This comic strip is a reflection of how religion can be and has been inappropriately used to further the agenda of certain individuals and groups. Religion literally means “relationship with God.” It is disappointing to see how religion has been used and abused to serve self-interest rather than God’s interest. However, it is also important to recognize the basis of faith, which is rooted in inclusivity and doing good. Jesus challenged the status quo as He made it a point to associate himself with the marginalized and point out the wrongs of zealots who used faith to advance their own social status. My personal desire to work in medically underserved communities and address inequities on the basis of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation are rooted in my Catholic upbringing. And, I know I am not the sole progressive voice from the faith community: groups such as Sojourners in Washington, DC, and even politicians including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have expressed how faith does not necessarily equate with conservatism, but instead, with a demand for social change.
For another (more comedic) comic take on this creepy trend, start here: http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp10042006.shtml
The story arc’s final panel makes an extremely good point: there’s something terrifyingly hypocritical about scaring and bullying people into obeying a God who preached love and tolerance.
Growing up in a very conservative Christian town, the Hell House was the big October attraction. There was, indeed, the “hell” scene, the heaven scene (complete with blue lights and glitter), and the ministry room at the end. It’s completely ridiculous.
I think the actual “judgement houses” are “hate speech” just as surely as wearing a white sheet is, and should be legally treated as such. Why would anyone want to be a Christian when they think of people with whom they disagree in this manner? Jesus didn’t treat those whom he considered “sinners” in this manner.
The individuals responsible for this kind of lunacy do not give a damn what Jesus thought or how he treated others. I’m not a Christian, but I’m certain he would have despised what is being depicted in these “Hell Houses,” in the name of “Christianity.”
This is a prime example of why faith is actually another term for self delusion. By the way, people cannot have a real relationship with invisible sky daddies. People have relationships with actual living beings.
This is another one of their pathetic attempts at mind control. It is actually rather sad. To think that the religion that they believe in can’t stand upon it’s own merits without browbeating to make one “believe”. Doesn’t work with me. As a long recovered catholic, the damnation thing backfired on me. Drove me and will continue to drive me away from any thing and any one religious.
How about the progressive movement do its own thing without deriding christians who are doing their own thing? I’m pretty tired of people mocking religion- find some new material. BTW, I’m a progressive- but this turns me off in all its forms. Let people do what they want. Who are you to say that they’re wrong? You’re criticizing them for telling you what’s wrong and you’re doing the SAME THING.
I prefer The Goddess Athena as presented in Homer’s Odyssey. As far as letting these people do what they want F—NO! That’s why the country is in the predictament it’s in, these wahoos want a theocracy and impose Their will on me and mine. Pimping ain’t easy unless you put a minister title ahead of your name and get a tv program. I say they are wrong.
This has nothing to do with theocracy, and I very much doubt the effectiveness of any imposition of will on anyone but those who already agree by way of these methods. The horror with which most progressives receive accounts of Hell Houses, I believe, betrays an all too common derisive prejudice against religion. It is troubling to me that so many people seem inclined to stifle and shout down this type of expression, this theater. At Halloween, I, a liberal youth, attend haunted attractions in the hopes of being frightened by boufant images the murderous horror that can exist in the world, and by imagined supernatural monsters and ghouls. Why is it so reprehensible, by comparison, that evangelical and conservative youths entertain themselves this season by being frightened and recommited to the faith to which they are already devoted by viewing images of the amoral horrors of this world and their conceptions of the potential horrors of the next?
It is so refreshing to see open-minded progressives. No ONE is forcing you to go to a Halloween attraction or convert to Christianity. Recovered Catholics/Christians should consider writing a book about all things Catholic – EVERYWHERE. But since I doubt the “all-encompassing” knowledge of such anecdotal evidence, I will give their “testimony” the same weight they give a religious person – nothing…
Sadly, the only people blasting the religions of Christianity and Islam (as if they were in the same vein) are those tolerant progressives. They seem to forget Christians moved past the 12 Century – a LONG time ago.
While I think either a Hell house or haunted house is a waste of time, there is a big difference between the two. Where I came from in Texas the idea was to get as many people as you could to go, especially for the purposes of conversion. Thus the idea is definately is to scare people into beleiveing and converting. As someone who believes in the teachings of christ, (not other’s interpretations them) I find it offensive, and counterproductive, personally.
Edward Carney asks “Why is it so reprehensible, by comparison, that evangelical and conservative youths entertain themselves this season by being frightened and recommited to the faith..’: (the words ‘frenzy’ and ‘hysteria’ come to mind when I think about my experiences with them)
A valid question; do you want people who associate fear with faith, in any position of power to control other people with fear?
‘Progressives’ as we’re generalized, have good reason for being concerned, this country was overtaken by people who believe this way.
I am a Catholic Christian. My family is Catholic Christian. Most of our town is Christian of some form or another. Not one of us would ever want a hell-house in our community. It is the minority of radicals that give the majority of Christians a bad name. We are not all sick-minded like that and do not want to be associated with these hell-houses.
I was led into my first haunted house when I was under 6 years old. beyond the fright – of the costumes, was the feeling of betrayal. Why would a parent give over a child to a process designed to scare the shit out of him?
I am horrified beyond words…
— Joshua Bennett - Oct 26, 03:56 PM - #This comic strip is a reflection of how religion can be and has been inappropriately used to further the agenda of certain individuals and groups. Religion literally means “relationship with God.” It is disappointing to see how religion has been used and abused to serve self-interest rather than God’s interest. However, it is also important to recognize the basis of faith, which is rooted in inclusivity and doing good. Jesus challenged the status quo as He made it a point to associate himself with the marginalized and point out the wrongs of zealots who used faith to advance their own social status. My personal desire to work in medically underserved communities and address inequities on the basis of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation are rooted in my Catholic upbringing. And, I know I am not the sole progressive voice from the faith community: groups such as Sojourners in Washington, DC, and even politicians including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have expressed how faith does not necessarily equate with conservatism, but instead, with a demand for social change.
— April Joy Damian - Oct 26, 03:58 PM - #For another (more comedic) comic take on this creepy trend, start here: http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp10042006.shtml
The story arc’s final panel makes an extremely good point: there’s something terrifyingly hypocritical about scaring and bullying people into obeying a God who preached love and tolerance.
— Allison Ehrich Bernstein - Oct 26, 07:19 PM - #Growing up in a very conservative Christian town, the Hell House was the big October attraction. There was, indeed, the “hell” scene, the heaven scene (complete with blue lights and glitter), and the ministry room at the end. It’s completely ridiculous.
— Ciara Hargis - Oct 26, 07:25 PM - #I think the actual “judgement houses” are “hate speech” just as surely as wearing a white sheet is, and should be legally treated as such. Why would anyone want to be a Christian when they think of people with whom they disagree in this manner? Jesus didn’t treat those whom he considered “sinners” in this manner.
— Lauren Clark - Oct 26, 10:49 PM - #The individuals responsible for this kind of lunacy do not give a damn what Jesus thought or how he treated others.
— Linda Edwards - Oct 26, 11:32 PM - #I’m not a Christian, but I’m certain he would have despised what is being depicted in these “Hell Houses,” in the name of “Christianity.”
This is a prime example of why faith is actually another term for self delusion. By the way, people cannot have a real relationship with invisible sky daddies. People have relationships with actual living beings.
— Dan Woodburn - Oct 27, 01:17 AM - #The One True Living GOD IS alive and well. But I don’t like their comic page. It’s an oxymoron.
— Nancy - Oct 27, 11:22 AM - #This is another one of their pathetic attempts at mind control. It is actually rather sad. To think that the religion that they believe in can’t stand upon it’s own merits without browbeating to make one “believe”. Doesn’t work with me. As a long recovered catholic, the damnation thing backfired on me. Drove me and will continue to drive me away from any thing and any one religious.
— Monica Lashley - Oct 27, 01:22 PM - #I am reminded of a quote by Ghandi: “I do not like most Christians. I like their Christ, but they seldom act like him.”
— Chad Moore - Oct 27, 08:29 PM - #How about the progressive movement do its own thing without deriding christians who are doing their own thing? I’m pretty tired of people mocking religion- find some new material. BTW, I’m a progressive- but this turns me off in all its forms. Let people do what they want. Who are you to say that they’re wrong? You’re criticizing them for telling you what’s wrong and you’re doing the SAME THING.
— Laura - Oct 29, 10:00 PM - #I prefer The Goddess Athena as presented in Homer’s Odyssey. As far as letting these people do what they want F—NO! That’s why the country is in the predictament it’s in, these wahoos want a theocracy and impose Their will on me and mine. Pimping ain’t easy unless you put a minister title ahead of your name and get a tv program. I say they are wrong.
— Monroe Cotter - Oct 29, 11:20 PM - #This has nothing to do with theocracy, and I very much doubt the effectiveness of any imposition of will on anyone but those who already agree by way of these methods. The horror with which most progressives receive accounts of Hell Houses, I believe, betrays an all too common derisive prejudice against religion. It is troubling to me that so many people seem inclined to stifle and shout down this type of expression, this theater. At Halloween, I, a liberal youth, attend haunted attractions in the hopes of being frightened by boufant images the murderous horror that can exist in the world, and by imagined supernatural monsters and ghouls. Why is it so reprehensible, by comparison, that evangelical and conservative youths entertain themselves this season by being frightened and recommited to the faith to which they are already devoted by viewing images of the amoral horrors of this world and their conceptions of the potential horrors of the next?
— Edward Carney - Oct 30, 11:39 AM - #It is so refreshing to see open-minded progressives. No ONE is forcing you to go to a Halloween attraction or convert to Christianity. Recovered Catholics/Christians should consider writing a book about all things Catholic – EVERYWHERE. But since I doubt the “all-encompassing” knowledge of such anecdotal evidence, I will give their “testimony” the same weight they give a religious person – nothing…
Sadly, the only people blasting the religions of Christianity and Islam (as if they were in the same vein) are those tolerant progressives. They seem to forget Christians moved past the 12 Century – a LONG time ago.
— mighty aphrodite - Oct 30, 05:07 PM - #While I think either a Hell house or haunted house is a waste of time, there is a big difference between the two. Where I came from in Texas the idea was to get as many people as you could to go, especially for the purposes of conversion. Thus the idea is definately is to scare people into beleiveing and converting. As someone who believes in the teachings of christ, (not other’s interpretations them) I find it offensive, and counterproductive, personally.
Edward Carney asks “Why is it so reprehensible, by comparison, that evangelical and conservative youths entertain themselves this season by being frightened and recommited to the faith..’: (the words ‘frenzy’ and ‘hysteria’ come to mind when I think about my experiences with them)
— elise - Nov 1, 05:43 PM - #A valid question; do you want people who associate fear with faith, in any position of power to control other people with fear? ‘Progressives’ as we’re generalized, have good reason for being concerned, this country was overtaken by people who believe this way.
I am a Catholic Christian. My family is Catholic Christian. Most of our town is Christian of some form or another. Not one of us would ever want a hell-house in our community. It is the minority of radicals that give the majority of Christians a bad name. We are not all sick-minded like that and do not want to be associated with these hell-houses.
— Marie Barcomb - Jun 1, 09:39 PM - #I was led into my first haunted house when I was under 6 years old. beyond the fright – of the costumes, was the feeling of betrayal. Why would a parent give over a child to a process designed to scare the shit out of him?
— chris - Aug 31, 12:43 PM - #