Fear can make one do a lot of crazy things. Those who don't possess – or just choose not to use – rationality, however, often just do stupid things. Like burning books because they were written by one with another faith or ethnicity.

But full blown cleansing isn't as easy to do now. Some just settle for a good ol' DVD destruction. As it turns out one of my neighbors is a god fearing fundie. So fearing she must have felt the only way to wash out the enjoyment experienced while watching The Golden Compass, was to rip/cut the damn thing in four.

Now as far as the background story goes, I am speculating, but it makes a good story nonetheless. The DVD, though, I do have. Found on the top of the dumpster behind my apartment building was a copy of The Golden Compass, carefully displayed with the words, “Ha Ha its [sic] new! You can have it!” Naturally as an unsuppressed human being I was curious. When I'm curious I don't pray it away, I investigate. Inside the case was a DVD that was anything but new. Held together with transparent tape were roughly four quarters of the disc. Along with some more self-supposed clever words.

“This movie is about killing God. Stated the Author[sic],” and reverse, “Thats why I ripped or cut the DVD.” One can only imagine the precedings.

“Oh, Helen, you absolutely must watch this film. I was so amazing and the cute with the little animals.”

“But Suzie, that movie is about killing god. The author said so. You'd better do something to show the lord you're sorry.”

“Oh heavens, I had no idea. I hope I don't go to hell now, maybe god will see I'm sorry if I rip the thing up. Arrrrggg.... well maybe I'll cut it.”

Anyway, I really do have a point to all of this. Churches can bend this fear to make their henchmen do just about anything. It may sound innocent when a churchie takes a sword to a pikachu doll or a sharpie and scissors to a DVD, but these aren't the only subjects that hatred is taught to.