Please, please please, can everyone in the LB community refrain from
responding to this? If we do this, I believe it will die for lack of fodder.
ROC'n RON

hallelujah_hoyden wrote:

>I was floored when I turned my computer on earlier this evening. It
>has taken me a while to digest all the vitriol that my post on the
>Witchcraft hitchhiker generated. I have no desire to fan the flames
>and rekindle the inferno. After prayerful consideration, I do wish
>to respond briefly.
>
>Many have offered the advice of ignoring letterboxes that you find
>offensive. I would do just that, however, since this one is a
>traveling hitchhiker, it is thrust upon you. Is letterboxing
>anything goes? What else is lurking out there? Are there
>letterboxes (especially hitchhikers) with any of the following:
>pornographic stamps, racist themes, profanity, or glorifying the
>events of 9/11? Would you suggest the same remedy, or take your own
>advice if you found one? Just ignore it and pass it along? Somehow
>I don't think so. The fact that this particular theme is not
>offensive to you makes your suggestion simply insensitive. Don't
>dismiss my view because it is a minority one. I was fairly certain
>that the creator of this box was unaware that a certain part of the
>population would share my views, and I was pretty sure that the
>creator had no intention of offending anyone. I made it known
>politely, and suggested a remedy. The vitriol and hostility shown
>toward me because I dared to voice my Christian view is
>flabbergasting.
>
>It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I
>must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community. It
>was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful,
>sanctimonious mob. I will be writing a letter to the editor of
>Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others who
>would come here in a spirit of friendliness.
>
>To the mob I say this: Your advice about ignoring what offends you
>rings mighty hypocritical.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Rev. Aloysius "Hallelujah" Hoyden
>
>
>Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
>
>
>May you one day find the peace that I have found in the Lord Jesus
>Christ. I will be praying for you all.
>
>
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
>

Reverend:

As a confirmed practicing Roman Catholic who is very involved in her parish, I resent the comments that you chose to make. I feel that you should remember that for every situation, there are people on both sides. I take particular personal offense to the following piece of your most recent email:
"It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community. It was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful, sanctimonious mob."

Sir, letterboxing is an excellent Christian activity. It promotes an exploration of the beauty of God's creation in nature and presents the opportunity for building a deeper relationship within oneself with the gifts that He has granted to us.

This is, in fact, a very nice community. Perhaps your intention was not initially to denounce the beliefs of a fellow letterboxer, but that is how your first email, written in criticism of the "Witchcraft Letterbox" was perceived. Out of the 1200 members of the list, I would not consider less than 25 responses (and less than 25 distinct responders) to be a "sanctimonious mob". Far less appropriate than the usage of the term "mob" is your choice of the word "sanctimonious", as your choice of that word is hypocrisy itself.

Reverend, I respect your views as a fellow Christian and human being. I take issue with your denouncement of letterboxing itself as an act unworthy of Christian participation. Sir, when I was letterboxing last week, I prayed with joy at the glory of the nature around me. It had been some time since I had been able to hike and be alone with my thoughts, and I was inspired to thank Him for all that He created.

I hope that you will reconsider your stance on letterboxing.

Respectfully,
Jena Marie Paolilli
Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Lector, Music Ministry
Saint Mary Parish
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
----- Original Message -----
From: hallelujah_hoyden
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 11:09 PM
Subject: [LbNA] Fire and Brimstone


I was floored when I turned my computer on earlier this evening. It
has taken me a while to digest all the vitriol that my post on the
Witchcraft hitchhiker generated. I have no desire to fan the flames
and rekindle the inferno. After prayerful consideration, I do wish
to respond briefly.

Many have offered the advice of ignoring letterboxes that you find
offensive. I would do just that, however, since this one is a
traveling hitchhiker, it is thrust upon you. Is letterboxing
anything goes? What else is lurking out there? Are there
letterboxes (especially hitchhikers) with any of the following:
pornographic stamps, racist themes, profanity, or glorifying the
events of 9/11? Would you suggest the same remedy, or take your own
advice if you found one? Just ignore it and pass it along? Somehow
I don't think so. The fact that this particular theme is not
offensive to you makes your suggestion simply insensitive. Don't
dismiss my view because it is a minority one. I was fairly certain
that the creator of this box was unaware that a certain part of the
population would share my views, and I was pretty sure that the
creator had no intention of offending anyone. I made it known
politely, and suggested a remedy. The vitriol and hostility shown
toward me because I dared to voice my Christian view is
flabbergasting.

It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I
must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community. It
was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful,
sanctimonious mob. I will be writing a letter to the editor of
Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others who
would come here in a spirit of friendliness.

To the mob I say this: Your advice about ignoring what offends you
rings mighty hypocritical.

Sincerely,

Rev. Aloysius "Hallelujah" Hoyden


Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.


May you one day find the peace that I have found in the Lord Jesus
Christ. I will be praying for you all.


Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT




Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I totally agree. I too am a Catholic on our Peace & Justice commitee in our
parish outreach and have taught CCD. Letterboxing is a great family outing
with litte cost .
That kind of behavoir is not what guides people to God's kingdom. A
statement of disappointment is one thing, but that reaction is anything but Chistian.

STAR:W+S=DRR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
> It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I
> must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community. It
> was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful,
> sanctimonious mob. I will be writing a letter to the editor of
> Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others who
> would come here in a spirit of friendliness.

Sorry, I really was hoping to just let this die, but I HAVE to respond
to this.

I am a Christian. In fact, my husband is a Seventh-day Adventist
minister. We have found letterboxing to be a wonderful, WHOLESOME,
uplifting activity because it gets us out in nature and allows us to
spend time together.

As you may know, Seventh-day Adventists refrain from secular activities
for a 24-hour period from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday to honor
the Sabbath. We have chosen letterboxing as an appropriate Sabbath
activity because it brings us closer to God and to each other.

I am very sorry that anyone would feel that letterboxing is
inappropriate for a Christian because a few stamps have been planted
that they do not agree with. In fact, there are a number of overtly
Christian stamps as well, which could even be offensive to others IF
THEY CHOSE TO BE OFFENDED.

I would like to apologize to the letterboxing community at large for
this mis-representation of Christianity, and let you know that I would
be delighted to go letterboxing with any of you, no matter what your
religious, sexual, or other persuasions. I have found the letterboxing
community to be extremely friendly and helpful as my husband and I have
gotten started, and up to this point everyone on the list has gotten
along wonderfully.

To the Reverend: What would Jesus do? Would He seclude himself in a
small community of like-minded people who would be sure not to offend
Him? Would He lash out at people whose lifestyles don't match His
perfect standard? As far as I can recall, the only people Jesus
rebuked openly were demons and Pharisees (the conservative religious
elite).

Matthew 9:9-11: As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew
sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and
Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at
Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with
him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his
disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and
'sinners'?"

And now I REALLY hope this topic will die. If ANYONE feels the need to
respond to me about this, please do so off-list at bibliophiles "at"
mac "dot" com.

Kendra

1 Timothy 1:14-16
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the
faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying
that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown
mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display
his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him
and receive eternal life.

Sorry, I just had to respond......BRAVO Kendra!!!!!!


>From: Kendra Perry
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [LbNA] Re: Fire and Brimstone
>Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 09:20:37 -0500
>
> >
> > It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I
> > must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community. It
> > was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful,
> > sanctimonious mob. I will be writing a letter to the editor of
> > Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others who
> > would come here in a spirit of friendliness.
>
>Sorry, I really was hoping to just let this die, but I HAVE to respond
>to this.
>
>I am a Christian. In fact, my husband is a Seventh-day Adventist
>minister. We have found letterboxing to be a wonderful, WHOLESOME,
>uplifting activity because it gets us out in nature and allows us to
>spend time together.
>
>As you may know, Seventh-day Adventists refrain from secular activities
>for a 24-hour period from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday to honor
>the Sabbath. We have chosen letterboxing as an appropriate Sabbath
>activity because it brings us closer to God and to each other.
>
>I am very sorry that anyone would feel that letterboxing is
>inappropriate for a Christian because a few stamps have been planted
>that they do not agree with. In fact, there are a number of overtly
>Christian stamps as well, which could even be offensive to others IF
>THEY CHOSE TO BE OFFENDED.
>
>I would like to apologize to the letterboxing community at large for
>this mis-representation of Christianity, and let you know that I would
>be delighted to go letterboxing with any of you, no matter what your
>religious, sexual, or other persuasions. I have found the letterboxing
>community to be extremely friendly and helpful as my husband and I have
>gotten started, and up to this point everyone on the list has gotten
>along wonderfully.
>
>To the Reverend: What would Jesus do? Would He seclude himself in a
>small community of like-minded people who would be sure not to offend
>Him? Would He lash out at people whose lifestyles don't match His
>perfect standard? As far as I can recall, the only people Jesus
>rebuked openly were demons and Pharisees (the conservative religious
>elite).
>
>Matthew 9:9-11: As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew
>sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and
>Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at
>Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with
>him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his
>disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and
>'sinners'?"
>
>And now I REALLY hope this topic will die. If ANYONE feels the need to
>respond to me about this, please do so off-list at bibliophiles "at"
>mac "dot" com.
>
>Kendra
>
>1 Timothy 1:14-16
>The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the
>faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying
>that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save
>sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown
>mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display
>his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him
>and receive eternal life.
>
>
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
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http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "hallelujah_hoyden"
wrote:
> I was floored when I turned my computer on earlier this evening.
It
> has taken me a while to digest all the vitriol that my post on the
> Witchcraft hitchhiker generated.


Dude, what did you expect when you used such weighted words
as "glorifying the occult" and when you compared the stamp to
Satanism?


> Many have offered the advice of ignoring letterboxes that you find
> offensive. I would do just that, however, since this one is a
> traveling hitchhiker, it is thrust upon you. Is letterboxing
> anything goes? What else is lurking out there? Are there
> letterboxes (especially hitchhikers) with any of the following:
> pornographic stamps, racist themes, profanity, or glorifying the
> events of 9/11? Would you suggest the same remedy, or take your
own
> advice if you found one? Just ignore it and pass it along?
Somehow
> I don't think so.


Then you'd continue to be wrong. Would I be taken aback and upset?
Yes. Would I stamp it into my book? No. Would I leave it where it
is? Definitely yes. Would I post to this board about my discovery?
Probably not. Someone who holds views opposite to mine and chooses
to carve a stamp about it may do so, just as I may refuse to move
along that HH and take an impression of it for my logbook. If it
were a permanent box, I would take the same steps.


I will be writing a letter to the editor of
> Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others
who
> would come here in a spirit of friendliness.
>


You do that, but I encourage you to print copies of ALL of
this "vitriol," as you call it, and send that along with your letter
so that the magazine's editor can get the entire picture and form an
opinion based on all sides and not just yours. But you strike me as
the type that would never do this.

Your previous posts ended with specious quotes. Well, I'm going to
end with a saying, too, taken from Wiccans, which I'm sure will
horrify you even more:

DO NO HARM!

-- mlg

Reverend,

I am a Christian and have read the postings here for over a year, though
there are few for us to find here in Tennessee. I am offended that you
would feel that this site is not welcoming to all. Is it not written:
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have
entertained angels without realizing it.
--Hebrews 13:2
I feel that this list is an example of people doing just that.

I believe that I am quite familiar with your history. My husband is also a
minister here in TN and recalls you from your guest lecture at the Tennessee
Area Religious Teacher's conference in Knoxsville two years ago. According
to him your behavior with some of those women was reprehensible. You would
do weel to heed the words of the Lord "Let he who is without sin cast the
first stone."

Regards,
Sarah Surmonetti

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on Him
sincerely.
Psalms 2:4


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "hallelujah_hoyden"
wrote:

It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I
must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community. It
was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful,
sanctimonious mob. I will be writing a letter to the editor of
Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others who
would come here in a spirit of friendliness.

To the mob I say this: Your advice about ignoring what offends you
rings mighty hypocritical.

Sincerely,

Rev. Aloysius "Hallelujah" Hoyden

_________________________________________________________________
Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail

Have we met? I recognize your name and I think I may have attended
one of your husband's services with my Aunt Ginger when I was
visiting your area last year. Are you the woman who gave me the
lovely treat bag at the post-service mixer? You must be clairvoyant
too because Snickers bars are my favorite.

Please e-mail me off list and let me know if I am correct or if I
need to get my crystal ball re-conditioned.

BoxingOracle


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Sarah Surmonetti"
wrote:
> Reverend,
>
> I am a Christian and have read the postings here for over a year,
though
> there are few for us to find here in Tennessee. I am offended
that you
> would feel that this site is not welcoming to all. Is it not
written:
> Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this
have
> entertained angels without realizing it.
> --Hebrews 13:2
> I feel that this list is an example of people doing just that.
>
> I believe that I am quite familiar with your history. My husband
is also a
> minister here in TN and recalls you from your guest lecture at the
Tennessee
> Area Religious Teacher's conference in Knoxsville two years ago.
According
> to him your behavior with some of those women was reprehensible.
You would
> do weel to heed the words of the Lord "Let he who is without sin
cast the
> first stone."
>
> Regards,
> Sarah Surmonetti
>
> The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on
Him
> sincerely.
> Psalms 2:4
>
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "hallelujah_hoyden"
> wrote:
>
> It is clear to me that Letterboxing is no place for a Christian. I
> must take back what I said earlier, this is NOT a nice community.
It
> was not one or two who rose up to attack me, but an hateful,
> sanctimonious mob. I will be writing a letter to the editor of
> Family Fun Magazine about my experience, as a warning to others who
> would come here in a spirit of friendliness.
>
> To the mob I say this: Your advice about ignoring what offends you
> rings mighty hypocritical.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Rev. Aloysius "Hallelujah" Hoyden
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
> http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail