Some guys showed up at our workplace, with Jesus posters and wearing red shirts with scripture quote on them.
They started asking if they could put them up, I frowned & shook my head no, they asked “are you (Insert my real name)” and I was surprised, even left speechless. They backed out of the door and left.
Those men knew exactly who I was. I didn’t know them. Never met them. I’ve never even seen them until today.
These two men didn’t even try to debate or convert me.
Two guys that I work with laughed and said that those men knew who I was. Hinting about me being an Atheist that was anti religious.
I didn’t know my reputation as the town Atheist had spread that far. Something in me felt very pleased. Although, maybe I should be terrified.
It doesn’t matter if it’s word-of-mouth rep, or if it came out of Palantir’s master database that they’re working on – or even really how (un)serious it was so far. It is only going to escalate over time. How much time, and how much escalation, is hard to say. In part because they have many targets, and atheists specifically don’t yet seem to be something they talk about at the national strategic level. So far, it is more something a local god-botherer might have a personal hobby horse about, and would stir up others to harass and intimidate the “godless”. But even that is concerning because stupid humans get even stupider in herds.
The best thing to do in these times is to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
I can’t envision a scenario like this in the small northeastern city I live in as it’s super liberal. This kind of thing will take hold in places like the Bible Belt and rural areas first. But it will come here eventually, also.
I haven’t had to think much about that eventuality – yet – I am more focused on reducing my dependence on various systems, preparing for shortages, severe inflation, worsening weather patterns. About the only thing I’ve done is make sure all my family’s passports are current in case an unscheduled vacation somewhere outside the country seems prudent.
Especially if OP’s state is Stand Your Ground. What kinda fuckin loon walks into an establishment and asks to hang up posters of ol jeezy? Seems more than deliberate, unless ofc OP is the manager and has his name on a plaque somewhere. Could be that they wanted to recruit ppl, asked the first person they saw and it just so happened to be OP so they backed out.
Regardless, some firearm familiarity and some target practice is great exercise.
I don’t conceal and carry. But I do own 2 firearms that I have at home. One is a Keltec 9 mm and the other is a ruger 45. ACP.
This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been antagonized by Christians. Once they showed up in a group outside of a house (out in the country) that I was living in. Demanding I come out. I went and hid in the attic.
I believe my brother is involved. Those men knew who he was. They were looking for him too. If I didn’t know better, I think he had something to do with it. Can’t prove it, it’s just a suspicion at this point.
Smart man. There’s a long and sad history of people committing atrocities in the name of their loving god. It reminds me of the time some idiot asked Hitchens if he wouldn’t feel safer knowing the group of men coming toward him had just come from a prayer meeting. Hitchens very succinctly explained to them that no, he would not feel safer.
.44 Magnum has so much recoil, that if you miss, it takes longer to bring the gun back into play to get a follow-up shot.
Also, .44 Mag tends to over-penetrate and endangers uninvolved 3rd parties when the bullet goes completely through a person and hits someone on the other side of the assailant. Also, if you use a .44 Magnum indoors, the noise from the blast will make you temporarily deaf and/or cause permanent hearing damage after 1 shot, unless you wear hearing protection . . . which is unlikely in the dynamics of a home invasion.
A 9mm hits just a little harder than a .38 Special, plus a 9mm handgun will usually carry more rounds than a .44 Magnum.
It strikes me as very typical. When you can’t provide a factual basis for your argument, all you have left is intimidation and fear.
I’ve had this happen to me before. I even had one offer to prey for me… I admit, that one left me speechless…
Christians have not been able to mobilize a cohesive armed force in over 750 years…and they weren’t all that successful then… Just smile and nod back. It confuses the shit out of them
Those guys never came back. I do believe I’ve objected Christianity enough where I live for people to be familiar with me. I know I have enemies among the Christian community. I did make enemies with a pastor who, I believe, talked a lot of shit about me over the years to his followers. I was only in my early 20’s when I started feuding with the youth & lead pastors at a place formerly called Faith Assembly. They’ve since changed the name of their church. To me, they’re a crazy Baptist cult.
