Remember, though, that it's all those vile atheists who are actually trying to force their "religion" on god-fearing Americans through underhanded behavior like announcing that they exist, or daring to tell others that there's nothing wrong with atheism. What America needs is fewer public atheists and more Christians driving around in seedy vans, ready to jump out and grab random kids for impromptu baptisms.
Students at nearby Keller and Fremont elementary schools also have been approached by church members, and church proselytizing has been escalating in recent weeks at Russell. Still, officials were unprepared for what happened Thursday, district spokeswoman Elaine Naleski said Friday.
"We have never had a problem like this before," she said. "We are shocked by their actions."
A few weeks ago, officials at the school met with the church's leader to complain about members coming on school property to preach the Bible, Naleski said. But rather than stop, church members started proselytizing from public sidewalks outside the school.
The school will seek a no-trespassing order if church members resume harassing children on school property, Naleski said. But it will be up to parents to take legal action against the church if their children are approached in public areas outside the school.
Source: Denver Post
As shocking as this incident is, I'm not surprised that it would happen in Colorado Springs, home base of the Focus on the Family and a disturbing array of far-right evangelical groups, churches, and activism.
I recognize of course that such behavior is not typical of Christians in America, but at the same time it can't be denied that it's entirely consistent with traditional, orthodox Christian doctrine. I can't think of any arguments against this behavior which are dependent on Christian doctrine — all the arguments against it depend on independent social codes, social expectations, pragmatism and prudence, or civil legal obligations. There are no Christian doctrinal prohibitions against proselytizing to kids, but there are plenty of traditions and doctrines which encourage proselytizing generally.
Coincidentally, I received this comment on an older post the same day I saw the above news story:
Not only is homosexuality a chosen behavior, it is invisible unless you self identify. Nobody cares if you're gay, just keep it to yourself and stay away from the playgrounds.
I responded by saying "You could say the same about Christianity. Or any other religion." How little did I realize just how literally true that response might be!
What would you do if a church in your community engaged in this sort of behavior?
This behavior underscores the inferiority complex that defines these creeps. They are so insecure in their own “chosen way”, requiring them to go out and proselytize and recruit. And if someone can’t be won over by reason (actually the lack thereof), then God commands they be physically saved through enhanced interrogation/counselling (kidnapping). This breed of Christian can never be happy with his/her own faith… they need a “buddy” (convert) to make them feel legitimate
These sentances: “church proselytizing has been escalating in recent weeks at Russell.” and “We have never had a problem like this before” are disturbing in that they tell me that churches are often allowed to proselytize on school grounds. I hope I’m wrong.
“What would you do if a church in your community engaged in this sort of behavior?” Protest. In my town we could not buy alcohol before 2pm on Sunday, a number of us were able to get the time moved to noon. Not a big victory, but a win is a win, hopefully soon the only people not buying alcohol any time they want will be christians.
And how, in anyone’s mind, could this be seen as anything other than attempted kidnapping? Why are these xians not being brought up on felony charges?
If the child’s parents were divorced and the father did not have custody and the father then attempted to take the child without consent — this would be kidnapping. Even without any malicious intent on the father’s part.
How is this any different, if not even more sinister?
BTW, It’s Focus on the Family that’s headquarted in Colorado Springs. The AFA is in Mississippi.
Thanks, David – I sometimes get the two confused.
Don’t just post here, to the converted – post on the original source too.
That almost happened to my middle daughter when she was 7 years old. She was playing in the playground of the apartment complex where we were living when a neighbor came to my apartment to tell me that a driver of a church bus was trying to get kids on the bus to go Sunday school. I went outside and told that idiot that I was going to call the police and accuse him of attempted kidnapping. The apartment complex banned the bus from entering the property. I went to the church involved and read them the riot act. They tried to make excuses for the driver, but I asked they why they thought this was acceptable behavior when I had to sign permission slips for my kids to go on field trips with their school. I also asked them how they would think I would have felt if I went outside and my child was nowhere to be found?
I reacll a woman telling me of a similar incident with her 6 y o son (30 years ago)
If someone tries to take your child, you don’t just tell the idiot driver you are going to call the police; you need to do it. Even if there isn’t enough evidence to make an arrest, there should be a report on record.
This reminds me of something a person I know recently mentioned about his selection of a new church, that it was very child friendly and he liked that. Religion must be indoctrinated in children because if they tried to teach this stuff to rational, logical, thinking adults, religion would die at at a much faster pace than it already is.
but strangers have the BEST candy!