A dear friend of mine is Christian. Although I don't go to church or belong to any particular religion, I greatly respect and admire her faith. She believes what she believes, and while willing to discuss her beliefs, she never, ever pressures others to believe as she does, and she is always open to learning about the beliefs of others.
The other day, her husband forwarded her an email invitation to the American Compass Book Club. I'd put a link to them, but I'm afraid of the repercussions, so Google them if you wish. You'll soon realize the book club's mission isn't quite promoting the kind of Christian love and spirit my friend believes in. So, she wrote them a letter. I'm posting it here for you to enjoy--and to prove that even Christians can be comic geniuses. But, she better watch out, or she might be offered a new job working for the Heritage Foundation.
Note: The following letter was written with a hunk of burnin' irony. Do not take literally.
Dear American Compass Book Club,
As a conservative, Bible-believing, proud American, I was thrilled to receive an email for your book club. Finally, a place that I could shop for books free from the liberal agenda that is pushed in most bookstores. I teach English, and love to read; but I am disgusted by the retail atmosphere of chain bookstores, with their sections that proudly advertise the homosexual agenda, new age conspiracy, and a host of "minority" subjects masquerading as political science. In order to find solid, responsible, political science books, I have to wade through books about very un-American topics.
Sadly, I was shocked when I clicked on your website and found that you offered a book by the Pope as a selection in your book club. I hope that you are aware that Catholics do not believe in Jesus Christ and are not Christians. Many of their priests are homosexuals, and they openly oppose conservative values such as the death penalty. The Catholic church is a wolf in sheep's clothing, trying to appear innocent and conservative by speaking out against abortion, when, in fact, they support a variety of liberal social causes. I am sure you are aware that the Catholic church would have never been able to assert any hold on America if it were not for all the immigrants that bring their communist ideas over to our country looking for a free ride. How can you offer such a book, and then offer books about keeping jobs in America? Are you aware that most Mexicans are Catholic?
I sincerely hope you will remove the Pope's title from your selection list. If you do, I will be thrilled to become a member.
Sincerely,
Mrs. J
Bravo to Mrs. J. And kudos to you for posting the letter.
Posted by: John | 07.02.2005 at 05:47 PM
Very funny. I am going to check out this book club.
Posted by: Sara | 07.02.2005 at 08:52 PM
Thank you thank you thank you Mrs. J, if only you could have a long chat with my Grandma!!!
Posted by: Bible Belt Educat | 07.02.2005 at 09:53 PM
Very nice. Great post and wonderful letter.
Posted by: Streak | 11.02.2005 at 11:20 AM
Woo hoo! When you live in a red state in the south, it's so wonderful to see that there are people with a sense of humor regarding religion.
You get the sloth salute of approval.
Posted by: Carla | 11.02.2005 at 10:39 PM
Awesome.
Posted by: Sig. | 25.02.2005 at 08:54 AM
Ahhh. Found your blog doing some research for my Classroom Management class. I checked out the so called book club and clicked on "for kids" link. Funniest/most disturbing book for kids? "help mom! There are liberals under my bed!"
Gotta indoctrinate them with hate and name calling practices when they're young, right?
Makes me a little sick and sad for the youngsters.
Posted by: Alex | 20.04.2008 at 07:45 AM