Edgy Jesus

Back in May, The Stranger published an article about this hipster church in Seattle, Mars Hill, that focused primarily on its homophobia.   Last week Salon weighed in with a lengthier and more substantial piece that detailed both its astonishing growth and the intent of the congregants to breed their way to power, something more easily accomplished if you relgate woman to a deferential place in the family/insular community. 

The story is fascinating but pretty chilling since this is happening in "progressive" Seattle.  My brother even brought it up when I was talking with him this weekend in nearly the same tones I hear him (he's a sociologist) discuss moral panics or cults.

Today, Ariel shares her first hand experience attending a Mars Hill with some of her female friends.  I believe a cold shower was required after the service.

Comments

[Mojo]

yeah, that place is creepy. matt's roommate goes there.

[brian]

Their pod-like housing organization (one of the key church elders is a big real estate mogul) reminds me of Peoples Temple in Redwood Valley. There’s definitely a cult-like insularity (although many sociologists would prefer the less value-laden term “New Religious Movement” over “cult”).