Is the subject of the Fandom that far away from TANC’s focus of study? Well, I guess not since there is a “Christian Furry” movement afoot. Actually, the movement has become prominent in the church. Perfect. A match made in heaven for sure.

Like church (Protestantism, in particular), most Furry participants don’t know what they have signed up for. Since most Protestants don’t even know what a Protestant is, the two are perfect for each other. Both put children at risk, and both make excuses for the evil they produce. But, of course, what possible connection could there be between what we read in the papers and Martin Luther saying,

“If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong (sin boldly), but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2 Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign.”

A question: would you hire a person with such a worldview to oversee your church security? When people ask me, “Paul, where is justice in the church?” I will often answer, “Martin Luther said there isn’t any justice in this world to begin with.”

Both decry how they are “painted with a broad brush because of a few bad apples.” Meanwhile, children are acceptable collateral damage and less important than reputation. Both of these cultural movements claim the ideology that created them has no bearing on present behavior. The church may have a better argument than the Fandom, but in light of the headlines the church is trying to overcome, the embracing of a movement like the Fandom is stunning. No, no, church isn’t enough of a hot mess; by all means add the Fandom. No additional baggage there at all.

As will be documented in Fake Fandom, the Fandom began as a sexual revolution using anthropomorphic art as a bridge over cultural barriers. The Fandom was, and still is, a counterculture sex cult. Additionally, anthropomorphism and the manga form of Anime art is used to get around child pornography laws. In all, the Fandom is a perfect genre for child grooming.

As explained in the book, all movements will have those along for the ride who don’t understand the dynamics of countercultures, subcultures, sects, and cults, and how core ideology drives any given movement. Yes, some involved in the Fandom, perhaps many, are hobby enthusiasts and unwitting participants. That is a common dynamic of all movements whether religious, political, or anti-humanity.

What does the ready acceptance of the Fandom into church say about church leadership? Typical lack of discernment? Indifference? In what reality would a person with ill intent not see an opportunity with such a program centered around children in the church where ignorant trust knows no bounds? Imagine such a program being considered by dopy people with a silly grin and glassed-over eyes saying in a small, still voice, “We are all just sinners saved by grace” as the wolf inside the wolf suit licks his chops. Yes, one furry, whose persona is a wolf, attacked me for dissing his Furry program at a local church and the “rich fellowship” it creates with children. May I venture to ask if anyone is dressing up in a lamb suit?

Of course, the defense will be made regarding the good works the Fandom does for charity and not everyone in the movement is a pervert. Church has a better defense for itself in that regard, at least theoretically, while we wait for the headlines about child abuse to at least slow down.

Finally, church has an opportunity to demonstrate that it has “learned from unfortunate events” by banning the Fandom. It’s a grand opportunity to show that it is security conscious and a movement like the Fandom poses too much risk. Until the church proves it can keep children safe, it doesn’t need to add a movement with the same problem.

paul