Comments on: The Christian Side-Hug: “Front Hugs Be Too Sinful”

By: Jonathan H.

Jonathan H. — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:43:31 +0000

I just wanna say that this is not the newest trend in controlling adolescent behavior. They told us to do this back in 1997, when I was in Jr-Hi!

By: The Christian Side Hug: Real or Hoax? « Kit-Wit

The Christian Side Hug: Real or Hoax? « Kit-Wit — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:53:12 +0000

[...] Christians. The idea is to avoid the dangerous risk of “two crotches touching.” Therefore: Instead of face to face, you go side to side, putting your arm around the person and your hip [...]

By: nick

nick — Sat, 08 May 2010 15:57:54 +0000

hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
thats all.

By: rough rider

rough rider — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:49:22 +0000

Do they know what "rough-rider" refers to? Because...damn, that's a pretty prominent part of the song's chorus... "I'm a rough-rider, filled up with Christ's love." THAT takes it to a whole new level too.

By: lingerie

lingerie — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:53:30 +0000

this is hilarious. also if women made sure to wear underwear that actually covers their bum it would stop sending the wrong signals.

By: Logic maker

Logic maker — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:03:00 +0000

listen to these lyrics.
"Im not that afraid to call yo momma you will be ridin home in a coma."
So its not okay to hug somebody from the front but it is okay to beat them into a coma if they do so. wtf????

By: NightDrifter145

NightDrifter145 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:58:42 +0000

Let us take a closer look at one specific section of lyrics: "Stop and listen No front hugs and no kissin' I ain't that scared to call your momma You'll be ridin' home in a coma" Anyone see anything slightly disturbing about this little section of the lyrics? Such as the part where the "gangsta chriztian" threatens to either beat up or kill anyone he sees giving a front hug? The "You'll be ridin' home in a coma" part... This song's message of using violence to enforce abstenance might remind us of a certain group of people in the Middle East who use violence on women for being in the same room as a man that isnt her husband.

By: The Christian Side Hug: A little Sexual Repression? « I am A Cat.

The Christian Side Hug: A little Sexual Repression? « I am A Cat. — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:52:59 +0000

[...] to The Sexist [...]

By: nick

nick — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:25:24 +0000

Why do people keep thinking this is satire, this was made at the encounter generation conference which is not satire, these people were completely serious. It just so happened to be posted on the stuff christians like. But it was not satire made by scl. People need to get there facts straight. This is not satire, these people are serious, I know, especially since I have a little cousin who attended the conference.

By: idiots

idiots — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:13:46 +0000

All the people saying "OMG your so dumb SCL is satire!" like 100 comments after the fact are soo annoying. WE GET IT, SCL IS SATIRE, but the side hug exists as does this video.
The internet is really a great tool for revealing how dumb the general population is...

By: Calvin Ramsey

Calvin Ramsey — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:21:46 +0000

I am a christian. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Yes I follow and believe in Jesus and (try) to follow His commands.
But this is just ridiculous....
This is exactly what bothers me most about christians today. Most of them (including myself, i try not to) put down others who aren't and represent Jesus in such extreme ways that it just defeats the purpose...Jesus loves us no matter what we do. So, I say give all the hugs (THE RIGHT WAY) all you want.

By: christie

christie — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:14:22 +0000

your comment about "I’d much rather have a brief normal embrace with a stranger than a hip-tap from a person who I know sexualizes even the most mundane forms of human contact" so completely encapsulates my feelings about growing up in the church.

i would be in these youth groups where everyone was so sexually frustrated that even the slightest amount of skin showing, or slightest touch on the arm had huge insinuations. not healthy.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:22:03 +0000

Stuff Christians Like is a funny blog, as in satire. As in "Stuff White People Like". Jon, the writer, is in fact, a serious Christian, but he is also a seriously funny writer and Stuff Christians Like is his funny baby. Anyone can take a trip over there and check it out and if you are smart, you will see it's meant to be funny.

By: social-creature » Agrosexual

social-creature » Agrosexual — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:53:00 +0000

[...] opposed to facing one another and putting your arm around their shoulders or waist, because, “front hugs be too sinful.” Despite ultimately turning out to have been intended as insider “satire” [...]

By: holy crap « El Hector

holy crap « El Hector — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:24:51 +0000

[...] shut your mouth if you’re about to tell us how Halloween candy is demonic. go away if you believe hugging someone from the front is sinful. things like this just piss me [...]

By: RoseIndy

RoseIndy — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:03:42 +0000

Satire or not, I'd say a good proportion of Christians are perverted enough to sexualize a hug this much. Heck, try and even mention something like a gay couple getting a joint bank loan and see how many of them start thinking about anal sex. Absurd.

This kind of unhealthy obsession over thwarting physical affection started the modern porn and prostitution industries ..

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:06:43 +0000

So side hugs and only anal before marriage, right?

By: Christian side hug...!

Christian side hug...! — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:18:57 +0000

[...] [...]

By: pastor nathan

pastor nathan — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:07:53 +0000

They should just give them all snuggies at the door. That would solve it. LOL. And it would definitely help with the whole "abstinence" thing. And yes, I really am a youth pastor of a Christian church.

By: Side Hugga

Side Hugga — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:57:33 +0000

GAY GAY GAY GAY!
My side hug involves my cock on your hip - no "frontal" touching required

By: English

English — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:07:28 +0000

"Jesus never hugged nobody like that!" They are trying to fool you people!! That's a double negative. He DID front hug people! Haha-

I don't ever hang out with anybody who finds a front hug sexual. That just makes me think you are a pervert.

By: Fro

Fro — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:25:11 +0000

Amanda,

Great article, the video was hilariously ironic and your writing captured the 'cheese' of it very well.

That being said, would you like to meet up sometime and gimmie some of that christian side hug ;)

Fro

By: The Christian Side-Hug « The Jiggly Room

The Christian Side-Hug « The Jiggly Room — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:20:22 +0000

[...] The Christian Side-Hug Udgivet december 11, 2009 international , religion Leave a Comment “Attention, Christian kids: If you like not having sex, not speaking the Lord’s name in vain, and not being gay, then you’ll love the newest trend in policing typical adolescent behaviors in the name of God. It’s called the The Christian Side-Hug, and it’s here to help the devout avoid the temptation of full frontal hugging. Don’t worry—it’s cool, because they made a “rap” song about it.” Quoting Washington City Paper. [...]

By: Ukulelemike

Ukulelemike — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:39:25 +0000

Jennifer, you're right-Independent Baptists generally don't do the whole 'rap' thing, or any other 'CCM' for that matter. However, we are a huggy bunch! IN fact, if anyone actually reads their Bibles, you see that Christians are often told to give a "holy kiss' to the brethren. Now, I know that it doesn't mean a male kissing a female-that's easy. But a hug, in friendship, I have no problem with, being an Independent Fundamental Baptist pastor, even male or female. I suppose for young people, who have them raging hormones, might want to be a bit more controlled, but not because it's cool, but because its right.

By: Andrea Stuart

Andrea Stuart — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:14:26 +0000

And, on a side note, here's Christian Side Hug v. 2.0:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70WJemBVLHQ

By: Andrea Stuart

Andrea Stuart — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:22:33 +0000

Clearly, the presentation of the song was satirical. However, the debate seems to be over whether (a) it was an object lesson dressed up in a lighthearted presentation, but really attempting to teach youth that only side hugs and not front hugs are acceptable; or (b) christians themselves making fun of the "christian side hug," as an inside joke for church members who themselves think it is ridiculous -- just as many religious and ethnic groups make fun of themselves without endorsing that which they are discussing. As the Chicago Tribune article referenced by AJ above makes clear, it was option (b). You can also check this post out:

http://www.stereotruth.net/2009/12/exclusive-interview-christian-side-hug-creatorrapper/

Hopefully this will clear things up.

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:31:50 +0000

Wow. It's official, I don't like any Stuff Christians Like. These people are pathetic, confused and dangerous.

By: Jack

Jack — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:42:49 +0000

Wow, I honestly laughed my ass out when I heard this shit for the very first time.. This is so ridiculous.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:17:50 +0000

And to Amanda, if I had to guess which denominations would advocate "side hugging" and the like, I would say Southern Baptists, Independent Baptists, Pentecostals, Non-denominational, and Charismatic, although I seriously doubt any Baptists would allow rap music at any youth event.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:15:59 +0000

AJ, I grew up in a fundamentalist church and when I saw this video, I absolutely believed it was real. I know that many of the people commenting on this thread are surprised that any Christian would advocate "side hugging" but believe me, many do, and other more ridiculous things! I went to a church camp that almost convinced me to quit taking ballet lessons because ballet was "too sensual." I wish that it was a given that videos like this were satire, but many of us had good reason to believe it was serious.

By: AJ

AJ — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:00:23 +0000

It IS satire:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-christian-side-hugnov30,0,6899998.column?obref=obinsite

Like I said, only a moron would think this video is serious.

By: tb

tb — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:09:13 +0000

Well, it's nice to see that Eminem cleaned up his act after giving Sacha Baron Cohen a blow job on TV.

By: Julio

Julio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:33:51 +0000

The good or the bad is in the intentions, side, front or upside down. Sex is as natural as humanity, and those who say its malicious are obeying doubtful outdated rules. Those who believe old books have god's word written are as ignorant as those who "discovered" them hundreds of years ago. People are "conditioned" to believe in god and his rules but completely ignore common sense,and the result are these stupid beliefs and pseudo rules for not "sin". As long as they do not gain power as in the inquisition times, they can dance all over singing whatever crazy idea. For sure they violate their own rules as soon as they can, just like politicians...

By: Christian Side-Hug it out « Legit News

Christian Side-Hug it out « Legit News — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:06:37 +0000

[...] Watch it here. Warning: its bad [...]

By: James Whitesides

James Whitesides — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:04:46 +0000

This is great. I had a great time reading the change in the comments as people read and responded. I agree with most of the comments that the encouragement of such a neutered form of contact doesn't really solve anyones problems. The guys who made the video are horrible rappers and I hope for the sake of the Evangelical music scene not indicative of the general quality. I was really amazed that they used some of the phrases they used because they obviously didn't know/understand what they mean. Really "rough rider"? That is patently hilarious and so counter-message that I am rendered speechless. It also encourages priests and rabbis to hug people if I'm not mistaken which is just plain weird. I'm atheist and love Jon's site. His opinion of his own culture is amazingly light hearted and accurate(unfortunately for the non-believing rest of us). Amanda should write about how scary Veggie Tales really is. Nothing like morality from a carrot.

By: front hugger

front hugger — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:04:06 +0000

man so beating someone into a coma is okay but hugging some one from the front is frowned upon........is this how new generations of Christianity going to be and who ever hugs crotch first??

By: logan

logan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:31:29 +0000

i found the lyrics at http://christiansidehug.com

i hope this is not real.

By: Sexist Comments of the Week: OMG THE SIDE HUG IS SATIRE Edition - The Sexist - Washington City Paper

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:41:32 +0000

[...] week, we examined the Christian Side-Hug, an advanced chastity maintenance mechanism which allows people to hug one other without the fear [...]

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:51:16 +0000

I find it especially ironic that kids in america are often entrusted to drive very large cars before they're legally allowed to copulate.

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:02:06 +0000

Would you take the piss out of Islamic beliefs?

By: The Christian Side Hug: modest hugging for non-Jews | Frum Satire: Jewish Comedy

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:49:01 +0000

[...] Washington City Paper writes: “The Christian Side-Hug strikes me as almost skeezily chaste—I’d much rather have [...]

By: Joe T.

Joe T. — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:59:32 +0000

Time to make long-term plans to leave the USA.

By: A Little Confused

A Little Confused — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:02:50 +0000

I like how this article JUST came out.
Please.
I was a Born-Again Christian as a child and pre-teen, and this side-hugging thing has been happening FOR YEARS.
Nice of them to just now notice.
And of course it is ridiculous.
That is what organized religion is for.

By: The RRU and Religious Rap | b-roll.net

The RRU and Religious Rap | b-roll.net — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:09:08 +0000

[...] Yes, promoting the “Christian Side Hug” (in order to help prevent the “risk of two crotches touching“), this group has blasted onto the scene, claiming religious rap as their [...]

By: J

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:43:01 +0000

it maybe satire and there may be those quick to criticize christians but maybe it is because they are tired of having their lives run by a bunch of dumbasses who believe in fairy tales

By: Comrade Al Gonzales

Comrade Al Gonzales — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:56:12 +0000

Why is it a sin for Baptists to have sex standing up?

It's too much like dancing.

"Christians" are bizarre people. They believe that a Jewish carpenter crucified by the Romans was the son of a god. & even that has very little historical proof.

Believing in fairy tales is not appropriate behaviour for an adult. Grow up & face facts. Learn science & face it.

There is no god, there are no gods, there is nothing after death but decomposition, being eaten by bugs & decaying. Grow up & stop believing in this bullshit that has killed hundreds of millions of people in religious wars, continuing to this very day.

By: Joey Cagle

Joey Cagle — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:26:47 +0000

One more thing, Christianity was meant to be a relationship with God. It was never meant to be a religion. It was never mean to be a set of rules made by man.

Christians, for some reason, find safety in following the rules. The thing is, they'll never be able to follow the rules perfectly. However, if they lived by the Spirit, they wouldn't have to worry about the rules because the Holy Spirit would enable his people to do what he asks of them.

By: Joey Cagle

Joey Cagle — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:23:56 +0000

I am a Christian and support all styles of Christian music.

That being said, the side hug is a bad rule to apply to all Christians. It's unbiblical. There's no scripture in the Bible that says to only do side-hugs.

I believe it's important for people to be sexually pure. But the way we try to get people to keep this purity is all wrong. We try to teach them rules. Instead, we should teach people the value of their virginity, and why it should be kept until marriage. Also, we need to stop looking at sex as a bad thing. Sex is a very good thing that God intended for marriage. Setting rules will not keep children pure.

The church has a lot of things wrong in the way it approaches the issues. I'm the first to admit that.

By: porkborg

porkborg — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:38:53 +0000

To people saying this is just satire... Do you realize that this was performed live in front of a huge Christian congregation (church called The Father's House)? If this is satire, who are they making fun of? Christians? Did they invite all these Christians (many of whom are creationists, anti-gay marriage, etc, based on the church's own website) to come watch them make fun of fundamentalists? Uh... I highly doubt that. It's possible they're being intentionally silly with the rap costumes and movements, but from the context, we have EVERY reason to believe that they're dead serious in their message: stay pure, don't hug face-to-face. Also, anyone who's ever gone to modern-day protestant church youth groups (I have) are well aware how cool they try to make everything to attract youngsters. My youthgroup had rock singers, rappers, you name it. This video was performed by real Christians with a real message.

By: Gregory A Butler

Gregory A Butler — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:30:12 +0000

Besides the fact that those guys made the worst music video in human history, I have to agree with Amanda that the "Christian Side Hug" is massively creepy.

Basically, it implies that any body-on-body contact is sexual (and this "sinful") - and it reflects a really deeply unfortunate view of humanity from the folks who came up with this idea.

And, again, as for the video - it is awful beyond belief (no wonder they disabled the comment feature!)