Face It, You Can’t Send Me to Heaven or Hell
Posted: Tuesday, November 02, 2010
by Peggy Butler
PSB COMMUNICATIONS
Regardless of how sanctimonious some church folks claim to be, they don’t have the power to put anyone into heaven or hell. So, put a lid on it!
It is a scene re-enacted in churches every Sunday, unjustified criticism heaped upon members and non-members, whose appearance or lifestyle, are in direct contrast to holier-than-thou Christians.
Recently, I found out how widespread this problem is, when my cousin Falchion and I attended service at a church whose members characterize themselves as zealously holy. In layman’s terms, we attended service at a Sanctified House of Worship.
As a former model, Falchion’s wardrobe has brought her tons of admiration from people who compliment her on her ability to be fashionably chic at all times. At 63, she still wears makeup, along with clothes that show off her 5’6", 130 pound body to perfection. And because she has earned a reputation for always looking her best, this well-dressed woman, didn’t think she should change anything, just because she was going to church.
However, due to the nature of the occasion, I asked her to tone down her make up and put on one of her more conservative dresses. Knowing my cousin as I do, she remarked, “If they’re more interested in how I look on the outside, rather than what’s on the inside, they should seriously consider removing the “h" from the word holy." Realizing this was a fight, I was not going to win, I sighed and said, “Okay, this is your battle, and the consequence is yours."
Arriving at the church in a beaded dress and fur beret, her face matted in Honey Glo Soufflé makeup, she immediately drew the attention of on-lookers. As Falchion walked by, I noticed one woman frowning and putting her hand to her mouth. Another woman, her nose shinning, and her dress dangling to the ground, shook her head disapprovingly. Ignoring both women, we hurried inside the church.
As soon as we walked in, I could have sworn we were part of Denzel Washington’s entourage at a movie premier. I have never in my life seen so many people stare at someone the way they were eyeing Falchion.
Wanting to know what all the commotion was about, Falchion tossed a backward glance at the door, giving the impression she too was looking for the person everyone’s eyes were glued to. Sliding into the pew she watched as an elderly woman rose abruptly and moved to the pew in front of us.
As the pastor took his place at the podium, another woman came and sat beside my cousin. At first the lady didn’t say anything, then fiddling with the gold bracelet on her arm she said to Falchion “Sister, I don’t know your name, but this is the House of the Lord. I think you’d feel a whole lot better if you took off some of that makeup and changed your dress." Staring into the wholesome face of the woman, made even plainer by a huge knot on her forehead; I felt a verbal tornado coming on. Adjusting her earrings, Falchion whispered softly, “ Mam, your best bet is to go back to your seat and pretend this conversation never took place. The last thing you want is your feelings hurt on a Sunday morning." Seeing the frozen look on Falchion’s face, the woman returned to her seat.
Throughout the service, I noticed throngs of people whispering and staring at us. One woman was so brazen, she purposely let us know she was talking about us, and what she was saying was not flattering. Surveying my surroundings, I wondered why people who profess Christianity feel they are so right in their convictions, while everyone else is wrong.
Finally, the service was over. As we stood up, we were approached by a woman who was accompanied by the churchgoer who told Falchion to remove her makeup. The woman said she wanted to talk to Falchion. She began by admonishing my cousin like a 5-year-old. “Honey, somebody gave you the wrong address. You must have thought this was a Baptist Church . You know women wear anything in the Baptist church; see through short dresses, make up. Heck, some of em even wear pants." Remaining silent, Falchion let the woman continue her verbal tirade. “This is a holiness church, and why we encourage people to come and worship, we feel we should set an example for other women by not wearing make up and exposing parts of our bodies which should only be seen by our husbands."
The more she talked, the more Falchion’s mouth twitched. That was the signal she was about to let the funk fly. As the woman went on and on about the virtues of a sanctified woman, she was joined by more sisters. “You see you don’t get into God’s kingdom wearing makeup and cocktail dresses. First, you must be purified and born again. And allowing your body to be contaminated by trashy clothes, mascara and lipstick, does more harm than good," explained a young woman. “You can’t get into heaven like this," she said pointing to Falchion’s blush. “But you can get into hell. Since you look like a nice woman, I thought it was my Christian duty to tell you that."
Darting her eye from woman to woman, Falchion let the manure fly like only she can. “Wait a minute," she said raising her hand to her face. “You ladies are talking like you have the power to put me in heaven. If you really wanna know the truth, you can’t even put me in hell. Only the man upstairs can do that. And if I decide I want to come in this church wearing a gold lame gown, what has that got to do with my service to God?" She continued, “You’re standing here criticizing my clothes and makeup. Don’t you realize you have no power over me? Talk is cheap ladies. And I can show you a whole lot better than I can tell you. And I’m about to show you by getting the heck away from here." Having made her point Falchion left the women trippin’ in their tracks.
Isn’t it funny how religious people, notably ministers and holy rollers honestly believe they’re imbued with a power giving them the right to induce a person into heaven or hell.
Granted, these religious zealots have studied the Bible, however they forget what their real roles are. Being mere mortals they have no right to judge others or lay claim to a power they will never possess.
So the next time, one of those hot water heaters come up to you criticizing your clothes or telling you about your faults, look them straight in the eye and say “I am going to forgive you for those remarks because just like me, you have a long way to go before you reach perfection," and leave it at that. Can I get an amen?
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)You get a resounding amen from me! You wrote this so graphically, I felt as if I was watching a movie, I really enjoyed it. Falchion sounds like a fabulous woman. Great article, thanks!Jennifer:
Thanks for the generous comment. Unfortunately, I,ve had more than my share of experiences with religious zealots, who are under the impression that they are perfect. What the heck is that? As for Falchion, she is still doing her thing at 67.
Take Care, and by the way you are a fantastic writer.Thanks! I've just started doing my thing, so your friend Falchion is very inspiring to me! I read your response to David - your book sounds wonderful, I look forward to reading it.
Your friend Falchion, sound like a woman who speaks the truth about all these self righteous people who believe they have a special place with the Lord. Good article Peggy thanks for sharing, I haven't seen you on search warp for quite a while now.Greetings Mr. T:
My it's been a long time hasn't it? Thanks for the comments regarding the article, I loved writing it. As for me being away from searchwarp, it's true. Currently, I'm writing a book about the 1960s, which will focus on race, war, and other issues, from a child's standpoint. It's been a thrill floating down memory lane.
As for you, I still enjoy your writing.
Peaceful Vibrations
AMEN!
The rules are even worse in a Jewish Temple or synagogue where in Orthodox venues women are virtually HIDDEN behind screens in a balcony so as not to be a " distraction" to men's prayers.
This is tantamount to Islamic men dressing their women head-to-foot like bee keepers, completely covered.
Who makes these 'rules', God?
Hardly; it just goes to show you that religion is man made and anything man made is surely flawed and artificial and thus very far from God's true heart.
I enjoy your spunk and courage and outspokenness in a realm where so many are cowed and obedient and sheeplike when it comes to nonsense 'rules' about decorum and faith, faith and decorum.
PaulPaul:
I was not cognizant of the rules regarding temples and synangogues, really I thought the behavior I wrote about in my article was limited to Holiness and Baptist Churches.
Regarding your comment about having the spunk and courage to write this article, you are so right. At first I was reluctant to do it, because religion is such a controversial issue; then i said, why not?
It's so discouraging knowing there are people who have made themselves; judge, jury and executors in the name of religion.
Have a great day!
PeggyJudaism is the 'rulebook' tree; Christianity is the 'rulebook' branch; decorum rules and holier than thou puffed up stuffed shirts all started with us and then filtered down to y'all!
Religious rules for women have always treated them as second class citizens, when it comes to Middle East religions, which view women as men's properties.
Men could dress up; women must show modesty, as it is men who make the rules....
Controversy is just fine, on SW; it brings in readership!Mr. Schroeder:
Thanks for identifying the various facets of Judaism. So, judasim is the rule book tree; okay, that makes sense. As someone who is always eager to learn something new, I learned something aboout a religion, I never knew.
Thank you
Peggy Butler
As I read your article I was reminded of the story of the man who kept knocking on the doors of 3 different churches but none of them would let him in. Finally he gave up, sat down on a bench and was weeping when suddenly Jesus appeared and asked him what was wrong. The man said Lord I knocked on the door of 3 churches and none of them would let me in to which Jesus replied, my son don't be discouraged they wouldn't let me in either. The other side of that coin is we must be careful that we are not the hippocrites. Thanks for a great article.Linda:
That story is the perfect example, of what I was trying to convey in my commentary. It seems as though some Christians have put themselves on such high perches, they really think they are above everyone else. To reiterate, great example.
Best Wishes
Peggy Butler
Great article written with 'that Peggy Butler style'! Though I'll never meet Falchion, I like her!! Hope all is well with you-Judi:
I would like to give you a huge compliment by saying, based on your literary style, you and Falchion would make great friends. It's great to see that you're still writing, and doing it exceptionally well.
Take Care!
I enjoyed your article but I might add as a Christian and a believer church is not about the people sitting next to you. Christians know or at least are taught all of us fall and fail and are hipocrites, liars and thieves, yes, fact by the Word we profess to believe. So church is where you spiritually are supposed to gather, praise and worship God and learn about Him and His Word. Now when we follow the doctrines of men and therein lies the problem we fail. You are correct, no one can put you anywhere but God. He judges the heart and many who "profess" well mere words. In fact God states you can do nothing to save yourself it is a gift. Just believe. No denomination has a head start on paradise and no profession when not followed by works, deeds, fruits has any worth. The essence is the fruits one produces from their faith which are love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion not the opposite. So I always ask my Christian brethern, if Christ is coming back and I believe He is, just who is He bringing His wrath for?Hi:
I agree, Christianity, should not be about the person sitting next to you. Unfortunately, this has been the case in several churches I've attended. Unlike men, a woman's appearance, can result in the minister making her the primary target of his sermon. It's sad, but true.
Like many people who've commented on this article, it's not what you wear that count, rather it's what in your heart. That is so true, but millions refuse to adhere to it.
Peaceful Vibrations!
Great article Peggy, well written and eye-opening.Personally I believe that religion is the major cause of most trouble in the world. Religion is man-made and therefore not perfect.If all religions are worshipping the correct God, how many Gods are there??As if it matters one iota how someone is dressed? Crazy!Bill:
I couldn't have said it better myself, religion is the major cause of the world's troubles. But some people don't see it that way. It is unfortunate that we have people who sit around waiting for God assistance,when they can help themselves. How sad!
As for the question, "if all religions are worshipping the correct God, how many gods are there?" Now, that is a great question, and one that I would love to tackle in the near feature.
Have a great dayBill:
I couldn't have said it better myself, religion is the major cause of the world's troubles. But some people don't see it that way. It is unfortunate that we have people who sit around waiting for God assistance,when they can help themselves. How sad!
As for the question, "if all religions are worshipping the correct God, how many gods are there?" Now, that is a great question, and one that I would love to tackle in the near feature.
Have a great dayPeggy, I've been hoping someone could answer that question, but there doesn't seem to be many religious folk prepared to answer it, does there?
I try to keep out of religious discussions, its impossible to get definitive answers from believers and I respect their right to believe whatever they choose. If you do ask a serious question, they do tend to think that you are attacking their beliefs.
But, your article did light a flame in me :)
Bill:
I was trying to think of something to add to your comments, however I couldn't come up with anything, because you nailed the analogy of religion, brilliantly.
Keep commenting, and I will keep writing.
Peaceful Vibrations!
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