All right, I think I see your point, but these cute tricks are more than just unwise. Whether or not they are blasphemy, they border on unbiblical:
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:3-5
The International Standard Version gives verse four in modern language as, “Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving.”
I really can’t improve on that, and since I believe we all in this discussion actually do agree on it, I’ll conclude by saying that I just wish the pastor had read it before spending parish funds contrary to it.
> I really can’t improve on that, and since I believe we all in this discussion actually do agree on it, I’ll conclude by saying that I just wish the pastor had read it before spending parish funds contrary to it.
I do agree with that, certainly.
I also suspect that provoking this sort of controversy was *precisely* what the pastor would have had in mind before he/she did this. Stirring up trouble is very much a New Zealand way of making a point.