Jesus wasn't a spiritual bully

last updated: August 04, 2008 04:21:01 AM

If you have been downtown on a weekend, you have probably experienced the wrath of Kevin Borden and his crew of crazy Christians ("Plaza preacher sues city for access," July 28, Page A-1). They lay on the ground covered with sheets and scream at passers-by -- creative jingles like "Repent, sinners, or you're going to hell!" Generally they judge anyone who has the audacity to enter downtown after 8 p.m. as agents of the devil.

This group has always offended me, but at the PT Cruiser Fest this year they took their religious terrorism to a new level. They blocked the intersection of 10th and J and sunk their fervor into innocent families who simply wanted to look at the gaudy automobiles.

The Christianity that I believe in is about faith, love and inclusion. Jesus teaches us to reach out to those who are making poor choices with compassion and understanding. Jesus teaches us not to judge. He sought to retrieve those forgotten or shunned by society, the whores, lepers, tax collectors and maybe even a girl in a short skirt at 11 o'clock on 10th Street. Jesus didn't threaten these people with eternal damnation. He simply put out a net much like a fisherman, and if you were lucky enough to be caught you would feel the eternal embrace and limitlessness of God's love.

Borden and his gang's bullying has nothing to do with faith. It's about being notorious. It's about the selfish goals of self-righteousness and personal gratification. His lawsuit against the city is about promoting himself and building his religious credentials against the advice of his peers and his church. He is a reminder of the dangers of extremism and how even the best teachings can be used in inappropriate ways.

CHRIS RICCI

Modesto

Editor's note: Ricci is a Modesto concert and festival promoter and general manager of the Fat Cat club.

• Comments
• Add Comment
• Disclaimer