# Jesus Took My Friend Away **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 24, 2005, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629 "2005-11-24T23:30:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![AWB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bb73d2/32.png) [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/21 "2005-11-25T03:25:41Z")
The OP reminded me of a comedians rant: “Why do atheletes always thank God for their victories, but blame themselves for their losses? Just once, I’d like to hear an athelete say, ‘We would’ve won the game, but Jesus made me fumble!’” :D:D ---
**Author:** ![Dark\_Side\_of\_the\_Floyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bb73d2/32.png) [@Dark\_Side\_of\_the\_Floyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dark_Side_of_the_Floyd)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/22 "2005-11-25T03:36:17Z")
> [@Uvula Donor](#): > > LeAVe 20 tHouSanD d0LLarS AnD a NaiL PuLLer iN tHE OffeRIng Plate OR yOu w1LL NeVEr sEE yOur LiTtLE fRiEnD aGAIn. > > No c0pS. IM noT KIdDiNG. > – jEsuS Was it wrong for me to laugh at this as much as I did? ---
**Author:** ![deevee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@deevee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deevee)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/23 "2005-11-25T03:37:08Z")
> [@lel](#): > > Well, perhaps you could simply say, “I have stated my opinions on religion more than once. Please do not send me these emails. I do not agree with the opinions stated in them.” > > To counter the hyper-evangelists, you have to take the high road. Any anger or frustration shown can often feed a martyr complex. I hear you but understand I have known this man and he has known me since we were fifteen. To respond as you mention would baffle him. That’s not me. He would be waiting for the punchline. ---
**Author:** ![deevee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@deevee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deevee)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/24 "2005-11-25T03:40:05Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Ding ding ding, we have a winner. > > OP’s freind is an idiot. > OP is an intolerant dick. Steve?? I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with that. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/25 "2005-11-25T03:41:27Z")
I wonder how many people have left after being given the “Love it or leave it” ultimatum? I guess, of all people, Canadians would know…what with that US draft thing of the 60’s and 70’s and all. Me? I’d’ve deleted the email and forgot about it. Why waste the time to respond? Couldn’t help nuthin. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/26 "2005-11-25T03:48:02Z")
> [@lel](#): > > He forwards you stupidity, you respond by being a jerk. Why should he be considerate after receiving such a bigotted piece of crap??? It’s much worst than just “stupid”. Apat from that, am I mistaken in thinking that this document originated in the USA, with a couple changes like replacing “America” by “Canada”. Because there are some elements in it that don’t sound very Canadian, like the references to the founders, 9/11, the pledge… ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/27 "2005-11-25T04:02:56Z")
> [@lel](#): > > . Yes, his proselytizing can be annoying . That’s not “proselytism”. I’m annoyed to say so as french speaker, but did you check a dictionnary? There isn’t a single sentence in the whole document that could be qualified as “proselytism”. This text is a lenghty : “There’s no place here for people who aren’t english-speaking christians”. ---
**Author:** ![Critical1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/28 "2005-11-25T04:04:48Z")
your Reply was perfect, there is tolerant and then there is being a flaming pussy. ignoring something that offensive definitly falls into the later catagory. sadly just about every xian convert has to go through the “I found jesus and now everyone I know must find him too and share all my beliefs and I must change my answering machine message to something with the phrase “Jesus saves” or some other equally glurgy xian trype” yeah I have known a few, they are all fucktards when it comes to their new religeon. ---
**Author:** ![deevee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@deevee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deevee)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/29 "2005-11-25T04:22:45Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > Why should he be considerate after receiving such a bigotted piece of crap??? It’s much worst than just “stupid”. > > Apat from that, am I mistaken in thinking that this document originated in the USA, with a couple changes like replacing “America” by “Canada”. Because there are some elements in it that don’t sound very Canadian, like the references to the founders, 9/11, the pledge… Yeah it should be really obvious to any thinking Canadian (and my friend used to be one) We don’t have a pledge. The national motto? First I’d heard of one although “stand on guard for thee” is a lyric from the national anthem. It amuses me that the dimwit who translated the email from American seems to think “O Canada we stand on guard for thee” is a Christian reference. Maybe it’s the “thee”. You know…the way Jesus talked with all those thee’s, thou’s and thine’s. ---
**Author:** ![VegemiteMoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/df788c/32.png) [@VegemiteMoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VegemiteMoose)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/30 "2005-11-25T04:36:32Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > Why should he be considerate after receiving such a bigotted piece of crap??? It’s much worst than just “stupid”. > > Apat from that, am I mistaken in thinking that this document originated in the USA, with a couple changes like replacing “America” by “Canada”. Because there are some elements in it that don’t sound very Canadian, like the references to the founders, 9/11, the pledge… Yes it’s a laughably bad cut ‘n’ paste job. In addition to what you’ve pointed out already. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone I know refer to Canada as > [@glurge](#): > > the country of choice. and the phrase > [@](#): > > surge of patriotism. just doesn’t quite fit either. Later it says > [@](#): > > As Canadians…we have our own culture, our own society, our own **language** and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH/FRENCH not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian or any other **language**. Obviously, incorrect usage. > [@](#): > > “We Stand On Guard For Thee” is our national motto. Yeah, [not](http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/arm1_e.cfm) [really](http://canadaonline.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=canadaonline&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianencyclopedia.ca%2Findex.cfm%3FPgNm%3DTCE%26ArticleId%3DA0000001). It’s part of our National Anthem. And on preview, I was too slow, but I’m posting anyway. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/31 "2005-11-25T04:38:26Z")
> [@](#): > > “We Stand On Guard For Thee” is our national motto. Canada’s national motto is _A mari usque ad mare._ (“From sea to sea”). I thought the U.S.'s motto was _E Pluribus Unum_ or some such thing. That doesn’t sound very religious to me. I have to wonder if the person who removed the American references and replaced them with Canadian equivalents, assuming that’s the case, is as clueless about their own country as they are about ours. Neither nation has religious national mottos. ---
**Author:** ![Kythereia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e8c25b/32.png) [@Kythereia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kythereia)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/32 "2005-11-25T04:54:44Z")
> [@Uvula Donor](#): > > LeAVe 20 tHouSanD d0LLarS AnD a NaiL PuLLer iN tHE OffeRIng Plate OR yOu w1LL NeVEr sEE yOur LiTtLE fRiEnD aGAIn. > > No c0pS. IM noT KIdDiNG. > – jEsuS Annnnnnnd off I go, still laughing my arse off, in my nice personal handbasket… 😃 Once again, my side looks stupid. Head, meet desk. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/33 "2005-11-25T05:00:13Z")
> [@The Tooth](#): > > I thought the U.S.'s motto was _E Pluribus Unum_ or some such thing. That doesn’t sound very religious to me. I have to wonder if the person who removed the American references and replaced them with Canadian equivalents, assuming that’s the case, is as clueless about their own country as they are about ours. Neither nation has religious national mottos. Whoever wrote that glurge probably thinks “In God we trust” is the US national motto. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/34 "2005-11-25T05:05:55Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > Why should he be considerate after receiving such a bigotted piece of crap??? It’s much worst than just “stupid”. Because sometimes our friends are into things we aren’t and, because we value that friendship, we are tolerant? Don’t get me wrong, I agree the email is silly, but I too have religious friends and have been down this road. There is a tactful way to respond that would have not changed a damn thing in your relationship (“Although I respect your choice to yadda yadda, I don’t feel the same. I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t send me these emails. Btw- Did you see the game this week?!”). Then there is your response which was over the top. Our friends have quirks. Yes, your friend was being thoughtless; you were also thoughtless and rude in your response. Jesus didn’t take your friend away, you chose a path that pushed your friend away. ---
**Author:** ![lel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8797f3/32.png) [@lel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lel)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/35 "2005-11-25T05:36:29Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > That’s not “proselytism”. I’m annoyed to say so as french speaker, but did you check a dictionnary? There isn’t a single sentence in the whole document that could be qualified as “proselytism”. This text is a lenghty : “There’s no place here for people who aren’t english-speaking christians”. I was referring more to a comment by **deevee** made earlier in the rant. > [@deevee](#): > > I put up with the subtle prosletyzing because we have been friends forever then yesterday he forwards me this piece of dreck under the heading “finally, a not so stupid forward” It’s a little long but a beaut. ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/36 "2005-11-25T05:38:52Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Ding ding ding, we have a winner. > > OP’s freind is an idiot. > OP is an intolerant dick. Right, because not being tolerant of intolerance is being a dick. ---
**Author:** ![lel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8797f3/32.png) [@lel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lel)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/37 "2005-11-25T05:39:35Z")
> [@deevee](#): > > I hear you but understand I have known this man and he has known me since we were fifteen. To respond as you mention would baffle him. That’s not me. He would be waiting for the punchline. Well, you could have just forwarded it back to him and removed two words from the heading. ---
**Author:** ![lel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8797f3/32.png) [@lel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lel)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/38 "2005-11-25T05:43:15Z")
> [@lissener](#): > > Right, because not being tolerant of intolerance is being a dick. No, because responding with way over-the-top vitriol is acting in a jerkish manner. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/39 "2005-11-25T05:49:13Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > Whoever wrote that glurge probably thinks “In God we trust” is the US national motto. Could be. Our money doesn’t say “We stand on guard for thee”, though. I wonder what led to the impression that was our national motto. It’s a line in the national anthem, but just one of many. ---
**Author:** ![Updike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@Updike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Updike)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2005, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629/40 "2005-11-25T05:52:34Z")
> [@lissener](#): > > Right, because not being tolerant of intolerance is being a dick. It certainly can be being a dick, as demonstrated by the OP. If one is so tolerant, why not continue to accept a life-long friend, religious beliefs notwithstanding? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-took-my-friend-away/332629.md?page=3)