WWJD - A religious rant

So I know this blog has been mostly about sharing cool shit but I think it's about high time for a rant. I think Jesus would approve (although I'm not sure what he'd think of me dressed up as him while wearing a late 90s era headset. Not to mention what he'd say about my saggy posture - oy vey!).

Okay - two things:

1. I don't get people who are super liberal, super open-minded, full of love, etc but won't date outside their religion. Add to this the fact that they don't even believe in religion - but make choices based on their culture and the fact that marrying someone who may also be in their "tribe" would make their lives easier. I don't get it - and no matter what, the explanations don't do it for me. Sorry - I respectfully disagree. Perhaps this has something to do with my college experience. While doing theatre at Queens College, I went out with two Jewish Israeli guys, Avi and Schlomo (aka Schlongy - and yeah, I know, I know, but I SWEAR, he was wicked hot - and his nickname was supposedly a reference to something - I dunno - I never got that far). Anyway, both of these dudes told me that, though they really liked me, they could never date me. Cuz my name is Cristin and they would never be able to introduce me to their mothers. Not with a reference to JC in my name. I have to say - I remember feeling incredibly insulted in a way that I'd never experienced before or really, since. In my mind, this is exclusionary, elitist and sort of racist. Sorry but that's just how I feel. If my friend in question is reading this - you know I love you - I just disagree here.
   
2. How many of you know this man?

His name is Tim DeLaughter, and he is the frontman of a 24 person superband called The Polyphonic Spree. The other night, Lew and I went to see them. Now, those of you who know me well know that I love the PpS - but to say this dude's estimation of himself as God is a bit bizarre is an understatement. The show starts with the band's harpist as the only person onstage before the curtain lifts to reveal a surging mass behind a stetched scroll of red silk. Tim takes his time cutting through the material to expose the giant group of people who follow his every move throughout the show - literally, they seem transfixed by him as their conductor, their leader. The band plays some of my favorites and the show's high points are punctuated with explosions of silver confetti falling from the beautiful mosaic ceiling but the most notable thing here is that this guy really has the most intense Jesus complex I've ever witnessed. And his fans seem to think he's a deity as well. Now - don't get me wrong - I know that Mr. DeLaughter went through a lot of heavy shit - one of his best friends (and former Tripping Daisy bandmate) died from an OD - and the time that followed it was a dark one. But come on, dude - the band and the message and the free love and all that would be so much more powerful if you just let it speak for itself. Instead of demanding worship from your audience. I'm just sayin...

okay < / rant >