The head pastor of a private Christian academy in Florida is under fire after he canceled the school’s Autism Awareness Week and accused it of being “demonic.”
Now, some parents and staff are revolting against the school, arguing that the pastor’s behavior is wildly offensive, and that he’s using his faith as a weapon against autistic children.
We posted a local news report about this story on our TikTok account, in case you missed it:
Autism Awareness Canceled
Parents were shocked when they opened an email from Pastor Matt Baker, head pastor of Trinity Christian Academy in Palm Beach County, Florida.
In the email, Pastor Baker announced that the school’s upcoming Autism Awareness Week was getting canceled, arguing that it is “demonic” and that Jesus himself would reject the concept.
Here's the full excerpt:
"The word 'Christian' means 'Like Christ,' and it was given to the followers of Christ because they acted just like Jesus. If Jesus Christ led Trinity, would HE have an Autism Awareness Week? Of course not! Why? Because anything that exalts itself above the name of Christ should be brought down.
Also, anything that teaches our children to have their identity in anything other than Christ is idolatry and demonic Let me repeat myself just so I am not quoted out of context: any philosophy, teaching, or program that teaches our precious children that their identity is found in anything other than Christ is idolatry and demonic. Period."
A Parent’s Response
Andrea Gallik had two children enrolled in the school, including a six-year-old who was recently diagnosed with autism.
“My mouth was on the floor,” Gallik said, upon reading the pastor's message.
She says the entire email is wildly offensive and hateful, showing a profound lack of empathy for autistic children. Gallik is now pulling her children out of the school.
“As a Christian, I consider being called 'demonic' probably the worst thing you can be called,” she explained.
"I'm offended as a Christian because I feel that he is using the Bible for his own interpretation. And his interpretation is offensive. Not just to my son, but to any child, adult afflicted with autism. Breaks my heart. It breaks my heart."
Gallik wasn’t the only one outraged by the pastor’s statement. A teacher’s aide was let go after posting the pastor’s contact information on social media, presumably for parents upset about the cancellation of Autism Awareness Week to get in contact with him.
The aide says she was told her “hostile work history” was the reason cited for termination.
Is Autism Awareness Demonic?
The pastor further clarified his stance for a local news outlet, writing that:
“...we have recently been going through our school calendar and canceling and reframing activities and events to align with our Christian Worldview. Christmas and Easter activities have also been significantly revised… My email recently clarified for our community that the teachings of Christ are more than sufficient for ministering to all our precious children and that there were moral aspects of this initiative that were diametrically opposed to the teachings of Christ.”
The pastor’s stance seems to be that a week focused on autism awareness has skewed priorities because it dismisses Jesus and elevates autistic students’ diagnosis above their lord and savior.
And yet, parents seem to have taken particular issue with his use of “idolatry” and “demonic” – words not usually thrown around lightly, let alone used to describe an event celebrating children with disabilities.
Per Gallik, Autism Awareness Week was going to be a fun, age-appropriate celebration of neurodiversity, where students would learn how to better communicate with their autistic classmates, and autistic students would learn they’re perfect the way they are.
Is "demonic" the right way to describe that?
What is your reaction?
101 comments
-
Pamela Vonbacho Ploof
As a minister and parent of an autistic child with many disabilities I am incensed at this person. My child was a caring and loving person in her own right. Her other disabilities caused her premature death but I know she resides in heaven now. I hope that school fires him and reports him to those who are his superiors and where he obtained his certification!
-
John Robert Milner
I have a grandson who’s autistic and am also very offended. My grandson is going to be baptized this year and believes in Christ deeply! That pastor has asserted that those with autism cannot be Christian! What an abomination!
-
Landonia Hicks-Luke
May heart ❤️ goes out to you and I’m very displeased with this man that calls himself a Minister a man of Integrity and a Leader who has been in charge of the school system for some years now and the teachers aide should take action against him!!
-
-
Colleen McAllister
The only thing demonic here is that Pastor and his demented views. He needs to be replaced. Period
-
Landonia Hicks-Luke
Yes 🙌🏽 he does and he needs to stop being a minister of church and of education
-
-
Susan Colmenares
What??? Jesus healed the sick but the rev doesn’t feel the need to teach children compassion for neurodiverse classmates? What is happening here?
-
Lionheart
In reality, we actually don’t know for sure if Jesus healed anyone, but thank you for your comment, Lady Susan.
🦁❤️
-
Russel A. Kester
Lionheart, even if one doesn't believe that the Jesus of the Gospels cured leprosy, isn't it still possible that his kind words and sincere compassion could have provided his followers and others psychological or spiritual healing allowing them to lead better lives?
-
Lionheart
Yes, that would indeed have been very possible. If the stories were true, I do hope it had that affect.
🦁❤️
-
-
Thomas P. Davis
In reality you are partially correct. All the healing that either Jesus or the disciples or the prophets was done by God the father working through those individuals. Jesus said without the Father He could do nothing and that greater miracles would be performed in the future. we just need to base our faith on the word and not miracles since we are told that satan in the last days will also perform miracles that could even deceive the very elect. It is not a big issue with him to remove a disease that he put there to begin with.
-
Lionheart
I do wonder if Jesus was ever real, even though it’s possible he was. Thank you for your comment.
🦁❤️
-
Thomas P. Davis
Logically speaking He must have been real. It was women who found the empty tomb and alerted the others. Women had no value back then and could not even be used as witnesses in legal proceedings. Plus, you have the disciples who all died in untimely deaths. Who would do this to perpetrate a lie. Plus, you have the writings of other historians back then.
-
Beth
Those women are not witnesses to the empty tomb either. They are unnamed, as are the other 500 witnesses to the risen Jesus. The disciples who saw him seem to have characterized him much as one might a ghost or apparition, who could get in through locked doors and disappear.
More likely though, it is legend, as none of this was written any sooner than 40 years after Jesus' supposed death.
-
Thomas P. Davis
I believe they call this eisegesis, reading into scripture what is not there, One more reason for so many denominations. Mat 27:61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. Luk 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. Luk 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luk 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luk 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. It seems to me that names are given, and they were not believed because women back them had no credibility. The thought of how He got in the room that was locked. Many commentaries will refer to the other cases where Hè just seemed to disappear in the crowd.
-
-
William Lewis Vass
Yes women found the empty tomb. Doesn't mean he got up and walked out. The tomb was empty because the body was likely moved to a different burial site by the disciples who wanted to start a new religion even though Jesus constantly spoke against religion and the evil they spewed. Jesus taught spirituality not religion.
-
Thomas P. Davis
Highly unlikely the disciples would perpetrate a lie that would lead to their untimely death.
-
-
Lionheart
We still don't have any writings by historians of the day that knew him. Isn't it weird that those historians that were alive during his time, if he was real, didn't write about him? I mean, that would have been a MAJOR event...right? It should have been BIG news during that time. I wonder what transpired for historians to write about the said event decades later.
🦁♥️
-
-
-
-
Jeffrey Charles Harvey
In "Reality" we do know Jesus healed the lame, blind and all types of sickness! It's history! There were witnesses so you are wrong! I'm a praying for you all who don't get it or need to WAKE UP!...
-
Lionheart
Thank you, Sir Jeffrey for replying. Where is the demonstrable evidence, even from the supposed "witnesses". I'm not aware of any witnesses writing about the said events at that time. All we seem to have are writings by a generation of historians decades after the event that never witnessed anything, being as they hadn't been born during those times. They were obviously writing second hand stories handed down to them by others, much like most of the New Testament is written.
The problems with handed down stories is that much of them are often at best very fallacious. Real evidence is critical to knowing the truth, ask O.J. Simpson. Oh, but wait, we can't now. 🤭. And that story is only just over 2 decades old. Imagine what that story will be like in 50 or 60 years. Will we ever know the truth?
🦁♥️
-
-
-
Landonia Hicks-Luke
The only thing I can say is that the some ministers take advantage and make up their own rules as they go and he supposed to be a man of God?? Come on he should be helping healing ❤️🩹 the sick and suffering I’m just lost for words
-
-
Janis Carol Sommers
Matt Barker is a cruel and narrow minded man..
-
Robert Gagnon
I think just plain stupid would be a better description. Since when do neurological disorders equal identity. People are people in spite of disabilities, not because of them.
-
Rev.J.Buchanan
That misguided Minister has mixed up having the public made aware of a condition with worshiping a medical condition. What a very sad misguided idea this Minister has, and what harm he is causing.
-
-
Landonia Hicks-Luke
He wants to make up his own rules as he goes but it’s not his way it’s God’s way!!!!
-
Landonia Hicks-Luke
He wants to make up his own rules as he goes but it’s not his way it’s God’s way!!!!
-
Landonia Hicks-Luke
He wants to make up his own rules as he goes but it’s not his way it’s God’s way!!!!
-
-
John Ash McCormick
I have one grand neice who is autistic and I have never met her, at the other side of the country, but hope to some day. I wrote the first book about ADA adaptive technology and have known a lot of disabled or differently abled people over the decades before and after the ADA passed. But I still have great trouble sympathazing with the morally disabled. All I can say about this school is that I would not have to look far to find a demon which needs to be exorcised and it wouldn't be in the student body. But let us not forget that the teachers who don't immediatly resign are as Christian as the pastor. The parents should all be trying to get their money back and put their kids in a real school.
-
Nathaniel Joseph Merritt
OH GOODY! Let's return to the wonderful days when Christians locked the mentally ill or mentally deficient away in overcrowded institutions where they received little or no care (even poorer food) and the care they did receive was primitive, cruel, and utterly ineffective. Yessir. Those were the good old days! :-(
-
Thomas P. Davis
Or where the other Christians healed these people and their lives returned to normal.
-
-
Laura McAllister
I can see why parents and teachers are upset. That was a bad move on the pastor about artistic children, are not demonic and shame on who ever Believes that they are. Maybe the pastor who don’t have compassion should be removed, God loves children, all children, and someone who is teaching and preaching should have the same love in their heart for all children.
-
Rev. MichaelRS
As some of you who have seen my comments before may have realized the line forms behind me when it comes to more traditional Judeo-Christian philosophies.
So if I could find any REASONABLE scriptural merit as to what this guy is saying when it comes to the autism thing I would definitely put my two cents in with a favorable understanding of where he's coming from.
But with this particular issue he has really missed the mark.
-
CB Cuff
Maybe the mental health workers in his community need to do a 'wellness check' on him. Although ignorance isn't a 'disorder', it can be damaging to people he shares it with. Hopefully he doesn't have children.
-
Wilberta M. Berry
It's good the parents brought this charlatan's ideologies to the awareness of the community. However I would like to know why not just leave his church and find another one to attend. This nut needs to lose his congregation. That's the best way to deal with charlatan's leave them alone.
-
Michael Joseph Garceau
Abolutely APPALLING! Heʼs worse than the Phelps cult!
-
Luke LeBoeuf
Dear Parent,
The "Charleston" must resign his position immediately. Appear before his congregation and be removed him, his Titles. Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Reverend forever. Then be forced to walk the walk of shame, not looking at even one Church Member to include not even look at any student. Get in his car and drive away leaving the University, the Buildings, The Church, and the University/School Grounds And Never To Return... Do not allow him to cheat you and your family and all other Church Members and other Leaders from Worshipping Jesus - God The Father God The Son And God The Holy Ghost
Keep The Faith that Pastor Baker will be forced to resign his position immediately...
Reverend Luke J LeBoeuf Universal Life Church For Jesus Christ
-
John Condron
The "Charleston" is a dance that was popular in the 1920s. It was named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina. I believe the word for which you are searching, Luke, is "charlatan," which was properly used in the post to which you responded. Your "Dear Parent" letter would be more persuasive if you used the correct words. Oh... and there is no such thing as the "Universal Life Church for Jesus Christ," unless you are talking about some separate group you founded.
-
-
-
Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
As a Pediatrician who has cared for innumerable ASD children and associated with numerous ASD adults, my most charitable view of this pastor is "misguided." As a supposed Christian authority he completely misses the essence of ethical Christian behavior: Love thy neighbor and care for one another. And that especially applies to the love and care of our children, ALL of our children. rch
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
The religion of hate, hiding under the banner of the Prince of Peace.
-
Rev. BH
I can't argue with the Pastor's opinion...
I can't disagree, or agree because I have no blankin' idea what he was trying to say! Completely incomprehensible religio-babble, which happens a lot with these small time "Pastors" trying to get noticed. Most of us here make more sense than that crackpot.
PS: I don't recall Jesus talking about pickleball, so I guess it's un-Christlike and should be banned.
-
Thomas P. Davis
He did preach against competetion.
-
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Witches don't spread hate like Christians do.
-
Rev. Michael Gerraghty II
100% TRUE I definitely agree.
-
-
Alexander Arends
I am not sure what the position of this minister is, but if he is in authority I would simply pull my child out of that school. If I can't find a better school, I would just have to put up with the convictions of this pastor, he's just juggling awareness days.
-
Luke LeBoeuf
Dear Alexander,
Do not allow him to cheat your son out of his education. I and High Leaders have heard what happened. And we are going to be calling your son's school and speak with Pastor Baker and demand to him that he must stepdown immediately. I know that everyone is confused and concerned about his actions cancelling Autism Awareness Week. We are all furious with him because in some horrible decision he made, he called Autism "Demonic". I want you to know that, that is so far from the truth, it's pathetic. Allow your son to continue his education while we take action and remove Pastor Baker from his Titles: Pastor, Preacher, Minister, and Reverend. We will force his hand to resign and leave the University/School forever and never able to return...!!!
Reverend Luke J LeBoeuf Universal Life Church For Jesus Christ
-
John Condron
I doubt that calls from "high leaders" will convince anyone. Put down your bong and wait till you are sober, Luke.
-
Daniel Gray
And since you have no children in that school your opinion or demand is like wishing in one hand and spitting in the other and seeing which one fills faster.
-
-
-
Michael Sciulli
I think this Pastor makes a statement about autism he needs to step down. That’s not a man of faith pray for individual. God bless everyone. from Minister Mike.
-
Luke LeBoeuf
Minister Mike,
I am A Minister also, Reverend Luke J LeBoeuf, Universal Life Church For Jesus Christ. I agree with you that Pastor Baker must stepdown immediately. That he should resign his position and leave the University, Buildings And The Grounds. That he should walk the walk of shame with his head held down not looking at even one student, get in his car and drive away forever and that the Title of Pastor, Preacher, Minister, and Reverend be forever removed him in front of Full Church Congregation...!!!
Reverend Luke J LeBoeuf Universal Life Church For Jesus Christ
-
Michael Sciulli
Thank you agree with me.
-
-
Michael Joseph Garceau
https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/the-murdering-minister/
Well well well! Lookit what I found!!!!
-
Michael Hunt
Not the same minister but a wild coincidence!
-
-
Nicholas J Page
Why hasn't Pastor Matt Baker been defrocked and fired immediately.Hes not fit to run a bath
-
Rev. Klaire ThD, MA
The depth of many peoples ignorance never ceases to amaze me! 'Belief' and 'faith' can and does apply to virtually ANYTHING without proof or foundation. If one wants to 'believe' that an autistic child is possessed by demons, it seem that willfully and intentionally ignorant people will do that. How sad for humanity!
-
Chantal Guillou-Brennan
Could the pastor have meant to be understood that all children and all people are Christ-like? Maybe yes, maybe not. However, we all are Divine, since human beings were made in the image of God, who is Spirit, eternal, and perfect. Hence, to celebrate labels that distort the true essence of anyone is contrary to our innate true nature and a lie. Yes, no matter what a person seems to be suffering from, they are an expression of the Divine with free will to express unconditional love. To be of service, see them heal, see them whole, and allow them to be absolutely included with all, without any "special" exclusion that makes them feel separate, ostracized, and possibly less than. Toward anyone who may be less fortunate in understanding than yourself, send thoughts of love and see them continually bathed in the goodness and greatness of God's love. Unconditional love is simply to accept what is without judgment and with absolute compassion.
Reread what the pastor said - not that the children are not Christ-like but that to celebrate anything but perfection is contrary to our true nature. Do not parade the little children to make yourself feel better. That is vanity, pride. When you judge another for their thoughts, you separate yourself from them, which depletes you and hurts you because we are all ONE. All ONE with "GOD" who "is ALL in ALL" -- as Paul so eloquently said in 1 Cor. 15:28. In Love and light, you are loved now and forever.
-
Thomas P. Davis
Yes, we were made in the image of God and yes, we did have conditional immortality until Eve ate the fruit and we lost it. We will be eternal once again, when Jesus returns, and we begin to eat from the tree of life again. The bible says God alone has immortality. The story of the conversation the devil had with Eve always makes no sense. Eat and you will be as God, she was already made in His image.
-
Audrey R Girl
Yes! Thank you. It seems many just read headlines and do not see that he never called the children demonic. Nor is he picking on these children.
The teachings of Jesus remind us to bring our AWARENESS to the wholeness and perfection of which we are created in for healing to take place.
Thank you for your thoughtful post Chantal and blessing to you.
-
-
Thom
I do the work of Christ with a child with Autism. So I think that this pastor is mistaken. I think this pastor hasn't lived in the shoes of Christ. Maybe he needs to crawl down off his pulpit and start living the bible and stop preaching the bible. Autism week is not about what he is identifying or defining. It is about making others aware of the condition, educating of those who know nothing about autism, and helping them understand those who do have it to help all function better in society together. This is what Jesus would do. This is an agnostic make this comment. So be like the agnostic. Get to know someone with autism and better know to assist one who may need or want your help someday but not know how to ask.
-
Ealdormon Piparskeggr Robinson
People with autism are, in my thoughts, just folks with a different understanding of the Universe..
This "Reverend," is not very Pastoral.
-
Theresa C. Marquess
Pastor Matt Baker needs to examine his own soul and heart. Just the idea of calling Autism "demonic" causes me to wonder what kind of human being M. Baker is...
-
Eugene Randall Hickerson
I 100% agree with this pastor although he should no longer be allowed to write emails or give statements to the press regarding their school or church policies because he can’t communicate Christ-like values and opinions properly.
Now before you grab your pitch forks and choose a tree to crucify me on, hear me out. If I was the pastor of that school I would cancel autism awareness week as well as cancer awareness, and all the other awareness’s that celebrate the Devil’s work. Does that mean I hate autistic children like my daughter? Does that mean I hate people with cancer? Absolutely not, I hate the disease and all disease is caused by the Evil one.
If Jesus was here today would he participate in these “awareness “ weeks or months, or would be simply lay his hands on all the autistic children and cancer survivors and heal them permanently?
Celebrating the evil things the Devil does is exactly what he wants us to do. It gives him and his demons more power.
A better idea would be to have a week of healing and pray for and heal all of the sickness of every child attending the school once a year. Make Jesus the main focus, not the diseases and disabilities that Satan puts on the children.
Stop being offended by the teachings of Christ and start actually living them and practicing them. Jesus gave us all power and dominion over the Devil and his evil works. But you must have Faith to Use it! Jesus couldn’t perform any miracles in his home town because they didn’t believe that he was really the Messiah.
Btw I do not know this pastor, I am just able to think outside of the box and see the big picture thanks to the anointing of the Holy Spirit as a child of God and follower of Christ.
-
Rev.J.Buchanan
Sir, then have you laid your hands on your daughter, with your fellow Christian breathern, and cured your daughter through Jesus. If the answer is power through prayer and this is your steadfast belief then her condition should be fixed by now. Hoping for the best and hope you don't see her as a demonic presents that you have to put up with. I think you may need to read more medical books and research papers. Just saying, not jumping all over you :)
-
Audrey R Girl
I agree, for the love of the children, pray they are restored to wellness. Bring awareness to wellness and create more wellness. It is surprising how many people here do not understand the teachings of Christ, the power of their word, their focus and awareness. ALL THESE ARE PRAYER.
@Eugene, "Healing is a thought by which two minds perceive their oneness and become glad" "Thoughts increase by being given away. The more who believe in them the stronger they become."
I pray you and your daughter return to the awareness of her perfection and wellness. I have faith in the power of prayer and in the promise of God. In Jesus Name.
-
-
Bridget Kielas-Fecyk
Autism is a genetic condition. A child is born with autism or they are not, no two ways about it. It is not demonic, it is not caused by vaccinations, it's not caused by the mother "not caring enough", it's not caused by the mother or father "having the wrong thoughts", none of that.
A child is either born with autism or they are not autistic, plain and simple!
-
Rev.J.Buchanan
Actually, having studied Autism for over 16 years, your statement that children are born with it or not, is not correct, sorry, but it is not. Yes, there are some who show signs very early after birth and some don't show it until much later. A large majority are very bright, learning to talk early, and in fact reach all standard milestones much earlier than the average child and then something happens to the neurological network. So far science has not pinpointed the direct cause. There are all kinds of theories and studies. You are correct in stating all the things that does not cause Autism, but genetics, so far, seems not make the list.
-
-
Gwendolyn Lord
Well...when this "pastor" dies, he will be corrected. Sometimes people who are so butt-hole ignorent that we won't be able to change their thinking.
-
Luke LeBoeuf
Pastor Baker,
I am appalled by your awful decision to cancel Autism Awareness Week. You have done something that Jesus Christ HIMSELF would have taken this head-on. Remember when Jesus healed those who have/had leprosy. Or the lunatic whom was possessed by Legion. Hundreds of demons that died in a herd of pigs when Jesus commanded them to the swine and they all ran into the water and the demon possessed swine all drowned in the river/lake. And the man wept at the feet of Jesus. What about the blind man, the man who couldn't walk, the woman who touched the hem of HIS Of GARMENT and was healed of a blood disease, the Roman Soldier whom went to Jesus and begged HIM to heal his servant. Jesus offered him to visit his home and heal his servant. The Soldier told Jesus that he is not worthy enough to have Jesus in his home. Because he has/had soldiers under his command and begged Jesus once again to heal his servant. Jesus told the Soldier to return to his home and when he arrives his servant will be healed. Jesus told the Soldier that his Faith has healed his servant. Pastor, I keep going on and on about the wonderful wonders that Jesus has done and is still doing today. But, what you did Pastor Baker is, you spit on the wonders that Jesus did and you (CRUCIFIED JESUS ON THE CROSS ALL OVER AGAIN). You Pastor Baker have made a mockery of your University and it's students and faculty and employees and the student's parents are furious with you and your awful decision to cancel Autism Awareness Week calling it "Demonic". If there is another in your family whom disagree with you and can ask for your resignation and take your place. I suggest that you resign your position from the University, All Buildings And The Grounds as well as placing your head down and not look at one student and leave The Premises Immediately. Getting in your car and drive away to never return.
REVEREND LUKE J LEBOEUF Universal Life Church For Jesus Christ
-
Russel A. Kester
I don't know everything that went into this pastor's thoughts, but the results show he's an idiot.
-
David Arthur Lewis
Who Would Jesus Hate?
-
Mark Gilgen
I dont agree with him, but I can see his point as far as a whole week of it. Autism is something to be aware of and taught how to deal with the illness. The teachings should be that the childern are Not demons but just kids and they are not bad, better, worse or anything indifferent, and that should always be the teachings.
-
Michael Sciulli
all of us ministers must stick together in the faith of Jesus.
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
No Christian minister need to denounce these hate mongers. Announce the world that they don't represent all Christians. Because it's starting to look you all are that way.
-
Lionheart
Well, it is a nice comment for us to stick together, but this forum isn’t just a Christian forum, Sir Michael. Many don’t believe in the Jesus thing. We even have a Pagan community here, and some possibly revere a different Lord like, Lord Krishna for instance. I think we also have some wonderful Wiccan’s here, and also lovers of Thor.
Nice comment though 🤗
🦁❤️
-
-
CB
This is sad! He has no compassion for these children and their families! Yes, it might be time for the parents to find another school.
-
Dorothy Hawkins
Interesting that the pastor felt his position of an authority on the Biblical Christ put him in a superior position to those that he was supposed to be serving. Now that's idolotry of self of an old order... wolf in sheep's clothing. Christ was all about OTHER people, not himself.
-
Daniel Gray
No, I agree that they should not pick on Autistic children. But explain WHY they seemingly need a week or a month for every hair brained idea? Children should be treated as children no matter if they have autism or not. We DO NOT need a month or a week to "honor" groups. I mean where is the Mental Retardation week? Where is the Special Needs Week? and so on and so forth. Keep this up and every freaking week of the year will be dedicated to a specific group.
The Only TWO groups that should have special recognition are VETERANS and Native Americans. Now if you want to come along and celebrate other groups, more power to you but do NOT try and impose your beliefs on a church or a city or a state or federal government.
-
arawngraalrd
A Pagan Jesus Worshipper might be offended to be called anything but Christian, but I wouldn't call her Christian. Did Mark Twain point out, that it's easier to fool People, than to prove to them they have been fooled? A lot of Aspies are being diagnosed as Autistic, rather than as Transvestites. Dr. Asperger wrote a book on Autistic Psychopathology, but Little Professors were the only patients he didn't send on to the "Childrens' Program," of no return. I don't know if this kid was an Aspy, but real autism, at learning disability level, would be pretty obvious, before the age of two. Adam Lanza was diagnosed as Aspy, in the first grade, and his carreer of Psycho-Pharmacetical Medication put Sandy Hook on the map. This pastor isn't wrong, but naive. Autism Awareness Week would result in more Diagnosis, Medication, and Violent Suicide. Cerredwen's Cauldron, and derivative cauldrons, if you can get them to do it, will resolve most Autisms, having been developed for Afagddu. This minister should visit the Wretches and Inmates, for which Prison Ministry lacks Perspective, until he discovers the Magic of Ministry. After that, Autistics would be good people to work with.
-
Timothy C Stone
What the heck is this word salad?
-
William Lewis Vass
Don't know Timothy I think they're standing alone arguing with themselves. They can't help that they are ignorant. Oh see what I did there? Children who are diagnosed with autism are no more demonic than this person is intelligent.
-
Rev.J.Buchanan
I think he dipped into Magic Musrooms one time to many.
-
-
-
Timothy C Stone
Seriously, who is demonic here!? Does this creep feel the same way about children with cancer? Fire this guy!
-
# Jesusislove?
This principal of this school is obviously a wolf in sheep's clothing and he should be fired at once without pay.
-
Rev. Rory
Ah, reminds me of my days at "Christian" schools. The day that I put that behind me was one of the happiest days of my life. When I read comments like the quotes from this pastor, I always think "...and Jesus wept."
It's Florida so anything "woke" (like the teachings of Jesus) are not politically expedient. This may also be a way of the pastor flushing the "undesirables" from the school. I attended schools like this and I taught at a school like this. Cruelty is the point and if parents don't want their child to be the point of focus of such cruelty, they should find another school.
When your children become adults, they will thank you. This is not Christianity. If it is, rethink it.
-
Robin Anne Hannon
Whoa. And this is based on exactly what? I have to agree with everyone's assessment. This view is warped, and certainly demonically inspired. Scripture taken out of context is dangerous. It reminds me of this not so funny joke, but it fits here. Judas went and hung himself, go ye and do likewise. This is why scripture warns about taking things out of context or adding to it. Even beyond that the ignorance is outright astonishing. We are not sure why autism hit certain children. Some blame an early insult such as a vaccine. In all honesty no one knows. What I do know is autistic people are still children of God and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They may be different, but they most certainly are not demonic.
-
Rev. Rory
Right. I agree. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. These children are not demonic. But if a school puts out that idea, why would a parent wish to keep their autistic child at that school? Clearly, they are not welcome. That is one reason I left my teaching position at a Christian school. I could not agree with who/why/how they wanted children to be punished. I couldn't tolerate it. It was against the very teachings of Jesus, yet done in the name of Jesus. There were so many things going on at that church and school that a large portion of the congregation broke away and formed a new parish. It wasn't just me that saw what was going happening. I chose to stay with neither one and moved on.
-
-
-
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Sure, autistic individuals are actually just possessed by stupid demons, right?
Wait, maybe it’s just that Forrest Gump’s mother’s opinion on stupidity applies to all religious people?
-
Roger Allen Elford
This person’s position has demonstrated that he is abusive and cruel. Therefore, he should be barred from being near children. He is dangerous. Inflicting mental abuse and cruelty through words which is a reflection of thought indicates he should not be around children.
-
Shirley Marie Allen
Jesus said those among you without sin cast the first stone. As a grandmother and aunt of and two babies that were born with autism they did not ask to be born this way. No it’s not nothing evil it’s a malfunctioning brain. Any one with common sense knows that. I think and I am not judging anyone by any means. They really need to do better research before they make rude comments and call a child with an affectionate demonic. They did not deserve this. They are innocent babies. Jesus said come to me like a child. All that are weak and heavy burden and I will give you rest. Jesus is love understanding. I believe that these babies do not know sin. I know when times is up on this earth they will rest in the precious hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus and I know that he will welcome them with open arms.
-
William Lewis Vass
So let me get this straight. Children with autism are demons? Are you serious? That's absolutely one of the most absurd statements I've ever heard. However in going with that logic then god does make mistakes. These children are not demons, they're not evil. You see this is one of the biggest issues I have with religion. Makes me glad that I'm a pagan and find animism to be the best fit for me. I'm sorry you religious folks are merely sheeple and can't decide for yourselves what is truth and what is reality verses the man standing in the pulpit telling you what to believe and you blindly follow. Take control of yourself and don't fall victim of cultish beliefs.
-
Steven Ferrell
It is not demonic, but it is used by people to not teach or instruct children. I worked almost 32 years in the field. Autism is not an excuse for not parenting or teaching. Those with autism are not stupid. They can be taught that there are consequences for actions and they may not like those consequences, but they can learn to control them.
-
Ari Joseph Bertine
He's a fool. I'm not shocked that a religious leader would find personal glory in trying to lead an assault on a group of people who are born different, I see that everywhere every day. But this idiot chose the wrong target. He would have gotten away with it like everyone else if he'd just stuck to attacking trans children.
-
Takaya Kovani Sweeney
DUHH!
If y’all didn’t already know ONLY NORMIES for hypocritical christians.
Their sweet jesus didn’t heal NON regular people donchaknow.🙄😂
-
Paul Edward Nunis
'As you did not do for the least of ...'
-
Rev.J.Buchanan
This brought me to tears. This so-called Pastor needs "his" head examined. He has no right to lead a donkey, let alone a Church or Church School. He does not know anything about any autistic child or adult. God will deal with him.
The week of Autism Awareness is not a week to worship children and adults with this condition, or to set them above the Almighty. It is simply to let the general public know about this condition. It is to help make awarness that parents need suport, they need funds, the Scientific community needs funds for research, students and teachers need education on how to approach students with this condition, or even how not to approach them. Information about sensory sensitivity to fabric, lighting, sounds, foods.
-
Reverend Denise Zucker
Good morning. I know I haven't posted anything in a while. I have been busy using my nursing license in my local school district as a substitute school nurse but one article that peaked my attention about how autism was being called 'demonic' by one particular pastor. I think it is reprehensible for him to say that and hiding behind religion. We are all not made the same but we should have dignity that is supplied by humanity. I see an array of issues as a school nurse and I try to redirect my students as well as encourage them.
-
Catherine Anderson
I am appalled by this usage of words in which this pastor, has flagrantly denied another VERY important specific point of Jesus. Jesus put children above himself when ministering to the crowds of those who listened to the teachings he bestowed. Also in saddening regards to this matter, it has become obviously clear, through many others and myself, that there is now a movement within certain “christian churches” of seeing those with disabilities as being inadequate, sinful (more than others) and imperfect to the eyes of God, of which stems concern due to the nature of the prejudice and discrimination against them. Certain churches have entered into a “religious perfection” cleansing process that to myself at least, is wholly unacceptable in the eyes of our Creator. Personally, I can not understand how ignorant a person can possibly be, to see that the terminology used is a “spiritual” construct and Autism is a “neurological/physical” thing and therefore cannot exist within the same. Awareness of the neurodivergent differences is important because I personally, believe that it reminds us of how the the Creator loves diversity, individuality, and the regardless of who, what or why a person is different, they’re all equally important, loved and perfect as they are. I always tend towards the thought that any child with Developmental Delays or Learning Disability Disorders are more closer to the Divine than any us, who teach/preach/guide and live the path. Just a thought.
-
William Vasiliou
I am concerned that this pastor holds himself out as a good Christian but lacks an understanding of the teachings of Jesus. He calls autism awareness as idolatry and demonic and by extension denigrates autistic individuals without any understanding of their issues and the hardships their loved ones endure to help. Perhaps the idolatry and demonic aspect are within him.
-
Audrey R Girl
Unfortunately many people have not learned or forgotten the powerful energy of their words and thoughts and how they create. Its not just in prayer. God is always listening, so in essence ALL OUR WORDS ARE PRAYERS, all our words can be blessings or curses. And this Pastor clearly understands that and understands the power of the I AM.
Whatever follows those two words, you create for yourself. And whatever you name others (when you tell them you are) you help them create for themselves.
Further what you bring your AWARENESS to, you create (more of). Our focus is energetic. The more people focus on the issue of autism, rather that then wellness, the more they perpetuate autism.
I would then choose to say these children are blessed and healed by the grace of God. And choose to participate in or create wellness awareness events and welcome all children.
People like Pastor Baker are the reason so many people have taken to saying, "There is no hate like Christian love."
and your statement is proof that ignorance is catching.
Like you? This "Pastor" is a perfect example of why people are fleeing the church in droves and a spike in the Pagan population.
I agree with you 💯%