7.20.2007

Don't really know if this is a pro or a con

But there's a man who's becoming a bit of a fixture in town. I first noticed him a few weeks ago while I sat at a red light on Main Street and heard someone shouting. This guy crossed the street in front of me, shouting about we must repent to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.

My first thought: "????"

My second thought: "Please please please don't let this guy be Mormon."

My third thought: "Aw crap. He so is."

I know because I caught a glimpse of his garment bottoms peeking out from the leg of his shorts. My note to all LDS males who wear shorts: Make ye not the same mistake. It's disrespectful and sloppy and not at all an attractive basketball-playing look. And I can't believe that you guys don't get more grief for that when you're trying to lecture us about one-strap backpacks. Anyway.

I've noticed the Shouting Preacher a couple more times since then, always standing off Main Street and shouting at the cars that pass. On Monday he actually made his way into the local paper. I would link to the article but I can't find it online. Seems the good people of The Herald Journal don't really to want you to read their articles unless it's on that one day and you're holding or at least subscribe to the print version. Oh yeah. They're winning me over.

The basic gist of the article is that this gentleman is from Latin America and that he was difficult to interview because his answers tended to consist entirely of quotes from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I've sat in Sunday School classes next to people who do that, so I can imagine a bit of what that reporter was going through. So most of the quotes in the article come from other people who know him or have been told by him that they're going to hell. Some people called the cops about him, but the cops pointed out that even in Utah we have that little thing known as the First Amendment, and so as long as the guy isn't threatening anyone he can stand and shout as long as he wants. Other people have phoned in, concerned that he might need professional help or welfare services. I don't think he has a job, on account of I've seen him out preaching at all times of the day.

I don't really know what to make of it. I feel bad for the guy because I'm sure it's likely that he has a couple of screws loose. And it's slightly uncomfortable to be shouted that I need to repent. I mean yeah, it's true, but does he have to yell about it? And it's also just kind of funny and one of those quirky things you just have to shake your head at. I bet the guy's bishop is tearing his hair out over this one. But really, what can anyone say?

"Um, you look like a nutter and that's really not the image we're going for right now. Yeah, it was okay for Noah and them to do stuff like this but could you please tone it down? What if you just do the yelling in your head? Would that work?"

8 comments:

Desmama said... [reply]

Yeah, I've noticed that guy around too. I'm sure he must have some sort of mental handicap because he just doesn't seem all there. Have you noticed Blake, the guy who rides the bike and waves at everyone? Friendliest fellow around. Everyone loves him.

blackjazz said... [reply]

Has he asked you out yet? ;-)

Lady Steed said... [reply]

.

I'm not sure Secret Rapture appreciates you blowing his cover like that.

Anonymous said... [reply]

.

Sorry--

That was me.

Lippy said... [reply]

The thing that always plagues me is, if you read about the lives of prophets, a lot of them practiced behaviors that might seem out-of-place in today's society. Typically, public "preachers" are ignored because they're either exhibiting nutty behaviors, or we just aren't interested. I mean, suppose Jesus did come back today? How many people would miss the boat because that sort of thing just doesn't happen today?

Makes me nervous. :)

Science Teacher Mommy said... [reply]

I can't believe I've never seen this guy!

The guy on the bike was beat up a few years ago and I heard that about 50 people turned in the perpetrator. Probably just an urban legend. I didn't think his name was Blake though . . . oh, and watch for the swerve into traffic when he waves.

As far as the public preaching goes, the Mormon missionaries stand on corners and in walk-malls all over the world calling repentance. If you have ever had opportunity to do this, then you will know you are brave enough to accomplish anything. One day I'll post about the Iraqi man I met while doing this very thing one day in Paramatta, Sydney.

Anonymous said... [reply]

I think his twin brother lives here in San Antonio....down near the homeless mission....

daltongirl said... [reply]

"so as long as the guy isn't threatening anyone he can stand and shout as long as he wants"

I wonder if this argument will work when I go to my city planning commission and beg them to let me keep the chickens.

"It turns out there's this little thing called the First Amendment, and that means I can crow in my backyard as much as I want. Only my voice gets tired after a while, so I'm going to ask these roosters to do it for me in proxy. 'Kay?"

Problem solved. Next time you see preacher guy, thank him for me, will you?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...