'It's a catastrophe' | Protests continue at Monroe church over pastor's comments

WCNC ^ | March 3, 2024 | Myles Harris

[Fuzz]

Does it say it’s ok to rape them if they don’t dress modestly?

Rhetorical question.

[xp38]

Obviously not an ally. Just noting double standards. I disagree with this pastor.

[birdsman]

If I were to go into a bad neighborhood at night and withdraw $400 from an ATM, then walk down the street counting my money I’m likely to get robbed. That robbery isn’t justified, but I did make myself a target. It’s the same concept.

[wgmalabama]

Stupid thing to say. Shorts. Maybe say a thong bikini but even then it’s stupid to excuse then transfer guilt. Stupid people.

[wgmalabama]

Maybe he is trying to get off jury duty for life. He might not have a flock to minister to after this.

[Morgana]

“Men have raped females from 8 to 80 years olds.”

Actually men have raped females from age 2 hours old to 101 hears old.

Yes the pastor is an idiot

[Morgana]

“The Bible says women should dress modestly.”

Yes it does but how are shorts not modest?

As long as they are not short “booty” shorts that have women’s ass hanging out or too obscenely tight shorts can be modest clothing.

[Fuzz]

Where’s the double standard?

[sport]

You keep up with that line you will get the Bible banned from most Baptist churches. You now have to say: Practicing homosexuality is fine. Women should either go nude or wear the least amount of clothing possible. Men should marry men as long as they love each other. Love thy neighbor-just don’t get caught. B

[HYPOCRACY]

Fat chicks in yoga pants are a deterrent not an invitation.

[catnipman]

“He said he wouldn’t vote to convict a man who’s accused of raping a woman if she wore shorts.”

ah, yes ... there’s still a few good ol’ timey redneck preachers lurking about the south that have those good ol’ timey whacko ideas about what constitutes Christianity ...

i still remember a sunday school teacher named Strange Bird (real name, btw) who explained to us chillins that going to the movies and dancing on Sundays were sins ... when i asked my parents why that would be sinful, they explained that i would no longer have to attend sunday school classes ....

[Jamestown1630]

It isn't 'Christiophobic' (I don't think that's a word) to read something like this and decide that the person is stupid and unworthy of leading a Christian congregation.

He also said, "I'm right though, I can't help it if you don't like it, I'm right. 'Cause, you know, a man's a man. A man's a man!"

Sounds like he’s talking about MEN, not just ‘some’ men.

And of course, he’s issued the obligaory ‘apology’ of people who know they’re in trouble and need to fix things, in which he admits that rape under any circumstances is...never excusable:

’I want to express my deep regret for the statements made from the pulpit. I am only beginning to understand the hurt and offense caused, and I take full responsibility for my words. As a pastor, I failed to uphold the biblical values of love and compassion. I apologize for the pain caused and commit to learning from making this foolish and sinful statement. Bible Baptist Tabernacle and I unequivocally stand on the biblical position that rape under any circumstances is a heinous crime to be punished severely and is never excusable. I want our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be glorified through my life. He deserves my BEST not my WORST! I earnestly seek your forgiveness as I reaffirm my commitment to serve our community with unwavering integrity, humility, and profound love. I deserve for folks to be extremely upset with me, but I ask you to please forgive me.

The only problem I have with the article is that the people who objected aren’t specifically identified as members of the congregation. It will be interesting to see how many members of this church actually condone what he said and have no problem with it, instead of ejecting him.

[alternatives?]

Hot pants is the term I suspect the minister was referring to.

[Jamestown1630]

I suspect this guy has his own sexual issues and projects them onto other men.

(And who wears ‘hot pants’ anymore? Unnecessary cleavage exposure is much more common now. Guy must be very old; or he’s a leg man.)

[Morgana]

“Hot pants is the term I suspect the minister was referring to.”

The guy is in his 80’s and from what else he said in the sermon I think he means all shorts. He said something about a time when all women wore dresses. Yea that is true in about 1950 but not today. I have seen women his age wearing shorts and a t-shirt to the grocery store. Mind you they were not “hot pants” but this pastor would not approve, but it’s not his body or his business.

[Honest Nigerian]

Jury nullification?
Or are you unaware of how that works?
Anyway, First Amendment is still a thing.
(And where are all those liberals who have claimed, “I may not agree with [blank blank] that you say/said, but I will defend your right to say it.”?

[jonrick46]

If "Christians" like Pastor Bobby Leonard had their way, this is how women should dress:

Of course, perhaps Leonard would be playing with young boys.

[unlearner]

It boggles the mind that someone so stupid can become a church leader.

[RedMonqey]

You’re right.
I stand corrected.

[Mr Rogers]

A cop friend told me about responding to a break-in and finding an 80 year old woman who had been raped. Her overturned wheelchair was nearby.

It ain’t the clothes...