Tuesday, July 17, 2007

And He Laughed...

Listening to NPR on the way home, I was listening to a story about a vicious gang in Kenya which is terrorizing the population. This gang is known as Mungiki, and they were started by--hold your breath--a pastor.

Now, that's a bit misleading--and I'll clarify, even though it ruins the suspense (not to mention the shock and awe) of the statement--he became a pastor after he left the gang, or when he left the gang, or whatever.

Not really the point, though.

Part of the story that was aired spoke of a pastor who's son was killed by this gang because he wouldn't pay the gang more money as a bus driver:

But this year, when the Mungiki doubled the amount they demanded from bus drivers, the drivers balked, and that's when the orgy of violence began.

In a neighborhood called Banana Hill, someone attacked a 24-year-old bus conductor with an axe, nearly beheading him. The victim's father says he considers himself lucky that the killers didn't make him hunt for scattered body parts, as they often do.
Simply horrific... Even sadder is a pastor with a dead son considers himself "lucky" when he doesn't have to scour the country side looking for the parts of his child's body...

But, as the article further states: "But one pastor's loss is apparently another pastor's good fortune."

As stated earlier, this pastor, former "president" of the Mungiki, was also interviewed by NPR, and what the article fails to communicate is the laughter this man wails out after making some of his statements. For instance, while the article simply states:

"Due to the demonization of this organization, wherever I go … I wish I could walk with you on the street ... People respect me because they fear me. So whatever they are doing now works for me completely. And I say that's God," he boasts.
Boasts may be what the editor thought was the best word... But on the air, this statement was followed by near maniacal laughter. Immediately following the end of his insane laughter, he stated:

But Waruinge has ambitions to create a more fearsome organization, and says Jesus is the way.

"Jesus worked in myth. He creates 5,000 breads, 5,000 fish. Does that not create fear in you to fear that person?" Waruinge says. "This is how God works. God does not know democracy. You're either for me or you'll die."
I'd like to hear from all the Christians in the house on this one, especially in regards to his last statement which I emphasized.

Is this an accurate reflection of how many Christian fundamentalists feel? Is it an accurate statement in regards to how you think god may view the world?

I think it must also be stated for the record, after he said "You're either for me or you'll die," he laughed again.

Such is the joy of the lord, I suppose...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

hello jason! what a horrible thing for a father to go through!! i would be thankful also not to have to look for body parts. especially if i wanted an open casket at the viewing!! a little humor. maybe the guy that is laughing is just dealing with all the pain with nervous laughing. i don't know since i don't understand what i am supposed to answer. and knowing what i am supposed to answer might not get answered since i don't have all the answers on every little thing on how God works. i am still trying to wrap my mind around living in a country that is so violent and feeling very thankful that i am not. my biggest problem doesn't even compare to what the people in kenya must be dealing with. and i would think the wild life over there would be the worst thing to deal with. :) thats after watching animal planet. :) well, i am sure you will let me know either in person or answer on this. you might not hear me again since the only reason i have some time is that its raining out and worked stopped today. thank goodness. i need a break from painting and cleaning up saw dust. :) you don't have to answer this either since i am sure you will get people to answer you with much deeper minds than mine. :) i have not been feeling deep about anything lately and after reading or so half reading some of your writings i am surprised what i missed but lived my life anyway. :) well, have to go. don't be to glad. :) :) love and prayers

DaBich said...

:;shivers::

You know, that's downright scary.

That man is insane.

That's not the work of God...that's misleading.

Just my two cents.

mom said...

hello jason! what a horrible thing for a father to go through!! i would be thankful also not to have to look for body parts. especially if i wanted an open casket at the viewing!! a little humor. maybe the guy that is laughing is just dealing with all the pain with nervous laughing. i don't know since i don't understand what i am supposed to answer. and knowing what i am supposed to answer might not get answered since i don't have all the answers on every little thing on how God works. i am still trying to wrap my mind around living in a country that is so violent and feeling very thankful that i am not. my biggest problem doesn't even compare to what the people in kenya must be dealing with. and i would think the wild life over there would be the worst thing to deal with. :) thats after watching animal planet. :) well, i am sure you will let me know either in person or answer on this. you might not hear me again since the only reason i have some time is that its raining out and worked stopped today. thank goodness. i need a break from painting and cleaning up saw dust. :) you don't have to answer this either since i am sure you will get people to answer you with much deeper minds than mine. :) i have not been feeling deep about anything lately and after reading or so half reading some of your writings i am surprised what i missed but lived my life anyway. :) well, have to go. don't be to glad. :) :) love and prayers