Penn & Teller ridicule Christ's crucifixion

WorldNetDaily ^ | Posted: January 20, 2003 | unknown

[Houmatt]

The magic-comedy team of Penn & Teller has performed a stunt parodying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, offending some attendees of a major magicians' convention, reports columnist Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Review.

The skit, performed last week in Las Vegas, included Teller, dressed as Christ on a full-size cross, entering the room on a cart. According to the column, a midget dressed as an angel "performed a simulated sex act on the near-naked Teller." Penn, in a Roman gladiator costume, unveiled the scene by pulling away a "Shroud of Turin" that covered the cross.

A group of people attending the event, billed as a roast of magician Amazing Johnathan, walked out in protest, says Clarke.

According to Rick Neiswonger, a longtime magician and marketing executive, said "the majority" of the 400 who attended the roast were offended.

"They (organizers) warned everybody that something offensive was going to happen, but my God, where do you draw the line? … This was beyond bad taste," Neiswonger told the Review.

One magician, Lance Burton, defended the stunt in an address at the finale luncheon of the conference.

"I told them, 'You were warned ahead of time.' It was a roast; it was held late at night (midnight)," he said, according to the Review column. "Penn & Teller are my dear friends and I would take a bullet for them, and you can write that."

Amazing Johnathan told the Review he was aware that a number of what he called "gospel magicians" walked out of the performance.

"This was performance art," said Johnathan. "I know that Penn is a practicing atheist, and I agree with him that Christianity can be dangerous. Look at the Trade Center. That was done in the name of religion."

Clarke said in his column that Penn & Teller declined comment.

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

"This was performance art," said Johnathan. "I know that Penn is a practicing atheist, and I agree with him that Christianity can be dangerous. Look at the Trade Center.

Atheism can be dangerous. Look at the Soviet Union.

[Paul_B]

I guess they have to right to do such a skit. But a big bravo to the decent people who walked out, and who now will boycott these jerks. Bless the Lord.

[Hodar]

What other word for 'STUPID' is there? It's like a Hollywood star blabbering about a political story; by virtue of opening your mouth, you just alienate half of your audience. By insulting Christians, they have just alienated about 80% of their audience.

They had it all, money, fame and people waiting in lines to buy tickets to see them. But like Sheanad O'Connor (tore up the Pope's picture on SNL), they drove thier fan base away. I hope their career prospers like Shenad's did (sp?)

[demkicker]

"Add them to my growing list of performers that can piss off and die before I ever watch them again."

I like the way you express yourself. My sentiments exactly!

[Houmatt]

Yes. He is the only one who talks of the duo.

Which, at this point, has to be a good mixed blessing for Teller.

[Bobby777]

volley-bump ...

I would invite all Christians to pray for Penn and Teller ... first of all, it would be better to see them get Saved ... secondly it will really drive them nuts if they remain uninterested ... perhaps God will open their eyes to the real meaning of the Crucifixion (2nd Corinthians 4:3-4) ... FWIW ...

[Bobby777]

thanks for the info ...

[Alex Murphy]

...I have an idea that Penn is omnisexual...

I take it that means "with anything - animal, vegetable, or mineral"?

[dasboot]

I saw a show in which Penn gave a tour of his home. In one room he, keeps several jars of deformed, stillborm fetuses/babies. This guy is not only irreverent, he's diabolically twisted.

Where demand for his acknowledged talent runs thin, irreverence is his commodity. No doubt he'll follow up with sick outragiousness when the rest catch up with him. He'll probably lead the profession into the basement...where it lodged itself in past centuries.....and engender the scorn of civilized persons who eschew perversity.

His salvation would bear great witness for Christ. Pray for him.

[CyberCowboy777]

And it certainly is not the message Penn & Teller wanted to pass along.

Anti-Christian rhetoric and actions are born and fueled by hatred and ignorance just as with anti-Semitism and racism.

[renosathug]

They're very close to their tigers...

You are confusing them with Siegfried and Roy.

[jlogajan]

Anti-Christian rhetoric and actions are born and fueled by hatred and ignorance

How about anti-atheistic rhetoric and actions?

[ClancyJ]

I guess the lovers of darkness feel the devil has free reign at midnight.

Don't know how any Christians could stay and watch the performance after Christ suffered and died on that cross for their sins. Such an insult. I would hate to be standing in the performers shoes. Hope they enjoy their mocking today - they won't in eternity.

[RichInOC]

Dear Penn and Teller:

Boys, I realize you like to play cruel tricks on dear friends, but even for you guys, there are some things that fall under the category entitled "that's just wrong."

[ClancyJ]

Watch me offend someone - who cares!

Agree!!!

No comments from the politically correct police? Oh, excuse me - it is only AGAINST Christianity. But, but, someone may feel uncomfortable seeing their Savior mocked?

Oh, it is only the Muslims and athesists and non-Christians that receive the politically correct protection. Christians have no feelings, no worth, no rights.

[Free ThinkerNY]

PENN AND TELLER

[sinclair]

Religious fanaticism can be excessive intolerance of opposing views no matter what religion you follow.

[CyberCowboy777]

Yep.

You let me know when you hear of

any hit pieces in the NY Times or other "news"papers

any "art" defaming or making fun of or desiring pain from Atheist

exposes of "corrupt" Atheist on the "magazine" news programs

[WOSG]

This was performance art," said Johnathan. "I know that Penn is a practicing atheist, and I agree with him that Christianity can be dangerous. Look at the Trade Center. That was done in the name of religion."

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NO, if you want to be offensive ... THAT is a way to be offensive. Comparing the devout Christian to (Islamic) terrorists is beyond offensive. Evil???