ASU
So what has happened? Had two showings of Bob Smith USA, one on Friday
and one yesterday, and in total probably had a good 60 or more people
who came. And discussions after each one which is always interesting.
The best thing about showing the movie this time is all these new
people seeing it who know nothing about me, the site or anything.
People just seeing it without knowing what they're getting themselves
into and then hearing their thoughts. Because a lot of those who're
showing up are students who just wanted to come to a movie, some who
have assignments to attend an event such as this and to write about it,
and others who heard about it from the Group somehow. Getting it out
there is the best.
There will be
another showing of Bob Smith USA tomorrow (Monday the 6th) at
9:30 at the Counter Culture Cafe (The NW corner of 24th St and the
McDowell Rd. Admission is free). So if you're around and wanted
to see it (or me) you still have a chance!
Yesterday was the party they threw for me, and it was fun. I got drunk.
And the next few days are going to be me going out with the members and
distributing GOD IS FAKEs at a table they have here on campus during
school hours. I'm thinkin' that Monday I'm just going to feel out the
situation and then Tuesday I'll dress up and see what happens.
And there'll be pictures taken, and possibly even film shot!
There will be more pictures to come and I'll have more to write about
when this trip is complete. But for now I feel inspired to go out and
enjoy the nice weather and see what all is going on on a Sunday in the
ASU neighborhood.
Now here's an email from a student of ASU that I met.
Hi Bob!
I had a little insomnia and I decided that I should write you
that fanmail I promised. For those of you reading this (and I
understand that nobody reads the fanmail), I'm Todd. I'm one of the
people responsible for bringing Bob to Arizona last week. You can send
me your thanks (and naked photos, for all you ladies) if you wish.
Anyhow, Bob, I was going to say a little about how I came to find your
site, and my journey to enlightenment. I was raised a Catholic,
although my family was never really that committed to it. We all
thought "There's no reason we should listen to this church's 'rules'
about God! We'll worship in our own way!" Yeah, kinda shallow, I know.
Nevertheless, I believed with all my heart. I read the Bible, took
communion, and prayed. I sincerely believed that I would be going to
Heaven, and all those poor sinners...well, I thought the Molten Lava
Swim Club might get a few new recruits. But around twelve, I went
through some pretty rough times. And I prayed my butt off, but you know
what? Nothing happened! The Bible says, "Ask and ye shall receive." So,
since I didn't receive, I lost my faith.
Shallow, right? You aren't the only one saying that. After about a year
of not believing, I said "This is immature. God can't be expected to be
held to my beck and call!" So I went back. It was around this time that
I discovered Jesus Dress Up. My mother had heard about it on the radio,
and she asked me (being the computer-savvy person of the family) to
look it up. Lo and Behold, the brilliant creation appeared on our
screen! We laughed, and I sincerely believed that Jesus loved the site.
Of course, like all shallow things, my re-conversion washed away, and I
became an agnostic/ Buddhist/ Wiccan/ loser. I lived like that for a
couple years, being content with my fence-sitting. It was around then
that I remembered Jesus Dress-Up... and I went back. And I noticed that
there was a link to what appeared to be a main site...and so I went.
And, to steal a line from "Amazing Grace," I was blind, but oh how I
saw! I saw God eating Balls, I saw Mel Gibson take it on the chin(figuratively), I saw Jesus with a nose bleed, I saw attractive teenage
girls in schoolgirl outfits! And I saw the hate mail. Oh, the hate
mail. I read it, and your replies made me think, Bob. They made me
really think about my beliefs for the very first time. Do you know what
I said? "Why am I on the fence about this nonsense?! Look at the
believers! They spell poorly, argue horribly, and seem to be unable to
keep their noses out of other people's business!" And I saw you argue
how God didn't exist, and how it was all a human creation...and it made
sense. In a way divinity never had to me. So I thought long and hard,
and in the end, I arrived at atheism.
And how has my life been since? Better! I'm more confident, more
courageous, and, I'd like to believe, more intelligent for it! Girls
are paying more attention to me now, which is something I had wished
for throughout the entirety of my adolescence. Because I can now
vocally challenge campus preachers, I've achieved a level of fame (or
infamy, I'm not sure) at school I'd only dreamed of before. And, in a
way, it's all because of you, Bob! So I'd like to thank you. Thank you
for inspiring me, and thank you for lifting the shroud of belief from
my eyes. I'll be reading your site well into the future, so keep up the
funny!
Todd Muse |
| “are
you so sick that you actually find it funny someone was tortured and
executed?” |
I think you're disgusting and offensive. so, explain to me what problem
you have with christianity and enlighten me as to why jesus' (or indeed
anyones) crucifixion should be mocked. are you so sick that you
actually find it funny someone was tortured and executed?
Agnes
lover_of_the_blondhaired_elf@hotmail.com
|
What's so funny is that it's a crucifixion that was
organized by his dad! And then, not only that but he died, and then he
came back to life! And not only that, but when he came back to life,
then he flew into the sky on a chariot made of clouds up into the
heavens for the rest of eternity to judge us for laughing at his shitty
weekend.
That's what's so funny about Jesus' crucifixion, Agnes.
Bob |
|
| “...Anyway, I thought I'd end this since it looked
like you didn't really want to talk. But like I said, I could be wrong.
Like, I may be able to give you answers like this. It's
interesting how many Christians are today like the ones that may have
cussed you out. Some of us are like Jesus' enemies back
then. They were the religious...” |
Dear Mr.Smith,
Well, I read some more of your stuff and I got the
impression that you wouldn't like to write..but I could be
wrong. And I'd like to apologize for Christians if they've cussed
you out or something. Since the Christian still has the
flesh to him we still have the capacity to sin and we
sometimes-probably more often or than not-we respond to some things
with our flesh. I'm not innocent of that either. Anyway, I
thought I'd end this since it looked like you didn't really want to
talk. But like I said, I could be wrong. Like, I may be able to give
you answers like this. It's interesting how many Christians
are today like the ones that may have cussed you out. Some of us
are like Jesus' enemies back then. They were the religious
hypocrites that Jesus used to get on their case. Now it's like we
follow Jesus or we say we do but we act like His enemies back
then. We can be hypocrites and all that. But it shouldn't
keep you from accepting Him. Jesus is still Jesus. I kinda
think it's a sign of the times. But anyway, yeah, write me if you
want. Peace
M.D. Combrink
|
Hmm, well, I'm deciding right now if I'd really like to
talk with you, and I can honestly say that I'm not sure if it would
work out (us talking and all). I mean I read what you said and I
appreciate what you're saying but I have to admit that after reading
this email from you I'm not totally positive that you're the person who
I'm thinkin' I want to be spending a lot of time writing back and forth
with about something that I'm not even sure what the topic is about. I
dunno, I think I'll probably just stop writing now and just end this
email because I'm thinkin'
now that I've gone on long enough with this letter and maybe going on a
bit too long after I say that I'm gonna stop writing. Thanks for
apologizing for all the emails other people have sent me. That really
helps, and it's really cool of you to go out of your way to apologize
for them. I'm sure they'd appreciate what you're doing for them. People
can be such hypocrites sometimes, but then again there are some people
who aren't and you can't just say that all people are hypocrits
but you can say "some" and be pretty safe. You know what I mean?
So yeah, it's time to stop this response to your letter now
because I have definitely gone on too long now after saying I was gonna
stop like ten sentences ago. So here I go. I'm gonna end the
email. All right? Are you ready? I'm gonna do it. I think it's
just a sign of the times. Jesus is Jesus. People can be wrong
sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes. Anyway, yeah, so that's it. If you
wanna respond you can, but if not then you don't have to. But you know,
if you don't wanna, but still do that'll be ok to. Just don't not
respond and then send me a response, because that'll confuse me and
well ok, I'm done then. All right? Ok.' Peace.
Bob
|
|
| “I
know that one has the right to say or portray what they think, but only
to a certain extent.” |
To Bob Smith:
I can't help but feel offended seeing your
website. As a Christian, I completely disagree with the way you have
carelessly portrayed Jesus Chist as some paper doll to be made fun
of. Say what you want about my letter of complaint, but please do
not mock my belief. I know that one has the right to say or portray
what they think, but only to a certain extent. When it hurts or offends
someone, it should stop. I would greatly appreciate it if you
discontinued this site. I hope you understand how I feel.
Sincerely,
Ardis Ng
|
You raise a very good point. What if an idea does hurt or
offend someone? Should that idea be allowed? Or perhaps we should
prohibit any ideas that offend somebody else. Is that what you're
suggesting? It's an interesting proposal. Please give me more of an
explanation of what you have in mind. It seems like an exciting idea!
Bob |
|
| “i just wanna say good job on the graphic skills... but” |
hi there bob, i just wanna say good job on the graphic skills... but
something like this may offend a lot of people, like myself. well, i
dont wanna be a nag but hopefully u will take this into consideration.
take it easy, God bless!
Richard W |
Honestly, I'm not sure if it would. I think that it could
easily go up to debate whether or not there's anything specifically
offensive about it. Like you, I too am not sure what the response will
be. I guess I'll just sit back and see. And of course if there's even
just one person who doesn't like it I'll take it down immediately. I
mean, I'm an artist. It's my job to conform to everyone's opinion.
Bob |
|
| “just
sit back relax and open your mind to the
possibility that Jesus was really the son of God” |
I just ran across your site and well i know I am not the first
guy to send you an E Mail. I hope you take just a minute and read this!
I could type scripture but i am sure that's been done, i could
tell you how bad this is and how you will wind up in hell, or i could
simply say Jesus loves you but i am sure you have heard it all.
So what do i say do i just mind my own business? well i wish it was
that easy. If i could speak to you in person i would simply just ask if
even for a moment to just sit back relax and open your mind to the
possibility that Jesus was really the son of God and he came to this
world for you. And just once ask God if you are real i need you to
reveal yourself to me now. And i assure you with an open mind and heart
you will be surprised what God will reveal to you it may or may not be
instantaneous but it will happen. Anyway at this point your either
laughing, pissed off or you may think who in the hell does this guy
think he is with his self righteous attitude, but the truth is i am no
better than you and i realize that and Jesus has revealed himself to me
and made my right before God.not because i am worthy but because he is
worthy. Anyway Have a good day
Wendle
|
I like your approach. I have to admit, you really
put out a reasonable request, to just sit back, relax, and with an open
mind and heart let God reveal himself to me, slowly, and over any
undetermined amount of time, by just letting his coded messages of
ambiguous symbols come at me throughout the days, weeks and even years
to come. Very good.
Okay, deep breath, and let it all out. *Sigh* I am relaxed. "Okay God,
are you real? If the answer is yes, show me that you're there."
Ahhhhhh, so relaxed.
Okay, nothin' yet. But maybe it just takes God a little time to show
himself. Let me get back to you in a few, okay?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
20 minutes later...
Okay, still totally relaxed and lookin' for clues. "Hey God, you there?
I'm waitin'! But take you're time."
Ooh! A squirrel out the window! Could it be? Is it? Still too soon to
tell. Let it ride. We'll see.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2 and a half hours later.
Guess what. I found a penny! A shiny new penny just laying on the
sidewalk! And you know what I did? I picked it up and put it in my
pocket! Sign from God? Who can say? All I know is I got a penny, for
free!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
4 days later...
Hey, don't think I've forgotten that little deal I made with God! I'm
still keepin' watch. Today I heard a lady walkin' by me say "Jesus
Christ" while she was on her cell phone! Do you suppose? Maybe that's
the sign? I mean, how often does that happen? Or maybe his message to
me was in yesterday's episode of "Beauty and the Geek?" and I missed
it? Maybe? Maybe not? I'm still lookin! Don't you worry!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
44 days later...
Got a phone call today! It was the wrong number. But the lady asked for
John. Isn't that a book in the Bible? Freaky, right? Do you suppose???
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
3 and a half years later...
GUESS WHAT! Today I tried to start up my car and it wouldn't start.
Then I said, "God help me." And I turned the key, and it didn't start,
then I said "GOD DAMMIT!" and it started! The engine turned over and it
started!!! I was like, "This is it! This is the answer to that prayer 3
years ago!!!!!!!" Then it konked out again a couple hours later and
found out I need a new transmission. But still!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
11 years, 5 months later...
Okay, um, I think 11 and a half years is more than enough time for God
to whisper in my ear "I'm for real" or drop a post-a-note from the sky
or whatever. I got a life to live! Can I quit with the relaxed brain
and completely open mind now? I have decisions to make and things I
have to think about. Is that all right? What the hell was the sign he
gave you? Angel at the foot of the bed? Floating utensils? Bleeding
walls? Maybe I missed it? Christ, I wish I would have asked you that 11
years ago! Haha! Oh well.
Bob
|
| “what if all that you heard about Jesus is true?
that's really gonna suck on your part come judgement day!” |
I stumbled on your site last week. I am the guy that just told you to
sit back and relax and ask God to reveal himself, yea that Guy. Anyway
i spent some time on your site and realized i should be thankful that
you even responded. But do you classify me as hate mail or fan mail?
Can i just ask 1 serious question and i promise i will try to
leave you alone (TRY) why do you hate Jesus or should i say
doubt? what if all that you heard about Jesus is true? that's really
gonna suck on your part come judgement day! You have the mind of a
genius very creative and talented but there is a little kink in
your wiring somewhere. I know all this stuff seems funny and even
i can see the humor with a carnal mind, but dude you really,
really, really need Jesus come on don't sell out to the Devil
like this or maybe the thought of hell just doesn't bother you some
people think hell is going to be this eternal party but it's no party.
I really don't know why, but I feel passionate about talking to you
(Not passionate in a gay way). I'm not sure if anything i or anybody
else could write to you could change your mind but hey what the heck i
will give it a shot! Keep living, keep smiling and yes you know
who Loves you! Your friend whether you like it or
not.
Jesus = :) Satan = :(
Wendle
|
So the one question you have for me is "What if it's all
true?" Like, what if Jesus really did walk on water just like the Greek
god Poseidon did hundreds of years before Jesus. What if Jesus turned
water into wine just like Dionysus did hundreds of years before Jesus.
What if He flew into heaven on a chariot of clouds like Superman, hung
on the cross and rose from the dead. What if all the stories are true
about the talking snake in the garden, the talking donkey, the 900 year
old people, the 3 story tall giants, the Great Earth Flood with every
single animal on board who all distributed themselves accordingly
around the world to their proper habitat after the ark landed. What if
that's all true? Is that what you're asking me? Do you hear what
you're saying??
And you're asking me to sit back and try to imagine a heaven while my
loved ones possibly go to hell but I still enjoy paradise in heaven,
while they burn for eternity? Enjoy a paradise where anyone has to burn
forever?!??! Are you actually a being that can sit back and relax in a
paradise while others burn forever?!?!??! The God you worship set up
such a horrible scenario? Puh-leeze.
It doesn't take a scholar to see that the whole thing made up by people
who wanted paradise and revenge. What if it's all true? It can't be.
You know why? Because there is no paradise while my brother burns. And
if there is one for you, then you need to have your head examined.
You are a pawn to a lie that offers you revenge and eternal paradise
for the heroic deed of believing stories without question. You should
be so proud.
Religion = :(
Bob |
|
| “...fiendish plot to ridicularize the Christianity!” |
You !@#$&@*! filthy little bastard son of a whore, try a little
respect and take this disgusting site off the internet or you're gonna
meet a hard end before you think, do you understand? I know it's not
simply a joke, but a small part of a fiendish plot to ridicularize the
Christianity, but one thing you are not considering is that it's easier
to track you down than you think, asshole... Watch your steps!
Ricardo Salgado
ricksalted@hotmail.com
|
I've been getting mindless, cowardly threats like this
one for over 5
years, and you're no different than the rest. Either grow some balls,
come here and face me, or shut your fuckin' trap. It's old and
pathetic, your empty words. As empty as your beliefs.
Kudos, however, for "ridicularize." Very nice.
Bob |
|
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All opinions, writings, illustrations & designs are that of Normal Bob Smith (C) 2000 - 2008
Email bob@normalbobsmith.com. Received emails may be displayed publicly.
NORMAL BOB SMITH DESIGN NEW YORK |
|
