KICK LARRY DAVID TO THE CURB

In a recent episode of the HBO series, “Curb your Enthusiasm,” writer and producer, Larry David inadvertently urinates on a picture of Jesus. The picture is hanging on a wall in the guest bathroom of a home he is visiting. Larry David’s urine, which continues to drip down the picture, subsequent to Larry’s departure from the bathroom, makes it appear to the homeowner and her mother (who later witness the scene) that Jesus, is weeping. The two women, in a state of awe and reverence, kneel before the picture and pray. The naïve homeowner and her mother (as depicted) believe this event to be a miracle. The miracle, as I see it, is that a sixty-two year-old man could pee more that three inches up a wall. Larry is fantasizing again! While doing so, however, L.D. has desecrated an image of deity, most sacred to the Christian faith.

The obvious question is, would Larry David perform the same shtick with a picture of Allah? Probably not; characterizations of Allah are forbidden by Muslims. How about a likeness of Mohammad? Sure, at the risk of a Rushdie-style contract on Larry’s head. I do not think Larry David is that brave, nor is Islam Larry’s concern. I doubt we would ever see Larry David urinating on a picture of Brahman, a Hindu god, Buddha, the Maharishi of TM, or Yoda, for that matter. Why? Because none of the gods, representing these religions, are threatening to Larry’s secular, humanistic lifestyle. I am certain Larry’s god is exempt from his micturition splatter, as well. Can you imagine Larry’s rage should he witness someone pissing on a picture of a dollar bill?

There is a battle currently raging between worldly, “New York – Hollywood” philosophy and Christ’s message. Larry David understands this, only too well! Jesus Christ and His followers are the enemy of the humanist perspective – a view and lifestyle, which Larry David holds dear. The pee fest, exhibited in Larry’s recent show, was a deliberate and calculated effort to offend those, who he believes are challenging his philosophy of life. His efforts were successful, in a most base and un-cultured manner. I was greatly offended and outraged when I saw a clip of the episode. Apparently, so were many other Christians. Their immediate verbal and written response to Larry’s crude and disrespectful act caused HBO to release a statement that Larry was just acting “Playful.” If HBO actually believes that ridiculous explanation of Larry’s sacrilege, they should warn Larry’s two daughters to wear heavy rain gear upon visitation.

Some who have defended the episode in question, say that Larry David offends everybody?!? That’s a nice human quality! And, how does that make me feel better about his abhorrent act? Additionally, there have been those who place the blame of Christian outrage on an inability to show tolerance, “as the Bible teaches.” Nice try! As the Bible does not teach “Tolerance,” this transfer of responsibility does not work (please read my posting on “Tolerance,” dated, October 30, 2008). It also demonstrates the ignorance of Bible scripture by those who pose this fallacious argument.

As Christians, we must rebuke the kind of behavior displayed by Larry David. My recommendation is to write a letter to HBO, 1100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 and express your outrage, primarily by cancelling your subscription; make yourself heard! Additionally, should you be a fan of "Curb your Enthusiasm," don't admit it and stop watching!