What was "Pastor Tim" thinking... (updated)

I don't want to sound like a humourless old git.

But this guy has pushed the boundaries way too far, even if it was just a prank - which is what is now being claimed.

The congregation was "in on it." And the regular service did indeed follow immediately.

But that is hardly enough to undo the damage of a clip that went viral with no explanation.

Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb.

More than that, ammunition has been given to the troglodytes who believe that mainline Christianity is a farce, and only Bible-believin' fundamentalism is gonna cut the mustard. The sneering contempt has in fact already begun. How do you fight an urban legend of your own creation? To continue with the metaphors, "Pastor Tim" shot himself in the foot, scored an "own goal"... How long before "Mugger" McCain of the Missouri Synod starts howling about this?

And all this kerfuffle over what? American Football! Dear lord, it would still be unacceptable even if it was a Rugby test match!

This dude needs to get his priorities sorted. Maybe he could start with a 10,000 word essay on 'professionalism', and then a multiple choice test on engaging one's brain before acting on a whim.

And his congregation thought this was okay? A laugh? Something that everyone would get a yuk from on YouTube? Gold Hill Lutheran may wish to consider changing their name to Laughing Stock Lutheran.

I'd be willing to bet that both they and their pastor have had time since to reconsider this "prank" in light of the publicity. I daresay the bishop has phoned in and the email feedback has been mountainous.

Of course Tim might find an alternate career path on the stand-up comedy circuit.