This page is set aside for allowing the right Reverend to answer questions and comments that have come in to us via e-mail. Any mail that is sent to us may end up on this page, although we will remove the e-mail address so as to protect the guilty and misled (unless we are specifically asked to keep the e-mail address as part of the message). The mail may also be modified in order to save space or clarify an idea, but the original intent of the author will be retained. So sit back and prepare to be enlightened by the Reverend - you just might learn a thing or two.

Date: 22 Nov 1995 / From: Janne Salmi

[...] It is a great pleasure to announce that you, honorable Reverend, have been inducted in the personal bookmarks file on my humble-yet-simple home page. May this be of assurance, that the road to achieving fame on the WWW is rocky, and sometimes you might feel like you've been left on your own, like the rocks on the road, umm, where was I?

Anyway, nice to see you're still alive and pickin' (nits). I somehow lost my interest in r.m.christian but brothers, I have come back! I bring greetings from the Zogian Church of Funk, and if you want to receive the greetings, you may put yer handzen the air, and wav'em like ya jus' don' care.

The Ircer Formerly Known as Nightfly

My humblest greetings to the great brothers of the Zogian Church of Funk, our brethren from overseas. Rest assured that I appreciate your bookmarking, and will strain to achieve the high quality of scholarship and presentation that goes along with this honour. I can understand your frustration with the r.m.c bretheren, for there are many that are being led astray in these dark times. Know that I am there, fighting for their minds against the dark side - attempting to keep them from walking down the wide and easy path. (Note from the Editors: For those of you interested in Reverend Phool's ministry on rec.music.christian, read the newsgroup and look for his posts. Click here to check the newsgroup out right now.) It is true that sometimes I feel tossed and thrown about by the waves of the sea that is our decaying church culture, especially when attacked by so-called "Christians" for my stand for what is true and holy, but I rebuke them as Christ did to Satan and hold on to what is pure and good.

Date:1 Dec 1995 / From:Korinn Petersen

Dear Reverend Phool

There is a question that has been plaguing my mind for a long time now, and I was wondering if the great Rev. Phool could see his way clear to answer me a question or two.

I would like to know if because I listen to loud raucous music, have had blue hair and am thinking about bleaching my hair and dying it some strange color (maybe pink or orange), and I wear german army pants and combat boots sometimes, and I really want a pair of white or purple vinyl pants, if I am going to go to hell. (Hows that for the mother of all run on sentences?) Since I obviously could not be a true born again, God fearing christian! I am looking for the wisdom of the great Rev. Phool here.

A Poor Questioning Soul seeking the comfort of Rev. Phool's words,
MorellasF

My dearest Korinn --
Thank you so much for your question. I can see through the somewhat bitter tone evident in your mail, that you are indeed honestly seeking the Truth and the face of God. I can see that you know what is good and right in the eyes of God, and that your hair, clothes, and music are not of God and are hindering your ability to be in communion with Him. I can tell that you are holding on to these things because you like them, but if you look deep inside yourself, you will see that these things are only hurting you and your special relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Korinn, this may be hard, but it is up to you as an individual, with God's help, to turn your wayward and prodigal life over to Him. Let His love, the most perfect thing of all, embrace you and help you to get over your evil desires. I pray that you will be able to see the error in your ways, and come around to a full knowledge of God and what His desire for your life is. Be assured that you and your situation are in my prayers.

P.S. Phool--which of those pictures do you look like now?

From the Editors: The good Reverend does not run nor moderate this web site. We, his followers, have created this site as an electronic way of passing on his teachings and knowledge. We forward your letters to the Reverend, and he writes a reply and returns it to us, which we then put on the net. We ourselves have never seen the Reverend, but have merely traded mail and phone calls with him. Whenever we get more information on Reverend Phool, we will be sure to make it available on this web site.

Date:11 Jan 1996 / From:Kevin Hawthorne
Subject:I can't wait!

I want more Reverend Phool's "Come on Down!" Good-Times Tabernacle of Luv! What's taking so long? What could be more important than creating a website for MY spiritual edification?

From the Editors: As explained above, Reverend Phool does not do the work on this site. We understand and share your desire for more honest and truthful spiritual information on the net, and we are working on creating a site that will be able to be "all things to all people" so that all may be informed and come to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This process is a time-consuming one, however, particularly since we are so active in other ministries. We appreciate your interest and concern, and look forward to any future comments and thoughts you might have.

A question: What is the Reverend doing with that ax? I was inspired to do an exhaustive inductive chain-reference thematic Bible study on axes, knowing that surely he must have some spiritual motive for carrying it around. I was shocked to find that axes are used to kill a lot of people in the Old Testament. Now, I know it's in the Bible and all, but I sure hope Reverend Phool hasn't gone and done something rash! I'd prefer to think he's involved in some prophetic performative allegory of Matthew 3:10. Surely the Reverend is not doing something so unspiritual as chopping firewood -- I refuse to believe it!

Kevin Hawthorne
The University of *******
Department of Classical Languages and Literatures

From the Editors: I'm sorry that at this time we can't answer your question. We received the pictures from a person who claimed to be a follower (as stated on the "Reverend Search" page), so we can not verify the authenticity of the pictures. We asked the Reverend about any involvement with axes and how he viewed them, and the following is what he had to say...

Kevin --
The axe is indeed a confusing subject. I can see why someone searching the Bible for the first time on the subject of axes might come away with a clouded mind on the whole topic. I will have to admit that I have used an axe in my lifetime - not to destroy life, however, but to bring life. This is not a light issue, Kevin, and axes should be handled with extreme spiritual care as in the wrong hands they are indeed a tool of the devil. I would suggest that you not become involved with them until you have done a more indepth Bible study and have prayed and fasted over the issue. An idle mind is the workshop of the devil, after all. I notice that you also share an interest in classical languages and literature. I pray that your involvement with these things does not sour your walk with the Lord, for the devil is strong in these areas. Too much interest in these things can turn you from the true path and put you into the realm of academia's mind. Do not be fooled by their suggestions, but stand fast in your faith and fight off the attacks of the wicked one. I can tell from the way you state your question that you are on the right path and have the right mindset, but in your situation, you are surrounded on all sides by the enemy. I will be praying that the Lord will protect your thoughts from the evil influence of the dark one as you traverse your chosen path of the academic world.

Date:20 Mar 96 / From: Tanner Jones
Subject:Christian music

To whom it may concern-

Look, I don't know what you have against Christian rock music, but I am asking you to STOP TEARING IT DOWN! I will admit that there are a FEW Christian bands that are out there that I don't know about, therefore I will not comment about them, for I am clueless.

My dearest Tanner--
I am going to go through and reply to your letter part by part. I can see the anger and venom that flows in your veins as you attempt to illogically defend this perversion called "Christian music," and to tell you truth it breaks my heart. But I do not blame you for the way you lash out at those of us who speak the truth in love, for you are being blinded by the prince of this world - but by continuing to speak the truth in love I hope to open your mudcaked eyes to the most perfect Light. I can see that you are open to the truth, however, since you admit that you are clueless. But would you ask God not to tear down the walls of Jericho? Would you ask God to not tear down the sins that seperate us from His most holy love? I don't think so. And neither should you ask me to stop tearing down this evil parading itself in sheep's clothing.

One thing I do know is that if it is bad music, then guess what! ITS NOT CHRISTIAN MUSIC! Christian music is meant to uplift God and is inspired by God. I can say with confidence that I have heard of most the Christian groups out there, and there has been nothing wrong with them. The lyrics are clean, and do uplift God. Petra, DC Talk, Newsboys, Sixpence NTR, Dakoda Motor Company, and many, many, many others are here to witness through their music because God has called them to use their gifts that he has given them in this way.

You speak the truth when you say that "if it is bad music, then [...] ITS NOT CHRISTIAN MUSIC!" and that "Christian music is meant to uplift God and is inspired by God." It is refreshing to hear such a correct perspective on the issue - there are many that do not even get this point correct. But your defense of the bands that you like does not hold water quite as well. "The lyrics are clean, and do uplift God" is a questionable statement at best. Witnessing through their music? Using their gifts as God has called them? My friend, your intense desire to defend these bands is honorable, but it is misplaced. Read on, and I will explain why.

The only thing you are doing is trying to tear them down! I don't understand why. Sure, the music is loud, and the concerts are rowdy, but who are you to say that because of this they are evil? There is nothing wrong with loud music and getting excited at concerts!!!

Tanner, Tanner. God is a God of order and peace, not chaos and "rowdiness." You have absolutely no leg to stand on in trying to defend the music in this way. I tear them down because they are an abomination in the church, a subtle attack by satan to lead our youth away from the straight and narrow path and into the world. I will not stand for the devil's lies and his deception - I call it as I see it, and I fight for the lives and very souls of our youth! What is Christian about the name "Dakoda Motor Company"? What about names such as "Mortification" or "Sacred Warrior"? These things are violent and angry. And have you seen their album covers? We are supposed to be "not of this world" - and yet these people seek to look and act just like those around them. This can not be justified. The followers of "Christian" rock are trying to be holy and of the world at the same time. Jesus said "You can not serve two masters." Choose this day whom you will serve.

Don't get me wrong, I will be the first to say that the excitement should be contained at concerts, but as far as judging Christian music, it should only be judged on the lyrics. This is why I'm glad that most have the lyrics to go with their albums. If you have a problem with one bands lyrics, then yes, it should be addressed, but you are tearing it all down!

It should be judged only on the lyrics? Surely you do not really believe this statement. Can you wash your hands with dirty soap? Can you pour clean water into a filthy vessel and have the water stay clean? Of course not! So it is with "Christian" rock - even "Christian" lyrics (which is questionable anyway) can not make this perversion okay. Let's take one example from one of the bands you mentioned - Sixpence None the Richer (who claims to have taken their name from C. S. Lewis - yes, I really do research what I talk about). Beyond the fact that their lyrics are dark and questioning, in one song they say "I can not speak in toungues, and even if I could it would not matter." It would not matter? Tounges do not matter? Try telling that to God, the apostles, and the writers of the New Testament. Believe me, this is just one of many examples, and a more tame one at that.

I don't know if your'e a Christian or not, but if you are, then the bible says that we are supposed to lift eachother up! Please Write back to me. I would like to see where you stand and why.

Love in Christ,
Tanner

Yes, Tanner, we are supposed to lift each other up. (As a sidenote, do you find it uplifting to question my Christianity?) We are also supposed to stand fast for the faith and defend the Truth. I am not going to back down just because someone has their feelings hurt. Better that their feelings get hurt and they learn the Truth, than being nice and condemning their souls. I am lifting them up by pointing out the problems they have - in love and with great concern for their lives. Putting them through the fire to burn away the chaff so that only the good remains - the Truth that is the same yesterday, today, and - yes - forever.

Date:21 Mar 96 / From: Pat & Celia Nicolello
Subject: insane

truly insane!

The wisdom of God is foolishness to the wise of this world. God has chosen the foolish things to confound the wise. Paul, one of the greatest apostles, wrote these things while under God's inspiration. I will take your comment as a compliment. "If any among you think yourselves wise in this world, let him become a fool so that he may truly be wise." I Cor. 3:18

Date:21 Mar 1996 / From: Pentium Lab
Subject: Good job, my friend!

Just wanted to say, "job well done" on your page. It's looking quite spiffy. I especially liked your concert dates page. I feel informed now.

Joe

Note from the Editors: Thank you for taking a look at our page, Joe. We're glad that you were able to get more informed from it. Our goal is to inform the masses that ride the "superhighway of information" of the truth that is there for all of us to see if we only will open our eyes. Please share our location and information with friends, so that together we can bring Jesus Christ back to the forefront of the church and our quickly corrupting culture.

Date:22 Mar 96 / From: Mickey
Subject: Your web page

Just a quick comment. I have seen most of the bands you say are unGodly and I think that all are excellent models of Christianity. I think they have found a ministry that suits them and reaches a lot of people. I will note that I have not seen all the bands you mentioned and as such do not discount your sayings. Please note that this is just my opinion.

D.J.

My friend Mickey (or D.J.) --
I really do appreciate the sincerety and humbleness with which you present your opinions and feelings. I have already written some things about the topics you bring up in answering a previous letter. Let me just add that I have researched and seen some of the bands that represent so-called "Christian" rock. I have had discussions with highly intelligent and researched people, and have read many books on the topic. I am sure that you believe that they are ministering and that they are good Christians, but if you would only step back from your current location and look at it through the eyes of God, you would see how untrue what you are saying is. I don't expect you to believe me, but hopefully you will pray to God to reveal the Truth to you and to free you from the blinders that are hindering you from seeing the reality of the situation. Then you will more fully understand the dire emergency the church finds itself in against this musical abomination.

Date:29 Mar 1996 / From: David Mark Das
Subject:your Reverend Phool pages

Could I just ask exactly what you are trying to accomplish on your Web page? The one page that is finished (tour dates) says a whole lot of condemning things about some "Christian" groups but doesn't give us the slightest bit of information on why you believe they are questionable, nor any Scriptural support for your views.

From the Editors: We hope our pages will have several accomplishments. First, we hope that this will provide the truth to persons on the computer network. This is in the area of music specifically, but also in many other areas. Second, we hope to help cause revival in the land, and stop the secular humanism and heathenism that is creeping into the church. Third, we hope to help others to take a stand for the truth by giving them information and ammunition for the battle. We apologize for the lack of completeness of our pages, but we are involved in many more ministries than just the computer web pages. Rest assured that the page entitled '"Christian Rock" Crock' will more than adequately answer your questions about why "Christian" rock is unacceptable, irreverent, and perhaps even outright blasphemous. We have not finished the '"Christian Rock" Crock' page yet, but we decided to go ahead and provide the information on the concerts, as we feel this is an important and pressing issue for the church today.

The other page, Reverend Search, just seems (frankly) looney. Could I ask exactly what your motives are and who you (the "Tabernacle of Love") are?

Thanks in Christ,
David

From the Editors: I'm sorry you find our work "looney." But then to one who is mired in the world, things of truth do seem "looney" indeed. We still have not finished our web page, so the "ToL Information" page has not been added yet. It will contain information on the Tabernacle of Luv.

Let those who have eyes to see, see - and those who have ears to hear, hear.