Quote:
Originally Posted by flippyshark
Wow! That sounds thoroughly unpleasant, not to mention borderline cruel. I hope you don't mind me asking, but, do you prefer this style of homily over a gentler kind? Is this more authoritative style reassuring, or would you be happier if he didn't do this? I would be running for the exits.
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I wouldn't want it any other way. The pastor of my church is the real thing. The kind of larger then life character you would only expect to find in a movie. I have actually seen him interrupt a sermon because he caught somebody in the congregation chewing gum! He walked off the alter with his long arm outstretched. I did not dare turn my head to see who the offender was. Nobody did. We all kept our focus firmly planted on the empty podium. “Give me the gum or swallow it!” He roared. The person apparently swallowed the gum. Now, that is old-school priest! I sometimes cannot believe I am seeing it for real, for it seems so of another era. Now, I am a bit sadistic, so I find that kind of stuff funny, but the guy also has a genuine sense of humor.
My feeling is if you have come to learn about the faith, he is the best teacher you could ever hope for. He often says, “The road to Hell is paved with the bones of priests.” In other words, there is a special place in Hell for priests who fail at their job of saving souls. Heavy stuff, but as I said, he is one serious dude.