sullster

I have just read a newspaper article which quotes The National Church Arson Task Force. The task force states that 40-80 "houses of worship" are burned or attempted to be burned a month within the USA. They are not all African-American as was talked about a few years ago.

My question is who does this arson? I do not care for religion but couldn't think of burning a church. Also, here in Massacusetts, I have not heard of church arson for decades.

It seems to happen mostly in the Bible Belt and that is curious. Does such concentrated fundamentalism lead to such a violent reaction? I just don't see atheists doing this unless they were crazy to begin with. The churches are just buildings where theists hang out. So what.

Any ides on who the arsonists are?

Orestes

In some cases, they are the pastor of the church attempting to collect on the insurance.

[Edited cause i r gud spellr]

[ November 16, 2002: Message edited by: Orestes ]</p>

Amos

Or the husband of a 'repenting wife' who gave their life savings to the church.

LordSnooty

We have that problem in England. The perps are often thick kids.

My local parish church (512 years old) and Cathedral (900 years old) have both suffered from arson in recent years.

I think that anyone caught in the act should be crucified in the church yard as a warning to others. I'm no Christian, but obviously here in England many of the churches are ancient buildings.

Paul

sullster

I love British terms for things. "Thick kids". That is great. Please tell this Yank how that is exactly defined, if you will. Does thick refer to being drunk or just stupid, as it would here? Perhaps stupid and violent?

It is interesting that you have some church burnings in the UK. Most burnings here are in the fundy bible belt of the USA. Of course you would be amazed at what is called a church in the South. Very few stately stone cathedrals, mind you. Many are shacks or are tiny buildings.

That so many are targets of perhaps those thick kids is interesting. Is it a reaction to the extreme dominance of religion combined with youthful rebellion? I know some are insurance scams. Those dear pastors are never above making a dishonest buck,(you know dollar). Just curious.

RufusAtticus

A couple years ago in my area, a crazy man who thought he was Satan was convicted of burning churches and causing the death of a firefighter.

LordSnooty

It means stupid, or of low intelligence.

Well, in this country it's purely spite and stupidity. No kids in England would 'rebel against' the church, because here religion is regarded as something fit only for mad people.

Paul

wildernesse

The old Baptist church burned in our community while they were in the middle of building a new one (growth and all that) due to some wiring problems, officially.

However, my grandmother said when those insurance papers start rubbing together, you never know what will happen.

She always cracks me up.

--tibac

Amos

Nicely put. No wires needed, just papers.

[ November 17, 2002: Message edited by: Amos ]</p>

lunachick

You think god would put the fire out before it even got started, wouldn't you? If I was a god and someone tried to burn down my domain, I'd zap 'em with loadsa fire retardant magick. Damned fire wouldn't have a hope in hell of burnin' anything but the flesh of the arsonists - and I'd get to enjoy barbequed thick kids for my godly dinner. Mmm-mmmm.