Bob,

When reading the "Mother Thumper" files in the latest set of hatemail, it truly struck close to home. I've been one of two atheists in a town full of white Protestant evangelists. In discussions with them, much like your discussion with Ma, they passed off the truth of what I was saying as "Satan taking hold of you". It is the most frustrating thing I have ever dealt with. The allure of being part of something bigger than yourself, being part of "God's army" or "God's chosen people" clouds minds and suspends logic only to generate false self-worth. It's frustrating Bob, because I have to cope with oblivion. I have to make my life worth it through my actions and choices.

And after all that, they say the only reason why I'm doing it is because Satan has a hold of my soul.

That is why what you're doing is so incredibly important Bob. You defeating people like Ma in a public forum in a strong a logical way gives me more and more hope of a secular society. Unlike Christianity, Atheists don't have a place to go for support. Most atheists don't have youth groups or Sunday schools. All we have is the truth, and a logical look at the world.

I look up to you Bob, but not in an reverential way like Ma suggests I might, but I look up to you because you're a well-spoken, goodhearted person.
Thank you Bob.

Sincerely,
Robby Havey

Bob,

I was reading your latest update with "Ma" Thompson and I was particulary taken with this part of her ramblings, "But the many impressionable kids who think you are "cool" and "follow" you." Besides the fact that this is a sentence fragment, and maybe in part because of it, this illustrates a concept I think many Christians can't get around. Atheism is not about following.

I don't follow NBS. I enjoy your website and I think you are an intelligent and hilarious writer, but I don't follow you. The only person I follow is myself. Since following Jesus is based on stories of historical fiction, following you would make more sence, but it is still intellectual slavery. To me Atheism has always been about being my own person and not a child of God or a follower. I can live my own life, make my own decisions and don't have to worry about putting down my laundry for telepathic messages from God.

Carl Johnson 3

My name is Anthony and I am 18 years old, and I am agnostic. I wonder if maybe that is the reason I am on this site. Anywho. I am a pretty outgoing kid I guess. I enjoy playing tuba, bass guitar, guitar, and everything else. I am attending a local college and I plan on transferring to a 4 year college in New York City. I hope to achieve a Double Major in History and Psychology and a Minor in the music field. Now on to the real reason as to why I am on this page. And I don't care if this is offensive. Grow up.

I had come across Normal Bob Smith's Web page while searching for things about Jesus on Yahoo!. And I had no idea what the hell www.jesusdressup.com was, so I decided to take a look at it. When I saw what it was, I proceeded to laugh profusely. I thought it was quite funny to find something like that online. The thought itself was just sheer madness and its comedic value was among the ranks of shows like Family Guy. After a while, I decided to try and figure out who did this, and where can I meet such a person who had this amazing mind.

After looking through Bob's site, the part I enjoyed the most was the hate mail. As I was reading hate mail after hate mail, I had never grown tired of the replies that some people had come up with to defend their belief. I mean come on people. Grow the fuck up. Jesus Dress Up is not mocking Jesus Christ. Think about it. What about Buddy Christ? Or how about Jesus Christ action figures? Or any other paraphernalia that depicts Jesus Christ as a hero of some sort. So there is a problem dressing him up? Oh Boo freaking Hoo! In case you people didn't notice, there are other freaking dress ups too. And come to think of it, you probably didn't think twice about laughing about it. Dumb bastards. Grow, get a hobby, get a job, and get a fucking life. Yeah that is great you want to defend your belief. But you know what? Is it really going to matter in the end? Eventually as time goes on, Bob will be a mere electrical impulse stimulated by your brain, so fuck off and grow the hell up.

It then occurred to me that I should meet this fellow. He seemed pretty cool. So I wrote him a few e-mails and we met up at Starbuck's on Astor Pl. And just as I thought, he kicked fucking ass.

Now on to the Mother Thompson thing. You know what "Ma"? This is becoming really redundant. You can sit there and talk about this stuff all you want, and it isn't going to do a thing. Because just like you, everyone else is strong in their beliefs, so grow the fuck up. And I personally don't like the fact that you have to get aggravated over something that is beyond your control. I'm sorry if i don't think you are cool. But you know what? I don't really give a rat's ass. Oh, now I know what you are saying. "Oh you are just saying that because Satan is telling you to do that." FUCK THAT! You know what I have realized? I'm going to live my fucking life the way I want to. Not you, or anyone is going to tell me otherwise. I'm going to make MY own decisions, not Satan or any other mythological figured created by a human being. Let me let you in on a little secret Mrs. T. You are never going to change me. Oh wait, hang on, I know YOUR reply. "No, I won't but He will." Hmmmm... *thinks about it, thinks about it* Uhhmmm....how¹s about NO!!!!!

Let us address another point here. I didn't personally like it when you said this : "And speaking of turning kids away from God. One of the kids I spoke to you about....that you told me to "stop teaching senselessness to" ...... came to NYC and made an appointment to see you last week. (I have a lovely picture of the two of you on my screen now that gives me inspiration to pray for you.) "

First of all. Bob is not turning me away from God or anything. The only thing Bob did was show me that there are other people out there who think outside of a one-dimensional box. It is MY choice Mrs. T. MINE!!! NOT ANYONE ELSES! And most certainly not by a figure made by the cognitive mind of an animal.

One last thing before I leave, because this was bugging the hell out of me.

Well, you spent a few minutes with him....and I'm sure you don't give him a thought right now........in fact you could give two shits about him I'm guessing......but I am on my knees daily praying for him and many other kids that they will find the truth....and the love of the Christ Jesus that you choose make fun of. It pisses me off that you are considered more "cool" than someone who deeply cares. But I'm patient and persistent and know the truth always comes out.

So what does this make you? Really, really special that you are doing this? First of all, Bob IS cooler than you. Secondly, get a life. And thirdly, you make Bob sound like an uncaring son of a bitch, which is highly untrue. Another while we are on it. You have stereotyped all the people who do not believe in anything. I had taken offense to that. AND YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT! On another note, I really don't care at all how you take this. This is how I am feeling and so I guess you will just have to deal with it. And further more, I have grown tired of debating this because it will never end. So with that I bid you adieu.

Anthony
torpedotonyrules.com

P.S. Bob you freaking kick ass. Keep doing what you are doing!

Hi Bob

I cheered when Ma said "you try too hard to figure something out that can't be 'figured out'... You want God to make sense... well He doesn't! You want the supernatural to be natural. Well it isn't." and you replied "finally we agree on something: The only way to believe is to stop trying to figure it out, stop using common sense and put aside the laws of nature. The only way to accept it for all that it is is to no longer trust reality."

I've said many times that everyone knows xianity makes no sense. Even the xians themselves know it, they just don't care. They think "making sense" just isn't a priority. They believe god doesn't have to be logical, in fact they often act proud of the fact that god defies logic. This is what faith is all about. Faith gives you permission to take something that you know makes no sense and believe in it anyway.

I myself was an xian for 30 years, gradually becoming more disappointed by the inconsistencies, until finally I had to take a leap of un-faith and give myself permission to *stop* believing what I knew in my heart was fantasy.

By the way, I have a new website naturalhippie.com (not as good as yours but you might enjoy it).

Keep the un-faith,
Ralph J. Ball.

Well, my goodness! I didn't expect to see my last letters printed in your webpage because they weren't all that interesting , or silly, I didn't think. But I guess you thought it was pretty preposterous by your reply.

I know you count on letters to provide a place to voice your opinion. And if they didn't come in, you wouldn't have much of a page as you said yourself. And it looks like there will be no shortage of material for you to use.

You said that you are basing your belief on the truth. And I feel I am as well. Truth is ascertained by experience correct? And my faith in Jesus is based on my personal experience with His Holy Spirit, the many answers to prayer, the addictions I have been delivered from, and the joy in hearing Him"speak" to me. Yes, it is supernatural. Yes, it is mystical. But none the less a reality that I and and many others know. So for us, it is the truth and our life.

I am fifty five years old, soon to be fifty six; Not a young impressionable girl. The Lord has brought me through many hardships, and has given me unbelievable joy as well. If I went into detail about my interaction with Him you would have a "hayday" writing little jokes about it.....as you certainly would if I were to tell you of my interaction with satan, as there was a time that I was involved with "the craft"......so I am aware of his reality as well.

Yes I am a "fanatic" but only because He is the truth to me, and I'm excited about it. Have been for over thirty years. I guess about as long as you have been alive.

I am sorry, but just as you can't understand why people can't see your truth......I can't understand why they can't see mine.

Well I'll say goodbye for now.
Love "Ma" Thompson
thompsonstone@earthlink.net

I noticed that you didn't put up a couple of my letters. I thought the last one was nice and that it kind of explained that I respect the fact that we all come from different experiences and all have a right to believe however we want. That includes you and me. But I guess you only have so much room to fit letters in.

I have received quite a few e-mails from your fans, and some who aren't. And my "mom's musing" page has been busy! You are a pretty popular guy I guess. Well, in a different time and place we might have been friends as well. And, we may yet be, who knows.

Keep on challenging the Christians, we need it sometimes. We should be able to stand up for what we believe. Faith is difficult to explain, as it is believing in something you can't see, but that is what Christianity is all about. And in my case, I don't need faith to know Jesus any more because I know Him now. I need to "exercise" my faith now for things that look like they are impossible, but I know God will do. It is "believing before seeing". I guess another word for that is hope. And that is a nice gift you get from God too.

Well, Bob. My friend Anthony says that once you give someone their "own page" you are pretty much through with them. And it looks like that is the case, since I haven't heard back from you. But as one of your fans told me, it is a big job for you to single handedly maintain your webpage daily. So good luck with it. And may you find peace in whatever way you find it.

Love "Ma" Thompson
thompsonstone@earthlink.net

ps. And I'm still going to pray for you! :-p

Bob,

I just wanted to tell you one more time that I am still praying for you. Why? Because God does love you. I know you say that you don't believe that because you believe He doesn't exist and that I am a jerk for believing. I know you make a living saying those things, but I think that somewhere in your heart you want God to exist - because everyone does - because you really know He does.

When you make fun of people saying things like "tell me what else God transmits to you.....etc" Well you were making a joke, but God really does "speak" to many of us. And He is willing to "speak" to all who take time to get to know Him and learn how to listen. So you can joke about that all you want....but that doesn't change the fact that the Lord speaks to me and I don't have to prove that to anyone......but I do have to tell you of His love for you.......that is what He tells me. Not that He is going to strike you with lightening......but that His heart is breaking about what you say about Him and about what you are doing to try to turn so many away from Him.

And speaking of turning kids away from God. One of the kids I spoke to you about....that you told me to "stop teaching senslessness"to ...... came to NYC and made an appointment to see you last week. (I have a lovely picture of the two of you on my screen now that gives me inspiration to pray for you.)

Well, you spent a few minutes with him....and I'm sure you don't give him a thought right now........in fact you could give two shits about him I'm guessing......but I am on my knees daily praying for him and many other kids that they will find the truth....and the love of the Christ Jesus that you choose make fun of. It pisses me off that you are considered more "cool" than someone who deeply cares. But I'm patient and persistant and know the truth always comes out.

But, you know, "Everything satan intends for evil, God uses for good. "You see you can't win when you go against Him. The exposure you gave me by posting my letters (althouth you didn't post all of them did you? Was there too much truth in them?) Anyway, I got many letters myself as a result of that and I was able to spread God's love and truth to more than "my kids" Thankyou for the opportunity.

So again I say, I love you wit the love of the Lord, I'll keep praying for you as I pray for my other "kids".....

"Ma" Thompson
thompsonstone@earthlink.net

You've got me pegged. I don't give two shits about Anthony, there was too much truth to your emails therefore I refused to post them, and I think you're a jerk!! I'm a heartless, frightened user. The picture you've formulated of me in your head is as well thought out as the "love" you fake for me.

Would you believe me if I were to tell you that I was happy to meet Anthony? Is it so hard to fathom that I enjoy meeting people with similar beliefs? Why would I have scheduled anything with him if I didn't give a shit? Why would I have even responded to his email (or anyone's email for that matter) in the first place? I mean, our 15 minute chat was hardly enough for me to declare any valid kind of love for him, but I found him friendly, funny, and enthusiastic. I wouldn't mind at all meeting him again, and I told him so.

One of the things I talked about with Anthony was you and all the letters you sent me. I had actually written out responses to those letters but before I could send them you had already sent me another, and another.... and yet another. I couldn't keep up! I talked about that with Anthony too. I really enjoy your emails Ma. I know you're trying to get under my skin, you're frustrated that some of "your kids" listen to me more than you, and your persistence is admirable. I linked you up because I want people to talk with you. Share some of the load, you know? I don't mind you finding like-minded people through me what-so-ever. I'll even link you again! I like to deliver the full experience on my site.

And Ma, I don't think you're a jerk. My honest perception of you is someone who does care, fears everlasting hell fire for you and "your kids" and would never do anything to hurt or mislead them. I know that you believe the voice in your head is God and also that I am being fooled by Satan. This is why I invite you to pray for me Ma. Thousands and thousands of others out there are doing the same. They're bowing their heads and talking to themselves about me, thinking that a life form in another dimension is paying attention. I really don't mind.

You're not a jerk, you're just silly.
Bob

Bob,

I know I said one last time ...one last time ago....and for the life of me I don't know why I see the need to do this....It would be a lot less frustrating to just let it go. But just to acknowledge one or two things you said:

I'm sure you did enjoy Anthony , he is a great kid, very bright, clever and funny - probably alot like you were at his age. I just don't want to see him hurt.

I don't think I am trying to get under your skin....I think I am trying to help you , I' sorry you perceive it as some kind of trick.

I don't fear "hellfire" never did. In fact before I was "a believer", I used to jokingly say I wanted to go to hell to be with my friends. But I was never scared into believing in Jesus, I was loved into it.

And yes I am very frustrated that many more young people listen to you than to me. So much so that I am brought to tears thinking about it, as I am now.....but there are a few that do listen to me and more than to me, to the word of God and to His Holy Spirit. And as you say, the truth is the truth and it will be the only thing standing eventually.

I am happy that my own children have all come to individual relationships with Jesus in their own way and time. All I could do was plant seeds and set an example. My son is 40, my daughters : 38, 26,16 and one has been with the Lord since she was born 19 yrs ago.

So again I apologize if I offended you. I guess we can't do each other any good. So I'll say bye, for now. Maybe our paths will cross sometime. We can chat over a cup of coffee ! and yes, I will keep praying for you.

Love "Ma" Thompson
thompsonstone@earthlink.net

Ma, it's important to me that you understand why I'm doing what I do here. I also think that explaining myself might show why it is more young people listen to me instead of you.

The answers that I give them make sense. They are logical, non mystical, proven reasons that actually answer their very real inquiries. Being "loved into believing" almost sounds deceitful. People know that no amount of love can make fact out of fiction. It doesn't take long for them to realize that everything you say is only based on feelings and nothing more.

And all of this mentioning of "love" and the praying all of the time for everybody doesn't help your cause either. I've always felt that the minute you start taking credit for the "selfless deeds" they're no longer selfless.

If I were a Christian I'd let the prayers speak for themselves, and I'd never rub it in my subject's face or boast about it to my email acquaintances. Deep down inside I'd know that God's listening and in due time, when He sees fit, the prayers would be answered and my graciousness would be recognized... in heaven I guess.

But we all know I ain't a Christian, so hear me when I declare: I got double whatever love you got for everyone and for each prayer you pray for one kid I wish upon a star for ten.

Bob

Bob,

I was on my way upstairs with a load of laundry in my arms, and the Lord gave me such a thought that I had to put the laundry down and send this thought on to you, as it was about you.

Now, I hope I can word this in a way that you can't pick it apart and make too much fun of it, but even if you do. The truth is the truth.

It seems that right before God does something "big" - something that effects all of mankind - there is a "slaughter of the innocent". It is usually when satan wants to get rid of someone important that he knows God is "raising up" for a special purpose. ie: Moses / Joseph / and of course Jesus. He never knows exactly who it is,so he inspires mass murders to get rid of all or most of the likely candidates.

The reason I mention this is that is seems these days a "slaughter of the innocent" is taking place. Not only with suicides, and serial killings or enen at the hands of abortionists - in a physical death. But there is a death of spirit that seems to be grabbing our young people. I think there is a battle going on for the kid's souls, and I think that is the battle I am in. I think you are as well. Many of us "Christians" think that the younger generation is "the Joshuah generation" They are the ones that will be on fire for Jesus and help usher in "the end times" like Joshuah brought the people into the "promised land".

You may not even know it....actually I hope you aren't aware of it. But I believe satan us using you as one of his pawns to help lead to the deaths of the spirits of these kids. You can make a joke of it if you wish. But that letter of Anthony's cut to my heart. Not because of the words he said, but because that was just not Anthony. He hasn't got the heart to say those words as he did. I'm not saying he didn't write that. I know he did, but I think his desire to be in your good graces overrode the spark of life in his spirit, that I have seen in him and God is "fanning".

It is not only Anthony that I am concerned about. But the many impressionable kids who think you are "cool" and "follow" you. When I read their comments and see their photos..and some of them have written to me personally as a result of being on your site, I see - a slaughter of the innocent - Their young spirits are being shot down. As I said. I hope you do think it is a joke...I hope you are not purposly trying to lead these kids to destruction. Because than you as well have hope.

Now I don't get paid for writing to you...and I hate to argue about the existance of God. Actually, as far as I'm concerned..no one has ever proved to me He doesn't exist - because they can't. And believe me I really don't want to push the "send" button because I can just imagine what you will do with this...But I am hoping that you will heed it.

Well Bob. However you will take this - I said what I was told to say. And I hope you take it serioulsy. I'm not picking on you...there are many ways the kids are being "attacked" It is just that God seems to have put me in your "space" for some reason. I go to bat for the kids where ever I am.

I guess this letter could go either way..you could post it and cut it up. I did give you a lot of "material". Or you could ignore it and chuck it. But you have read it and I hope it helps you. Now, back to the laundry!

Chris
thompsonstone@earthlink.net

Wow. Wow Ma wow.

Ma, I am going to hold back on jokes for this particular letter. For one, it's too easy and predictable, but the other reason is because you reveal everything in this email, and showing what I mean makes this interesting enough without the jokes.

Have you ever considered the possibility that you are just a simple, regular lady, no different than any other lady you'd randomly point at in a crowd of regular ladies? Maybe that laundry basket paints a wonderful analogy of what your life has been and your longing to drop it for a larger more significant purpose? And maybe your struggle to find this purpose shows itself in the web page you update daily, your self-proclaimed role as mother to all of the children, and the battle you think you're in against me, Satan and the Slaughterers of the Innocent.

Ma, I relate to this ache for purpose and the temptation to think yourself greater and more powerful. It's another self indulgent trait that even the most devout, God fearing Christian succumbs to. We are a selfish, gluttonous race no matter how meek we claim or are told to be.

I know that I am just a guy. I'm extremely average looking and I'm sort of a computer nerd. My life is what I've made it and at present I am satisfied with how things are going. I'm lucky to have a creative outlet, and that it somehow pays my bills. I still hope to find love but am confident that as long as I stay in check with reality then I'll continue to grow, learn and succeed.

Ma, you have lost touch with reality. This is what happens when you submit to believing. I say "submit to believing" because it is a submission of logic & sense to fears of death, loneliness, purposelessness and insignificance. These are things that humans who don't believe have to deal with and conquer on their own during their lifetime. It's a difficult but rewarding struggle.

Belief is not something you can choose. True belief forces its way into your head and no matter how much you'd like to believe something different you cannot deny that which you truly believe. This is just fact. I say this about you and me and everyone else.

The battle you are in is in your head. The thoughts you have while carrying laundry are not put there by God. It is your brain trying to solve your beliefs ...and your life. And being a mother for the last 40 years with kids ranging from 16 to 40, finding yourself now craving purpose, this battle for the souls of the Joshua Generation sounds like just what the brain ordered.

Bob

Bob,

You have a cute picture of me...little old lady carrying the laundry basket in a boring hum drum life with two cats in the yard and a meatloaf in the oven. Well you can picture what you want. That isn't exactly it. But it might be nice to try sometime. (when the battle is over).

And if my brain manufactured all that I said..wow indeed, what a creative brain I have, huh!

I have not "lost touch with reality" this is reality. It just seems strange in a world that has been "upside down" for quite a while.....well maybe even forever. I do not fear death, I look forward to "going home". I can never be lonely with the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. In fact times alone give me precious moments with the Lord (and I can yell and swear at Satan out loud with no one around to think I have really flipped out. (now there you go. That's the best material I've given you yet, you could even draw a cartoon of me battling the devil in my kitchen...with a turkey baster or something!)

And you think I feel purposlessness, and insignificance..oh no no no! There is no child of God that is without purpose or insignificant. Many don't know their purpose or know they have one. But God created everyone, even you Bob, with a specific purpose in mind. I'm sure you were supposed to use your creativity for something that would built people up not tear them down. And to create something beautiful not ugly. And your wit to bring joy not ridicule.

And you still could do that. You know in your heart that you would feel better about yourself if you did. And you could. And you would have just as much fun. I know because I used to "get off" on insulting and shocking people too. And I wouldn't have thought I would enjoy life as a "Jesus Freak" But Low and behold! I do!

you know, I think your problem is you try too hard to figure something out that can't be "figured out"...You want God to make sense....well He doesn't! You want the supernatural to be natural. Well it isn't. So you mock it because you can't make God conform to your belief, or non-belief. See it's the other way around - you are supposed to conform to Him. And by "conform" I don't mean become a wind-up "religious clone" - God hates that too. And I may sound like that because I speak of things that are "a given" because there are certain "basics" that apply. But each person should be an individual with different boundaries depending on their maturity and what they can "handle"...Everything is ok for a Christian.....oops gotta run..going to the dentist! (another boring normal thing ya gotta do!) lol

I'll talk to you again soon, I'm sure. "Love" - "ma
thompsonstone@earthlink.net

Ma, there won't be any convincing me that this isn't all in your head. Yes, every person has a very creative brain, especially when it comes to overcoming one's fear.

I do NOT think that you feel purposeless. You have the "supernatural battle in the sky" going on in your brain to give you purpose. You are NOT lonely because you have a constant voice in your head keeping you company. What I am trying to explain is that without this contrived enemy (Satan), battle (for the souls of the Joshua Generation), hero (Jesus), best friend (The Holy spirit), puppet master (God) and chosen one (Ma Thompson) you would feel purposeless and insignificant. And feeling purposeless and insignificant is a humble and modest reality to accept. Accepting it helps one deal with reality and make something of one's self in the real world.

But it seems finally we agree on something: The only way to believe is to stop trying to figure it out, stop using common sense and put aside the laws of nature. The only way to accept it for all that it is is to no longer trust reality. This is what's necessary for belief... and this is where God fucked up.

God's biggest blunder was expecting human beings to live sane/productive lives with this initial set of ground rules: "To live outside of reality and logic." And God does not make mistakes, therefore He does not exist, and reality (as it turns out) is really what it appears to be and common sense is a valuable commodity (as it proves itself to be). And I believe you are a confirming testament to this.

It doesn't get any simpler that that.
Is there anything to discuss beyond this revelation?
I think not.

Bob