A Question for Sampo......

[GoldBootGirl]

I recall reading that you are, by profession, a pastor at a church. I consider myself a very spiritual person, though I do not claim to have a specific religion. Yet, I am curious what your opinion is, considering that you are a very religious person.

Is there subject matter from MST3K that would go against your religious beliefs? As you may know, Mike Nelson is known for being a church-going, bible-reading man. But it is entirely different from your position as a pastor.

I know I am stirring up some controversy by talking about religion. But it makes for an interesting discussion.

GBG

[Mr. Atari]

Well, I'm not sure what you mean by "going against my religious beliefs". If you mean material that offends me, then no. I'm not easily offended.

I do have strong beliefs, and (respectfully) I am convinced of the truth of them. However, I don't expect that those who don't agree with me should behave a certain way. And most of my beliefs have very little to do with behavior anyway.

In entertainment, I am far more interested in the underlying themes and potential ideological influence than whether or not they use the F-word (or, say, dickweed). In fact, I think I'm on record here on these boards as saying that Trey Parker of South Park is one of the best satirists working today.

Do I like mst3k because it's clean, or because Mike is (purportedly) a Christian, or that Joel went to Bethel College (a conservative Christian school in Minneapolis)? Sure. But mostly I like it because it's funny.

[Phantom Engineer]

Hallelujah

[GoldBootGirl]

I have a lot of respect for you. And that's why I posed the question. Some Christians, who would have a particular dislike for the show, might use their beliefs as a justification for what they don't like about it. Those are people that would be on the very conservative end of the religious spectum. And I knew that wasn't true about you. Or else, why would you be here? Sure you like the show, and it IS mostly clean. In fact, I can't think of anything in particular, that is offensive about the show, other than the name of some movies titled with words like Hell, Devil or Satan. And you may choose not to watch those episodes.

Well, like I said, maybe this is just an excuse for me to stir up some trouble.....

[Mr. Atari]

I'm glad to have earned your respect.

It's probably worth noting that the vast majority of Christians (even conservative Christians) are clearer thinkers than we get credit for. It's only the vocal minority of idiots who give the rest of us a bad name.

Ned Flanders is a stereotype. (Albeit a pretty funny one)

And I think Devil Fish is a vastly underrated episode.