Nothing has changed in the 11 years since I wrote my last column for this newspaper. The world had a glaring dual standard then, and that dual standard has only grown more pronounced.

ABC premiered a new show called GCB this month. The show first was called Good Christian B****** (rhymes with witches), later changed to Good Christian Belles, then to GCB.

It is nothing more than playground bullying of people of the Christian faith through the “entertaining” portrayals of Christian caricatures.

That’s not really my issue, though. Heaven knows, many of us wearing the name of Christ give our antagonists plenty of ammunition. Mine pertains to the blatant hypocrisy of the people who take pleasure in such things but cry foul — to understate it — if they are ever on the receiving end.

I am a firm believer, though, in free speech. When I used to tackle controversial issues in my award-winning 10-year run as a columnist with these papers, I expected backlash, and my expectations were fulfilled. In time, however, the content changed from disagreement with my ideas to questioning my being allowed to write for the papers.

And for my Christian friends, remember we have been warned. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great?” (Matthew 5:11-12)

So in truth, I support ABC’s right to make what it wants. Market forces will determine the longevity of this show. Still, in our craziest moment could we imagine any network producing a sitcom targeting lesbians or Muslims called “GLB” or “GMB?”

Bill Cripe

Waterville


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