If you want a relationship with Jesus call 1-800-631-7141

[dave_a]

The Billy Graham crusade is on TV and after talking about how the war in Iraq is a sign Jesus is coming soon, he invited everyone to come forward and start a relationship with Jesus.

For those of us not there he provided a toll free number we can call to get the relationship started.

It's absolutely free, please call now while supplies last.

[LadyXoc]

*fights urge to make stupid 'Jesus is coming' jokes*

[The Lone Ranger]

Feh. Jesus never returns my calls.

[Shake]

Hmm ... how does the billing for such a phone number work? Is it a standard monthly fee or does it work on a per call basis? I just ask because if it's the latter, we could run up their costs by calling over and over and hanging up. Sure, not much, but it could add up.

[Goliath]

A relationship with that hate-mongering character? No thanks. I'd rather try to strike up a friendship with Osama Bin Laden.

[Godless Dave]

A relationship with that hate-mongering character? No thanks. I'd rather try to strike up a friendship with Osama Bin Laden.

You're in luck! According to George W. Bush, Condileeza Rice, et. al., just being in the same general geographical vicinity of Osama bin Laden means you're his friend!

[Goliath]

You're in luck! According to George W. Bush, Condileeza Rice, et. al., just being in the same general geographical vicinity of Osama bin Laden means you're his friend!

Seriously? LOL...wow. So I guess that Bush&Co. have to get rid of their puppet dictator/"president" in Afghanistan, then... :D

[Petra]

It scares me that people like Billy Graham, with their apocalyptic visons of Christ's return and their "God Bless America" crap, are such close advisors and confidantes of GWB.


/me shivers


So, ahh, how does international charging work with 1-800 numbers? I might have to look into that. :innocent:

[Godless Dave]

It scares me that people like Billy Graham, with their apocalyptic visons of Christ's return and their "God Bless America" crap, are such close advisors and confidantes of GWB.

It scares me even more that many secular, rational conservatives are not bothered by this.

[Petra]

It scares me even more that many secular, rational conservatives are not bothered by this.

Yeah, why is that?

I can only assume it's greed. What other reason could there be for their silence in this matter?

[wei yau]

It scares me even more that many secular, rational conservatives are not bothered by this.

Yeah, why is that?

I can only assume it's greed. What other reason could there be for their silence in this matter?

I agree that it's likely greed for power. I mean, if they don't believe in the apocalyptic visions and whatnot, then where's the harm in humoring these people. Whatever bones they have to throw at them, won't hurt the their base, e.g. gay marriage ban. It's basically win/win for them.

[HelenM]

The Billy Graham crusade is on TV and after talking about how the war in Iraq is a sign Jesus is coming soon, he invited everyone to come forward and start a relationship with Jesus.

For those of us not there he provided a toll free number we can call to get the relationship started.

It's absolutely free, please call now while supplies last.

Why did you watch it and why are you posting about it?

Helen

[seebs]

It scares me that people like Billy Graham, with their apocalyptic visons of Christ's return and their "God Bless America" crap, are such close advisors and confidantes of GWB.

It scares me even more that many secular, rational conservatives are not bothered by this.

My mom's a conservative atheist, who would be very bothered if she thought Bush actually believed that stuff, but doesn't think he really buys into it.

[Petra]

Why did you watch it and why are you posting about it?

Helen


I would imagine because Billy Graham is a man of power and influence, and it is good to be aware of what people with power and influence are up to. :shrug:

[dave_a]

Why did you watch it and why are you posting about it?

Helen


I was channel surfing and saw him on TV. I paused because I had thought he was dead already. Then when I heard him start talking about the war in Iraq being a bible prophecy indicating the second coming was near I just had to listen. I have always been mezmerized by the school of eschatology that interprets Revelation using the front pages of the newspapers. I can recall when Billy and Hal (Lindsey) were using the former Soviet Union as the prophetical nation of significance.

Then, lastly, when he offered a toll free number to start a relationship with Jesus it was more than I could take. The wife (theist) and I both just started laughing it was so ridiculous. I recall Jesus telling his disciples to count the cost of following him, and the idea of becoming Jesus' good buddy via calling a 1-800 number just seemed too modern and convenient. I was half tempted to call the number and ask for Jesus.

Anyway I posted about it because I was amused and wanted to share.

[HelenM]

Why did you watch it and why are you posting about it?

Helen


I was channel surfing and saw him on TV. I paused because I had thought he was dead already.

I thought he was alive but I was surprised when I heard about his recent crusade - I thought he was too ill with Parkinson's to preach any more. Evidently not yet.

Then when I heard him start talking about the war in Iraq being a bible prophecy indicating the second coming was near I just had to listen. I have always been mezmerized by the school of eschatology that interprets Revelation using the front pages of the newspapers. I can recall when Billy and Hal (Lindsey) were using the former Soviet Union as the prophetical nation of significance.

Then, lastly, when he offered a toll free number to start a relationship with Jesus it was more than I could take. The wife (theist) and I both just started laughing it was so ridiculous. I recall Jesus telling his disciples to count the cost of following him, and the idea of becoming Jesus' good buddy via calling a 1-800 number just seemed too modern and convenient.

That's a good point. I thought Jesus said "Take up your cross...", not "Pick up your phone..."

I was half tempted to call the number and ask for Jesus.

Some people probably do that in all seriousness...I heard the other day on the radio how many people tried calling the number shown in Bruce Almighty as God's phone number and leaving prayer requests for God, etc.

Anyway I posted about it because I was amused and wanted to share.

Thanks for answering. I was curious.

Helen

[Petra]

I heard the other day on the radio how many people tried calling the number shown in Bruce Almighty as God's phone number and leaving prayer requests for God, etc.
Wow, that's nuts. Roasted and salted nuts.

I almost feel sorry for those poor devils. Who on earth are they?

:(

[HelenM]

I heard the other day on the radio how many people tried calling the number shown in Bruce Almighty as God's phone number and leaving prayer requests for God, etc.
Wow, that's nuts. Roasted and salted nuts.

I almost feel sorry for those poor devils. Who on earth are they?

:(

I think they were various people who watched the movie. I don't know anything else about them. It's hard to believe they really thought they could reach God by dialing that number but evidently they did.

Helen

[dave_a]

I heard the other day on the radio how many people tried calling the number shown in Bruce Almighty as God's phone number and leaving prayer requests for God, etc.
Wow, that's nuts. Roasted and salted nuts.

I almost feel sorry for those poor devils. Who on earth are they?

:(

I think they were various people who watched the movie. I don't know anything else about them. It's hard to believe they really thought they could reach God by dialing that number but evidently they did.

Helen

Almost makes me want to holy spirit lotion that one can rub all over themselves for annointing. I think I will bottle mineral oil and sell it for $100/bottle.

Or for a really good rip off perhaps I will invent a fictional place where people go to be tortured to work off thier sins before entering heaven and by buying my holy spirit oil they can reduce the time they or their loved ones will spend in this stopover place. Oh, wait. The catholic church already beat me to that one.

[livius drusus]

Maybe they were kids? I remember dialing all the numbers on the phone in order thinking that had to be God's line.

[seebs]

I have a blog entry about paypal, and I get support requests for paypal posted to it as comments. People are dim.

[Sweetie]

I wonder how many people have tried to call the number "867-5309". "Jennie, I got your number.....".

[seebs]

I wonder how many people have tried to call the number "867-5309". "Jennie, I got your number.....".

Apparently, enough that the telco won't give that number out anymore. Er. I was told this; I don't know that I believe it.

The other famous one is the sample social security card that some company included with a wallet to show you where to put your social security card. So... Lots of people thought that was their number.

[HelenM]

Maybe they were kids? I remember dialing all the numbers on the phone in order thinking that had to be God's line.

:giggle:

From what was said, some of them at least seemed to be adults. But perhaps some kids tried the number too.

Helen

[wei yau]

I wonder how many people have tried to call the number "867-5309". "Jennie, I got your number.....".

A recent episode of my current favorite sitcom, Scrubs, featured a phone number: 1-916-CALL-TUR(K). Turk is one of the character's name, you don't have to dial the "K", but he likes to think people will anyway.

The production company purchased a cell phone for that number, knowing that people would call. And call they did. Many got a recorded voice mail message, urging them to vote for Scrubs for the People's Choice Awards. But, sometimes...if they were shooting an episode, callers would get someone from either the cast or crew. Fans would be able to chat a bit with whoever picked up the phone at the time.

All in all, a pretty cool PR stunt. Most fans really love it. On another board I frequent (I almost feel like I'm admitting to cheating on you guys), people have posted stories about speaking with some of the main cast members and even the creators and producers of the show.

(sorry for the derail, but I do love this show)

[Godless Dave]

Aagh! I've been neglecting to watch "Scrubs" all season! It's one of my favorite shows.

Damn cable. Network broadcast channels are at the low end of the dial so I usually don't click through them.

[Sweetie]

I didn't realize Scrubs was so popular until just recently. I would watch it and think it was awesome and think to myself, am I uncool? :D Good show, I just never get around to watching it for some strange reason.

[Godless Dave]

It scares me that people like Billy Graham, with their apocalyptic visons of Christ's return and their "God Bless America" crap, are such close advisors and confidantes of GWB.

It scares me even more that many secular, rational conservatives are not bothered by this.

My mom's a conservative atheist, who would be very bothered if she thought Bush actually believed that stuff, but doesn't think he really buys into it.

And it's that misconception that concerns me. It seems clear to me that he really does buy into it. But even if he doesn't, he appoints people who do to influential positions, Ashcroft and Boykin for example.

[Beth]

I have always been mezmerized by the school of eschatology that interprets Revelation using the front pages of the newspapers. I can recall when Billy and Hal (Lindsey) were using the former Soviet Union as the prophetical nation of significance.They keep finding new world events to use. Have you ever watched Perry Stone or Manna Fest (http://www.perrystone.org/audio_messages.cfm)? Also, I rather enjoy Jack Van Impe (http://www.jvim.com/) as well. His broadcast has always made me laugh and I like his wife's voice.
I also like God's News Behind the News (http://www.godsnews.com/). I studied prophecy from not only the Bible, but many in ancient cultures when I was a Christian. I loved studying in detail about how to interpret prophecy based upon the culture of the day in which it was written and trying to translate these scriptures into a modern context and how to make these living prophecies relevant for today.

Anyway, I still watch them now if nothing better is on and there is only freaking sports on in the family room. I used to avoid them because they annoyed me after I deconverted, especially when I thought hubby was watching them to make a point to me. But now I watch them to stay up with the mindset of the pre-trib fundy movement.

This week Perry Stone explained that I am under the influence of seducing spirits and that is why I left Christianity and in the last day seducing spirits will reak havic upon the believers (paraphrase). Well no freaking duh! I already know that. Not only have I read it, I get told it at least a couple times a month. How profound. I kept laughing. I was like, "I know Jim's sis is watching this and going, 'It's Beth! It's Beth!'" And her just itching to call me to let me know the profound revelation.

Then, lastly, when he offered a toll free number to start a relationship with Jesus it was more than I could take. The wife (theist) and I both just started laughing it was so ridiculous. I recall Jesus telling his disciples to count the cost of following him, and the idea of becoming Jesus' good buddy via calling a 1-800 number just seemed too modern and convenient. I was half tempted to call the number and ask for Jesus.

Anyway I posted about it because I was amused and wanted to share.
Really, I never saw humor in it. I always knew that those numbers were to call to talk to someone on the other end who would talk about how to accept Christ. And to possibly pray for the caller and offer encouragement or simply a kind voice if the caller is in despair.

[Godless Dave]

Really, I never saw humor in it. I always knew that those numbers were to call to talk to someone on the other end who would talk about how to accept Christ. And to possibly pray for the caller and offer encouragement or simply a kind voice if the caller is in despair.

And to ask for a monetary donation. Limousines, mansions, and tailored suits don't come cheap you know.

[Beth]

Really, I never saw humor in it. I always knew that those numbers were to call to talk to someone on the other end who would talk about how to accept Christ. And to possibly pray for the caller and offer encouragement or simply a kind voice if the caller is in despair.

And to ask for a monetary donation. Limousines, mansions, and tailored suits don't come cheap you know.I am not sure they do that on prayer lines. Maybe some ministries do. I know that there are lines set of strictly for money drives, so yes, they ask for dough, but not sure about these lines.

[HelenM]

Really, I never saw humor in it. I always knew that those numbers were to call to talk to someone on the other end who would talk about how to accept Christ. And to possibly pray for the caller and offer encouragement or simply a kind voice if the caller is in despair.

And to ask for a monetary donation. Limousines, mansions, and tailored suits don't come cheap you know.I am not sure they do that on prayer lines. Maybe some ministries do. I know that there are lines set of strictly for money drives, so yes, they ask for dough, but not sure about these lines.

I think you're right, Beth. That number is intended for people who aren't Christians. The Christians ministries I'm familiar with - and I would think BGEA follows this same procedure - don't try to solicit donations from those who aren't Christians or who are visitors - they go to their regular supporters/membership. The churches I've been in the last 20 or so years often say as they announce the offering that they don't expect visitors to give. They consider that the responsibility of their members and regular attenders. If visitors want to give I'm sure they don't refuse the donation but they generally make it clear up front that they don't expect that.

Helen

[Godless Dave]

The churches I've been in the last 20 or so years often say as they announce the offering that they don't expect visitors to give. They consider that the responsibility of their members and regular attenders.

Yes, but the churches you've been to are sincere congregations of faith. Billy Graham is a slimy huckster.

[HelenM]

The churches I've been in the last 20 or so years often say as they announce the offering that they don't expect visitors to give. They consider that the responsibility of their members and regular attenders.

Yes, but the churches you've been to are sincere congregations of faith. Billy Graham is a slimy huckster.

What do you base your opinion of him on? I always thought he was as sincere as the leaders of my churches. If you've got some quotes that show him to be a slimy huckster I'd be interested to read them.

Helen

[seebs]

And it's that misconception that concerns me. It seems clear to me that he really does buy into it. But even if he doesn't, he appoints people who do to influential positions, Ashcroft and Boykin for example.

What I'd like to see is, say, concrete quotes from any of these people showing buy-in. Because that's something that I think would get a lot of people who are otherwise not that concerned to reevaluate Bush's policies left and right.

[seebs]

Yes, but the churches you've been to are sincere congregations of faith. Billy Graham is a slimy huckster.

As someone who generally fears and mistrusts televangelists, I just have to say, I'm not sure I agree with this. Of all the televangelists, Billy Graham is the one I'd be least likely to call a "slimy huckster". He consistently seems to be sticking by his beliefs. He has screwed up occasionally, like when he made a widely-quoted anti-gay comment. What people tend not to quote so much is his apology, which sounded to me not like a Falwell-style "I'm sorry you don't like the truth" apology, but like a sincere acknowledgement that he had been in error, and was repentant.

I know it seems weird, but it's theoretically possible for an evangelist not to be an ass. ;)

[Godless Dave]

And it's that misconception that concerns me. It seems clear to me that he really does buy into it. But even if he doesn't, he appoints people who do to influential positions, Ashcroft and Boykin for example.

What I'd like to see is, say, concrete quotes from any of these people showing buy-in. Because that's something that I think would get a lot of people who are otherwise not that concerned to reevaluate Bush's policies left and right.

General Boykin: "My god is bigger than your god."

For Ashcroft, I guess I can look up some quotes, but for me the facts that he a) thinks dancing is immoral and b) has himself annointed with oil upon assuming a new political office are pretty convincing.

[livenootrac]

I googled the 800 number after the program and found this site - I thought it was hillarious to see an 800 number on the screen advertising a way to begin a relationship with Christ - just about as hillarious as it is to find such intolerability of Christian thought (Christ is a hatemonger?) on a board entitled "freethought-forum" - is this free thought as long as it's status quo?

[viscousmemories]

This thread is a year old, livenootrac, and the person who started it hasn't posted here in months. You'll probably get more responses if you start a new thread or post on a more recent one.

Incidentally our forum name is just that, a name. Freethought means a lot of different things to different people. We're not promoting any particular interpretation.

Welcome to the forum.

[livenootrac]

thx vm

[Citizen of Earth]

More power to Billy. If I had the pyschological sway over people like he does, I'd probably do what he's doing, do. He certainly seems to be well-off.

[Citizen of Earth]

And it's that misconception that concerns me. It seems clear to me that he really does buy into it. But even if he doesn't, he appoints people who do to influential positions, Ashcroft and Boykin for example.

I wouldn't be too concerned about it. The stranglehold of organized religion over world events has weakened considerably over the long term. What's happening now are just short-term fluctuations in the long-term dying trend.

Organized religion will probably always be with us, but in increasingly subtle forms. In other words, less overt, more covert. Less action, more lip service. It must be this way, simply due to the natural evolution of production and class relations. Humanity is an evolving product.

[TomJoe]

In other words, less overt, more covert.

Yep, this fits the Catholic Church to a "T". :chin:

:rolleyes: :D

Well, unless you consider those Jesuit spies. They've always been covert.