Every user-submitted media site that has any sort of community interaction or reader/viewer feedback will inevitably attract the attention of internet evangelists -- Christians who are convinced that they will be able to change minds and hearts with a few choice words, some scripture, and the horribly ignorant, ANTI-SCIENCE, creationist propaganda. What's amazing about this is not just the arrogance of those involved, but how consistent the behavior tends to be. It's almost as if they are all following the same plan of attack, the same script, and the same attitudes.


I can't begin to tell you how often I have observed Christians following this plan, step by step, in both the forums and in comments on the user media sites across the whole of the internet. If anybody is angry, it should be little wonder why -- how could anyone avoid getting at least a little angry when faced with the above behavior year after year on many different sites?


So, To You E-Vangelists:


You may feel like a pioneer, on the outskirts of Christendom evangelizing the heathens, but we've had so many missionaries here that I doubt you have anything new to offer. You all follow the same steps, perhaps you're taught them at Missionary School, and they seem to be the following:


Step one: Post off topic. Show total disregard for the purpose of the comments section. Better still, post the exact same thing in the comments section of several totally unrelated articles.

Step two: Make sure you give a gloss of politeness to your post.

Step three: Be sure not to actually read anything on the site, just launch your attack. Do not seek answers, and do not question your own position. You already know you're right; either of the above would merely be matching wits with the Devil!

Step four: When you get a response, make sure you point out how puzzled you are that they are not yet totally convinced. Be sure to ask "why so much anger". Point out the character flaws which are surely the cause of their incredulity. Do not engage any of the points raised, do not under any circumstances enter into real dialog; then repeat your original post as if nothing else has yet been added to the discussion.

Step five: If asked a direct question, ignore it. Accuse everyone else of not answering your questions.

Step six: If they are still not convinced, repeat steps four and five.

Step seven: If anyone calls you up on any of your incoherence, poor reasoning, dishonesty, or blatant disregard for well proven and studied science; ignore step two. Be sure to whip yourself up into a self-righteous frenzy, bemoan the fact that all you want is an honest discussion, share opinions. Tell them how much God loves them. Tell them they'll spend an eternity in Hell.

Step eight: Leave...


...FOR THE LOVE OF GOD... LEAVE.