspect of your faith but to the example Christ set forth as instruction of how we should treat each other. When Christ used the word "love" as in, "I give you a new commandment, that you
love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." it was the Greek "agape". Christ demonstrated how to walk in love by His supreme example. When He washed the disciples' feet, when He fed the hungry, when He healed the hurting, when He offered Himself up on the cross, He taught His followers how to walk in love — agape love. Quite sure this isn't new to you. I only mention it to complete the larger point: I don't see that exemplified in any of the commenter's who claim their hateful comments have something to do with their being a Christian. Their comments are in direct contrast to yours'. People who believe as you do, and there are many, need to speak up because you're being drowned out by these apostasies. Your comment is a textbook example of agape.
Don, you may be human and ef up sometimes but you have the heart of Christ. Prophecies will cease, tongues will be stilled, knowledge will pass away but love always endures, always hopes, always perseveres and never fails. You are best quality son because you have best quality heart (OK I stole and modified that from Joy Luck Club).
Andy, you're pretty ok yourself. : ) And you know whether we ever agree or disagree I will always have love for you.
Shinning a light on the hypocrisy of evangelicals who ignore the teachings of the Bible is in no way "anti-Christian". Jesus himself had this exact same debate with the religious leaders and teachers of his time. They called him a blasphemer. Exactly what many of your are doing. His problem is with those of you who pick and choose and emphasize what you wish to the exclusion of everything else. The charges he made are spot on, 100% correct. My only regret is that he called names. The kids who walked out did it for reasons unknown to him. For which he has since apologized. A real apology where he ate crow and took responsibility.
My wise mother told me, "You become what you hate." Don Savage has become what he hates and doesn't even realize it.
Not only is homosexuality an unhealthy lifesyle, the spirit is a spirit of antichrist as you see in this young man being manifest. No Buddha bashing, no comments against Ialam. Just antichrist. Very telling.
It never ceases to amaze me how this man…Savage was talking about bullying yet, he bullied the fact that some people are Christians and even made fun of them while continuing to bash Christians? He took scripture out of the Bible and out of context for his own gain. I don't have a problem with anyone, but Mr. Savage you are a bully and you used your time with a captive audience of students to show how well you can bully and how it is okay for you to do so!
Thank you for sharing this.
Notice all who are decieved by this spirit of antichrist. Dishonor God and his divine order and invite His divine judgement, as perfect as His love.
Thank heavens for the teens who had the personal courage to walk out! Talk about a double standard; if any teacher were to use their 'position of authority or influence' to speak in a similar manner, especially on the opposite side of the 'question', they would have been 'crucified'!
He is possessed by a homosexual devil! Until he sees hids pathetic state he will continue to be miserable, Jesus can and will deliver him and set him FREE, if he will Ask forgiveness for his sins!!!
He is possessed by a homosexual devil! Until he sees hids pathetic state he will continue to be miserable, Jesus can and will deliver him and set him FREE, if he will Ask forgiveness for his sins!!!
Dan Savage in my opinion is a very sad person who through the manner he spoke was defending and justifying his inner guilt of being a homosexual to the max. He is aware of the sin he is committing being an open and active Homosexual. The Anti-bullying is the Bully himself. I admired the Students who rose up and left. These are Youths who are sane and with character who can stood-up to their faith by leaving the place and refusing to listen to the agent of the evil one. Savage had savaged himself. I pray that our Almighty God will protect the Youth from this kind of man who wants to savage their souls.
Yes, the God who advocates genocide. The God that is a mass murderer. The God fine with daughters being sold, with slavery, with ethnic cleansing. Your God is horrible.
Cameron Willadsen and infanticideas well.
It's the very reason why I could careless what liberals say. Like the old saying goes, if a liberal makes the comment it's called freedom of speech. If anyone else makes such a statement it's called bigotry and racism. Now who is the hypocrite! Homosexuals are just sweet and innocent misunderstood people in a homophobia society. Just like there is a misunderstanding that they support NAMBLA as well. Liberalism is a mental disorder and the zenith of hypocrisy, arrogances and deceit!
*channels Will Ferrel* You're crazy man…you're crazy…
That aside, I could care less about what he said about the Bible. It's a horrible, immoral book. The pansy ass thing was stupid. But I'm not going to equivocate Christian privilege in the U.S. to what gays in the U.S. have to deal with. He's fighting for something better than what the immorality of the bible has given people.
I was at the convention and fox is playing a part of a 50 minute speech that does not accurately portay the message of the speech. He was not talking about how people who believe the bible are stupid or how the bible is stupid. He was saying that the bible is not and excuse for bullying. Kids are dying because we won't ignore one part of the bible, even when we ignore parts about slavery and stoning woman who are not vigins before marriage.
Dan wasn't bullying these kids. He was making a valid point: Why do we only follow some parts of the Scripture but disregard others? If you're going to follow the Bible, follow the Bible! Don't pick and choose what works best for you. The defeats the point, doesn't it? He not being intolerant of Christians; he's being intolerant of stupidity, ignorance, and faulty logic.
Religion….I mean superstition…
Dan wasn't bullying these kids. He was making a valid point: Why do we only follow some parts of the Scripture but disregard others? If you're going to follow the Bible, follow the Bible! Don't pick and choose what works best for you. The defeats the point, doesn't it? He not being intolerant of Christians; he's being intolerant of stupidity, ignorance, and faulty logic.
I'll repeat what I said elsewhere.All I really didn't like was the pansy ass part. The other part, about the Bible, I 100% agreed with him about. For far too long we've made excuses about our(as in society, not myself, I am an atheist) religious beliefs. People make excuses for where to place blame. And while religion may simply act as an element that gives focus and direction to an impetus, for good or ill, that was already there. We must still not lie to ourselves about the part it plays in adding to the miseries of the world.
But what really made me mad was the equivocation that came out, often from those who are on the side of LGBT civil rights, on this incident as Dan bullying the people involved. I'm sorry but this is less than a drop in the bucket compared to the centuries of social degradation that has been perpetuated both on homosexuals and others in the name of supernatural faith. Absolutely no equivocation can be made between the culture that has been created that calls LGBT folks as abominations and by default, immoral deviants. That has ultimately lead to the deaths of far far too many people, young and old.
What he said was blunt, and crass, yes. And many of us would wish we would act with a level of decorum that shows that all of us on the side of LGBT rights are better than that. But I would be lying if I said that where I said on these issues, and in consideration of the ways in which groups of people have and ARE working to keep LGBT folks as thought of as nothing more than scum undeserving of humanity, marriage, etc, that I could excuse that crassness even if I didn't like the pansy ass remark. They(the Christians and others who perpetuate the culture) have far far less to lose than what many lesbians, gays and transsexuals especially, lose ever day. So yeah, maybe I prefer that Dan didn't choose the words he did. But that is nothing compared to preferring a world in which LGBT folks aren't treated the way they are.
Everything I have read said about two dozen (not quite 100) students walked out, and they walked out because he pointed out that the bible condones slavery, and condones stoning non-virgins, and condemns shell fish, and we ignore all of those laws but USE the bible as an excuse to bully young LGBT kids. This wasn't a christian conference it was a journalism conference. He is known for being edgy. He didn't attack a bible study, he was invited to speak about bullying which he did. He had no choice but to touch on the topic of religion because people use it as an excuse to continue their behavior. So please, do not act as if this is some huge attack on christianity. None of those kids will be killing themselves tonight over the words Dan spoke, out of honesty (not hatred).
Dan Savage who? This is so yesterdays news, Now the Repub-duds are slamming the Prez because he is taking credit for giving the order to KILL Bin Laden. I guess Obama should have flown on a Aircraft Carrier on the TAX PAYERS dime, with a BIG BANNER behind him stating "Mission Accomplishment". At least Obama can say that with some proof. Take that, Booya!
The Bible did not get slavery, virginity or homosexuality wrong.
lies and more lies. The Bible fully sanctions slavery. Don't even begin to revise that which is textually evidenced. Conservatives are intellectually disturbing.
So he pointed out the hypocrisy of the religious extremists and the stupidity of an ancient book of mythology? So what? Maybe we should have a Bible burning and throw in a Koran and a Torah just to get the trifecta.
lol. Silly Fundamentalist Christiians don't like being urinated on (back). Tough sh**t. Now they know how the gays feel when silly [money-pandering] Televangelists say gays are going to 'fry like chicken in hell'… you know, "cuz" the good Lawd "loves them"…. #pathetic Extreme Religionists…
Who listens to televangelists any way????No real Christian does…
Elitism within Christianity? You judged the worth of your fellow Christians merely based on watching TV? You couldn't be serious? Could they not receive a powerful word "from God" by watching TV? you sound insanely ridiculous now. Of course there are decent preachers on TV; not all of them want all our money lol. don't lump all over your fellow brethren in the "hell basket" just yet.
Wow, THIS IS A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY, IT WAS BUILT BY CHRISTIANS, RAISED BY CHRISTIANS, AND STILL IS A CHRISTIAN NATION! CHRISTIAN PRESIDENT, CHRISTIAN P.A, CHRISTIAN MORALS, its hilarious, this guy should of left as soon as he saw everyone leaving, psh, figures he would go and bully highschoolers because no 1 else wanted to hear his garbage.
Sorry this isn't a Christian nation; that would make the US a theocracy, like Iran. We are a nation with a plethora of philosophies – some of which are anti-theistic. Sorry to crash your hot air balloon.
It's sad that this organization would allow hate speech from an ignorant man. Yes, he was the bully, and the organization sanctioned it by refusing to deal with it when he communicated his hate. Shameful. And, since they haven't apologized, it is clear they aren't sorry for the situation.
Read this a few days ago and I was appalled at the way this organization dismissed his misconduct. Sickening.
This is for James Kormanec and all the other unbelievers, I pray for your soul. You profess to be an Athiest, yet you believe in hell. Then you have to believe in God (a remote, small part of your heart that you have turned your back on). You apparently chose to ignore God, be very careful. Even Darwin did not believe, but upon his death bed he changed his beliefs. I would rather believe in God and eternal salvation, than not believe and be condemned to eternal damnation.
Please feast your eyes upon 2 Chronicals 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land".
I am asking all Christians, Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, etc. to join with me on July 14th, 2012 (Saturday) for a day of "Prayers for America". Perhaps we can have the same type of eradication of evil from America that God granted to Minnesota in the 1870's when the governor declared a Day of Prayer and removed the plague (grasshoppers) that had beseiged their state.
Please understand what Darwin thought and and believed.
Literally, a raving lunatic and a rabid hatemonger. He's EXACTLY like the Westboro Baptist Church, except that Pres. Obama never invited *them* to the White House (twice!).
As for the “We appreciate the level of thoughtfulness and deliberation regarding Dan Savage’s keynote address,” the NSPA wrote. “some audience members who felt hurt by his words and tone decided to leave in the middle of his speech, and to this, we want to make our point very clear: While as a journalist it’s important to be able to listen to speech that offends you, these students and advisers had simply reached their tolerance level for what they were willing to hear.”.
Shameful and disgraceful! Dan Savage, literally a raving lunatic and a radical hatemonger–and the scheduled speaker at a legitimate gathering of teenaged students. He's EXACTLY like the Westboro Baptist Church, except that *they* don't try to infect young minds with their message of intolerance, and Pres. Obama never invited *them* to the White House (twice!).
To make matters worse, the (unnamed) Executive Director of the National Scholastic Press Association, under the vague, slippery syntax of his/her response, places the blame–incredible as it seems–on the students who walked out. He points out that they *decided* to leave, as if they might have remained to hear a spiteful tirade against their beliefs. He suggests that they left because they were intolerant and unwilling to hear Mr. Savage's malicious ranting. The NSPA reportedly called Mr. Savage's hate-filled speech a "teachable moment" for students, as if they could have been expected to find a droplet of merit in that torrent of vituperation. Shameful and disgraceful!