What Did Paisley Mean?
Seems the venerable, honorable Reverend Ian Paisley (Senior) has been on tour in East Tennesssee, visiting the Temple Baptist Church.
By the sound of the report it was a rousing affair and he left a great impression on the congregation there. Although with sentiments like It’s a thrilling thing to serve the Lord
, it’s no wonder. I’ve never heard practicing Christianity described with such exuberance before!
Anyway, the one statement that really grabbed me was:
“I’m just a plain jailbird out of jail for the time being,” he told the audience.
I know Paisley has been imprisoned in the past - is this a reference to that? Or is it a religious reference? Any thoughts?
Oh, yeah that last link to Paisley’s profile on Wikipedia has an interesting link in the “No Surrender” section about his jail time. Read the line “He was released during a general amnesty for people convicted of political offences.” Now, what was his attitude to the early release of political prisoners?
Would never have found that story without your tip. Thanks.
I think he could be refering to both, in a sense that he is stating that he is a plain(could be a regular or frequent) jailbird who is out of jail for the time being, meaning that he could go back at any moment. Or he could also mean that he is a regular man that happens to get thrown in Jail but despite that, he is a christian man. a good man who because of his lifestyle or beliefs, spends a lot of time in jail. that does not mean he is a bad man. I’d have to hear the way he said it and listen to his sermen to understand what he truly meant by that. What was the serman about anyway? What were some of his main points? I live in Ohio U.S.A and I have heard many Baptist preachers. They really get into their sermans about the holy spirit, and Jesus. Sometimes they yell really loud but it’s them just getting worked up over the power of the Holy spirit. They get really excited and just burst out in praise! I’m used to the holy catholic sacred mass. But to hear a southern Baptist preacher can be a spectacular thing. You learn that not every human being is made in a way that is quiet, holy and pious. Many southerners are full of life and just need to express it in an exillerating way. It’s a good thing that there are different religions that are expressed in a way that a particular culture can relate too. Can you imagine someone with that much energy coming to a catholic mass? They’d fall asleep!! It’s just the way it is and has been adapted. It’s a cultural thing. Is this man an African American or is he white? Many African Americans are very outspoken, boisturous and full of life! They love to laugh and have fun and tell stories. They are truly remarkable to be around because of their enthusiasm and love for life! Let me know if any of this is sinking in. I’d love to talk more about this. Do you have any questions regarding African American culture in general? I would be glad to talk about this more!! ~Susan
ah now isn’t innocence a lovely thing…
Great post there, I didnt actually see that article about him in the States and also well noticed about his “jail time”.