the "Barely Adventist" website

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

anyone read anything from this website yet? http://barelyadventist.com/

Before you do, please note that it posts satirical "news story briefs" on SDA issues, much along the same lines as "The Onion."

I can see some problems when folks start sharing these "news stories," not realizing they are hoaxes.

Here's one about Doug Batchelor that is getting posted on Facebook as if it is factual:

Quote:

Sacramento, CA – In a surprise announcement, Doug Batchelor’s organization, Amazing Facts has stated in a press release that Batchelor will be joining this year’s season of Dancing With the Stars. The move is being described by Pastor Batchelor as a way to “take television outreach to an amazing new level.”

“Listen, I’ve done almost everything. I’ve had a busy television ministry for decades, I’ve done huge revival speaking tours and I’ve reached newbies with seeker-friendly speaker series in major cities around the world. What I haven’t done yet is get on a mainstream show as a contestant. I think this may be the new frontier of outreach.”

Reactions to the news have been mixed. “This is the coolest thing I have ever seen Doug Batchelor do,” said 22 year-old Jana Bigson. “I never used to be into his show but I think I might start watching his stuff now that I know he’s got rhythm. My parents will be so happy!”

Older Adventists have been more measured in their response. “This is definitely a risky move,” says 63 year-old Ben Cummings. “No form of dance is ever the solution to any problem, period.”

Addressing traditional Adventist aversion to dancing, Batchelor said, “Not all dancing is created equal. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. Some dance is downright biblical.”

“I mean David danced,” he continued. “Of course we all know it was a cross between a Pathfinder marching drill, jumping jacks and full lunges – all done with emotion. My routine will incorporate all of these sanctioned elements, set to uptempo music with absolutely no beat. It’ll be unlike anything Dancing with the Stars has ever seen.”

Given this explanation, many faithful Amazing Facts viewers were both surprised and delighted. “I think it’s a perfect example of being in the world but not of it. “There won’t be an ounce of sexy in Pastor Doug’s routine,” said Renee Lee, a regular viewer of his show from Des Moines, IA.

Batchelor agrees. “I’m not going for sexy. I aim to be 100% appropriate but I do want to show the world some serious Adventist fitness while I’m still young enough.”

[Gregory Matthews]

Rudywoofs: Thank you for that contribution.

I guess the central issue is: Do we have the ability to laugh at ourselves?

Here is one that I like:

Quote:

Mark and Suzie Robertson, parents of two recent Southern Adventist University graduates are demanding a full tuition and board refund from the university. “The whole reason we sent Seth and Bethany to Southern was so that they could both get married. All we ever heard about were a few lame banquet dates,” said Mark. “We just wasted a couple hundred grand.”

“What has Adventist education come to when academics, chapel and athletics take the place of focused courtship?” asked an exasperated Suzie. “Now both our kids are over 22 and who knows if they’ll ever find anyone!”

“As far as I’m concerned, this is classic false advertising,” said Mark. “Southern makes marriage out to be a slam-dunk if you so much as register for a summer session. All those ads featuring clean-cut kids flirting over textbooks on well-mowed lawns are pure lies. We’ve been duped!”

The couple has submitted the request for a refund to the university’s administration. The university says it is currently reviewing the case but has yet to issue a formal reply. “It is unlikely that the Robertsons will receive their refund,” says a source with insider knowledge into the handling of the case. “Southern can provide the environment but nothing’s going to happen unless you actually go on those vespers dates.”

Suzie and Mark Robertson realize that a refund is not going to fix their actual problem. But they have decided to stay optimistic. “There’s always a second chance. We are not giving up. As soon as we get our refund we are putting the money right back into Seth and Bethany’s marriage prospects. Neither of them were pre-Med but that doesn’t mean they can’t study something at Loma Linda,” said Suzie. “We hear they have a great Dental Hygiene program. Hey, maybe they could even score a doctor each if they hang around long enough.”

[phkrause]

those were funny. Yes laughter is good for the soul. :)

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

lol I remember that Walla Walla College was supposed to be the *best* place to send daughters to find a spouse... the "Walla Walla Manhunt"

[JoeMo]

Quote:

I guess the central issue is: Do we have the ability to laugh at ourselves?

I certainly hope we can laugh at ourselves! We've laughed at (or cried over) other denominations enough.