Pastor: I punched a kid ‘as hard as I could’ for ‘not taking the Lord serious’

[demmiblue]

Source: Raw Story

A pastor at the Bible Baptist Church in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey is coming under fire after his church posted a video of him claiming to have converted a “smart aleck” youth by “punching him in the chest as hard as I could.”

Pastor Eric Dammann begins by saying that he met a young man in Calgary named “Ben,” who was “a nice kid, but one of those — he was a real smart aleck. He was a bright kid, which didn’t help things — made him more dangerous.”

“We were outside one day at youth group,” Dammann continues, “and he was just trying to push my buttons. He was just kind of not taking the Lord serious [sic].”

“So I walked over to him and went BAM! Punched him in the chest as hard as I could. I crumpled the kid. I just crumpled him.”

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/01/pastor-i-punched-a-kid-as-hard-as-i-could-for-not-taking-the-lord-serious/

[MohRokTah]

1. This child abuser belongs in prison

20 years is what he deserves for that act of child abuse.

[closeupready]

20. +1.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

51. Yeah, bully and child abuser come to mind

What a piece of excrement.

[TheBlackAdder]

81. Did he also tell the parents that they would be excommunicated if they said anything? nt

[yuiyoshida]

91. The American Taliban

Right here....agreed he should be in prison.

[Scuba]

92. + another

[Coventina]

2. Well, that's one way to show the Love of Christ.

[lame54]

3. but of course it had nothing to do with his religion

[PeaceNikki]

5. And he's not a "real" Christian.

[hatrack]

16. "Mr. Scotsman, Mr. Noel True Scotsman, please pick up a white paging telephone."

[gratuitous]

22. Oh yeah

Every bit as much as Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong were real atheists, who showed the world what atheistic regimes are all about, right?

Oh wait; they weren't "real" atheists. I forgot.

[lame54]

57. are atheists an organized group?

[LiberalAndProud]

73. I suppose discussing Stalin and Zedong in response to

Last edited Sun Jan 11, 2015, 07:54 PM - Edit history (1)

a preacher punching a kid to convert him is apropos in some fashion. I don't see it, but whatever floats your boat.

Edit: On second thought, these three may have a great deal in common.

[Mariana]

82. I guess pointing out that there have been some evil atheists

makes what this preacher did better, somehow. Or it proves he isn't really a Christian. Or something.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever claimed that Stalin and Zedong weren't really atheists?

[closeupready]

23. When you belong to the most powerful religious group in the world, it works that way.

You can welcome or dismiss members, at will, and move on.

When you are persecuted and vulnerable, you've got to jump through hoops and walk on hot coals, blindfolded, hands tied behind your back, in recompense for the crimes of those who are just as loosely associated with you - religiously - as this DB is with other xtians.

[Skittles]

89. sure he is

as deluded as ever

[roguevalley]

30. actually, if anyone can show a scripture where Jesus

did the same thing then I will accept that this is part of Christianity and not some small penis perv having a go at a kid who couldn't hit him back, using blasphemy as his cover for doing so. This fat fucker is a child abuser and nothing more. Nothing he believes or teaches in the bible. I would love to see people become responsible for their own lies and bullshit without it being transferred to Jesus who would have flogged this fucker for doing this. People who do stupid, evil or vile shit while using Christianity as their shield and excuse are not Christians. They are blasphemers, liars and cowards. He is not a Christian and nothing he did or probably believes matches the teachings of the Rabbi. NOTHING.

I do recall when the Romans came to take him in Gethsemane he prevented his men from causing a blood bath in the course of trying to save him from it.

[lame54]

56. Huge cop out...

"we'll take credit for the good stuff

but any problems - don't look at me"

[roguevalley]

84. really? everyone is responsible for their own behavior and

choices. Its called being an adult. There is zero texts to back the shit that people attribute to Jesus. He wasn't even alive when this religion was created by Saul/Paul who used to hunt him.

Everyone uses something to justify their bullshit. Republicans use Rand and the Bible and anything else they can. But in the end its just feathers on a duck. Covering up the choices they make as individuals to protect their sorry asses for their personal behavior.

There is nothing written that is by Jesus himself that supports anything they say and do. They use him as their beard.

COP OUT! Really? Since when is someone who never said anything responsible for someone else's bullshit just because they say they do it for him? I get it. You hate religion but the statement stands. You will NEVER find a single word said by Jesus that supports the corrupt bullshit of these idiots. They use him like they use everything else for their own advancement. Shame on their sorry asses that they made Jesus bear the burden of their hatred and racism and bullshit.

[LiberalAndProud]

74. So, his religion isn't the same as yours.

Still, I think he was worshiping his god in his own fashion. I'll leave it at this: Some religious ideas suck more than others.

[roguevalley]

85. 'his' religion came straight out of the thinking of St.

Last edited Sun Jan 11, 2015, 09:15 PM - Edit history (1)

Paul alone using someone he never met. He created it decades after the murder of Jesus by the Romans. It isn't his religion. It is Paul's. No one seems to know much about the origins of Christianity but everyone has an opinion. Even the family of Jesus wanted to punch Paul in the face. Christianity isn't the creation of Jesus. He is the focus of it but he didn't create it. Paul did. Everyone who uses things for their own purposes is responsible for that. Repubs use what Paul said about a man he never met, who had BIG differences with the family of Jesus including James, his brother and they twist it.
What else is new? But they own what they do and say, not anyone else. Anyone can use anyone else as a beard for their hatred and behavior. Jesus is abused all the time this way.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Isn't that what Jesus did? Just roamed around with his disciples

punching people in the chest until they wised up. Works every time.

[Rhinodawg]

6. Sick fucker.

[MineralMan]

7. He should have been arrested and charged with a felony

for assaulting a minor that way. I see that he was not. Jesus did not say, "Suffer, little children," asshole.

[Enrique]

8. Bright people are dangerous

so beat them down. Crumple them for Jesus.

[PeaceNikki]

13. I caught that line, too. Bright people are "dangerous"? Yes, a threat to the snake oil you sell?

[Hekate]

47. I saw that, too. Be a good sheep, don't think. Ewwww. nt

[smirkymonkey]

60. Exactly. If they aren't dull witted enough

to be taken in by dogma and lies, they deserve to be beaten into submission.

[Arkansas Granny]

9. Isn't that considered assault?

I also note that he considered this boy to be "dangerous" because he was a "bright kid". I guess it's easier to keep them subordinate (and filling collection plates) of they're not too bright.

[Adrahil]

10. Sounds line he just confessed to aggravated child abuse.

Bet he says the story was made up when confronted.


Punch a kid for Jesus!

[BlueJazz]

11. "I led that man to the lord." "There are times when that may be needed"

This piece of crazy human-garbage should be in jail.
If I would have been in that church (Which would never happen), I'd stand up and call that shitbag every derogatory name in the book.

[calimary]

21. Gee, in another life, he could be a guy with an AK-47 aiming at a cartoonist...

Religious tyranny. Religious brutality. Religious terrorism.

[BlueCaliDem]

12. What would Jesus Do, you dipwad. Did he punch people as hard as he could when they didn't listen?

It amazes me how some people dare call themselves Christians when they do exactly the opposite that Christ would do in similar situations - situations that have been well written about. In detail. What is the term given to those who do the opposite of Christ again? That's what this Pastor should be labeled as.

[Bagsgroove]

55. Your Christ and your Christians

Exactly my thoughts.

There's a quote attributed to Gandhi (possibly apocryphal) that I love -- "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

[BlueCaliDem]

59. Ghandi was an amazing and intelligent man - with incredible insight.

He was absolutely correct, and I still paraphrase his quote whenever I come across a few anti-abortion, anti-immigration, and anti-civil rights posters who then claim to be 100% Christian. I don't tend to get a response back from them. I wonder why?

[SamKnause]

14. Religious indoctrination is

encouraged and financed in this country.

The action described in the video is child abuse.

This country is going down a dangerous path.

Religious indoctrination is

encouraged and financed within all branches of the U.S. military.

When you have to force, coerce, threaten, punish, abuse, harm, beat, punch, hit, slap, etc. or brainwash to expand, defend, or enforce your beliefs it is abuse.

It is a cult.

Pile on.

[PeaceNikki]

15. Let me be the first to

NOT pile on, but agree wholeheartedly.

[Downwinder]

25. Isn't that terrorism?

Using violence or threats of violence to achieve political goals.

[Trillo]

29. Hatred = Love,

Love = Hatred.

[Arugula Latte]

35. I hate how "faith" is put out there as some wonderful thing to be strived for

and it's valued over reason and logic and science. But, if people buy into silly mythologies from primitive people, they'll buy into almost anything. They are easier to lead by the nose.

[SamKnause]

40. I agree.

It is so frustrating and frightening the power 'faith' has over the masses.

I have to keep reminding myself that the year is 2015.

We live in a world where facts are denied.

Education is considered dangerous.

'Gods' instruct people to run for political offices.

States where Atheists are forbidden to run for office.

Bibles in the classroom.

Scriptures on military gun barrels.

The list goes on and on.

[Arugula Latte]

66. The Internet is exposing just how many people think it's all nonsense.

And the "faithful" don't like it. Not one bit. Thus all the "don't be rude!", "keep it to yourself!" and "militant!" comments thrown at atheists. On the other hand I've got religious people coming to my door to tell me my beliefs are all wrong, but apparently that's completely acceptable.

[SamKnause]

70. Agree.

The Faithful don't like the Internet.

The governments of the world don't like the Internet.

They are terrified all their lies will be exposed.

I told the last group of Mormons who knocked on my door that I was an Atheist.

So far, no return visits.

[RKP5637]

79. Faith is a bullshit cover for shenanigans and persecutory behavior. A lot of people are

led by the nose into this crap, and many at the top get their kicks out of their persecutory behavior and a mindless flock praising them. And, it's a great place for abusing sociopaths to rise to the top.

[cwydro]

17. I'd like to punch HIM

[SamKnause]

18. "He was a bright kid."

"Which didn't help things."

"It made him even more dangerous".

I think you have that ass backwards you sick, twisted, evil person !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[louis-t]

19. Wasn't it Pat Robertson that recently said he approved of

beating a child until he 'gets' religion?

[MrMickeysMom]

24. Can't stand intelligent questioning kids? Commit battery!

Of course… It'll lead them to the Lord.

What a fucking piece of shit. I'd press charges based on this confession. We have a place and now all Ben has to do is to press charges with his parents.

I hope they put him away for it.

[closeupready]

26. And I'd bet that this child, when grown up, drifts FAR away from his parents.

And then we have yet another set of parents who claim to be confused as to why their son doesn't talk with them or see them anymore.

[SheilaT]

27. This is right up there with the justification for spanking children.

If you're bigger, and hold a position of authority, it's okay.

[WinkyDink]

28. I'd like to punch the pastor for his bad grammar.

[smirkymonkey]

61. You noticed that too?

This guy is an idiot on so many levels it's stupefying.

[WinkyDink]

63. The curse of having taught English. :-)

[Fumesucker]

31. Just think, if Jesus had been executed in the modern era it would be an electric chair on the podium

Or perhaps a gas chamber or a syringe.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

32. Pastor: I punched a kid and I liked it.

a-hole.

[shraby]

33. A punch like that could have killed the child. He should have been arrested

for assault. Where were the child's parents in all this?

[Fumesucker]

72. Probably giving an extra large love offering for bringing the kid to Jesus

[Dr. Strange]

34. Dear Pastor Dammann,

It has come to my attention that George Zimmerman does not take the Lord seriously. Perhaps you could go work your magic on him?

[Tom Ripley]

36. Who Would Jesus Sucker Punch?

[SomethingFishy]

37. Aww, tough guy sucker punches kid and brags about it...

Good way to get your ass kicked where I come from...

[unblock]

38. can i punch him for not taking adverbs serious...

ly?

[Enrique]

42. you sound like a smart aleck

you know what happens to smart alecks? Bam!

?1

[Paladin]

39. Any parents stupid enough to entrust their kids to this sick fuck's "youth camp"....

...ought to be reported to the authorities. If this is the sort of thing this guy does to a "smart aleck," it's a safe bet that other very bad things are happening.

[Katashi_itto]

41. Lol I just shared this with my national mixed martial arts organization.

Last edited Mon Jan 12, 2015, 02:30 AM - Edit history (2)

They don't take kindly to bully's.

[oberliner]

43. But the kid was denigrating his faith

While we can all agree that violence is wrong - the kid should have been respectful of the pastor's faith and not spoken to him in a way that was disrespectful.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

44. I assume you are being ironic?

[oberliner]

49. It was an attempt

Meant to be a parody of some of the arguments seen regarding the cartoons.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

52. I thought so.

Otherwise I'd be kind of worried.

[MineralMan]

45. I hope he will soon be looking for a job.

That church should dismiss him summarily.

[surrealAmerican]

75. He shouldn't be looking for a job.

He should be looking for someone to bail him out of jail, and maybe a lawyer to defend him against criminal charges.

I guess this kid's parents love their "faith" more than they love their child, or this matter would have been reported to the police. It's a real crime. This man is a danger to the community.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

46. Yep. Jesus (Whammo!) Christ was known for his knockout punching ability.

Of course, he had to spend a lot of time working out at the gym and sparring with the apostles in preparation for the big matches. And, his agent got a big cut of the winnings.

[LeftishBrit]

48. WOW - he should be in prison for assault

[Hutzpa]

50. This is just a mental case

[p]because no sane human will act like that. Call yourself a pastor and you carry this kind of rage? Will like to know the type of people that sits and listen to his sermons.

Disgusting filth.

[frogmarch]

53. Yep, gimme that old time religion,

and deliver it BAM! with a punch in the chest.

Effin weirdo. He needs to be locked up.

[Hekate]

54. Physical assault on a child, child abuse -- can the DA and cops kindly look into this?

Who would Jesus assault? Aside from the money changers, that is.

[uppityperson]

58. Fucking extremist, should be in prison.

[smirkymonkey]

62. If all else fails, just beat the love of god

into people. WTF?

[Judi Lynn]

64. What a shame there's no way to keep sociopaths away from the pulpit.

What a shame there are sociopaths who go to listen to them.

He has no honor, no common sense, no respect for children and their parents, no dignity, no faith, not to mention clues about the teachings of Christ.

[Initech]

65. And Jesus said "Fuck this shit, I quit".

[abelenkpe]

67. Messed up

Guy should be in jail. And thanks for pointing out smart people are considered dangerous by that particular church.

[avebury]

68. I sent an email to the local PD with links

to 3 articles on the incident. I hope that they will have a chat with the bully Pastor.

[RKP5637]

80. Excellent! n/t

[Iggo]

69. Dollars to donuts there's no "Ben."

[Brigid]

90. Hmmm . . .

You might be on to something here.

[Vinca]

71. The moron could have killed the kid "in the name of the Lord."

He ought to go to the big house and punch a few heathen inmates in the chest.

[jwirr]

76. This man does not deserve the title Pastor. I was taught that preacher is the name of the job the

leader of the church does. Reverend is a title of respect for the degree he/she has earned. But Pastor is the term that denotes his/her the concern and love for people - he/she is the shepherd.

[Nye Bevan]

77. What's that Gospel verse where Jesus punched a guy for not taking him seriously?

Anyone?

[Bluenorthwest]

87. It's in the Parable of the Suckerpunch.

[RKP5637]

78. This guy is a child abuser and should be charged as such. Religion is

his sideline and a cover. I do wonder what else he's been up too. Society takes too much of this crap in the name of their god. He's not alone IMO, there are a lot like him.

[Jefferson23]

83. How dreadfull a man and yet so proud... creep. n/t

[Bluenorthwest]

86. I have read several OPs on DU which say that if this man's faith was denigrated, and he was offended

violence should be expected, the kid should have known, should have shown respect. These OP's, they don't condone violence....but....they are not sure where they come down on murdering people in cold blood because you feel slighted by some barb or criticism.

[oneview]

88. What ever happend to SERIOUSLY?

"for not taking The Lord serious" --

Child abuse and grammar abuse! Now lets see if some oh-so-sophisticated descriptivist will come in to defend this particular new barbarism.