First of all before I even start let me just say how HUGE of a fan of Nick Offerman I was prior to March 1st, 2013. If you don't know who Nick Offerman is than you clearly don't watch Parks N Rec on NBC-which was previously one of my favorite shows. You should stop reading now if that is the case. Second, I don't really believe Nick is Satan. If you can't tell what a joke is then you should stop reading this immediately.
I had several Ron Swanson related pictures (that sounds weird) at work including a Ron Swanson cut-out mask hung on the wall in my cube. I even had a Facebook photo album with Ron Swanson related pictures of him, his 'stache and BACON! Ron was one of my all time favorite characters on TV (technically he still is I guess) and a guaranteed riot every time he was on the screen: "I don't care for strip clubs but I will take a free breakfast buffet anywhere I can get it."
Needless to say when I heard he was going on Tour ("Ham Tour") I was super excited! I purchased two tickets for Sharlay and I the first opportunity I could. It was a birthday present to myself; turns out it was one of the worst gifts I have ever received. The irony of the situation is certainly not lost on me.
Nick's tour isn't really a stand up comedy act, although it is meant to be funny. His shtick is basically standing on stage for 90 minutes discussing his 10 Keys for a Happy Life (or something like that.) Sadly 70% of them all revolve around his hatred for God, Christians, Jesus and the Bible. The rest are a smattering of his view on marriage, red meat, music, technology and politics. Both my wife and I left the theater very disappointed and upset we had wasted our money.
Those of you who know me well understand I am not a fan of "Christian-ease" nor do I make it a practice to claim offense very often when dealing with things outside of the Christian subculture. However, I can honestly say my spirit was heavily grieved by what I watched that night. I am reluctant to use that phrase when it has been so heavily misused by religious Christians but that is the only way to describe how I felt leaving the theater. It honestly ruined my entire evening. I was so sad (grieved is really a better word for how I felt) for Nick and his flippant attitude towards God.
Don't get be wrong. I don't expect celebrities or athletes to be Christians nor do I expect them to have similar beliefs in order to appreciate their skills and talents. Not everyone believes in God. Not everyone practices their faith even if they do believe in God. Not everyone is going to believe in the same God as I do. No problem. I can handle and accept that. However, this was something different. This was a man I had a certain level of respect for who is touring the country slandering my God, disrespecting my spiritual beliefs and making a mockery of Jesus Christ while getting paid large sums of money to do so.
You don't have to believe in God or Jesus Christ. However, I draw the line at disrespecting my faith and mocking my God. If he tried the same approach with Muslim's, Buddhists or other religions he would be labeled: bigot, racist, fundamentalist, hateful etc. The Bible warns about mockery and mocking God (See 2 Chronicles 36:16, Galatians 6:7) and as a man of God I won't stand for it or support it.
I can't do it. I can't support someone who has so little respect for another person's beliefs. I took down all my Ron Swanson stuff in my cube and threw it away. I deleted my photo album. I stopped recording Parks N Rec and deleted all the old ones from my DVR. I even went as far as to write a poor review on the Ticket Master website-although I doubt anyone would care. This was not easy for me to do. It was sad to be honest. I love laughing (who doesn't?); Parks N Rec and Ron Swanson could make me laugh every time. It was a "go-to" sometimes when I was in a bad mood and we loved watching the show on Thursday nights.
I don't expect others to draw the same line in the sand as I have done. This is just a personal conviction I have. If you love Ron Swanson, please continue to enjoy him and all the bacon and eggs that you have. Get swept up in a Meat Tornado and indulge yourself in a Turf N Turf. For me and my house this is the end of our relationship with Ron Swanson and thereby Nick Offerman. It was a good run but like all good things they must come to an end. Ron Swanson you are like 5000 candles in the wind...
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