What’s Your Religion?

"Why shouldn't I?" he said. 

I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" 

"Like what?" 

"Well ... are you religious or atheist?" 

"Religious." 

"Me too! Are you Christian or Jewish?" 

"Christian." 

"Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?" 

"Protestant." 

"Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?" 

"Baptist." 

"Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?" 

"Baptist Church of God." 

"Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?" 

"Reformed Baptist Church of God." 

"Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?" 

"Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!" 

To which I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off. 

Betty wrote:

Your "PearlyGates" today is an affront to all Baptists.  I can't understand how you could think this would be funny.  One Baptist pushing another Baptist to their DEATH. This felt like a slap in the face.  I have enjoyed receiving you daily mails for quite a while, but I will be canceling.  You should have refused to send this type of religious bashing out, since you are also a Christian. Betty 

I replied, 

The PearlyGates list features clean, theologically incorrect jokes - so I guess you found the theologically incorrect part. As a former Baptist (who pastors in another church that is Baptist inteaching) I not only have a high regards for Baptists but a keen awareness of how they, and other denominations, often split over the slightest differences and remain so for generations and shame the Name of Jesus Christ to our lost generation. The joke is a joke - it didn't happen. 

If you want to protest religious bashing (amongst Baptists or other Christian denominations) I suggest you start contacting the head offices of denominations and implore and exhort them to reconcile with their brothers and sisters in Christ. 

God bless, Pastor Tim