[Illbay]

This is just disgusting beyond words. No wonder the "evangelical" movement has peaked and is now experiencing a downturn in membership.

And don't tell me this was an "isolated incident." It was a "hate crime."

[Illbay]

No, I take it back; it WASN'T a "hate crime." Since this pastor only wants Jesus' love to shine, it must have been a "love" crime.

Many of you wanted to know what a "love crime" would consist of. Now you know.

[Semper Paratus]

If I was a relative I would be looking for a Louisville Slugger for payback.

[Illbay]

Texas *ping* list, please, Meek?

[Bigg Red]

Disgusting! These two should be given the same treatment.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

This is no more a "love crime" than the beaters were Christian.

To be Christian is to strive to emulate Jesus. He would not have done this.

[Corin Stormhands]

No wonder the "evangelical" movement has peaked and is now experiencing a downturn in membership.

Your source for that statement?

[strela]

Indeed. And, I wonder how long it will take the same posters who continually bay for Islam to be destroyed as a religion to call for the wholesale rounding up and internment of every Christian in Texas.

Christianity - The Religion of Peace.

(/sarcasm)

[Corin Stormhands]

Austin police issued arrest warrants Monday for Joshua W. Thompson, 22, of Austin, and his twin brother, Caleb D. Thompson.

I have friends who were pastoring at 22, but that's still awfully young.

That aside, this was wrong from the first time they hit the boy...

[crystalk]

Once again, false pretenders to Christianity or evangelical branch thereof.

A fallen sinner can claim to be a Mormon, or a Baptist, or an angel! Doesn't mean he IS one!

[VoiceOfBruck]

This is just disgusting beyond words.

I agree wholeheartedly.

No wonder the "evangelical" movement has peaked and is now experiencing a downturn in membership.

Non sequitur. Please check your prejudices at the door.

And don't tell me this was an "isolated incident." It was a "hate crime."

Isolated in what sense? Have these particular twins ever beaten people before? Probably they have. Do all or most or even many pastors beat their parishoners? No. Go grind your axe elsewhere.

[Pete]

No wonder the "evangelical" movement has peaked and is now experiencing a downturn in membership.

In his upcoming book, THE NEW CHRISTIANITY, American church growth researcher and author Jim Rutz describes the astonishing increase in growth rate of evangelical Christianity.

"In the mid-80's, evangelical Christianity experienced a strong upward turn. Prior to 1985, the growthrate was 2% per year, slightly higher than the growth of the world population; today it is around 7.5% per year. If the current growth continues, the entire world would be followers of Jesus Christ in 2041..." he says.

Year    Christians (millions)    % Growth rate
1970            272
1985            366               2   (1970-85)
1990            445               4   (1985-90)
1995            596               6   (1990-95)                        
2000            836               7   (1995-2000)
2001            899               7.5 (2000+)

In comparison, the growth rates of the most important religious groups:

                      % Growth rate
Catholics                 1.2
World population          1.3
Buddhists                 1.7
Hindus                    2.3
All "Christians"          2.6
Moslems                   2.7
All Protestants           2.9
Evangelicals              7.5

Evangelical Christians include charismatic and Pentecostal Christians, as well as a growing number of Christians outside traditional churches."

Source

[Vinomori]

. No wonder the "evangelical" movement has peaked and is now experiencing a downturn in membership.

This is exactly like drawing conclusions about Mormons from the behavior of the Smart family.

[Clara Lou]

To me, there's a problem belonging to a congregation where the pastor is 22 years old.

[Freedom2specul8]

The poor child has kidney faillure!!! I guess that means the injuries are bad enough that his kidneys won't ever work again?

Those people need to get a taste of their own meds..by real men. True Christians are not abusive..Jesus said "let the children come to me"..

[Freedom2specul8]

This is heartbreaking...

[Kevin Curry]

Aggravated assault, pure and simple. At least five years in prison sounds about right.

[hobbes1]

Yup. These two are lucky they picked the right kid to beat....

Personally, It wouldn't have been me that called the cops, it would have been the coroner......

[Bandolier]

The family said the Thompsons brought the boy home and suggested he wear long sleeves for a while. The family said one of the brothers told the boy's stepfather, "It's your turn now" and that they suggested he "finish the job."

The cops would have found these two geniuses dead on my fron porch.

[Squantos]

Those two sick SOB's need to have a royal @ss kickin. IN jail or out I don't care...... It's one thing to have granny take a willow switch to yer hiney if ya mess up bad.

But for the Preacher to take the equal of an axe handle to your back'n butt is criminal. If this kid dies ,IMHO it is capitol murder .....yes/no ?

Stay Safe !

[Diamond]

And don't tell me this was an "isolated incident."

This was an isolated incident.

If you are aware of more evangelical church savage beatings, please let us know.

Cordially,