What Would You Ask Steven Anderson?

Jim Burroway

August 27th, 2009

The more we hear from LaBarbera Award winner Pastor Seven Anderson, the nuttier he sounds. Not only did he say that gays “should be taken out and killed,” but now he’s saying that every homosexual in the world is a deviant and a predator. That’s right: every single homosexual in the whole wide world. That’s what he told Phoenix radio talk show host Alan Colmes:

“Do you believe that every gay person in the world is a predator?” asked Colmes.

“That’s what I believe,” replied Anderson. “And every gay person that I’ve ever known personally has been a predator.”

“Define `predator,'” insisted Colmes. “What do you mean by `predator’?”

“A predator as in someone who tries to molest other people,” answered Anderson, “to force people into things that they don’t want to do.”

Anderson also seemed to agree that Leviticus allows you to kill your children if they curse you, and that adulterers should be stoned.

His nuttiness doesn’t end there. He also says that President Barack Obama deserves to die.No wonder one of his parishioners showed up at Obama’s Phoenix appearance carrying an AR-15.

Dallas radio host Jack E. Jett is scheduled to have Anderson on his program on Sunday, August 30. The program airs from 1:00 to 3:00 CST, and you can listen online at Rational Radio’s web site. This should be a great program. If you’ve ever heard Jack E. Jett, you’ll know that he’s rarely at a loss for words, but I wonder if Anderson may have left him a little speechless. He wrote in and asked, “I want to have some really clever questions to ask this dude and would like to invite your readers to submit questions.”

I have one. My brother and sister-in-law just had a beautiful baby girl. If times get tough, can they sell her?

What about you? What do you want to ask the good Pastor? Comments are open…

Christopherâ„¢

August 27th, 2009

“Pastor” Anderson’s statements on gays says a lot more about his family history than anything else. The more he talks on the subject, the more convinced I am that either he or someone very close to him was molested. You don’t hate gay people with such ferocity simply “because the Bible told you.” His statements drip with so much unresolved anger, there’s clearly something personal there. So, for that reason, my question would be:

“Pastor, you seem to save your fiercest words for gay people, calling them rapists and molesters. Have you or someone in your family ever been molested, and if so, how did you come to terms with such an awful violation?”

That said, it’s obvious that Anderson loves the limelight and wants as much attention as possible. IMHO, he wants all the success and respect of a much more important religious figure, but is unwilling to do the hard work to get there.

My point is, we may not like Rick Warren and the ignorant statements he’s made about the GLBT community, but the man has worked his butt off for years, and built an organization that will live on long after he leaves this earth. He’s gotten his religious education and paid his dues.

Anderson has done neither, so he thinks that he can shortcut the road to infamy by making outrageous statements and blanketing YouTube, even if all the attention is negative. Honestly, I think he desperately wants to be a martyr.

I could have an armchair psychology field day with that last one, but I’ll refrain.

Alan

August 28th, 2009

I’ve got a question for this guy:

“Do you have any past history of mental illness?”

Aristocles

August 28th, 2009

I’d like him to elaborate on his earlier statement. Specifically the “…every gay I’ve known…” part. How many gay people has he ever known personally and where did he meet them? Was he simply trolling through the sex offender registry so he could support his idea, or has he honestly searched out every homosexual on this planet (save for little ol’ me for some reason), and confirmed that they were all dangerous criminals?

GreenEyedLilo

August 28th, 2009

I don’t have anything beyond “Have you considered psychotherapy?” and, of course, “Dude, what the f*** is your *problem*?”

Transplanted Lawyer

August 28th, 2009

Pastor, last night, I gorged myself upon Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” dinner, in violation of Leviticus 11:10. What is the appropriate burnt offering for me to offer to the LORD in order to gain forgiveness for having consumed this abomination? Or do you think maybe Jehovah is going to just sort of give me a pass on that one without my even asking for it?

AJD

August 28th, 2009

It’s easy to poke fun at this guy and dismiss him as a loon, but his views are actually in line with those on the very far right of the Christian spectrum, namely Reconstructionists like R.J. Rushdoony.

Scott P.

August 28th, 2009

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t threatening the life of the president a federal offense? If one of us had said something similar about the previous occupant of the White House, wouldn’t the Secret Service have hauled us in for questioning? Of course if that happens the radical religious right will scream about it’s constitutional rights being trampled on. This is such a sickening mess.

There was a poll (unscientific, I know) taken on Facebook, and 8% actually said they thought atheism should be outlawed. This country is becoming more and more polarized each day and it’s mainly because of people like this so-called “man-of -God.”

paul j stein

August 28th, 2009

One question to ask him….”Every time you were “done” meeting all these homosexuals, WAS IT GOOD FOR YOU ALSO!”

elaygee

August 28th, 2009

Some organization with access to attorneys should ask the IRS to rescind Anderson’s church’s tax exemption and ask the US Justice Dept to investigate this church.

Actively advocating for the murder of US citizens is a violation of the Homeland Security Act and carries stiff penalties including revocation of tax exempt stauts and serious jail time for conspiracy to commit murder/terrorist acts.

Ben in Oakland

August 28th, 2009

Anderson is a tool. His message is so extreme that he makes people like Warren look positively benign. My question would be…

“who is encouraging you on your crusade?”

Johnson

August 28th, 2009

Why is this Man walking free among us, and not under Psychiatric care in a mental health facility?

David C.

August 28th, 2009

I would ask how he sees himself as different, aside from him being Christian, from the Mullahs in Iran or Afghanistan?

Would he like to see the United States become a theocracy?

Does he advocate replacing the Constitution with the Bible?

Being an un-credentialed clergyman, what does he think qualifies him to be a spiritual leader?

Does he believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the inerrant word of God?

Regarding his stridently anti-gay rhetoric and strict adherence to the KJV, was he aware that King James himself was a homosexual or at least had homosexual liaisons and that others behind the KJV of the Bible were also likely homosexual or had homosexual liaisons? (See King James link in previous question.)

What role does he see for himself in the ongoing public debate over healthcare reform?

Does he envision a day when his small church in Tempe will grow up to rival that of Rick Warren?

Does he have political aspirations, that is, does he intend to someday seek public office?

Richard Rush

August 28th, 2009

My questions for Mr. Anderson include the following:

Did your parents (or someone else) indoctrinate you with the beliefs you hold, or did you develop them independently? Would your parents be willing to be interviewed?

What were the most important influences on you while growing up?

Did your rigid authoritarian views develop before, after, or concurrently with your religious beliefs? If your authoritarian views came first, did the Bible then become your source of validation? If your religious beliefs came first (or concurrently), why did you gravitate to the Bible’s most draconian rules and punishments as the seemingly most compelling aspects of your religion?

I’m sure your church does some good Christian charitable work, so could you tell us about that?

What are your specific goals? Are you trying to influence others to carry out the killings that you feel are mandated? Are you willing to do them yourself?

What specific experiences, other than Bible reading, have influenced your views on homosexuality?

How would you respond if you discovered that one of your children or other family member were homosexual?

Are you a homosexual?

Piper

August 28th, 2009

David C.
“Does he believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the inerrant word of God?”

Yes he does, if you check out his churches website his congregation does believe that the King James Bible is the inerrant word of God. I don’t agree, and I think it’s a pretty stupid statement, but there you are.

David C.

August 28th, 2009

@ Piper: I actually knew that, which is why I proposed the follow-up question about the KJV.

I could have asked more questions about the Bible and its translations, but those would have been esoteric and most people are not well informed where it comes to textual criticism. There are much better translations of much better source texts. This is where Anderson’s lack of education becomes obvious.

Timothy Kincaid

August 28th, 2009

To Pastor Anderson:

You believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the translation that God ordained and that the words therein are infallible, but are you aware that King James I of England who directed the translation was homosexual?

Is it consistent for you that God ordained a homosexual man to have the honor of translating His Word and attached the name and reputation of this homosexual king to the Holy Scripture forever?

Piper

August 28th, 2009

Oh, I get you now, I was a little confused. I’ve had classes on textual criticism, at least through my Liberal arts training, but I understand now why you asked the first question. I have a habit of skipping the basic outlines that make arguments easier for others in my mind, so I get confused when they are actually laid out. I make a lousy debater for that reason.

You should put up your more esoteric textual questions, I for one would love to read them. I find exegesis to be fascinating.

Timothy Kincaid

August 28th, 2009

Second question:

If you knew of an unrepentant homosexual who had access to children about whom you had concern, and if civil authorities were unwilling to address this concern:

If you felt that God called you to rid the world of this predator, would you personally be willing to be God’s tool of justice and to end that person’s earthly life and send them to stand before God in judgment?

William D. Lindsey

August 28th, 2009

Jim, thank you for asking your readers to think about this topic.

Because what I want to ask Steven Anderson is longer than I can say in a comment, I chose to post a statement on my blog about this.

But in doing so, I want to give you credit for spurring me to write about this. I have included the url of my posting about this above, in the website window. If it does not come through with my username, it is at http://bilgrimage.blogspot.com/2009/08/pastor-steven-anderson-impossible-road.html

Ben in Oakland

August 28th, 2009

The lovely thing about the KJV, if I recall my history correctly–

it was based upon texts that dated from the 12th century. I think they may have been German translations of previous texts in Greek and Hebrew of unknown age, but then again, they may have been 12th century copies of earlier documents of an unknown number of generations. It makes it the not-even-close equivalent of francis x. collins’ statement that the gospels are “near eye withness” accounts. Now there’s a metaphorical hole you can drive a large linguistic truck through.

From g’s mouth to “Pastor” anderson’s ear, more or less.

Burr

August 28th, 2009

I guess my boyfriend and have been mutually molesting and predating on each other for over 4 years now..

Bill S

August 28th, 2009

I really don’t think I could bring myself to ask this nutjob a serious question. I sincerely doubt he could offer any kind of rational response-just more of the crazy.
The best I could come up with is, “Has anyone ever told you that you kinda look like the standup comic Wayne Federer?”

Bill S

August 28th, 2009

How about, “Since you believe homosexuals recruit through rape and molestation,doesn’t that mean that all homosexuals are VICTIMS of sexual abuse themselves? Also, do you believe that boys who’ve been sexually abused sahould be killed before they have an opportunity to rape anyone themselves?”
Actually, I’m afraid to ASK that second question, because I have a queasy feeling his answer would be “Yes.”

KZ

August 28th, 2009

“And every gay person that I’ve ever known personally has been a predator.”

Either this tool does NOT know any homosexuals personally, or he knows one or two pedophiles who molested children of the same-sex.

And hear’s my question(I’d like to ask it in person):

“Does this pink dress make me look fat?”

Bill S

August 28th, 2009

I’m sure you look fabulous, KZ. Perhaps you should audition for an upcoming ad:
http://www.americablog.com/2009/08/anti-marriage-opponents-in-maine-trying.html

Jeff

August 28th, 2009

I would ask him if he is a top or a bottom.

Christopherâ„¢

August 28th, 2009

For those of you asking about Steven’s views on homosexuality, they’re not just his.

His wife, Zsuzsanna, is even more vociferous in her open hatred of gays. Since she just blocked her site within the past hour or so, I’ll have to go from memory as to what I read a couple of hours ago.

Below are a few choice tidbits from the comments section of a blog posting dedicated to condemning Rick Warren for even considering meeting with gay Christians during the American Family Outing in 2008:

“Sodomites don’t attend our church, because they know they are not welcome.”

“If a sodomite couple were to come to a service at our church, they wouldn’t even get past the front doors, because we would throw them out.”

“Sodomites cannot be saved, because God has already condemned them for rejecting Him.”

“God doesn’t love everyone, and the Bible makes it clear that I am not obligated to love everyone, either. I do not love Sodomites.. they are HATED.”

I do remember that the word “HATED” was in all caps, and it was in reference to how she personally feels about GLBT people, not just what she thinks God thinks.

So, that’s who you’re dealing with. Unfortunately, Zsuzsanna must not like all the attention her husband is getting… or she wants to hide the fact that she is even more of a frothing-at-the-mouth gay-hater than her husband, because mainstream news sources would be all over her.

Calling her a “hater” isn’t unfair, it’s the exact term she used to describe herself. At least she’s honest.

Christopherâ„¢

August 28th, 2009

Actually, I found a previous blog that’s still active. I guess she recently moved to a new blog, but didn’t take this one down yet. The comments I referenced above are in the comment section here:

http://stevenandersonfamily.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/sodomites-visit-saddleback-in-honor-of-fathers-day/

You might want to browse it before she takes that one down, too.

Bill S

August 28th, 2009

They’re both pretty horrible.
I honestly don’t have any empathy for assholes like this. Once you become an adult, you’re responsible for your own beliefs. Nobody’s forcing you to believe some ancient book written by humans is the literal word of God, and nobody’s forcing you to interpret it in a way that justifies behaving like a vile, mean-spirited bigot.
I honestly don’t care if someone eggs their house every day. As far as I’m concerened, they’d be getting off easy.

WMDKitty

August 28th, 2009

“So, how’s the weather in Narnia?”

Rebecca

August 29th, 2009

“If it were possible to predict the sexual orientation of an embryo in the uterus, would you support abortion for gay embryos?”

Candace

August 29th, 2009

Oh, I have a question for the good Reverend , one I’m sure everybody here would ask, too:

“Mister Anderson, when did you fist know you were gay?”

Candace

August 29th, 2009

*looking at typo*

lol Shouldn’t have read “are you a top or bottom?” before posting…. but I think I answered the question for everyone. No surprise there.

Buffy

August 29th, 2009

“Why do you call yourself a Christian when there is almost nothing of Christ in your words or your behavior? “

homer

August 30th, 2009

My question, “Why?”

Alex

August 30th, 2009

“If you truly are a follower of Christ, when was the last time you donated to a charity for the poor, volunteered at a homeless shelter, or visited terminally ill children in the hospital?”

(Actually, I’d be interested to hear how all conservative Christians would answer this question.)

Alex

August 30th, 2009

Did anyone else listen to the show? Turns out Pastor Anderson had a “bad phone connection” and he hung up shortly after Jack E. Jett started reading the audience questions. At least he stuck around long enough to impart the following nugget of wisdom: “The Bible was written in English, and it’s pretty clear what it says.”

David C.

August 30th, 2009

@Alex: “Bad phone connection”.

Sure. So, now we know.

In addition to not being a biblical scholar and otherwise an untrained and poor spiritual leader, “Pastor” Anderson lacks even the courage of his convictions.

I guess the questions above and those sent in by other listeners were just too hard form him to handle, or he knew that his answers would have confirmed just how unchristian-like he and his message are.

Pathetic? No, not even worthy of pity.

Jack E. Jett

August 30th, 2009

Hey Guys

First, thanks so much for the excellent questions. In the last nine years I have interviewed my share of nutcases from Joe the Plumber to ex gays and the Catholic League.. Today, I met by biggest challenge. I so wanted to nail this guy, which is why I double checked the sound board twice to make certain all was in working order. I even did a test phone call with Anderson first. My goal to keep him on for two segments.

As an interviewer, I feel that I let myself down. It is tough for me not to let my emotions get the best of me.

If you notice he wussed out when I got to the Box Turtle Bulletin questions.
The bit about not being able to hear me was bullshit. I have a meter in front of me that lets me know my volume levels to the guests.

Thanks again for your help with the incredible questions…….

I guess since he claims to have heard a bad time hearing me, it would only be fair to list his home number to you guys can phone him yourself.

Jack Jett

Bill S

August 30th, 2009

“The Bible was written in English?”
(Spit take)
That is the most unintentionally funny thing I’ve read in months.
Maybe he isn’t crazy. Maybe he’s just stupider than a pile of rocks.

Keith

August 30th, 2009

It was a great interview. The guy even said that he believes Bush and Cheney should be tried for war crimes. Here is a short clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WvCHcGQiGM&feature=channel_page

Richard W. Fitch

August 30th, 2009

Does anyone have a link to the full interview? I’d love to hear the section where he says the Bible was written in English. Obviously unintentional since his website does note the OT was Hebrew and NT primarily Greek. This guy lives in his own ‘reality’ and his wife’s website is just as nutty. What’s the scoop on the FBI investigating him??

Jack E. Jett

August 30th, 2009

I happen to have the interview. I don’t know how to post it but I think
our tech guy does.

Richard W. Fitch

August 30th, 2009

@Jack E. Jett – that would be great!! Either as an audio clip here or on YouTube. I’d really like to hear the whole thing in context. I’ve followed the Phelps Cult for the past decade and this ‘pastor’ seems to be following their pattern. Sadly, he does not have the smarts they do (even though WBC uses theirs in such a vile manner). Please let me know when it’s available. Thanks: twiga_riq@yahoo.com

Keith

August 31st, 2009

The complete interview is online now (broken into 3 parts): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Q_3Dg9ayc

claudette hudson

September 1st, 2009

when i meat or hear of individuals like steve anderson who seems to be filled with so much hatred and loathing for mankind i can’t help but wonder what kind of demons he struggles with. i wonder what he has to hide. it seems apparent what he hides behind. i know from a life time of working with people that those who lash out the most have the most to hide.
hating behavior we don’t agree with is one thing but hating individuals is a different matter altogether. pastor anderson’s attiude goes against the principles of the One he professes to serve.

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