I was in a Christian store today.

[Cyrano]

It was a new, small boutique where I was looking for a gift for a friend. There was an item without a price tag and I asked the man who was there how much it cost. He replied, "All our prices are fair. We're a Christian store."

Realizing he was serious, I asked in an innocent tone, "You mean you only sell to Christians?"

"Oh, no," he replied. "Our business is a Christian business."

"Does that mean you only employ Christians?" asked I.

He shook his head. "No, we don't have any employees. My wife and I run the store. We're both Christians."

I could have explained to him that no one really gave a rat's ass. And I jumped to the conclusion that he was probably a fundie who loved Bush/Cheney, but who knows. I didn't have the time or inclination to find out so I just left.

I wonder if he'll still be in business six months from now?

[melody]

1. No, but his bankruptcy hearing will not be Christian n/t

[LoZoccolo]

2. Bounce...bounce... n/t

[Joanne98]

3. I don't have a problem with that...

If you read the book "The Starfish and the Spider" you will understand that there are movements developing to bring down corporate control. Bartering is a big part of that. I have a dream that one day the generous among us will get together and destroy greed. The evangelical christians would be a great partner for that endeavor.

[kimmerspixelated]

6. I've never heard of that book.

Sounds like a book I'd like to read.

[NAO]

4. The Christian Racket has been profitable for 2,000 years

despite the fact that their #1 product, "The Second Coming", which was (allegedly) promised by the founder to happen within the lifetime of his original followers, has not yet come.

These people are used to believing in the absence of evidence, or if they have REAL faith, believing in the face of strong evidence to the contrary.

Christian Apologetics - Fundamentally Flawed
http://www.jesusneverexisted.com/circus.html

excerpt:

"The supposed 'evidence' of Jesus's existence can fill many pages. The $multi-billion industry of religion quite predictably has its lionized defenders of the Faith. Two favourites of the Born Again are pastor Lee Strobel –The Case For Christ – and minister Josh McDowell – Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Neither pretends to a scientific impartiality. Beyond a self-claimed 'hard-nosed objectivity' they make an avowedly partisan case for their evangelist cause. But for all the fulsome praise heaped upon contemporary Apologists by a grateful Christ Incorporated the evidence of their case collapses under scrutiny. The sophistry and flimflam deceive only the gullible and the uninformed – but, then, that is the essence of religion."

"The Apologists have no store of unknown Jesus artifacts, no cache of Jesus's secret memoirs– though they do have shrewd allies in the relic-fabrication industry, so this may change! Rather, their circus tent is filled with nothing more substantial than subterfuge and suspect logic. What holds it all together is that universal super glue – Faith."

"The parade of flimflam and clownish knockabout would be a cause for merriment and laughter were it not for the sobering thought that this is as 'rational' as some Christians get. Heaven help us if they were ever to take over the government."

"In the prelude to the Dark Ages the original Christian Apologists engaged in a similar pseudo-rational debate with the Greek philosophers, who at first ignored the Christians and subsequently lampooned them as fools. But within three generations the fanatics of Christ had taken over the Roman Empire and the laughing stopped..."

full article here: http://www.jesusneverexisted.com/circus.html

[DanWithAngel]

16. can you connect that story to the merchants in question here?

i am really trying to see where these merchants deserve condemnation for simply stating they are Christian.

[spoony]

62. Because Christian = Bogeyman to some here.

Look at the post you replied to for a prime example.

[Leopolds Ghost]

116. Wait, I thot Jesus' body was "found"! Obviously there is some disagreement among the critics.

I love how people are happy to shop in a CAPITALIST store that charges what the market will bear, but not in a CHRISTIAN store that claims not to

(unless they are rightly opposed to the hyper-capitalism of many
"faith-based businesses" that equate Christianity with Capitalism -- based
on the creepy, proselytism based model of religion in which each church is
only as successful as the number of converts it cannibalizes from another
church. The ultimate "marketplace of ideas".)

[ret5hd]

5. Don't tell me you're a xtian...let me figure it out for myself.

That's my response to self-professed xtians.

[slampoet]

7. That's the problem. Self professed Christians almost never reveal themselves by their actions.

Mostly the ones who are giving away soup and blankets and checking on their elderly neighbors don't tell you they're Christians unless you ask.

[Leopolds Ghost]

118. Excellent point. Most "Christan" businesses actually are rackets run by money-worshippers.

They are Christian in the sense that they equate Christianity with
unrestrained capitalism, and would never worship a God that taught
them otherwise.

Tust like neolibs and neocons equate Democracy and capitalism
as if the two were synonymous (one neocon, Zakaria, has come right out and
said that freedom of the market is the only essential aspect of democracy,
and the rest can be dispensed with.)

[Ilsa]

8. So he wouldn't tell you the price of the item with no tag on it?

Did he expect you to take him on faith as he charged your credit card up to its limit? Or maybe since he's into trust, he could let you take it home and mail him a payment later.

[Canuckistanian]

9. Buying from a "Christian" is no guarantee you'll get a bargain

A lot of people are having buyer's remorse over the "Christians" in the White House.

[ikojo]

88. I can assure you that if any merchant said to

a prospective customer, "we are Jews" the expectation of some, conciously or subconciously would be "I am about to get screwed." I would rather someone prove their religiosity by how they live their life not by proclaiming it at every opportunity.

Why else would a merchant think it to his/her advantage to announce "we are a Christian store" if not to imply that the opposite was less honest in their business dealings.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. Maybe You Shoulda Just Left Him The Fuck Alone?

Why the hell are you abusing the owner of a Christian store for? What were you thinking?

I find this behavior to be pathetic and not sure why you felt the need to share the intolerance and ignorance with us. But whatever.

[dogday]

21. I am with you....

I get weary of these threads... They are broad brushed and certainly don't encompass all people and all beliefs....

[NAO]

22. Or told him to "Kiss My Left Behind"!! -nt-

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

26. Sure, If You Wanted To Act Like A Disgraceful Human Being I Guess.

[AngryOldDem]

25. That was my first thought

The businessowner was just stating a fact, which was evidently important to him, and perhaps thought would enlighten the customer as to where he was coming from, businesswise. Little did he know.

I find nothing commendable in the OP's actions, either. In fact, I'm embarrassed by it.

Earlier this week it was people taking offense at being told to have a "blessed day." Now, it's this. I'm not gonna say any more.

[Leopolds Ghost]

121. Well, there is a slight difference depending on context.

If he said "we're a Christian store" in the sense that "I'm a devoutly religious man, that's where I'm coming from" I don't have a problem.
After all, look at all the no-profit second hand shops run by churches.

If he said "You don't need to ask what the price is, we're a CHRISTIAN
store" as in "we know what we're doing, ethically, morally and economically,
and you should too, or, we can teach you" it comes off as more than a bit arrogant.

The same is true if he had said "we're run on communist principles" or something.

Depends what message he was trying to get across.

Some so-called "Christian" banks equate business practices with proselytism. Increasing their flock and increasing their budget are equated by losers like those. Proselytism and business do not mix.

[Arugula Latte]

135. Abusing? Yeah, right.

Here comes the "we're just poor-persecuted-Christian" whine again ...

[Name removed]

137. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Arugula Latte]

140. Wow, it must be tiring consistently being the rudest and most unpleasant DUer on the board.

However do you do it?

:eyes:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

143. Ohhhhhhhh Sorry Bub There Are Farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr More Rude And Unpleasant Than I.

And don't deflect your anger on me because of your own ridiculous post. Seriously, it was just completely void of intellectual reasoning and premise. It was just so misguided and silly. That's not rude and unpleasant to say, it's simply logical fact. So I find it quite easy to do it if you must know, since I thrive on logical fact.

Goodnight green rollie mister. :hi:

[ronnie624]

175. Sorry, I'm going to have to disagree with that assessment.

Your posts stick out like a turd in a punch bowl.

[Maddy McCall]

184. See post 182.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=487519&mesg_id=491790

Blast from the past. He'll alert on it because it shows that he talks the talk, but doesn't walk the walk.

[ronnie624]

187. So much for "thriving on logical fact". n/t

[Kelly Rupert]

173. OMC has displayed more intellectual integrity than just about any DUer I've seen.

I'm sure it can be tiring from time to time, yes.

[Maddy McCall]

183. Define "intellectual integrity."

I've been here long enough to strongly disagree with you.

[Maddy McCall]

182. Do you remember when he bragged about bitching out a gas station attendant...

because the station didn't have the grade of gasoline he wanted?

:rofl:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5663944


So I pull up to get the gas and ask for 20 regular, when the manager tells me they are out of regular. Ok, so now I'm frustrated since prices are high enough already. So I ask for plus and he tells me they can't do that either, only Super. So I said "are you fucking kidding me? I ain't spendin that much money for goddamn gas, and you're the only station open!". I festered for a minute and was about to pull away when my thoughts said F that, I'm not lettin him off the hook that easy. So I got out of the car, went over to him and continued bitching.

[ronnie624]

174. The OP has made it clear,

that he was not rude or abusive in any way.

"Realizing he was serious, I asked in an innocent tone..."

Your over-reaction to Cyrano's benign questions to the shop owner, is rather bizarre.

Why must your posts be so nasty?

Judging by his description of their exchange - and that's all we have to go by - the shop owner was in no way offended.

It is obvious, judging by the content of the shop owners words, that he is somewhat chauvinistic, in his regard for others, based on their religious beliefs. He believes, that only a Christian could be honest or fair. I have known many such individuals. They give voice to their bigotry, without a clue.

Once, years ago, I was discussing with a co-worker - a devout Christian - a tragic incident, in which an airliner crashed into the Potomac River, killing all but five people on board. As the tragedy unfolded, one individual helped two others to safety, before he himself succumbed to the icy water. Reacting to this particular episode, my acquaintance said, "He must have been a Christian.", clearly believing that only a Christian could be courageous.

I never told him how offensive I, as an atheist, found his words. I was afraid I might lose my job, if news of my atheism got back to the owner of the business for which we worked. This was, after all, a small town in Arkansas, and many people there, react in horror, when confronted by disbelief in their religion.

[Shell Beau]

177. Were you there?

"It is obvious, judging by the content of the shop owners words, that he is somewhat chauvinistic, in his regard for others, based on their religious beliefs. He believes, that only a Christian could be honest or fair."

Sure sounds like you were! Its people like you...

[ronnie624]

186. Was I there?

This question makes no sense.

My comments were based on the words of the merchant, as related by the OP.

He replied, "All our prices are fair. We're a Christian store."

Obviously, the owner of the shop believes, that the mere fact that he is a Christian, should be enough to convince anyone that his prices are fair. In my opinion, this clearly implies, that all Christians are fair and honest, while people of other beliefs might not be, because they are not Christians.

[ronnykmarshall]

11. Did you use the bathroom?

I would have used the bathroom and took a big ol' poop!

That would have shown his Christian ass!


:sarcasm:

[DanWithAngel]

17. that would have shown them!

they may never again commit the sin of declaring they were Christian again. justice would be served.

[Bronyraurus]

32. Ha!

[Critters2]

46. Yeah, intolerance is much more attractive coming from a non-Christian nt

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

12. Gasp you encountered Christians in a store, the horror. Where is your problem here?

Christinanity has a pretty sizeable following, so I would imagine you will run into a few now an again.

You asked a simple question and he gave you a simple answer. You are the one who got snotty and tried to make something of it.

Then you come here and post like you are a big man and made some stride forward for whatever cause you were trying to make it for.

Sounds like YOU are the one who had a hidden agenda as you deftly maneuvered in your conversation with a business owner who only employs himself and his wife. Good on you and your Socratic skills.

Here's a heartbreaker for you, he probably doesn't give a rat's ass what you believe either.

Find a more important cause to dedicate your time to.

[Sapere aude]

18. Because Christians are so god damned in your face about it!

Oh don't question anything were christian! Give me a break! Like everyone else is cheating you. Well don't look now but christians go to hell too!

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

20. Wanna make generalizations.

Blacks are all into hip hop

All Mexicans came across the border illegaly.

It cuts BOTH ways.

[Sapere aude]

23. You don't want to hear a message you just want to play games I don't

It's elitism which sucks no matter where it comes from. Left right up or down.

[Perky]

45. You left out all athiest have the corner on the truth.

Athiests can be as arrogant, angry and elitist as even the worst fundies.

[MonkeyFunk]

71. Yes

but they tend to spell better.

[Perky]

79. Hey we all have our crosses to bear...lol

[Critters2]

47. It's ridiculous to be offended because you find a Christian in a self-professed

Christian store. The OP was looking to pick a fight. And should be ashamed.

[Random_Australian]

191. Yup, that's OBVIOUSLY what he was taking offense at. Stupid atheists.

Of course, for those who didn't find the OP mind-boggling subtle, assumption difference based on group membership isn't pretty.

[HEyHEY]

50. This comment is so silly you can't be serious

You can't walk into a christian store and get mad cause they're in your face about it.

[Leopolds Ghost]

123. My problem is, as a Christian, the notion of "Christian business practices" is problematic.

After all, you cannot worship both God and Mammon, and
render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, right?

If he just meant "I'm a christian gentleman" in the sense of
"we're charitable people, we're not capitalists in the sense"

that's more understandable.

There are businesses out there that abuse proselytism in order
to make a profit. Especially megachurches.

[1monster]

Well, I'll probably get flamed for this, but I don't want to be told what

a stranger's religion is any more than I want to be told what a stranger's sexual prediliction is... Religion and sex are, or at least should be, private to the individual and his/her family and friends.

[Sapere aude]

30. I'm with you. I think what some people don't understand is the elitism that goes with this.

The cars with a kid praying rather than peeing. The cars with the mom and dad and the kids stickers. The fish and all. It makes me want to puke! Who gives a rats ass if you are a good little xian? Why do they have to be so in your face about their religion? And why are we who get offended the bad guys?

Religion to me is one of the biggest problems mankind ever has had on this earth. I really like the ideas in "imagine" by John Lennon. That's where I come from. Religion is right there with superstition I think. If you want to practice religion go right ahead it is your god given right. Just leave the rest of us out of your faith OK?

[hedgehog]

82. Let me get this straight:

Obnoxious window decal of a stolen character (Calvin)peeing on object of owner's hatred; that's OK.

Window decal of child praying, cause for spontaneous vomiting.


Okeydokey, glad we got that straightened out!

[Perky]

97. SOmeone who outs a fish on their car makes you want to puke

on the First Amanendment I suspect. Would you want o ban thier rigth to religous display,,, WOuld you want to burn their bibles?

You would have alot more credibioity regarding you athiesm if 99% of it was not about your hostility towards people of faith.

You are free to speak your mind regarding how you deel aut Christians but should on'es belief system be based on more than intolerance of those who you don't like?

[Random_Australian]

112. Grarrr! I'm an evil atheist who wants to eat your babies and hates all theists!

What's that? I seem to be made of straw. A straw man.

Yeah, I can really see how much of an authority on atheists you are. Atheism is all about bieng evil. Yeah, also Christianity is all about burning witches, I suppose. :eyes:

Bah.

Excuse me while I take a break from posting to break into your house and burn your bible, because that's what us atheists do.

[Bluedogvoter]

35. I don't care if I'm told or not.

They could be satanist as far as I'm concerned. I just be polite and say, "Thats nice."

I talk alot to people at stores though, so I'd probably ask him 1000 questions by the time I was done since he offered to tell me.

I just don't see what caused any offense by the guy offering up this information. Don't be so sensitive.

[Leopolds Ghost]

125. He could have said "We don't post price tags, we're Satanists. All our prices are unfair."

If Starbucks did this, they'd be honest. :evilfrown:

[Critters2]

51. It was a Christian book store. If the OP didn't like Christians

and apparently he doesn't, he should've stayed out of the store. In this country, we have the right to be whatever religion, and run businesses catering to specific religious communities. If you don't like it, don't go into the store. How difficult is that?

[gollygee]

57. He didn't say it was a Christian book store

he was in a store, and when he asked about the price and the guy said it was a Christian store. That's why he called in a Christian store in the subject line - because of what the guy said. They could have been selling anything.

[Cyrano]

80. It was a small boutique, not a Christian book store.

I went in to buy a gift, but I didn't feel the need to tell him I'm a Druid, a heathen, a devout agnostic, a philistine, or anything else about whatever beliefs I have or don't have.

Given today's wingnut Christians such as Dobson, Robertson, Falwell, et al, I'm wary of people who have the need to proclaim their Christianity to strangers. But as I said in the OP, I tweaked him once or twice and then left without a need to push it any farther.

[Perky]

84. But why tweak him at all????

I apprec you see, to asume iate the wariness of wingnuts, but it appears you assumed that he was one of them. Nothing in your post suggested that he was unpleasant or abjectly preachy, or even prosetyzing and yet you decided to twek him a couple of time and he failed to take the bait.

So you could not get your jollies by attacking him there you decide to tell DU anout...Seems to me he did little wrong and you want to make a big deal about it.

[Cyrano]

87. You're right. I'm wrong. I guess I'll head back to the satanic ritual orgy I just left.

[Perky]

92. wow thanks for a mature response

[Perky]

197. again....Why tweak him at all?

:shrug:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

131. Exactly. The Store Owner Sounded Like A Very Nice Man, Who Some Here Could Work To Be More Like.

From what can be gleaned, he sounds like a very decent man trying to make a living with his small business. Seemed classy and sincere. I say God bless him and wish some of these intolerant punks amongst us wouldn't have to abuse innocent people. There's no more of a disgraceful act than to set out to abuse or belittle one who is innocent. It is of shameful premise and should be readily condemned.

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

106. So what?

You going ot get pissed off when an Italian tells you "hey we're Italian, our Pasta Fagioli is great."

Given today's right wing wingnut Italians, I'd be wary of anyone having the need to proclaim their Italinness to me.

[Leopolds Ghost]

126. Yeah, never make assumptions even when you KNOW walking in an ethnic European deli

That the owners are statistically likely to be FAR right-wingers
unless it's a Jewish deli. Heck, store-owners in the US skew to
the right in almost every religion and ethnic group except a few.

It's a sad fact that liberals have mostly self-selected themselves
out of the working class and store owner class, and are instead
mostly employed in the management/capital or knowledge industry,
which in America seems subservient to capital. (I'm not a leftist
but this seems accurate to say. Nobody born in the US seems to
want to run a store any more -- they want "success" which in
America means profitability.)

Especially Romanians. Romanian tobacconists. They're the worst. ;-)

[Perky]

52. So evangelicals should not evangelize?

:shrug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

90. No, they shouldn't.

[slampoet]

54. I have a problem with Christians telling you what religion they are because Jesus told us not to

do it that way.

"By their fruits shall you know them" and "Do not pray in public as the hypocrites do." seem to be some of the least followed Bible passages.

[Perky]

59. I have a problem with radical athieste telling me what they believe ad nauseum

but I do not criticize them individually or collectively for what they believe.

For cripes sakes you seem to suggest that evangelicals should not have the right to evangelize when Jesus himself commanded the discipled to go into all the world to preach the Gospel.

If you are going to use the red letters to justify you position the least you could do is give a wee bit of spece for the words you do not like.

[Jonathan50]

75. When was the last time the Atheist Witnesses....

Trespassed on your property, unannounced and uninvited, to try to persuade you to their "theology"?

[Critters2]

77. I was married to a UU

The stories I could tell!

[Perky]

78. Umm I was being mildly symoliv but it happens here all the time

Athiest fet to spew their beliefe at everybody and you will note that CHristians on DU never ever try to evangelize. Because we feel it would be percieved as obnoxius and certainly inappropriate.

[Jonathan50]

86. As fish in the sea do not perceive the water in which they swim

So it is that Christians do not perceive the constant and powerful Christian "propaganda" that constantly barrages us in the USA.

In many parts of the US, including where I live, "coming out" as an atheist can have a significant effect on your life, including but not limited to, losing one's job, losing one's friends, alienating one's family, and having one's property vandalized.

Atheists are the most despised minority in America and we are constantly being belittled and denigrated.

The result of this is that when atheists finally get somewhere they can vent without fear of retribution, they often do so. I don't agree with it but it is a perfectly understandable human reaction.

Take a look at this guest editorial in the Washington Post and tell me if you think the Post would have printed it if it was about *any* other minority than atheists. Just substitute "baptist" or "methodist" or even "muslim" in wherever it says "atheist".

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/anthony_m_stevensarroyo/2006/12/atheist_wannabes_vs_agnostic_t.html

Dogmatic Atheists and Cuddly Agnostics

I never met an atheist I could like. Surely, somewhere on this planet, there is a friendly atheist, but I haven’t bumped into one yet.

The atheists who have crossed my path are obnoxious. They create the world in their own image and likeness, where only they are right or reasonable, and everyone else is either a fool or fanatic. (Any atheist who doubts him/herself enough to benefit someone else’s opinion is not a dogmatic atheist, but an agnostic: see below).

You can’t have a dialogue with dogmatic atheists. Because they are so sure they know everything, they never listen to intelligent people. They are mirror images of the religious fundamentalists, who -- despite their dogmatism -- at least have their enthusiasms in the right place. The worst thing for society would be to let any of them have power over the body politic. Scratch a dogmatic atheist and you likely will find a wannabe Robespierre or worse.

[Perky]

89. Point by point

So it is that Christians do not perceive the constant and powerful Christian "propaganda" that constantly barrages us in the USA.
Can you cite me some examples? 98 % of what the right wing zealots are either about raising money to support their tv ministry or their narrow-minded social issue agenda. In both cases, the appeal is to their own ilk...My great grip with the fundies is ho completely un-evangelical and un-Jesus they have become" They honest think revival comes through political relevance and fund raising. Even so....they have not attracted any converts beyond on their own 20%. They are only effective. because the left does not have a single captive audience like they do....If we would find away to counter the 20% who vote with them, we would win each election. We are only powerful because we let them vibe, That us not to say it is our fault. but you have to admit we give them plenty of /b]ammo when liberals blast Christians as being angry imbeciles.
In many parts of the US, including where I live, "coming out" as an atheist can have a significant effect on your life, including but not limited to, losing one's job, losing one's friends, alienating one's family, and having one's property vandalized.

Atheists are the most despised minority in America and we are constantly being belittled and denigrated.
Perhaps. but it seems to me that often time atheists bait the wingnuts into fights. I am not saying you do not have the right to believe what you belies and say it as loudly as you choose. I think it is problematic when the argument for atheism is more of an attack on the religious than a justification of belief on its own merits. No ones belief system should be based predominantly on the rejection of some one else's belief. Anger (however justifiable) should not be the basis of anything

The result of this is that when atheists finally get somewhere they can vent without fear of retribution, they often do so. I don't agree with it but it is a perfectly understandable human reaction.

Take a look at this guest editorial in the Washington Post and tell me if you think the Post would have printed it if it was about *any* other minority than atheists. Just substitute "baptist" or "methodist" or even "muslim" in wherever it says "atheist".

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/anthony_m_st...

Dogmatic Atheists and Cuddly Agnostics

I never met an atheist I could like. Surely, somewhere on this planet, there is a friendly atheist, but I haven’t bumped into one yet.

The atheists who have crossed my path are obnoxious. They create the world in their own image and likeness, where only they are right or reasonable, and everyone else is either a fool or fanatic. (Any atheist who doubts him/herself enough to benefit someone else’s opinion is not a dogmatic atheist, but an agnostic: see below).

You can’t have a dialog with dogmatic atheists. Because they are so sure they know everything, they never listen to intelligent people. They are mirror images of the religious fundamentalists, who -- despite their dogmatism -- at least have their enthusiasms in the right place. The worst thing for society would be to let any of them have power over the body politic. Scratch a dogmatic atheist and you likely will find a wannabe Robespierre or worse.

[Jonathan50]

102. "Can you cite me some examples?"

The fact that you have to ask me to cite examples shows that you are like the fish in the ocean which do not notice the water in which they swim.

Recite the pledge of allegiance.

What does it say?

Take a look at the money in your pocket or purse.

What does it say?

Listen to every speech by every politician.

What do they say at the end?

Here's a picture I took of a local church sign just about the time of the invasion of Iraq.



There are an almost infinite number of examples, these are but a few of the most obvious ones.

[Leopolds Ghost]

129. Well, a good Christian would believe that "under God" is an abomination.

Contrary to what Paul said about priests in one passage of Corinthians,
everything else in the Bible leads to the conclusion that the powers of
government are not ordained by God and the nation-states that have been
created by these kleptocracies, however worthy they may have proven to
be after the fact, are not blessed or sanctioned by God.

Putting God on the money was a deliberate, cynical attempt to get
evangelicals to believe that if Soviet Communism is atheistic,
then Christanity must be synonymous with capitalism --

a reverse contra-positive, twisting Jesus' words on taxation,
and a blood libel on Christianity.

They went for it, too. After all "Render unto God what is God's".

If God appears on the money instead of Caesar, then it legitimizes
the notion of a theocratic state, with taxation powers.

And the concept of mega-churches and Chik-Fil-A and faith-healing banks.

Many evangelicals, former Democrats who are low on the totem pole,
have bought into this evil notion.

If anything short of Jim Jones was genuinely heretical, this is.

[Perky]

195. Could you deal with the rest of the posts too

I unswrstand your point about Godspeak but honestly that is not so much Christinity as it a cicil religion

[NMMNG]

111. When has an athiest here ever tried to make you convert to atheism?

And telling you what they think (eg, "spewing their 'beliefs') is not evangelizing. I want to know when an atheist actually attempted to convince you to give up your faith and religion. Links would be very helpful.

If "spewing beliefs" by atheists is evangelizing then everybody does it, Christians included.

[Perky]

196. That is the point,I

Athiests do not spew beliefs they spew intolerance. Athiests should tell us why they believe the way they do not why Christians are stupid. We do not post anti-athiest posts and we do not post post evangelical POst in attempt to proseltyze on du.
We never say Athiest are stupd for what they hold to be truth...and yet we are accused of being inolerant of other people;e belief.,


It the ttality of athiesim emanates for a belief that Chrisitain qare mean, stupid and filled with hatres that is not much of a belief system.

[Random_Australian]

113. Grarr! It's my deeply held religious belief to discriminate against gay people!

Yes, I know what we are talking about is far less nasty. The point still remains - just because it's someone's deeply held religious belief (TM) doesn't mean they can go ahead and do it and still be thought polite.

[Shell Beau]

178. Yeah, I don't get that from what you posted. We as Christians

are proud of being so but not (hopefully) in the way that degrades others. I have no issue with saying proudly that I am a Christian. Sure, I don't tell everyone I meet that, but I also will not hide it. I don't put it in people's faces like I am better than them because I am surely not. But I don't interperet the Bible as you do I guess (at least from those verses)!

[spoony]

65. So you'd have a problem with a gay pride t-shirt?

[Perky]

67. excellent question

[Jonathan50]

107. If I asked the price of something in a store..

And the proprietor pointed to his gay pride tee shirt as an answer.

Then yes, I would have a problem with that.

[Jonathan50]

61. He asked the price of the item

And then got told that they were Christians..

Not a responsive answer..

[spoony]

64. Good post!

Bonus for "Socratic."

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

103. That was my vocabulary word for the day.

N/T

[mudesi]

119. The problem is the Christian was judgmental and rude

Or so that's the implication I get when I read the OP. The OP states that he asked what the price of a particular item was, the Christian responded with "All our prices are fair. We're a Christian store".

The implication being that only Christians are capable of giving fair prices, that because they are Christian, we ought to trust them as a matter of course. Christians, after all, are incapable of lying or swindling people.

Upon further examination, I believe that not answering the question, regardless of whether or not the person brings up his religion, is also quite nonsensical. The OP asked what the price was. Why couldn't he just answer with a dollar figure? What kind of business is he running if he doesn't let his customers know how much an item costs?

Imagine if a black man answered with "The prices are fair. I'm a black man. You can trust me." That's kind of like the black man calling me a racist simply because I asked for the price of something. I think that's what the OP here is getting at.

[DanWithAngel]

13. I see no facts where this merchant should be fed to the lions

yet i see lions feeding with no facts other than Christian to add to their nutrition.

perhaps i have just failed to see your point.

[scarletwoman]

14. I have no idea what the point of your post is. Could you explain? (nt)

[Cyrano]

81. See post #80 above.

[karlrschneider]

15. You should have said "that's wonderful, a fair price is ten cents"

:rofl:

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

19. God damned Christians!

I hope they get what's coming to em!

[Colobo]

94. God damned Muslims!

Nice, isn't it?

[Colobo]

95. Dupe!

[ContraBass Black]

110. I don't think he was serious.

[Swede]

24. Uhm,kudos?

:shrug:

[Perky]

27. Kind of intolerant of you IMHO

You were in his store... he asnswered you're questions graciously and yes I suspect that there are many people of faith who do care if he is an xtian or not.

You walked into the "ghetto" what did you expect. why the belligerance? He is not allowed to be be a Christian running a Christian store?

[Charlie Brown]

28. This kind of reminds me of Truett Cathy and Chik-fil-A

The guy who owns Chik-fil-A uses the restaurants to really flaunt his Christianity on customers, and all the walls are covered with crap about how "faith and moral values" and Cathy's strong religious character are what makes his chicken sandwiches so tasty.

He has every right to do it, but it reeks of a "better-than-thou" attitude and a really self-important view of himself.

The couple in question here are probably nothing life Cathy and his chicken empire, but they both use their businesses to advertise their religious views.

[Perky]

34. I have never seen anything in a Chick-filet that was overtly religious

TRhey are not open on SUndays. As the signs says to give their employees a day off to be with their families.. Better than Walmart don't you thing?

Is he religious? Sure...does he push a political agenda? No...

Is he marketing or trading on his faith? well there are those silly cow commercials and if was trading on his faith don't you think it would make sense for him to be open on Sundays for lunch when the Church Crowd foes out to eat in droves?

[Richard Steele]

198. Nor have I.

I don't know which Chik-Fil-A's Charlie Brown eats at,
but they are definitely different from the locations
I'm familiar with.

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

56. Then get your fucking Chicken Sandwiches elsewhere

You know what you get when you go in there.

[tammywammy]

58. That's pretty much what I think

Can I start a thread all pissed about Hobby Lobby being closed on Sundays now too??

[ikojo]

93. At least the owner of Chick Fil A follows his convictions

Rather than remain open on Sunday, a day his restaurants could make a lot of money, he closes, thus honering the Sabbath as he understands it. I commend him for that. In this day of corporate greed there aren't many national chains that would close one day during the weekends.

[Lurking Dem]

29. I would have said

"Great! I'm a Jew! I want 50% off!"

/kidding

Seriously though, why did you rag on him?

[Leopolds Ghost]

132. "Jesus saves. Moses invests." ;-)

[gollygee]

31. For those who wonder what the annoyance is

when someone says, "All our prices are fair. We're a Christian store." They're saying, "Stores that aren't run by Christians might have unfair prices." Or to be more specific, non-christians rip people off.

Now, I certainly don't give trouble to people who proclaim themselves to be Christians. I don't really care. But yes I am bugged when people basically tell me I'm a potential cheat.

What if someone had said, "All our prices are fair. We're a white-owned business." Or "All our prices are fair, we're a heterosexual business."

[Perky]

36. ummm a bit of a straw man don't cha think?

The assunmption that he meant that non-Christian are chaets is a huge leap in logic. And honestly it looks like you are looking for reason to dislike this person merely because he is a Christian

[gollygee]

38. Wrong

I don't dislike Christians. And THAT is a strawman, by the way.

[Perky]

41. ok I believ you but it was a huge leap in logic

why such a leap?

[gollygee]

44. I don't think it's a leap at all

They're saying their prices are fair because they are Christians. How is that not a point of comparison to non-Christians?

[Perky]

49. It certainly is not saying that all non-christians are cheats

which is what you said was his meaning.

Perhaps he was just saying that as a Christina he is not into bat and switch tactics. WOuld you not expect a man's faith if he has a faith to offer guidance to how he conducts himself in his personal and business life?

[gollygee]

53. He's saying non-christians are more likely to be cheats

Do you think an atheist is more likely to cheat because they don't have faith? Or that atheists are more likely to be into bait and switch tactics?

[Perky]

55. No and I don't think he was either

People of all faiths or no faith act poorly. The guy was simply offering that his interpratation of his faith....his conscience prohibits him from treat people unfairly...

[AngryOldDem]

40. Not necessarily

It seems you are jumping to a conclusion much like the OP did in assuming that because the guy identified himself as Christian, he had to have been a fundie Bush/Cheney supporter. The guy's disclosure could just have easily meant this: "Because of my beliefs as a Christian, I try to treat people fairly. I do not set out to cheat, or swindle, because it would go against my beliefs."

All depends on how you look at it, I guess, but I would bet my house that the above is what the guy meant. You, however, are free to read into it whatever you want.

We all have different points of reference, and things that we think are important to us. This guy's faith, evidently, also defines him in his business practices, and I'm guessing he thought disclosing that fact would also be helpful to his customer. In this case, it wasn't.

Nevertheless, why did the OP feel compelled to keep pressing the point? To what end?

Flame away.

[mudesi]

122. But he didn't give the price

I guess the OP ought to clarify if the Christian actually gave him the price or not. If the Christian didn't give the price, then he was being judgmental and quite rude.

[Leopolds Ghost]

134. Depends on whether the owners equate or distinguish capitalism and christianity

Two historically opposed concepts.

[Kelly Rupert]

150. The difference is that Christianity is a code of morality,

as are all religions. By saying "We are a Christian store," he is saying "we have values other than profit." Had he said, "Oh, all our prices are fair, we are a Muslim store," it would have been just the same.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

153. Problem Is That's Just Twisted Narrow Minded Thinking.

Someone declaring that their prices are fair because of their inherent moral values due to their strong Christian ideals, in NO WAY is also declaring that any other person of any other ideal does not have fair prices. To equate the two is logically nonsensical.

All the man is saying is that because of his faith and belief in the teachings of Christ, he makes sure his prices are fair. NOWHERE does that imply that if you don't hold that faith you wouldn't set fair prices. It is such an ignorant and twisted premise to make and a product of a quite narrow mind.

There is NOTHING about his statement that technically should've annoyed you, and I can't help wondering if the real reason you're annoyed is simply because a christian said something christian. Intolerance. Prejudice. Just shameful.

[Random_Australian]

160. Yeah, I believe that, sure.

Ah yes, saying that following a certain religion makes a person automatically good is of course completely realistic. Yeppers.

Don't believe that is what it meant? Then re-read the OP.

[Bluedogvoter]

33. Its a bit odd he wouldn't tell you the price.

What is fair?

[Perky]

39. Not sure the op gave him the chance

:shrug:

[Eric J in MN]

37. Did you try asking for the price a second time? NT

NT

[DubiousLee]

42. goram christians!

:sarcasm:

[Jamastiene]

43. Did he ever give you a price?

What an odd answer from a business owner? I wonder how many businesses can remain in business if they won't reveal their prices.

[HEyHEY]

48. Maybe he is a true christian and is into that whole equality of man thing

Which is what he probably meant.

[spoony]

60. And the point of your post is...?

You went into a store and made assumptions about someone and wonder what will happen in the future. Okay.

Here's what happened to me today: I went into a Borders but guffawed at their prices, so I left and went to lunch. The pasta was great. Then I came home.

Great, we're all caught up on each other's day now.

[Critters2]

68. LOL!!! Thanks! nt

[ronnykmarshall]

70. I had fish tacos in cafeteria at work.

Damn onions upset my stomach.

But the fish was tasty.

I think the cook is Catholic.

He probably was trying to poison me!

[tammywammy]

63. It looks like the OP, Cyrano, isn't responding

He hasn't posted anything except the OP

[Perky]

66. beat me to the punch

I suggest the absence of a quorum

[Critters2]

69. Duly noted. No quorum. Meeting adjourned. Let's go have a beer!

:toast:

It's just like a church meeting!

No offense intended.

[Perky]

76. None take pass the Alaskan Amber

[Cyrano]

83. See post #80 above.

I would have replied sooner, but I was out attending a satanic ritual orgy.

[Swamp Rat]

91. LOLOLOL!!!!!!

Maybe I saw you there. :D

[ronnykmarshall]

72. So much WHERE the Christians?

I've been trying to find a good deal on some Christians but with the mark up here in LA, it's impossible to get a good break.

Hell, I can pick up a six pack of Jews around here real cheap. But Christians? Forget about it!

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

115. I didn't even know there was a market for them.

[WorldResident]

73. Edit: reversal on position on OP

I felt the OP was intolerant in attacking the store owner, but on further reflection it appeared as if the store owner was trying to justify that he was a bargain based upon his religion. While constitutionally protected perhaps, that's kinda shady.

[scarface2004]

74. i only buy from sopilistic nihilists!!

they have the best deals by far!!

[Leopolds Ghost]

139. Excuse me but...in dealing with solipsistic nihilists...how would I know what I'm getting?

"The 'deals' they are offering could be a figment of their imagination.

Like those "Lost our lease" signs on Persian home furnishing outlets.

How do I know they're even selling anything?

In fact, their whole customer base might be a figment of their imagination --
not a very "customer-oriented" approach.

:evilgrin:

[treestar]

85. IMO he was just trying to tell you he was honest

but then again, the more they talked of their honesty, the more carefully we counted the spoons.

[Colobo]

96. In the right, Islamophobia. In the left, Christianophobia. Both are stupid as hell.

[Critters2]

98. And Christianophobia costs us elections

I really think we'd do better at the polls if not for this intolerance. But some would rather feel smugly superior than advance the progressive cause.

[DubiousLee]

99. Do you feel....

that christians are a tolerant group in general?

[Critters2]

100. Some are, some aren't

My own tradition is...first to ordain a woman, first to ordain a gay man, first to ordain a lesbian, strong support for public education, civil rights, etc. We get broad-brushed in with the intolerant and it does not make one feel welcome.

Most Christians I know are working-class, union members who would be attracted to the Dem Party, until they find the intolerance and elitism that is so prevalent around here at times. It really does hurt us politically.

[Colobo]

101. Good post. I'm agnostic, but

I think tolerance should not only be expected. It should be given as well.

[DubiousLee]

104. I think that most are responding to the majority of christians...

who are not as tolerant as you seem to be. You must agree that the vast majority of christians do not agree with the stances of your tradition.

[Show_Me _The_Truth]

108. Oh where to start on the amount of logical fallacy in that short statement.

N/T

[DubiousLee]

130. oh where to start on the millions of intolerant christians on this small planet.

n/t.

[Colobo]

133. Intolerant Muslims outnumber them

[DubiousLee]

138. eh, billion of one, thousand million of another.

n/t.

[Colobo]

146. Islamic countries vs. Christian countries

On women's rights, gay rights, religious tolerance...

Who's better?

[DubiousLee]

152. What christian country do you refer to? The U.S.?

Gains in civil rights for the groups you cite are made despite christianity, not because of it.

[Colobo]

164. Most of the Western World, Latin America included

Mexico, for example, is an officially Catholic nation that recognizes gay rights.

[DubiousLee]

167. Mexico has no official religion, and given the Popes comments...

if it were catholicism, there would be no gay rights there.

[Colobo]

168. Mexico needs no official religion, it is the Catholic bastion of the Western Hemisphere

Still, Mexico, a Catholic society, has recognized gay rights. Same with Spain and Argentina. Tell me of ONE Islamic society that does.

[DubiousLee]

171. you used the word official, not I. Mexico City will recognize limited civil unions...

DESPITE protests from catholic bishops. As I said, seperate but equal rights for a minority are attained despite christianity. Perhaps they should feel lucky to move from second class to not so second class citizens.

[Colobo]

172. Still, it's happening. In Saudi Arabia, for example, homosexuality is illegal

and punished with death.

[DubiousLee]

181. I don't disagree that Islam is also a problem...

that doesn't change the fact that christianity in this country is the reason gays don't enjoy basic civil rights.

[murielm99]

120. I don't think you can generalize

about Christians, other than their belief that Christ died for their sins.

Some Christians believe that their denomination is the one true church, and all others are wrong. Other denominations are very accepting of those outside their little family.

Some churches have open communion. Others are very strict about who can take communion.

Some Christians ordain openly gay bishops, and others condemn gays.

Some accept abortion in some circumstances, others condemn all abortion.

Some of the Christians in this thread said some very unkind things to the OP. I think I understand his position. And let me be clear: I am a Christian.

There is a sandwich shop in my town. It is clean. The food is good. The people are friendly. But I am uncomfortable there.

The owners have a dry-erase board displayed prominently near the door. On the two occasions I have gone into the shop, I expected the board to have daily sandwich specials. Instead, it has the Bible quotation of the day.

Near the dry-erase board is a bookshelf. Customers are invited to take a book from the shelf, read it, and bring it back. They can even swap books. All the books on the shelf are Bibles, or fundamentalist-oriented books that cover topics such as the "truth" about evolution.

There is a TV in the shop. It is not loud, but it is always playing a Christian television station or video.

I do not enjoy being bombarded in this way. I just want a sandwich. I would not bait the owners of the shop, but I have decided that I will find another place to get a sandwich.

I have noticed a trend in my small town that I do not like. About ten years ago, fundies from the suburbs and cities decided that we hicks from the sticks must surely share their values. (Some of us do). They started moving here. Not all of them have been able to stay, because the economy is not great. But those who have stayed, in general, contribute nothing to the community. They run business from their homes. They home-school their children. They want services, but they balk at paying for them.

Recently, a very fundy church came to our community. I don't think we have had a new church here in many years. There just are not that many people. Somehow, they have grown quite a bit. I know they were invited here by a prominent family, and they seem to be filling a need that I did not know existed here. But I am concerned by the way they seem to be taking over quite a few functions in this town. And they do not want to cooperate with any of the existing churches on joint programs.

This gives me pause because of something I saw quite a few years ago. I belonged to a small church in another town. Quite suddenly, a group of people moved into the town and joined our church. They were very fundamentalist. They quickly took over the teaching of many Sunday School classes, and headed quite a few committees. Some of us were glad to see them, because it was nice to share the work with others. We were also happy to have the growth in our church membership.

The character of our church changed very quickly. The new people seemed intent on changing the direction of everything. They wanted to replace our pastor. They wanted to drive away anyone who disagreed with them. They even tried to change the church camp in our area that is run by all the churches of that denomination in our part of the state.

Most of the long-term members of the church welcomed the people, smiled, and stood their ground. Some, like my family, left. I did not feel like fighting with anyone at the place where I went to worship. And, we needed to find a church in our own town. But eventually, the new fundy group did not get everything they wanted, so they left, en mass. They had moved into the town in a group, and they left in much the same way. It was freaky.

I do not want the fundy church that has come to my community to try to make the same kinds of changes in my town. They have already started some fights. For example, we worked hard to get an all-town worship service as part of our summer festival. They were angry that they could not run the service themselves. We have worked hard to get the Baptists, and even the Roman Catholics to take part in our community church council. We don't need a fundy group destroying hard-won alliances. We don't need them tearing down our school district, pressuring people to home-school their children, and running their own people for school board and city council. It is starting to happen. And I am surprised how many business people have bought into this church!

The OP, no matter what his belief system, may have the right instincts. I understand being wary of anyone who flaunts his beliefs to perfect strangers. I don't believe that is the best way to express or live one's faith. And, there are too many Christians who have done things to make others suspicious, and to create backlash against all Christians.

[marzipanni]

189. A fundamentalist minister came to our small city's Community Church

around 1987. It took the congregation a while, but when the minister's wife tried to get certain textbooks removed from the elementary schools because they had "symbols" (stars, rainbows,unicorns, etc.) I think they began to look for a new minister. Here is a website so very concerned about occult symbolism. :scared: http://www.crossroad.to/text/responses/symbols.htm

[NMMNG]

105. Indeed, it does cost us elections. Like that one in '06

Oh wait, never mind.

[Leopolds Ghost]

142. What, an anti-working class attitude?

Like many self-described urban "liberals" seem to have who vote Democratic
on social issues, but are Reaganites in all other respects?

With friends like them, no wonder we can't get anything done.

[DubiousLee]

145. Sorry, I don't understand how this is an anti working class attitude.

Please explain further.

[Random_Australian]

154. Pah. Buffy? Anti-working class?

You've got some pretty ivory-tower notions yourself if you think Buffy is anything reaganite.

This is silly.

[Random_Australian]

117. Grarrr! I'm an evil atheist. Christians are allowed to walk the streets freely! Shocking!

.... or perhaps the OP could have been nothing of the sort.

:)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

155. You Are Absolutely Right. Pretty Sickening.

[Catherine Vincent]

109. If they were true christians, they would be giving the books out free of charge

Whatever.

[krispos42]

114. Oh, are they selling those again?

I had heard they had sold out of them. Or, rather, that the Christians had sold out to the Republicans...

[PerfectSage]

124. I was in a satanic devil worshipers store today...

[ContraBass Black]

136. Did you get anything good?

[PerfectSage]

141. Nah, all they had was pro Bush merchandise. ;)

[ellie]

127. My dad used to

say, "Whenever anyone tells me they are a Christian, I check to make sure I still have my wallet."

God! I miss him!

[Colobo]

128. Those evil Christians!!!

[Jonathan50]

147. It's not that Christians are "evil"

It's that very often those who boast of being "Christian" are anything but.

Matthew 6:6
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

[WillyT]

151. So THAT'S Why There Are So Many Christians In The Closet !!!

Always wondered about that.

:evilgrin:

[Leopolds Ghost]

144. I was in a Mystical Existentialist / Epiphenomenalist store today.

The owner would not commit to the existence of a price tag or the notion
that the items in his store were individual "things" that could be traded
from person to person. "Ownership and price are an illusion," he said.
"How much do you think it is worth?"

Instead, he tried to convince me that we exist, an unprovable assumption,
and that we are all one.

Realizing he was serious, I asked in an innocent tone, "You mean you only sell to Existentialists?"

"Oh, no," he replied. "Our business is an Existential business. It exists. You exist. I exist."

"Does that mean you only employ Existentialists?" asked I.

He shook his head. "No, we don't have any employees. You and I do not exist as separate entities. We're both part of the same infinite, indivisible cosmos."

To retaliate, I left a big poop in his bathroom, but he claimed that I
am the only observer who believes my shit didn't stink. If it exists
when there is no one around to observe it. I jumped to the conclusion
that he was probably a Dennis Kucinich voter, but who knows.

[PerfectSage]

159. Damn, You've got smartass game, Leopolds Ghost...

...you've been hanging out with too many Sartrist smartasses. Try hanging out with Lao Tzu smartasses for a change.

[Kelly Rupert]

148. So fucking what? Jesus, leave the guy alone.

He wants to run his family business along the lines of his personal code of ethics and morality? OH NO IT'S A CRAZY BUSH-LOVING JESUS FREAK YOU SHOULD INSULT HIM FOR HIS BELIEFS.

[Jonathan50]

158. The question is....

Why did the man not just say what the price of the item was?

Q: How much is this item.

A: We're Christians, all our prices are fair.

The answer the man gave was totally non responsive to the original question regarding the price of the item.

[Kelly Rupert]

161. If that were the problem, why didn't the OP just say,

"All right, thank you. So how much is it?"

A salesman giving an unhelpful response is not exactly outrage-worthy. The OP's problem wasn't that his question wasn't answered; had it been, his follow-up would have been something like the possible reply I just wrote. His problem was that the man had declared his store to be a Christian one.

[Jonathan50]

163. Why did the proprietor not simply answer the question?

What does the religion or lack of such of the proprietor have to do with the price of the item?

The answer wasn't just unhelpful, it had nothing whatsoever to do with original question.

People who boast of their religion put me off too. I was raised to believe that one's religion is a private matter between oneself and God.

I never raise the fact that I'm an atheist unless I'm directly questioned and even then I'll often give a noncommital response if I think it might somehow lead to a conflict. Not an entirely unlikely proposition where I live in the buckle of the Bible Belt.

[Kelly Rupert]

166. He was answering the question. The OP cut him off.

I've been in religious stores before and had similar answers. What they're telling you is, "The prices here are set to be fair, because we are not purely in this for profit. The price I will quote you will be one that is not intended to gouge you, but rather what we believe is a fair price."

The appropriate response is, "All right. How much is it?" At this point they will tell you the price.

This is a common sales tactic when you have to give a price you don't think the person will find immediately acceptable. You give the justification for the price before the price, hoping they'll take that into consideration. You're thinking that if you don't, they'll simply think "no way" as soon as they hear it and move on, no matter how much you justify it.

"How much is this TV?"
"This TV is top-of-the-line. Really, you'll be getting a fantastic deal here."
"So how much is it?"
"It's $699, and comes with..."

It's nothing to get worked up about. It's just a salesman doing his thing. The OP decided to act like an ass, for reasons I can't quite understand.

[Jonathan50]

169. The OP doesn't really address the issue...

But I'm not sure the store was specifically marked as "Christian".

Like I said, people who boast of their religion put me off too. I wouldn't bother to ask twice if I was answered in that manner.

I've had enough bad experiences with loudly self professed "Christians" to be extremely wary of them.

I once worked with a deeply religious Catholic man, it took me over six months before I realized it. I respected him a lot because he truly tried to live his religion and had no interest in broadcasting it to the world.

[leftofthedial]

149. when they say it's not about the money . . .

it's about the money.


I'm not inclined to trust the "christian" notion of "fair" either.

[Leopolds Ghost]

156. I was in a Pirate owned business the other day.

It was a new, small boutique where I was looking for a gift for a friend. There was an item without a price tag and I asked the man who was there how much it cost. He replied, "There are no prices. All our swag is divided in equal shares, with two shares for the captain. We're a Pirate-owned business."

Realizing he was serious, I asked in an innocent tone, "You mean you only sell to Pirates?"

"Oh, no," he replied. "We conduct business according to the Pirate's Code.
We try to practice Piracy in all our dealings."

"Does that mean you only employ Pirates?" asked I.

He shook his head. "No, we don't have any employees. The store is run by
free men-at-arms who have pledged service to the captain. Now, Stand And Deliver!"

I immediately set him straight. "FIRST, being robbed was never a part of
our agreement. And SECOND, you have to be a pirate for the Pirate's Code
to apply, and I'm not. And THIRD, the Pirate's code is more...Guidelines
than actual rules!"

I suspect he was fencing.

[juno jones]

157. So Silly..

I am a pagan shopowner. When someone comes into my import shop and asks how much something is, I tell 'em the price. The usual reaction I get from them is, "Hey, that's fair!" And they buy something. I don't tell people I'm pagan. What a weird reaction for a store owner...I mean, damn, did you ever find out the price?

[Manifestor_of_Light]

162. I went in a xtian book store once.

I saw many stickers that said things like "TRUTH, NOT TOLERANCE".

Turned my stomach.

Also tried to sell them a directly related product to their business that could have made them and me and my partner a lot of money, but no! the owner had to bitch about it and tell us to go home and change something or other; and b) he didn't want to buy them wholesale, only wanted them on consignment, which meant we would not have gotten paid unless these items sold. We couldn't operate without cash up front from the guy as a wholesale price.

Turned me off the whole religion, amongst many other unpleasant experiences with "xtians".

[Colobo]

165. Fundies of ALL religions are the same

[Shell Beau]

179. And this doesn't just apply to religion!

[Dervill Crow]

170. He must be a non sequiturian Christian . . .

since he answered your question with the answer to a different question. It wasn't like you actually ASKED him his religion. :shrug:

He might be a good evangelical, but he would be a lousy game show contestant. :eyes:

[Shell Beau]

176. I don't post a whole lot in GD, but I wander about in here. I guess I am

missing the point! What is the deal here? You wandered into this store and weren't treated in a bad manner, so I guess I am asking, what is the point of this thread? No offense, but I really just don't get it!

[Random_Australian]

180. That belonging to a certain group is supposed to make you

"good" rather than "the same as everyone else".

[Hekate]

185. Affiliation is fine.If you walk into a New Agey store, expect crystals & incense.

If someone announcing their affiliation bothers you, don't go. If you want a suitable gift for a practicing Christian, expect what you get in the way of atmosphere and accept that the store is specializing.

Businesses that advertise in the Yellow Pages will often give you a clue to Christian affiliation: a little fishy. Personally I think they're trying to say "I'll never screw up the job or overcharge you," but since human nature is variable I would rather ask for local references instead.

What a weird thread.

Hekate

[Random_Australian]

192. The OP was talking about assumption of difference because of membership to a group.

That's what was wrong.

Not that the person was *gasp* a christian.

[donheld]

188. A christian store?

Is that a place you can buy or sell Christians?

[marzipanni]

190. Maybe the store owner was trying to buy some time to come up with a price

He didn't want to appear incognizant of the price of the item when you pointed out it had no price tag, but was trying to reassure you that as a Christian he would be honest and charge what the item is worth. I think he needed a moment to remember the price, or look it up in his inventory listing.

Several years ago I took my (then) 3 1/2-year-old son into a new little skateboard/ski/surf store in my little city. My son saw some beach balls on display, and I told him we could buy one, and let him carry the deflated beach ball in its cellophane package while I looked at some flip-flops. My son was pretty excited to buy the ball, get outside, inflate it, and play with it, so he said "Let's go Mommy" and tried to get my attention away from the flip-flops a few times. Then the shop owner asked me if I go to church. I gave him my usual "I believe heaven and hell are on earth, not something we go to later." He said "Oh, like having a child that doesn't obey you?". I thought that was stupid, I love my son's enthusiasm. I guess the man's crude proselytizing didn't help business much, the store closed several months later.

[Random_Australian]

193. You dare complain about someone bieng a git? Why, you must loathe Christians.

Either that, or the premise that the shop owner displayed (that you are supposed to assume some people are different based on their membership to a group if the OP was too mind-bogglingly subtle for you) was offensive and wrong.

You know, either one. :)

[Breeze54]

194. Why do you wonder if he'll be in business?

:shrug:

There's a Hallmark shop near me. "The only game in town."

But I will drive 10 miles to buy a card, instead of giving them my money.

If I wanted to have limited choices to angels and other fairy tales, I might shop there.

NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rofl:

"Christian cardshop" takes all the fun out of it. Besides the fact it's a crock!

[Skinner]

199. Locking.

Religion topic with no political relevance whatsoever. Not GD material.