I Just Met David Barton; Gave Him a Copy of "Liars For Jesus"
Chris Rodda printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 01:48:09 AM EST
When I found out that David Barton was going to be appearing at a church about ten miles from me, I just couldn't resist going to see him in person. So, tonight I went to the Calvary Chapel in Old Bridge, NJ. I had brought along a copy of my book, Liars For Jesus: The Religious Right's Alternate Version of American History, hoping to get an opportunity to give it to Barton personally. I inscribed the copy of the book, much of which is devoted to debunking the lies in Barton's books and videos, "To the person who, more than anyone else, inspired me to write this book."

After Barton got done spewing his usual Christian nation crap, and telling the audience how important it is to vote "Christian," he took a seat near the side of the stage. As the band was playing a song to close the service, I figured it might be my only chance to approach Barton, so I did. One of my friends caught that with my video camera as she was walking out a door into the bookstore part of the church. I then went out to get my camera from my friend, and started to walk back in, but didn't get more than a foot or two past the door before being spotted by a formidable looking guy sitting behind Barton, who got up and came towards me, asking if there was anything he could help me with. I said no, to which he replied, "Anything I could pray for you about?" Looked like I wasn't getting back in, so I left.




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I Just Met David Barton; Gave Him a Copy of "Liars For Jesus" | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)
Barton (5.00 / 1)
Chris, do you think there's any chance Barton will even glance at your book? After he tried to give it back to you, he disrespectfully tossed aside without a second thought.

by jmrunning3 on Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 10:20:54 AM EST

Good on you, Chris! (5.00 / 1)
I bet he at least goes through it for references to himself.

Most of these folks are egomaniacs that are in it for the power trip as much as anything, imo. They psyche themselves into the idea that they are doing good as God's personal agents. This insulates them. Cults do the same mental gymnastics.

Your encounter reminded me of the short silent clip of Steve Hassan handing his book, "Releasing the Bonds" to John Travolta through a car window. Video here.

My guess is Travolta's accompanying Scientologist handler never let him read it, maybe Barton's ego will lead him to read it and he will reply but I'd be surprised if he did.

Thing is, these folks know they control minds. They don't really care that there are people who know they are full of it. They usually don't address something like your book unless they see many people paying close attention to it on a level that might take away some of their control/influence. Anyway, when you believe you are personally God's agent on the scene you don't normally feel a need to answer critics.


by Lou on Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 03:08:02 PM EST


David Barton (none / 0)
When people start questioning Barton about his points of view using this book he may indeed find he needs to 'debunk' "Liars for Jesus." That will be a good day indeed.

by Nightgaunt on Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 12:50:24 PM EST

Most compelling example of pearls before... (none / 0)

that I've ever seen!

Chris Rodda, please believe me when I say that you are one of my heroines.

Indeed, how telling that his Christian sensibilities couldn't persuade him to at least hold onto the book until you left. I'm sure you had to shower after coming the close to that lying swine.

by trog69 on Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 05:55:46 PM EST

David B. (none / 0)
While in Austin with Barton I watched last month as a table guest had a photo taken with him. He was in friendly confines and went along. Most of the places I saw him at he was wisked in by guards and taken from the audience without answering any questions.  I would love to ask him about the fact that the city of Lufkin sent out an apology letter for ever having him in to speak.

by wilkyjr on Mon Oct 27, 2008 at 02:53:33 PM EST
It looked like that big guy.. (none / 0)
...who was behind Barton was going to be sticking close to him, and all I was going to be able to do was quickly hand Barton the book. I really wanted to question him about some of the lies in the presentation I had just sat through, but that wasn't going to happen.

My friend who went with me to the church was absolutely amazed by how the audience was hanging on Barton's every word. I've seen enough videos of Barton events to know how brainwashed his audiences are, and how they eat up his lies, so I didn't really pay attention this, but it was interesting that this was the thing my friend picked up on more than anything else.

by Chris Rodda on Mon Oct 27, 2008 at 03:06:31 PM EST
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I Just Met David Barton; Gave Him a Copy of "Liars For Jesus" | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)

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