I've tried to drop this controversy because these man bag carrying pastors are my friends. I don't want to heap condemnation on them. But, at some point, you have to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough. Popeye says, "I've had alls I can stand and I can't stands no more." Chris, Tony, Tadd, and Gary, the spinach can is in my hand. Apparently, Rev Scottie and Dave agree with my perspective as well.
In justifying the stylish, over the shoulder accessories, Tony shares Scripture showing that Jesus told the disciples to "carry a money bag and a traveling bag." Tony, the disciples wore dresses too! What's next for you guys, "The Fabulous Four"? A fanny pack and penny loafers?
Chris, that's cool that you guys get to wear a bag called the "Hip Hopster" or some such thing and be considered, dope, fly, funky, or fresh by confused 9th graders. But, here the kids carry transparent backpacks to make sure no guns are sneaking into the schools. I think here you might get roughed up wearing your pin stripe shorts, a polo with a flipped up collar, and your stylish purse. At least you can soak in Bath and Body Works bath salts after you are beaten by "the gooch."
Regardless, I will say that you guys are pretty decent guys. If you want to carry your purses, I can handle it. I'm mature in my faith. I will chalk this up to a stumbling block issue and continue to carry my drab black computer "brief case." Who cares if it digs into my shoulder? Are those purses you guys carry that much more comfortable? Let me know via email. We'll keep that discussion off the blog.
Man...I am getting called out...that ain't good! Just for the record I ordered my bag last Tuesday...it supposidly shipped that day..I gotta email on Monday saying they actually have sold out of that bag and they do not back order Timbut2 Bags. So, at this current moment I do not have a new bag! :)
BUT I did bid on the same bag on Ebay and I am winning the bid! :)
Posted by: Tadd Grandstaff | May 12, 2007 at 12:08 AM
ROFL!!! What if fanny packs really came back in style? I see a whole new church movement rising out of this controversy. This could go way beyond contemporary vs traditional or seeker vs. purpose driven or emergent vs - what ever they are against. From now on Churchdom will clearly divide over Man purse vs. Backpack. This will give rise to new books on the topic and maybe even new round table sessions at planting conferences. What a great time to be a church planter!
Posted by: Dave Anderson | May 12, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Recently it was determined by everyone from the Associated Press, to the Washington Post, to Relevant Magazine, to FOX News, to Forbes Magazine and dozens of other major media outlets that I'm an "expert" on all things manly. You need to submit to my authority on this one. :-)
By the way...if your computer "brief case" is digging into your shoulder...you might want to rub some rose-petal lotion on the tender area or soak it for a while in a nice, hot bubble bath. :-)
Posted by: Chris Elrod | May 13, 2007 at 01:09 AM
Jack Bauer carries a man-bag.
His has pistols and lots of other manly goodies stored inside.
I wished I had a Jack Bauer man-bag.
Rich
BlogRodent
Posted by: Rich Tatum | May 14, 2007 at 02:45 AM
Thanks for joining the side of the men in this controversy.
I had the opportunity of visiting Gary yesterday where he said: "Most men don't go to church because they have seen church going men and they act like Ned Flanders" Gary was not wearing his man purse when he said this. He also mentioned although he didn't think of himself as a really bad dude he should be able to hold his own in a fight. I guess that's provided his assailant doesn't grab a diet green tea from Gary's man bag and hit him over the head with it. :0
Posted by: Rev Scottie | May 14, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Where DO you guys stand on fanny packs?!
Posted by: Travis Johnson | May 15, 2007 at 07:16 PM