You know what rhymes with Satire? Fat Tire. …mmmmm…
Posted on March 9th, 2006 by catalyst into the Pastoral Staff categoryJP and I have a general rule that whenever an elder at City Bible posts a comment we throw that comment on the front of our blog. It gives us something to talk about and proves once again that the pastors still read us. (I’m as shocked as anyone).
And this morning our dear friend Larry Asplund broke his long silence and commented on the blog, noting my decision to ban Financial Blessings.
Here’s what he said:
That’s the thing about satire, isn’t. It eventually comes back around like a boomerang and bites you in the butt.
I’ll be honest, I am not sure his point here. But I do not think it is positive. And you know what, no biggie. We criticize his church, he criticizes us. Fair deal. I am just kind of surprised he chose this issue on which to comment. I mean we did blog for a couple of weeks when City Bible fired two of his colleagues. But I guess he was like, "Whatever."
But we silence his protege F.B., and Asplund’s got to be heard.
Fair enough though. Mr. Asplund, you are welcome to comment anytime.
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March 9th, 2006 at 11:58 am
JP or Cat–are you able to disclose to us who else in leadership at CBC follows this blog? I’d like to know who we are speaking to . . .
And Larry, if you care to respond (and I would understand it if you don’t):
How do you read the stories posted here of real people who have been grossly wronged and know the people who have wronged them and still fellowship and even lead with them?
I know it’s inevitable that offenses must come–I’m not talking about one-time trivial things. I mean ongoing patterns of character that some leaders in CBC/MFI exhibit.
I was at PBC the first year you came and have the utmost respect for you. But I hear the TCS/TCHS stories and I see a lot of abuse of authority.
And looking back, most of the PBC rules are unnecessary. Not talking out of windows??? Come on. Being fined or campused for a messy room? Really? Imposing penalties from without does not change character.
We each have to be motivated to change and no amount of rules, disciplines, guidelines can do that.
I recently have been put in a position by my own bad choices where I HAVE to change or suffer life consequences. So guess what? I’m changing. Legislation in these areas while at PBC would not have superimposed the discipline upon me in these areas to do so.
I double-dog dare you to respond.
KM
March 9th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
Actually, I was not criticisng satire. In fact, I am a expert at it myself. I was simply noting the fact that satire releases a cycle of satire. You satire CBC, someone begins to satire you, etc., etc. It’s simply inevitable. Don’t be too sensitive. I love you guys.
March 9th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for the response Larry.
I just thought it was odd. It has been a year since you’ve last commented, and we’ve blogged about a million things in that year. And yet, this was the issue that made you break your silence.
But hey, just so you know, I’m a big fan of yours. So no hard feelings. JP and I love you as well.
March 9th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
Get a room.
;^)
March 9th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Larry!!!
Amazing. As always, I love your insight. Satire does indeed often end up with a boomerang in the bum. But hey, what’s life without a opening a few boxes of Pandora?
You should comment more frequently, as it would be fun(ny) to have someone from the upper echelon of CBC involved. I’m sure JP and Catalyst would be thrilled to post anything you have to say front and center. Just make sure it’s funny. Or Witty. Or both.
I hope you and your family are well!
:-)
BTW (and I was never one to know when to stop while I was ahead..) — Since you are part of the decision-making team of CBC.. do you have any idea who is paying for the CBC lawyer who called me? Is it the tithers, or is it someone’s personal quest for righteousness?
March 9th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
Larry,
I think KeriMichelle brings up a good question: WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING UP THERE?
I understand that you are trying to do your part to help raise up America’s next Young Leader, but how effective can you be when Pastor Hank is in control?
From the sounds of many of the comments we receive from PBC (IP address points to City Bible Church) it sounds like you’re raising America’s next Young Follower… which is, in my opinion, exactly what Frank Damazio wants…
So here’s another song (taken from Mathew 25:42-43 and sung to the tune of I’m in the Lord’s Army)
I’M IN THE FRANK’S ARMY
”drink to the thirsty”,
”invite in the stranger.
I may never give “clothes to the naked”
But I’m in the Frank’s Army.
I’m in the Frank’s Army (yes, sir!)
I’m in the Frank’s Army, (yes, sir!)
I may never “put down my coffee”,
”Get my hands dirty”,
”help anyone but me”.
I may only “watch on the plasma screen”
But I’m in the Frank’s PBC. (yes, sir!)
March 9th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
tall, caucasion male rolling down the street
lots of laughter
lots of pee
could life be better?
March 9th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Larry,
I’m fairly sure you don’t know me, but I have fond memories of listening to your sense of humor from back in the day. Speaking as part of the reason why FB was removed from the blog, I think it’s fair to say that what he was saying was a long ways from plain satire….it was harassment, and it seemed almost certainly mean-spirited. It wasn’t just a matter of people reaping what they’d sown. True, I haven’t been all-sweetness-and-light around this place, and in retrospect, I’ve said things I’m not particularly proud of — however, I will state that I (like most of us here) am working in this forum to be honest and open and fair in what I say, whether my comments are an affirmation or a disagreement, and whether they’re supposed to be funny or not. Character assassination is something that humans do, unfortunately, and I’ve been guilty of it myself. However, when I’ve been called on it, I’ve taken accountability. Moderation of “satire” becomes appropriate and necessary when people stop playing fair. It seems to me that’s what happened here…not the boomerang effect you describe, but a separate set of cause-effect all its own…related to the satirical climate of the blog, but not really a logical response to it.
March 9th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
It’s good to see that Larry has not been forbiden by Frank to interact with the blog. Or maybe Larry is just being rebelious.
I digress- the Northwest Breakthrough conference is underway and CBC has brought in a word of faith Pastor Jentezen Franklin as a main speaker here are some quotes of him on everyones favorite station:
“I spoke to the Lord this morning and 3,000 people need to sow a $55 over the next 6 months.”
(Jentezen Franklin, TBN, Share-A-Thon, March 30, 2004)
“David put 5 stones in his bag, we would call it a purse. 5 is the number for grace, he put grace in his pocketbook. Grace was put into his finances.”
(Jentezen Franklin, TBN, Share-A-Thon, March 30, 2004)
“The Lord told me to tell you that 3,000 people that are watching, a miracle is about to begin again. Go to the phone now and say, “I’m sowing a $55 seed.”
(Jentezen Franklin, TBN, Share-A-Thon, March 30, 2004)
“Some of your ministries are at a standstill, sow a $55 seed and see what God will do.”
(Jentezen Franklin, TBN, Share-A-Thon, March 30, 2004)
“Sow a $55 grace grace seed (Double Portion), some may criticise and not believe me. Well, just sit there. Some of you may get a blessing, but you won’t get no money.”
(Jentezen Franklin, TBN, Share-A-Thon, March 30, 2004)
I wonder if CBC is going to have Jentezen share about giving.
March 9th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
See Spurgie,
I read that one.
March 9th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
PS. to Larry,
Also, could you talk Lanny or Ken into posting? That would be really cool.
KM
March 10th, 2006 at 8:59 am
That would be cool. In fact, it would be cool for *anyone* in leadership at CBC to post, about any topic. (Suggestion: Maybe Frank might want to personally discuss his constant heavy emphasis on tithing?) But I imagine most of them don’t wish to actively participate in a blog/forum that doesn’t make them feel good about themselves or make them look good.
How’s *that* for a dare!
:)
March 10th, 2006 at 11:28 am
maybe if the Holy Spirit moves them to do so…
March 11th, 2006 at 9:03 am
Or money. Or reputation.