Since the election of Barack Obama as president, radical fundamentalist Christian groups have sprung up like weeds in an ignored vacant lot. Militia groups have too, and more times than not they mesh together and become almost indistinguishable from another.
Fundamentalist Christianity is at the root of the most virulent and potentially violent groups forming and recruiting today.
Repent Amarillo is one such organization brought out of the shadows and into the news, mostly because of their outright harassment of Amarillo's citizenry. They are nothing more than wanna-be Brownshirts, out to enforce their code on the community they wish to subjugate.
Interestingly enough, the Repent Amarillo group identify themselves, as do other far right Christian militias in America, as the "Army of God." Even Hezbollah doesn't go that far, as Hezbollah translates "Party of God." Perhaps it's more apt to compare them to the Taliban. Hezbollah does build schools and hospitals, after all.
Sure, there will be people reading this who think it is foolhardy to compare an American fundamentalist group to barbaric enforcers of Stone Age mysticism. The differences are only in degree. If American society were comparable to Afghanistan or Gaza, we would see equal levels of depravity and terror.
Intimidation precedes terror, and authorities need to recognize that fact and take action against the unlawful intimidation being practiced by Repent Amarillo. Trouble is, police in Amarillo seem to be if not complicit, at the very least far too forgiving when it comes to the actions Repent Amarillo takes.
Repent Amarillo even has a "Target Map" highlighting businesses and organizations they wish to intimidate. Medical facilities they don't agree with, so-called "sex trade" businesses. places of "idol worship," even churches they deem to liberal - all are considered fair game in their imagined war.
Sure, they are calling for prayer and protest instead of bombs and bullets, but again, the intimidation has the same goal. They are harassing people even to the point of taking down license plates.
And now, reports are that the founder of Repent Amarillo is a high security guard for a facility holding nuclear weapons. That needs looking into, at the very least. If someone who sees themselves as a soldier of God has potential access to weapons of mass destruction, isn't that a problem?
The criteria for obtaining security clearances are many, and it's not out of line to call for a second look when a person holding one makes questionable associations.
Thankfully, many citizens in Amarillo are standing up to the two-bit would-be terrorists in their midst, and fighting against them. They deserve not only our thanks, but our help.
Comments
wow. I can tell you've never been out of whatever city you're in, let alone in Afghanistan, within the first 3 paragraphs of this story.
I agree with the above, and I'm sorry for whatever traumatizing event made you hate Christianity. I don't agree with anything Repent does, but aren't you holding them to a double standard when you talk about fundamentalists and how we're all terrorists?
I think it's irresponsible to portray Repent Amarillo as a terrorist organization with their fingers over the launch button, so to speak. Yes, they are using fear to spread their message, despite their claims to the contrary. No, I don't consider their actions "Christian". But Pantex employs many people in Amarillo. Just working there doesn't give Grisham the ability to fire nukes at the places on his Warfare Map.
If you want to criticize Repent, focus on the things they've already done, rather than getting hyperbolic about terrorism. There's plenty of real things to give Repent grief about.
I stand behind my claim that fundamentalism, under cross, crescent, or star, breeds terrorism potential. That Repent Amarillo hasn't bombed anyone (yet) doesn't preclude them from suspicion. As for many people working at the nuclear facility, of course. But how many of them are part of a paramilitary fundamentalist group? And how many hypocritical Christians would be raving if a group was in the exact same position, but they called themselves something indicative of another religion?
You are so right the Amarillo boys are gaining ground so far i have read they have shut down
a swingers club, strip club that’s been open 40 years, Gay theater, the UU Church witches outdoor services and a gay pride event. look like there kicking butt 100%!!!!
I’m Sorry I got go with and bet my money on the Amarillo Boys! I hard there was some of there Florida people moving to Amarillo to help. If you read there blogs and see there web sites they are all over the world and have hundreds of Churches that back them, With David Grisham being attacked on the net he is getting all the backing and help from them you arn’t hurting him you are making him stronger with the Christian conservative Churches, what ever he needs people money there going to support him. Now there’s not one group out in Amarillo there’s 7 or 8 now that are preaching on the streets for David Grisham he picket up about 50 new people last month, yea you are building him a mega Church.
Jeff, thanks for standing up against fear tactics. Blessings to you and yours.
Religion is the biggest threat to freedom in the world today. Extremism must be stopped early!! I really don't care what you believe in though I think belief itself is a form of ignorance. Once your beliefs start affecting my rights or my life I will stand up and fight you!!
Grassroots evangelists spur fierce contention in Panhandle
Evangelical ministry contends with mountain of accusations
by Thomas D. Mooney, Entertainment Editor
and
Sarah Nicole Vaughn, Staff Writer
AMARILLO - The fundamentalist Christian evangelizers of Repent Amarillo have recently broken into the national spotlight because of their “out-of-the-box” approach to sharing their faith.
They have been compared to radical militant and terrorist organizations. They have played a role in the closings of a local strip club and a secret society of swingers.
For a grassroots movement of around 20 people who have, until recently, been holding church services inside of a small home, they have stirred up a disproportionate amount of controversy.
Led by one man, and guided by the “Word of God,” their mission is to reach those who are lost and to shine a light into the darkest corners of their city.
But when does it cross the line between simply sharing the gospel and viol
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