According to the chicago Tribune, this was a joke http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-christian-side-hugnov30,0,6899998.column
Right. Playfully mocking just the act of the side hug, sure. Outsiders stereotyping them all as serious prudes, maybe. But I still got the impression they're trying to "go somewhere" with their act.... This didnt quite look like some understood Bloodhound Gang type joking, look like they were trying to Marky Mark it. An aside, long time ago in youth group during a multi-church fellowship function dudes started playing that "nipple twister" game for whatever reason, in the church building. A girl came and did that to me to out of nowhere. I looked at her surprised, and she was holding her arms over HER chest laughing mightily, playing it legit like "haha dont do that to ME in return! lol " I was like..you even expected me to do that in return? What goes on in YOUR youth group? Sent my little jesus fearing heart a flutter just the thought of it...
Told you. BTW --- One question for anyone that has been to church... and also for those that have not... Do you expect that "PDA" of any degree more than a simple hug or handshake would be acceptable in a Christian religious venue or gathering? I went to PUBLIC school from K through 12, and we had PDA rules there that were just as "strict" you might say. No kissing, or even holding hands was allowed until maybe high school. And again... I told you it was a joke. NEWBS Gimme Dat REP for knowing. :grin: BTW- KingCheetah - awesome chops!
Ultimately, all this youth ministry stuff is lame, so there are no winners. "Can’t you see you’re not making Christianity better, you’re just making rock n’ roll worse." -Hank Hill
It starts being lame when it's anything other than authentic people seeking to engage kids in real relationships. My closest friend is a youth minister. I'd literally die for the guy, in a heartbeat. He would jokingly call all of this stuff, "worship-o-tainment." It's all about investing in people and loving without condition...not giving them a show. You can be 9 or 90 and appreciate that.
