Skateboarding for Jesus

Colorado Springs, the crotch of the Christian fundamentalist right, is home to many right-wing religious groups, megachurches, and the US Air Force Academy where, an investigation last year showed, Christian fundamentalists had essentially taken over the management of the institution. So it's no wonder that local youths are skateboarding for Jesus:

Eager to bring more young believers into its folds, some churches are trying to show that grinding and God can be compatible. And frankly, some skateboarders say that church is one of the few places they can skate and not get yelled at.

The Web is awash in Christian skateboard companies and, at last year's International Christian Retail Show in Denver, a corner of the convention floor was set aside for skateboarders who thundered through a portable halfpipe. While the merchants around them peddled earth-toned evangelical books and inoffensive trinkets, these skaters were marketing a lifestyle.

"The last couple of (Christian youth) events I've been to have been very skater-focused," said Christine Mendoza, who co-pastors The Grace Place with her husband, Lion.

The story goes on to mention that one kid was skateboarding in a t-shirt reading SATAN SUCKS. Yes, I'd like homophobia with my religion, thanks very much!