So I'm exiting the highway and the traffic signal is red at the end of the ramp.

[Pacifist Patriot]

A man who could have been anywhere from 30-50 was standing on the corner in 85 degree heat holding a sign that said, "just hungry." I rolled down my window, beckoned him over and gave him the three dollars I had on me. He smiled and said, "God bless you" and the light turned green.

I turned left under the overpass where it's two lanes headed west. The car that had been behind me on the exit ramp pulls up on my left as we stop at the next set of lights. The woman waves over at me so I rolled down my window assuming she was going to either ask for directions or ask if I'll let her over into my lane so she can take a right soon.

She started screaming, "What the hell do you think you're doing?! You realize he's just going to go get drunk or high, right? That's all we need is more bums on that corner!"

I was planning on ignoring her and rolling my window back up but then noticed the big chunky cross swinging from the rear view mirror.

I smiled sweetly and said, "What am I doing? I'm sitting here thanking Jesus I have the good fortune to have a few bucks in my wallet so I could help out one of God's children in need. What have you done in the Lord's name today?"

Okay, this was NOT my finest hour...considering I'm a non-theist. And no, I do not think all Christians behave as this woman did. Not remotely. But if she's going to advertise herself as a Christian with a public display of her faith and have the gall to lecture me against charity? I'm going to call her on it. I felt a wee bit less guilty when she squealed out of there and I saw the Catholic Radio station bumper sticker on the back of her car (a decidedly conservative station), the Choose Life license plate, and the Mario Rubio campaign sticker in the window.

Anyone surprised she was driving a Mercedes 550?

Okay, now that I've probably irritated enough people with generalizations I'll just say I'm so weary, so very very weary with respect to a lack of compassion. So yes, I'm lashing out at this one woman, but no, I'm not assuming anything about Christians in general or Mercedes drivers. Bleached blondes with bad face lifts? Yeah okay, I'll be harsh there. ;-)

I really hope the 99% movement continues to raise awareness with respect to human dignity. Thanks for humoring my rant.

[Angry Dragon]

1. The Dragon says You Did Good

[calimary]

155. The calimary says You Did Good. VERY Good!

"Least of My brethren" and all that.

Funny she didn't have that in mind with that big-ass cross swinging from the rear view mirror of her fancy Mercedes.

[lsewpershad]

169. I think so...also

[Zoeisright]

2. That was FABULOUS!!!

We need more people like you to call these fake "Xtians" on their selfish shit. That woman is disgusting. And I hope she's ashamed, although I doubt she has the self-awareness or intelligence to realize she was completely schooled.

Oh, and many, MANY "Xtians" think exactly the way she does. I grew up with a bunch of them, and they're two-faced, selfish, stupid, greedy, and ignorant.

[Earth_First]

3. I would have grabbed a handful of change and thrown it at her yelling "GET A CLUE!" n/t

[Demeter]

4. No Apology Needed

Hypocrites don't get dispensation on any grounds.

[vanbean]

162. The lady is right. If you feed these bums they just keep coming back.

:sarcasm:

But notice I said "right", as in "winger".

[Autumn]

5. I think I shall build a shrine, and worship you.

:toast: Damn good job.

[aquart]

6. It was a brilliant response.

I never think that fast. I wake up in the middle of the night with a good answer I never had at the time.

[Pacifist Patriot]

11. Ordinarily I'd be the same, but I've had a lot of practice with my....

relatives who are extraordinarily far to my right religiously.

[tblue]

75. You may not realize it but

that was your finest hour. I am so proud of you. Thank you for helping out BOTH of those forsaken souls. I would rather be you or the "hungry" man than that heartless woman any day of the week. Does she think she could never fall on hard times? I thought Catholics were into charity....?

[NOLALady]

76. True Catholics are into charity.

[nadine_mn]

90. So true - my in-laws are the worst kind of Catholics

holier than thou, racist, homophobic, do charity only on Thanksgiving (you know - when it can be seen by the community and they can be praised for their generosity and can tell their friends), etc etc. They go to church every week but the sermons have been falling on deaf ears for them

I was raised to always help someone out - without judgment or strings attached. My family is lapsed Catholic, but we always helped when we could whoever needed it.

There are a lot of good Catholics out there (and other denominations of Christians) but man, so many selfish self-righteous asshats that give religion a bad name

[aquart]

161. Exactly.

When I was a little, little girl I saw a TV interview (with translator) of an old Polish farmer. He was in America for a vacation paid for by the Jews whose lives he had saved in World War II. The interviewer asked him why he had risked his life for strangers. His answer: "I had to. I'm a Catholic."

[dotymed]

122. Isn't it sad that this statement makes sense?

"I've had a lot of practice with my relatives who are extraordinarily to my right religiously." I completely understand this because I have the same "definition problems" with my relatives.

It is (to me) so strange that these relatives (who, BTW ARE nice, educated people) live their lives around (their mainstream interpretation of) the Bible. They are also very consumed with making money and they "tithe" 10% of their earnings to their churches. My son-in-law (whom I love) was extremely RW until he became involved with my daughter. They have compromised, she has adapted many of his beliefs and he no longer condemns all poor people. They are out of town today visiting the Seminary that he hopes to attend. He currently earns above average pay as an industrial carpenter (my career too, except I was Union), my Daughter gets her Teaching certificate this year and plans to be a Union member.

Anyway, IMO, the statement about being to the right religiously, while very true, is in direct opposition to the Bible that I read and interpreted, and that says so much about our society.

Being "to the right" implies (correctly) political beliefs. To realize that capitalism has claimed religion as it's foundation is patently absurd. The "New Testament" is about a poor man named Jesus and his disdain for material wealth. It is all so irrational. I will add that most (1 exception that I can think of) of my RW, Christian relatives earn 5-6 figure incomes. I too have been condemned for "helping roadside beggars." I do not comprehend the disconnect.

[Ferretherder]

47. You took the words right out of my mouth.

...exactly what happens to me....way to slow on my brain-feet.

[Pacifist Patriot]

53. I'm that way with political retorts.

I can nail someone on religious hypocrisy with barely a conscious thought, but get tongue tied when confronted politically. I come up with a fabulous response hours later while lying in bed.

[barbtries]

108. i need about 5 to 50 minutes

it's like i think on my hands and knees more than on my feet.

[VWolf]

59. Yeah, me too. It's infuriating! n/t

[MedicalAdmin]

106. The key is to figure our your response to situation ahead of time.

It's a performers "trick." Develop a bag of tricks (borrowed from the giants whose shoulders we stand on) and use them when the situation warrants it.

And we all just got one more trick to use. Just remember what the OP did and the circumstances the OP did them in and then you too will be armed and dangerous.

[LiberalFighter]

121. Exactly. You have to know your audience.

[MadMaddie]

7. You called it as you saw it

The nerve of her to question your charity......We can only guess she is one of those that screams she is a Christian and supports family values.....blah..blah...blah..but when it comes down to it....just another sheep in wolves skin....

You did good!

[Ineeda]

8. You did good

both with your compassion and with your reprimand of the 'christian'. You might have made her actually think (though I doubt it.) Here's a :hug: for both actions.

[JVS]

9. You did it just right

[Arkansas Granny]

10. You did great! I wish I could come up with answers like that I always

think of the good retort hours later.

[DeSwiss]

12. When I grow up I want to be just like you!

- K&R

[Shagbark Hickory]

13. I'm guessing this was not in south florida. Am I right?

[Pacifist Patriot]

18. Correct

[Shagbark Hickory]

23. You wanna know how I know that?

Because somebody like that who goes making comments like she did would get her ass shot.

[Pacifist Patriot]

55. *sigh* She'd probably get a standing ovation here.

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. A minister friend has a great response to this

"Who am I to deny a little pleasure in what must be a pretty sad life?"

Brought tears to my eyes when I heard him say this to a critic after giving a dollar to a homeless man.

[Pacifist Patriot]

16. That's a much better response.

[proud2BlibKansan]

20. Yours was great.

Good job.

[Remember Me]

31. But i wouldn't even call it "pleasure,"

it's either a necessity if they're seriously enough addicted (people CAN die from withdrawal, you know), or it helps dull the pain of their existence, and sometimes their physical pain as well. I don't mean this as a defense or a justification, but rather as an avenue to greater compassion. Don't call it "pleasure" if it's a physical and/or psychic necessity.

[LiberalFighter]

123. Maybe hope instead of pleasure?

[formercia]

132. Live sucks so bad, all I have is sex and drugs.

Unfortunately, most of the time, I have no one to share it with.

A little Satire.....

[Shagbark Hickory]

58. That is a great response but in this case, they would still get the same reply from the crazy woman.

The ol' "don't feed the bears or else we'll have a lot more bears coming around here" line.

[AnneD]

133. I have used that line too....

when explaining my gifting. I am not help responsible for how someone uses God's gift, but I commanded by God give to those less fortunate, the widowed and the orphaned, and those in need that come across my path.

Someone dependent on alchol cannot stop cold turkey with out suffering the DT's which can kill you. Just another thing to think about.

And bless your minister, for he is truly a godly man.

[SoutherDem]

15. Excellent

I WILL assume most Christians are that way. I live in the Bible Belt. Full of Christians who would rather die than vote Democrat. Who defend the rich and blame the poor for being poor and feel they are a drain on society. Who you would never guess they were Christians if it weren't for the fact they will bring it up in EVERY conversation.
You did a great job, don't feel bad for speaking the truth. :yourock:

[polmaven]

96. You will be incorrect...

MOST Christians are not at all that way. There is a whole world full of Christians outside of the Bible Belt.

[bullwinkle428]

17. Very happy to K&R this!!

:applause:

[RagAss]

19. Smells like Jacksonville to me.

[Raine]

21. It's none of her business what you do with YOUR money

whether the fellow uses the money for food or for alcohol or drugs ... IT'S NONE OF HER BUSINESS ... IT'S WAS -YOUR- MONEY! One time I gave money to a panhandler and a bystander said "you know what they're going to use that money for don't you bla bla bla?" I said "well it's their money now so if they use it for alcohol, cigarettes or drugs, THEY made the choice of forgoing food." The person was outside the market so I gave them the benefit of a doubt and assumed they used it for food. Whatever ... after I gave it to them it was THEIRS. :shrug:

[LuckyLib]

146. This is key. Giving is the act that we are entitled to do ourselves. Judging what

someone does with the gift is not up to us. We can assume the best of folks who struggle -- that they are indeed using it for food or shelter. But we have no way to know. Using it for alcohol on a cold winter night might be my choice were I in their shoes.

In our town we've been urging folks to generously support the local shelter/homeless work done by several groups. But in these times there are even more folks out of the exit ramps and corners soliciting. I'm amazed by those who rant that they are all booze hounds.

[eleny]

22. K&R for fast thinking and good judgment

[krispos42]

24. "I'm doing what Jesus would have done. Are you?"

:rofl:


:thumbsup:

[JoePhilly]

25. First, I absolve you of your sins... you did not seek her approval, she decided to ...

heap her disapproval on you ... in a sense, she was demanding that you join her, in looking down on those who are less fortunate, those who suffer from challenges for which they may,or may not, hold some responsibility. From her air conditioned seat, it did not matter. One who suffers was meant to suffer.

Oh ... and I know I can't absolve anything ... still ...

You had to respond ...

And so, do not apologize for what seems to be the very polite manner in which you set her straight. And as a "non-theist", you can take some comfort in knowing that many of the (ahem)"real Christians" (evangelicals) think this woman's religion (Catholicism) is a cult of the anti-Christ.

She is part of the right wing who thinks that financial success is God's way of saying "I Love you".

If I had been in your shoes ... my response would have been along the lines of this ...

Me ... "Are you my mother?"

Her ... "No".

Me ... "Oh good, because for a minute there, I was afraid I would have to tell my Mom to F**K OFF!! ... since you are not her ... F**K OFF!!!"

[lunasun]

26. My answer to life's intruders is: Sorry I asked for your opinion

Im usually gone b4 they figure out I DIDN't...........

I saw the Catholic Radio station bumper sticker on the back of her car (a decidedly conservative station), the Choose Life license plate, and the Mario Rubio campaign sticker in the window = freak anyway

The choose life sticker and her rant once again proves most are only concerned with the unborn not the living

:puke:

[idiotgardener]

27. I love your question to her.

I'm going to start using variants of it to people who say stupid things when I'm protesting, passing out flyers, or doing anything else trying to improve the world a little.

[nadinbrzezinski]

28. You did good

I've pulled that one a few times myself.

[blogslut]

29. How did she react?

Maybe you gave her food for thought. Maybe you fed two people today.

[Pacifist Patriot]

45. No clue. The light changed and we both drove off and went our merry ways.

[larwdem]

30. yes

she is going to hell and i don't care how Meany times she goes to church

[Stinky The Clown]

32. Good for you! K&R. How sad, though, that you had to expend more effort defending yourself . . .

. . . against the wrath what ought to be allies here than you did in telling the essential story.

[Remember Me]

33. I think you did GREAT and she'll be steaming (and thinking about it)

for days, weeks, maybe months.

You did great, that is, until you got here: Bleached blondes with bad face lifts? Yeah okay, I'll be harsh there.

Tsk, tsk. All that really good stuff and then you had to go and be sexist :-(

[Pacifist Patriot]

44. LOL! Sexist?

I've seen worse face lifts on men than I have on women. Oh, and dye jobs. Thought granted it's usually an attempt to go darker over the gray than go the blonde route. If anything the comment could be construed as perhaps ageist, but not sexist. I think it speaks far more to privilege and vanity than gender. Truly, the thought of me being sexist is a real hoot. Thanks for the good morning chuckle. :-)

[1monster]

64. It may be an attempt to go darker over the gray rather than go blonde, but the truth

is the darker color shows up every wrinkle and looks bad. If one had dark brown hair, s/he should go at least one or two tones lighter to medium or ash brown... For whatever reason, it looks more natural than the darker dyes. (I keep wanting to tell a friend -- who has her hair dyed professionally -- but haven't found a way to do so tactfully ... yet.)

[Pacifist Patriot]

65. As one who is thoroughly vain herself I have to agree.

I have a twin sister. We used to dye our hair the same color. I've now gone a shade lighter and she's taken to dying hers a couple of shades darker. I think it makes her look older, but I don't know how to say so tactfully either. On the other hand, did I mention we're twins and my sister now looks older than me? :evilgrin:

[Kber]

142. OK - that right there is funny!

Since my sister is 11 years younger than I am, I'll never be able to say that!

[gateley]

127. You're just looking for something here, I think. She could have

easily said "balding guys with Donald Trump comb-overs with bad fact lifts".

I think your judgment is unwarranted, so felt compelled to shove in my two cents worth. :7

[demosincebirth]

34. What ever he does with the money should not be your concern. Thats what

my mother told me 50yrs ago. Besides, I cancel her out.

God bless you.

[dgauss]

35. A great response probably without effect but...

But maybe not. Little things can add up in a person's mind.

[flamingdem]

36. You jesus-ed her! nt

[coalition_unwilling]

37. Typical-driving a Nazi-mobile. Be careful though. These are

the same cohort that deep down don't have any problem with what Loughner allegedly did (or even McVeigh)

[MrsBrady]

38. practicing christians

don't like her kind of behavior either.
Some walk the walk, and others talk the talk.

I don't always give money, but I certainly wouldn't scorn them either.
I have bought food for people when they said they were hungry.

If it helps, I know a well known Dallas minister that is marching with the Dallas Occupy group.
There are others with him, I just don't know them.

My husband is an atheist. One of the reasons I married him is because he likes to help people.
That was christian enough for me.

You did good. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[awoke_in_2003]

39. "Anyone surprised she was driving a Mercedes 550?"

no, selfish douchebags drive Mercedes, BMW (5 series and above) and Porsche.

[Cid_B]

42. Well... that was broad brushed and ignorant...

As far as the issue overall I leave it to the individual.

I don't give money directly to the homeless but I wouldn't say anything to the OP either...

[barbtries]

40. how dare she.

thank you.

[thelordofhell]

41. I would have just flipped her off

and drove away

[TheKentuckian]

43. Two thumbs up

[lunatica]

46. It seems to me that she lashed out at you and you responded

And I must say you responded quite appropriately. I can't imagine why you giving someone a few dollars would get her so mad that she felt the need to go out of her way to scream at you. She must live a very unhappy life if an act of kindness drives her into a seething rant.

[Pacifist Patriot]

52. Sadly, not all that surprising around here. Conservatives in this area can be pretty bold.

I've been approached in a store for wearing an Aston Villa Football Club jersey and sneeringly told, "You know you could get shot around here for wearing that." Why you may ask? English Premier League teams have their corporate partners emblazoned across their chests. For several seasons AVFC was partnered with ACORNS. That's a charitable foundation for life-limited children in the English mid-lands. Over here, idiot conservatives equate it with ACORN. Why ACORN would be printed on a soccer jersey I couldn't fathom.

When wearing a t-shirt from the UUA General Assembly, a woman approached me in the grocery store to tell me I belonged to a cult and was going to hell.

I've had more than a few people make nasty comments to me at the gas station whenever I've had political campaign stickers on my car. I'm prepared for religious comebacks, but alas I'm usually tongue tied for a political retort.

I had a guy make a snide comment when I checked out "Lies" by Al Franken at the library a few years ago and he got an ovation from several of the other people in line. I can't remember what the librarian said, but I could have kissed her when she piped up with a snappy retort.

I do think a lot of the conservatives around here are deeply unhappy. They just have no idea how to address that other than feed their anger.

[They_Live]

61. Wow

I don't think I would put up with any of that, especially being told by a stranger that I was going to hell.

[Pacifist Patriot]

63. Coming from a stranger tends not to phase you after you've had enough family members....

say it to you in your own home.

It also doesn't carry much sting when you have absolutely no belief in hell whatsoever. Kind of an empty threat that way.

[They_Live]

128. I wouldn't put up with that

even from members of my family.

[Pacifist Patriot]

131. I haven't had them in my home since.

[TlalocW]

94. I've been told I'm going to hell for performing card tricks and other magic

Some people in my city can't see the difference between entertainment magic and supernatural magic (which I contend doesn't exist to begin with).

I'm on the fence about giving money to people on the street. If I spot them soon enough, I'll swing into the nearest fast food joint and get them 3 or 4 burgers and a drink but will give a couple of bucks if there's nothing around. I gave one guy money while stopped at a red light while driving my van that advertised my entertainment business, and he looked at my info and asked if I could twist him a balloon dog. So because I had my bag of balloons with me, I did. He said he was going to give it to his girlfriend that he's LIVING WITH because she collects dog stuff. At least he was honest in the end. :)

TlalocW

[piratefish08]

48. i can't speak for the Abrahamic gods, but the Flying Spaghetti Monster blesses

you with his Noodly Appendages!!

:yourock:

[formercia]

152. Ramen n/t

[ReverendDeuce]

49. As someone who knows about the homeless...

I've known a few in my time and to this day they *absolutely insist* that you should never, ever, give money to anyone "signing".

The homeless never use the money for food. Very rarely. It typically goes to buying stuff they cannot get through charity which would be things like alcohol, cigarettes, etc.

This is a universal opinion. Some of the guys I've known have "singed" themselves and say that even they would not give money to anyone signing.

[jeff47]

56. Yes, poor people must only be allowed officially sanctioned goods. (nt)

[Selatius]

68. I was told something similar. It is better to provide food directly than cash.

At least then, you couldn't be blamed for enabling bad behavior.

[jeff47]

69. Apparently I needed to put the sarcasm tag on that.

Poor people are people. If they want to "waste" some money on something that makes their situation slightly more bearable, why should we deny that?

[kentauros]

139. You might try making a similar argument on any of the

"buying junk-food with foodstamps" threads that pop up from time to time ;)

I agree with you, though. If we are going to give money to someone because they are poor, it must be done without strings attached.

Also, while many say they'll just go and buy drugs or whatever else related, I remember one time giving a few dollars to a guy. It was early evening, about twilight, and he probably could have stayed out there a few more hours if he had wanted. Instead, he thanked me and said now he had enough to get a hotel room, packed up his stuff and walked off! I believed he really was doing just that since he was walking away from getting that much more money.

I'm more apt to believe them and I don't care if I get suckered by a few. It's just a few dollars.

[lunatica]

149. That's the way I see it

Frankly I have no idea what hell their lives are. If they want to escape it through alcohol I'm not judging them.

[formercia]

153. Better a thousand thieves go free

than one deserving person go without.

[dotymed]

154. My God! Thank you Jeff.

Wow, even on DU these people still do not recognize that people do have other "needs" besides food, shelter,etc. Things that you cannot get from a charity. How many of us (I used to) enjoy an alcoholic bevarage at the end of the day? Don't the poor deserve to go to a movie or have any entertainment in their lives?

Life is really hard for underprivileged people (more so), denying them some "unsanctioned" enjoyment is good for their and your soul. There are exceptions to every rule, I have spent my fair(?) share of time in 12 step programs, on both sides of the podium. To think that ALL of our impoverished people are addicts of some sort is wrong.

[lunatica]

148. Right. They must never, ever get a break from the darkest reality of their lives

I have no problem with homeless people who need a drink or a smoke. None. Nada. It makes their lives a little more bearable. I have no inclination to pass judgement on them.

[Vinca]

50. Fast thinking . . . what a great response to a heartless person.

[democrank]

51. Bravo!

[safeinOhio]

54. Here is a great song, just for times like this

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-675970023105281195

[AngryAmish]

57. cool story, bro

[Pacifist Patriot]

62. I've decided I must write like a guy.

Whatever that means. LOL!

I get accused of sexism above and called a bro when I'm about as girly girl as it gets. Well, girly girl being forced to wear sensible shoes for the time being. :-)

Cheers!

[chrisa]

119. I thought it was a good read.

Maybe you don't care, but I'm tired of people like the one the OP described.

[truebrit71]

60. You did two good deeds....one was appreciated, one was completely ignored...

...but you are the better person for having done so...

[blackspade]

66. Well played, well played.

It's never a bad thing to force christofacists to wallow in their own hypocrisy.

[David Sky]

67. I just LOVE it when Atheists, (and religious folks, too) do what you did! n/t

[Warpy]

70. Mine was a bitter January night, around midnight on my way home from work

A guy with that ageless, ancient look that street alcoholics have came up and asked if I had any money to spare. I only had about a dollar's worth of change in my pocket after buying lunch that night, so I gave it to him and apologized that it couldn't be more.

A 3 piece suited yuppie came up and said "He's just gonna spend that on booze!" I replied, "So what? Shelters are closed and it's COLD out there! If he needs a bottle to warm up, that's what he needs!" The yuppie slunk off.

That bum got on the train and rode all the way out. If anybody even looked at me he got up in their faces, "You leave her alone! She's all right!"

You never know when you'll meet your knight in shining armor. On that one bitter night in the mid 80s, mine was an old bum in a subway tunnel.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

170. Great story, great addition to the OP. n/t

[Beavker]

71. Great job.

I see people post shit on my Facebook that are devoutly religious, and will even post things about being Blessed, and things about Jesus...yet they ignorantly post things that are anti-Obama, and pro-convervative, when I'm guessing they don't even have a clue what they are voting for when they show up at the ballot box.

We (minus a few like us) are going to drive ourselves into the abyss...even with the massive cash that the GOPigs have, you can only see so much before you should figure it out. If you can't, then you are doomed. A form of natural selection if you will?

[tk2kewl]

72. "Bleached blondes with bad face lifts?" LOL

:rofl: Reminds me of a time in the mid 90s when I lived on the East End of Long Island and worked as an environmental analyst for one of the "Hamptons" municipalities.

I used to ride a motorcycle for transportation 12 mos a year. At this time the one I was riding was outfitted with a sidecar. A "bleached blonde with a bad face lift" and a young girl in the car passed me on a 2 lane road in the middle of the village where there are cars parked on both sides of the street, a double yellow line down the middle of the road and marked crosswalks along the way.

I sped up and pulled up alongside her and she rolled down her window. I told her what she had done was dangerous and she could have gotten me hurt. She stated cursing me and threatening to get a cop, so I replied, "You really shouldn't use such language with your granddaughter in the car." At that point she completely lost her shit screamed a couple more obscenities and peeled out. :evilgrin:

[Pacifist Patriot]

77. Now see, that line got me outed as a sexist upthread.

Even with the emoticon indicating tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Granddaughter? Bwaaahhaaa! Love it.

[tk2kewl]

87. I guess I am an ageist

:hide:

[Locrian]

73. Matthew 25:31-46

non-theist here too... nice job!


So I checked.... yep, nothing in there about checking before giving....

'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

[bigmonkey]

103. That passage, in fact, praises those who are unconsiciously generous.

I found it striking, once I noticed it in the passage, that both the the people praised for helping and those condemned for not helping did so unconsciously. In other words, the praise seems to be for those that are naturally compassionate, and explicitly not for those that act compassionately because of their concept of their faith.

[Pacifist Patriot]

150. That's my take on the passage as well.

It's also why I don't believe for a second morality is dependent upon religion. These charitable acts would be compassionate and good whether or not a divine being declare them as such.

[bigmonkey]

164. Human stories about the divine perspective are shown as unconnected to meaning of the acts.

I think you could make a case that the "divine perspective" is portrayed in the passage as siding with natural compassion. I think of something I remember, but can't confirm, that the Dalai Lama once said: "That to which the religions refer is in common". Perhaps this is a quibble on my part - the passage seems to be clearly declaring that piety and natural compassion are not intrinsically bound, and that compassion is the superior quality.

[Missy Vixen]

124. "I was standing in a doctor's office with no money and no health insurance, and you treated me

anyway."

The New Testament is filled with examples of Christ's admonishments to feed and clothe the poor. I remain stunned by what passes as "Christianity" these days. Evidently, the vast majority don't comprehend what they read.

:eyes:

[MessiahRp]

135. You assume they even read it.

I'm thinking not. They just claim it so they have some sort of moral authority to pass judgment onto others.

[Missy Vixen]

171. They claim they read it all the time

I wonder, however, how many comprehend what they read.

I'm an ex-fundie. I left my church twenty-plus years ago after realizing I no longer believed most of the things touted from the pulpit as "truth". I read my Bible on multiple occasions, however, and the lessons of Christ in the New Testament still stick with me. After all, if those who claim to be Christians really read their Bibles, they would come away with a completely different view of who Christ was, and His examples of how to live our lives.

The Beatitudes are a good start.

[Enthusiast]

74. kr. I like what you did.

Ya done good.

[LibDemAlways]

78. I would have said, "Mind your own business," but I like

your response better.

[Greybnk48]

79. El Perfecto!! She had it coming for confronting you.

She was in your face, not the other way around. Good job!

[MrScorpio]

80. You did right

Good work

[harmonicon]

81. When did Christians stop being the good guys?

The civil rights movements of the 20th century wouldn't have gone far without broad Christian support. What the hell has happened now?

[Pacifist Patriot]

83. Christianity has long had set backs whenever its gotten into bed with the Emperor.

[harmonicon]

89. It's just crazy watching it happen in my lifetime

I was born in the 70's, but I know my mother has said that during the 60's, CDS was one of the only groups that was actually making sense and doing things to make the world better. What percentage of SNCC were Christians? Most, I would imagine. When I was a kid, Christianity had become neutral, and now it's almost entirely right wing. My mother still teaches sunday school, and most of the people at her church are - in her words - non-Christian. That is, they support anti-Christian politicians and policies.

[AnneD]

136. The doctrine

of prosperity is what happened (as seen on TV)

If you give to your church you will be rewarded materially.

And also the Calvinistic doctrine...if you are not doing well materially, you are not saved.

In other words those that are doing well materially are the blessed chosen of God.

The real Jesus just doesn't sell anymore.

Do I really need to use the sarcasm thingie?

[Arugula Latte]

157. The history of Christianity is chock-full of atrocities as well as (very few) good projects.

[OwnedByFerrets]

176. When were they EVER the good guys?

[harmonicon]

178. What was that title before Martin Luther King jr's name? nt.

[FourScore]

82. Great post! Thank you! k/r

[kayakjohnny]

84. Love this post!

Love it!

:toast: :hi:

[azygous]

85. People like that derive self worth from comparing themselves to others

She saw your charitable action, compared it with what she did (stingy nothing), and it was easier to criticize and condemn what you did than criticize and condemn herself for her lack of compassion. You made her look bad. In addition, people like that feel good about themselves only when others are worse off.

[xchrom]

86. you did as christ instructed those of us who would follow him to do.

& your rebuke -- at seeing the cross -- was spot on.

[Samantha]

88. Kudos to you

We can all learn by your example.

Sam

[Roland99]

91. pudknocker pseudoChristian

[Renew Deal]

92. I think she learned her lesson

Or at least heard it. lol

[Irishonly]

93. You are wonderful

Homelessness is a horrific problem in my area. I try to help when I can but DH and I are on a fixed income. If everyone could only give a little it would make the homeless lives just a tiny bit better for just a little while.

[CrispyQ]

95. Oh, you'll find plenty of that attitude on this site, too.

I would have said, "I'd need a drink too, if I had to deal with judgmental assholes like you." Print this out & shove it in the next self-righteous asshole's face:




"Morality is not about what you believe, it's about how you conduct yourself. " ~CrispyQ

[IndyPragmatist]

97. Good for you, but we have some fake homeless in Indianapolis

I work in downtown Indianapolis, and I have a view of one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city from my office. I watch and notice that homeless people on this corner tend to get a donation every 15-30 seconds. I can't tell how much the donations are, but even if it's just a dime, that adds up to $12/hour. Some people give bills, so it's probably more than that each hour.

I went to lunch once with a friend and he recognized one of the "homeless" men. He said this guy spends every afternoon at another high volume intersection on the northside. In fact, there was a discussion on a local radio station about the fake homeless that specifically mentioned the guy on the northside who gets into a white Toyota Camry every afternoon when he is done begging.

What has happened is that people have identified about 5 or 6 great spots in Indianapolis where you get a lot of donations. And if you pay attention, you notice its the same people. One lady had a sign claiming she was pregnant...she had that sign well over a year and never showed any signs of pregnancy. Another guy had a sign saying "Need $50 to visit my daughter in the hospital in Atlanta", he was around for months. When I walked by this guy one day, I knew he was a fake, so I offered to walk to the Greyhound station and pay for the entire ticket myself. He asked for the cash instead and refused to go with me to the bus station.

Those of us that live and work downtown have identified the scammers. There are about 10 of them. Word is getting out and people aren't giving these people any money. So the people that do need it, aren't getting as much because of the fakes that realized they can make more money begging than they can with most unskilled jobs.

They set up donation boxes for the homeless around town, but I don't know how much they get used. I just wish we didn't have to deal with these fake scammers so we could do more to help those that really need it.

[newspeak]

104. so, they maybe working the system

maybe they can't find a job and this gives them money to live. In sacramento there are people (maybe they are not homeless) that clean your windows for some money. To them, they are earning that donation by cleaning your car windows.

My son who lives in sacramento knew many of the homeless. Even though he was struggling, he'd still buy them food or coffee. One woman who worked downtown, every morning bought a cup of coffee and food for an older homeless woman.

I just love excuses why we don't encourage helping those on the streets. "they may not be homeless" "they'll just use the money for drugs or booze."

[Pacifist Patriot]

109. I'm trying to figure out why it should make a difference

whether or not he had a place to lay his head later that night. Homeless or not, he's standing on the corner of a busy interchange on a miserably hot day telling the world he's hungry. I could not care less what his status is. He's doing something I have the good fortune not to have to do.

[valerief]

98. People like her are mentally ill. And rewarded for their mental illness. nt

[bongbong]

99. Great retort!

Great job. The only addendum I could have is that fellow DU-ers should keep a version of your retort in their heads for future use :-), and to also memorize one or two Biblical passages to add more umph. Suggestions:

Matthew 15:8 "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."

Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness."

Throwing out the verse number is a special touch sure to infuriate the wicked (AKA repigs, fundies, and other sheep)

[TBF]

107. Very nicely done. nt

[tavalon]

100. You weren't talking to a Christian, so you needn't feel like you're bashing Christianity!

She is a false Christian.

[jwirr]

101. I was in Minneapolis on Saturday and had a unopened salad in

my bag because I bought more than I could eat. A obviously homeless man (carrying his blanket with a bag on his back) came by and I asked if he would like it. That is my first time that I have been able to help someone just walking by. I and my girls were homeless two times in our lives - I had no problems wondering if I should help. The woman in the car was dead wrong. Further, even IF he did go drink it up that is his problem not yours. You made the right decision for you.

[Kurmudgeon]

102. You spoke truth, I hope the lady took a lesson from it.

[TBF]

105. Amen - you could just as easily been in Texas. My response to her would've been:

Matthew 7:1-2

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.


(in other words, it's up to God to do the judging, not y'all)


cite: http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=Matthew&chapter=7&verse=

[colorado_ufo]

110. Your story made my day!

What a great, and fitting, response. No need for guilt. Ya done good.

If you read the New Testament, Jesus saved his harshest criticism - and most pointed verbal barbs - for hypocrites.

[Pacifist Patriot]

111. Okay, can I just say DUers are weird and utterly unpredictable!

I say that with a great deal of love in my heart because it's one of the things I cherish about this place.

But good heavens. Of all the astoundingly brilliant things I've had to say in the past seven years, THIS is what gets over 200 recs? Wonders will truly never cease.

:grouphug:

[bongbong]

115. No wonder at all

> THIS is what gets over 200 recs? Wonders will truly never cease.

Not a wonder at all. Personal anecdotes & stories of triumph over the 1% are great to hear, and the 99% (including myself!) love to live vicariously thru these stories of triumph (however nebulous) over the idiocracy.

[JuniperLea]

112. This is a good story to link with Mr. Scorpio's...

Regarding the 1% thinking they own people, namely the 99%.

You see, this woman in the Mercedes doesn't want to ruin her beautiful view of an offramp with trash. That's all she sees, just her cast off trash.

You did the right thing.

Because of you, I'm going to do it too.

Thanks.

[treestar]

113. Perfect response!

No wonder she squealed out of there!

:yourock:

[ThatsMyBarack]

114. K&R!

Good for you.

I'm always too scared to roll down my window....

[geardaddy]

116. Brilliant!

:applause:

[hamsterjill]

117. Jerks come in all shapes and sizes.

I'm glad you had the opportunity to tell her off!

[RegieRocker]

118. Good post

[Maeve]

120. Blessings on your head!!

Anyone claiming to follow a creed of love but preaches disdain for fellow creatures should be reminded of the discrepancy. And you did it so sweetly! In the New Testament, it's called "pouring coals on her head", IIRC

[a2liberal]

125. K&R (n/t)

[babylonsister]

126. Recommend. You are smart and correct. Seems to me you

handled this beautifully. I too am weary of the faux Christians who don't practice what they preach. Thanks for hopefully embarrassing that woman. :hug:

[LynneSin]

129. We should all aspire to live our lives like Matthew 25:40. Even Non-Christians can do this....

http://bible.cc/matthew/25-40.htm

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

[libinnyandia]

130. true Christians

I remember a long time ago reading about people who claim to be Christians, who if they were out on trial would be acquitted for lack of evidence. Bumper stickers, church membership, etc. are not true measures of a person's faith. I had a discussion one time with someone who said that all non-Christains were going to hell. I told her if she truly believed that it was her responsibility to quit her job, sell all of her possesions and become a missionary, putting her life on the line. Anything less would be unchristian. Those of who believe in a more loving God were required to help others less fortunate than us and work for peace, without having to necessarily put our life on the line. She did not agree.

[vanboggie]

134. Bravo! Well done!!

You did the right thing for the right reason. :applause:

[spooky3]

137. Why do these types have such CONTROL and BOUNDARY issues?

Fundies seem to have a huge problem with wanting to run your life, probably because they do such a poor job of running their own.

[DesertFlower]

138. good for you. K&R

[UpInArms]

140. you rock!

:yourock:

[BlueIris]

141. Awful. Don't want to help the homeless--don't. But harassing those who do?

Call me crazy, but I think that's the behavior of an Anti-Christ. Literally.

[DirkGently]

143. A fair comment, invited by the other person. She might even think about it.

[sandyj999]

144. You did great! n/t

[PatrynXX]

145. well that would be why Ghandi's quote is so good

I like your Christ, I don't like your Christians, they are so unlike you Christ.

don't I know it.. some are just so embarrassing. probably why Ann Rice left the Christian cult. She still believes in Christ and thats all that counts.

Although you can't force one religion to accept another religion. We have Christians and Mormons and Islam. All have the same God and Jesus. But they differ. So to have Perry Repudiate someone for calling out Mormons because they aren't Christian. Well they aren't. Thats why they are mormons. However banning the religion thats different. What should be called on is that while Glenn Beckkk hates Islam, he's a mormon . Same difference as Islam is to Christians. Hope it doesn't come to forcing Jews to believe in Christ. The pastor/rev did go to far yes. But it's a stated fact that Mormons aren't in the Christian faith. Just as Islam is. Not that we can't work together. Some pastors would kick members out if it were discovered they 1. were either living together or had more than one wife. Thats the Churches right. It's also the members right to walk out of a Church that accepts gays. Which is what many of my dads friends did at a childhood church, and where my grandpa's funeral service was helled. Free speech. Churches do have free speech. Except on rare occasions I rarely go to church anymore. They've mixed politics in there. and I don't have a WELS near in Iowa. Missouri tends to have more out of state.

[Liberal_in_LA]

147. +100

[silverweb]

151. Well done!

I hope this event replays over and over and over in her mind, both waking and dreaming, until she realizes the hypocrisy she's been mired in and is thoroughly shamed by it.

Then maybe, just maybe, your words will reawaken that spark of empathy and human kindness that she once felt within.

[Mad_Dem_X]

156. You called her out on her hypocrisy.

IMO, you did nothing wrong. :applause:

[wryter2000]

158. This theist thinks you did good

Wether or not you believe in a God, you quoted what she's supposed to believe accurately. That was the exact right response. :thumbsup:

[Rainngirl]

159. Well done!

I would hope I could come up with something like that if I were in the same situation. I like to feed people. When I have a few extra $, I'll get a gift certificate to a lunch place in downtown and offer it to someone looking for food.
I saw a guy going through the trash can and it broke my heart that I was without my wallet or even pocket change at that moment. There are a couple of homeless guys who frequent my bus stop in the evenings in downtown Seattle. The one whose name I know is a little aggressive (sometimes he asks me to go to the ATM for him, but now he knows I won't do that) but he's sweet and gentle, has full AIDS, has a crazy wife, has faith in God, and seems to have a regular spot in a shelter. I give him a few dollars when I have it. I'm fortunate I can get on a bus and go home to my puppies and regular food. Maybe a little cash from me will give him a slightly better night.
The other guy whose name I don't know yet always asks people, "Change for food?" It kills me that no one will even acknowledge his presence. He seems to take it in stride. I give him whatever food I have in my bag at the time. Sometimes he'll turn it down. I've learned he's not big on apples, but likes oranges or bananas. I've had to stop myself from judging him for being picky! Last night I gave him the two power bars I had. I remind myself of "There but for the Grace of God..." I've gone through some struggles, some health issues, and my mortgage is $60,000 underwater, but I am employed and still in my house, for which I am very grateful. I refuse to call myself a christian because the fundies have ruined that word for me. But I do call myself "kind" and I try to do what a good human being should do. Now if I can just summon up some compassion for the likes of Limbaugh and Beck and their crazy followers. I guess that just means I'm not perfect yet, right? haha

[patrice]

160. Lord Jesus did not demand quid pro quo for what he gave for free. Maybe if there were no deal making

for "love", maybe if love were really free, there would be fewer people standing on corners & causing some to wonder what they'd do with what they are given and others would know that what they give can't be called charity unless it is free.

[dballance]

163. I love it!

It's just like the Pro-Lifers who cheer for executions. Not to mention the legislators who abhor government spending - unless it's in their district. HYPOCRITES!!!!

[subject]

165. good man

I actually picked a guy up on the corner and took him shopping. We got him all kinds of stuff. Fresh meats and veggies...I knew he was an alky but hey so am I, I just don't drink anymore. What I found really sad was that he had listerine on his breath. Then I dropped him off at his hotel and drove away. I also picked a homeless guy up down at the lake in Madison Wis. I let him stay with me for a couple months till he got back on his feet. I had no idea who he was that night, I just knew that he would get arrested if he stayed where he was let alone freeze his ass off.
The way I see it is this (and Im a non-theist as well) Jesus said one thing, over and over again "Love one another." That's it, plain and simple love for our brothers and sisters. Human rights and justice and peace-pretty simple stuff really.

[WillyT]

166. BRAVO !!! - K & R !!!

:applause::applause::applause:

:yourock:

:bounce:

:toast:

:hi:

:kick:

[Initech]

167. It's totally unreal the hypocrisy the religious nuts display!

[Abin Sur]

168. I never give to beggars.

That having been said, the woman screaming at you was rude, and there's no excuse for her yelling at you.

[lib2DaBone]

172. WingNuts are incapable of any empathy. Greed is their god.

I say let the thinning of the herd begin.

I will gladly step over the bodies of Evangelical Republicans and other right-wing greed bastards.

[kcass1954]

173. I usually tell them to go thump their bibles somewhere else.

You figured out how to thump her back with her own bible. I like you.

[Deep13]

174. I see the same in Akron.

So far I haven't been screamed at for helping them. But yeah, the most outwardly visible Christians are the most cruel and judgmental. I think you disturbed her they-deserve-it world view.

[OwnedByFerrets]

175. I logged in JUST so I could say GOOD ON YA!!!

I am so farking tired of hypocrites that PREACH one thing and DO other things. Thank you for your generosity.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

177. EXCELLENT on both counts!

There's a bridge over the 210 freeway in Pasadena, CA at Lake Street where there are always 2 or 3 people holding signs asking for money. One woman, in particular, has been there a long time. She's skinny, very drawn and looks like she's on automatic pilot. I always give her a couple of bucks. One day she said, "Thank you - you're a beautiful person." I said, "You're welcome - so are you!" The smile back radiated to the extent her whole face changed before my eyes - she really did look beautiful.

What I think is hard to comprehend is the terror of being homeless. No roof, no food, no shower, no place to relax, maybe no friends, no nuthin'!

Compassion always pays it forward.

K&R