This is embarrassing

[dreamflower]

I have always been proud to be a United Methodist, a denomination whose motto is "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors".

And then someone does something like this.

*sigh* At least I have the satisfaction of knowing that most of the other Methodists I know also find this embarrassing.

Comments

[shirebound]

*sigh* At least issues like this are hopefully the exception, and not the rule.

*hugs you*

[dreamflower]

Sadly, while it is not generally a Methodist attitude (I learned about this at a church meeting last night--everyone else there was equally disgusted by this) it doesn't surprise me. That particular town is apparently known for being ultra-ultra-right-wing.

[gamgeefest.livejournal.com]

Can't he just buy a specialized license plate if he doesn't want that one? Most states I've seen have more than just the one design.

[dreamflower]

He certainly could. But of course, it would cost him a whole $14 more than a regular one! *sheesh*

[brennanspeaks.livejournal.com]

Count me among the Methodists who find this embarrassing. That guy is an idiot. If he wins his suit, he'd better never say a word about prayer in the public schools or the Ten Commandments in courthouses.

[dreamflower]

Of course I agree with you--I think it's the height of hypocrisy!

[claudia603.livejournal.com]

ugh. Well, sometimes when someone like that speaks loudly they just embarrass themselves even more.

[dreamflower]

The problem with people like that is that they are so convinced that they are "right" that they are not at all embarrassed. They see themselves as crusaders and martyrs.

They haven't got a clue what real martyrdom means.

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

This is why Christians get such a bad rap. I'm pretty horrified that it's a Methodist pastor doing this; we're supposed to be the laid back, accepting ones. ~sigh~

Now that I think about it a bit more, though, I really am torn because of the issue of separation of church and state, but then there's also the state heritage that is brought up... Definitely no easy answer there.

[dreamflower]

we're supposed to be the laid back, accepting ones. ~sigh~

Yep.

Well, first of all, there is no proof of any kind that this picture of a statue of a Native American shooting an arrow has anything to do with a "rain god"! And for a nominal amount, he could get a different plate if this one so offends his sensibilities.

The man is ridiculous. (Honestly, I hope his DS and/or the Bishop come down on him about this! But they probably won't because he does have a right to free speech. *sigh*)

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

That makes me so sad. No wonder Christians get a bad name.

[dreamflower]

It only takes a few to tarnish everyone.

[azalaisdep.livejournal.com]

I can't help feeling Jesus might suggest there were things going on in the world - and quite possibly in Oklahoma - that bothered Him far, far more than this... ;-)

[dreamflower]

I am sure you are right. Nor would John Wesley approve of this--he'd say instead of wasting time and money on a frivolous lawsuit he should be spending both in helping the poor and disenfranchised.

[fafojoy.livejournal.com]

I agree with you, but I find the reasons why I think a certain way - though it is the same conclusion - is often for different reasons. This fascinates me. If you don't mind sharing (and private message would be fine), why do you find this wrong or embarrassing?

[dreamflower]

For a number of reasons: first of all, he appears to be making assumptions. Oklahoma is a state with a very deep cultural heritage with a large Native Americans population. To have a Native American on the tag is only natural. There is no evidence that the one depicted is worshipping a "rain god". It's certainly never occurred to me! If it is supposed to be worshipping a rain god, it's awful subtle--certainly most people seeing cars on the road with this tag will not jump to the conclusion that the driver is advocating paganism.

Second, in this state there are a number of things which could be taken issue with insofar as separation of church and state go. I have a feeling that if someone decided to file a similar suit about the Ten Commandments at the Capitol he would object strenuously. (I could be wrong there but I don't think so.)

Third, it's frivolous. The "extra" he talks about for getting a different plate which does not depict a Native American is only a few dollars more.

And finally what embarrasses me as a Methodist is that this is not in the Methodist spirit or the Wesleyan tradition. I can't see John Wesley condoning this lawsuit!

And so (I realize that at this point *I'm* the one making assumptions or guesses, but they seem pretty sound to me) I think that Wesley (and Jesus) would say that there are better uses for his time and money.

Anyway, I don't mind sharing it publicly.

And BTW, ((((hugs)))). It's always nice to "hear" from you!