I threatened some folks at my church today

[struggle4progress]

It was Reformation Sunday, when we remember Luther's attack on certain traditions of the sixteenth century Roman church -- including selling certificates of forgiveness, keeping the sacred texts from the common people, celebrating the mass in Latin, and so on

After service, we always have announcements

So I reminded everyone that there's still another week of early voting and that if they can't vote early they should certainly vote on the Tuesday 6th, so there's no excuse for not marking a ballot

Then I added: I better not hear you didn't vote, because if I do, I'll come knock your door and say things to you that will make you wonder if I'm really a Lutheran

[PearliePoo2]

1. Waiting to hear the responses you got

from your announcement!
What did people tell you?

[struggle4progress]

4. Lots laughed. Several people after the service told me it was funny.

Nobody complained

[cbayer]

2. Good for you.

I've been telling people that if they don't vote, I don't want to ever hear a word of complaint about anything political from them.

[struggle4progress]

5. I pretty sure they'll all vote

But I kinda grumbled in church a few years ago after a municipal election with very low turnout

[IADEMO2004]

3. Thanks I needed that.

[Freddie]

6. Hi from another Lutheran!

Was a bit embarrassed this AM, forgot to wear red.
We don't talk politics in my church at all (thankfully) but I know the pastor is a "secret" Democrat.

[struggle4progress]

7. We typically skirt around politics at my church, mostly (I think) because

we believe in the universality of the gospel, and there's seldom any blatantly partisan comment made

I've never asked anybody in church how they voted, and I've never made partisan announcements

Civics and policy, however, are not exactly politics: I don't feel bad about keeping folk up to date on voting rights issues or election deadlines and other such stuff

[Freddie]

8. Excellent

Reminding people about voting and being an active part of the community is something we should all do.
I'm horrified to hear about how other churches tell their members how to vote! How dare they imply you may be "less of a Christian" if you don't vote their way. If my church ever did that (either way) I'd never go back.

[-LOKI -BAD FOR YA]

10. your church seem to have right attitude,wish it was the policy of all three branches of goverment nt

[SheilaT]

9. Which is the way it should be.

Not talking politics in church, I mean.

[Festivito]

11. Good job. Sounds likened to the mix of law and gospel itself.

Duty and fun.

I concentrate on reminding certain ones to go vote.

[Silent3]

12. So if they don't vote, you'll come to their homes proclaiming papal infallibility?

Just wondering what sorts of un-Lutheran things you might say.

[struggle4progress]

14. !

[cleanhippie]

13. So IOW, you said "Do as I say because I say it is good, and if you don't, something bad will happen.

Who do you think you are, god?

[struggle4progress]

15. Yep, I'm gonna convert all them Lutherans int'struggle4progressians

with m'threats t'smite em all

[cleanhippie]

17. Considering most are already conditioned to accept coercive threats like that, you just may.

It's easy when one's audience is a flock of preconditioned sheep used to being forced to swallow nonsense through guilt and fear.


What really surprises me is how easy you seem to have found it to wield that power over them.

[eridani]

16. Peace Lutheran Church in West Seattle is on the way to my walklist dropoff point

They have an Approve 74 (marriage equality) sign on their outside bulletin board, which I really enjoy driving by.