It is sad that there are so many people whose lives are so empty, they find pleasure in mocking people who have faith in God and celebrate Christ's resurrection on the holiest day in Christianity.
Perhaps if they attempted to seek salvation, they wouldn't have such evil thoughts in their hearts and minds 24/7.
From the article:
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist group that frequently engages in offensive tactics to rail against what its member see as unfair government endorsements of religion, is responsible for this sign. The group sought permission to post the eight-foot by three-foot banner in Streator’s City Park after another group posted a Christian sign and crosses.
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Comments: 61
You ignore the fact that the city allowed a Christian group to blatantly use city property to insult non-Christians, but complain with moral outrage when an atheist group gets permission to post their own sign on the property. That is called hypocrisy.
Do you think a billboard could shake one's religious faith? It would take a whole lot more than that. These people are starving for attention they apparently didn't get as children. What exactly are they trying to accomplish? I wouldn't even be angry at the sign. I feel sorry for people who behave in that manner.
That's the problem, atheists view a cross or a nativity scene as an insult. Christians and people of all faiths believe in something and every religious symbol displayed is something postitive; something good.
Every public display by atheists is something negative; something that shows just how unhappy they are. I wish they would realize that what is missing is the belief in something, instead of believing in, and standing for, nothing.
You believe it is right for a Christian group to put up a Christian display in a city owned park, but you publicize your outrage against a non-Christian sign in the same park.
The sign was put up to counter Christian displays which includes religious crosses which had been in place since early March. For the last five years visitors to the park have seen a prominent sign that says "Jesus died for your sins." Last year Christians put up a nativity scene.
The city council allows those religious displays. However, the court says that if they allow Christian displays, they will also have to allow anti-Christian displays.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation which put up the Jesus is a Myth banner would prefer it if there were no displays at all. Let the public enjoy the park without the propaganda.
Currently, Christians have world wide organizations, plus local groups in nearly every town and city in the country. They own TV networks and programs, along with their radio productions. They have nationally, and internationally known speakers, they have political influence and they have money. But they do not have the sole right to put their signs and displays in public parks?
See the article at "Jesus Myth banner".
These atheists are getting the attention they want from those complaining about the billboard. It should just be ignored.
You had to cry about it on the internet.
You don't mind putting other people down, and insulting them. But when somebody does something you don't like, you fall on the floor and throw a tantrum.
You know that the churches in this country own a great deal of land. If churches want to put up a signs saying "Jesus died for your sins," they can put them up in front of their churches and their buildings. They don't need to do it in public parks. But if the local authorities are going to permit such signs, then by law they must permit atheists and other non-Christian groups put up their signs. You can't have it one way.
Is there a valid point you'd like to make that doesn't involve adolescent language (I get enough of that with my two kids when they bicker with each other)?
Can you explain to me why a sign offends you so much, regardless of where it's posted? How could a sign invoke such responses? Church signs, as I stated before, are messages of hope and encouragement. Atheists' signs are hate-fliled. It shows that there is something missing in their lives.
My guess is that something is God.
You are the one who was offended by the "Jesus is a Myth" sign. You went so far as the accuse the atheists who put the sign up of having "evil thoughts in their hearts and minds." That was a very Christian remark from you.
The article you quoted referred to a Christian sign, and the display of crosses that there were already in the Park. Yet you didn't object to them.
Are the Christian group who set up those displays unaware that the park is public property used by children? And that the parents of those children are often atheists, Jews, Buddhists, or any of a large number of religious creeds? Of course that occurred to them. That is why they put the displays up. They are going after the children.
I'am over 70 and have seen plenty of hate coming from Christians. The target changes, but have included Jews, Roman Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, blacks, women, gays and numerous other minorities. Christians just pick up the Bible and justify their hate by reading some passage.
Atheists are at a disadvantage when it comes to hate. We can't pick up a book and blame it on Gawd. Christians have set fire to family planning clinics, and claimed to be doing the work of God.
Christians have tried to force their beliefs on school children by requiring daily Bible readings, school prayers, the teaching of "Creationism" as a science, and teaching that homosexuality is a perversion.
You know what I am saying is true, because you are one of those Christians.
You will have plenty of opportunities to vent your outrage at those who insist on exercising their Constitutional right.
In the same park which contains the "Jesus is a Myth" banner is a sign which says, "Jesus died for your sins." Next to that is a cross display.
For hundred of years Christians have accused the Jews of Killing Jesus. Christians have discriminated against Jews for hundreds of years. Christians have blamed Jesus' death on Jows. How do you think Jewish parents feel when their children play near those displays? They are symbols of hate. A different viewpoint changes things.
Many colonists came to north America to escape the religious persecutions which were taking place in Europe. Once here, those settlers set up governments run by religious leaders who became just as despotic as those the settlers were trying to escape from. But these new persecutions were acceptable because they were now doing the persecutions. Again, just a different viewpoint.
Christianity is not a pretty religion. It threatens its own followers with an after-life of hell and punishment if they falter. The Book of Revelation is filled with blood and the torture and murder of millions. Atheism says there is nothing to fear from death. There is no punishment. It is a difference in viewpoint.
Christians were the ones who stopped the Salem Witch Trials.
From the outside looking in, I find it fascinating that you can make that assumption about Christianity.
There are many ways you can decipher the meanings of scripture in the Bible.
The atheists put that sign up to show the same kind of hate you obviously have for Christians.
Where do atheists believe they came from? What do they believe their purpose is on this Earth? And where do they believe they go when they die? What do they think happens to them?
It is even so stated in the Bible:
1 Thessolonians 2:14-15a
For you became imitators, brothers and sisters, of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely.
I'm not making assumptions about Christianity. I'm stating historical facts. And Salem is not the only place where Christians executed women for witchcraft.
Yes, there are many ways to interpret scripture (your use of the word "decipher" is interesting.) Christians have fought wars with other Christians over the interpretation of scripture. However, the passages which I have cited are clear in meaning and should be easily understood by you.
The same law which permitted Christians to put up a sign which says "Jesus died for your sins," permits atheists to put up a sign saying "Nobody died for our sins. Jesus Christ is a myth." You agree with one, and call the other one hate. But this is the United States of America, not a theocracy. Your objection to the sign shows your disrespect for the laws and Constitution of this country.
Kind of like what Obama is doing to America, because he's anti-colonialist, anti-American, and anti-US military. He said as much in his books.
I guess you are outraged, then, that the president hasn't come out to speak about the anti-semitism running rampant throughout OWS, right?
How about the islamists who slaughtered more than 40 Christians on Easter in Nigeria. I guess you think they deserved it?
I didn't say I objected. I gave my opinion on why the atheists do these things. But as atheists are always claiming that atheism IS a religion, they had no more right to place a 'religious' sign on public land, than the Christians did, am I right?
I stated historical facts about Christianity and Christians. Facts which cannot be denied.
Rather than face those fact, you try to lead the subject in other directions.
There is nothing in your post above about a sign being stolen.
Do you know what private property is? A mosque is private property.
The signs we are talking about are in a CITY park. The city council cannot legally show preference in who they allow to erect signs.
It's called separation of church and state. The government cannot favor one religion over another. If an Islamic group decides to erect a Crescent and star in the park, the city council would be obligated to let them erect it.
I've moved on to quite a few more posts. You should move on as well.
Yes the atheist sign was removed by someone and the atheists have offered a reward. LOL
If there is one law in this country which is unconstitutional, it's DOMA. That is the misnamed Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA has already be called unconstitutional by two federal courts, and is headed to federal courts of appeals. The Justice Department no longer defends the act.
Meanwhile, every one of the Republican presidential candidates have expressed support for it.
The problem with the act is that it does nothing to defend marriage. Its sole purpose is to discriminate against people on the grounds of their sexual orientation. That's all.
DOMA finds its strongest support in the Christian right-wing. These loving Christians go into their Bibles and pull out obscure passages upon which they justify their hate.
Mitt Romney, who has strong Christian right-wing support, had contributed $50,000 to help pass the Proposition 8 in California, a constitutional amendment which prohibited the recognition of same-sex marriages in California. Interestingly a federal court and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals have already found Prop 8 to be unconstitutional.
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) (whose only purpose is to oppose same-sex marriage) tried to keep their list of contributors secret, but the Supreme Court rules against them. So now we find out that one of the largest contributors to NOM is Mitt Romney.
Yet, I have not seen you post anything in opposition to this piece of unconstitutional legislation. Nor have I seen you attack Mitt Romney, other Republicans, or Christian groups for their support of DOMA.
Insisting that we become believers, will make us understand, is insulting.
Putting down those that do not believe like you is insulting.
I used to believe like you, until I was lied to by pastors, and denied either wages that I truly earned,or the rewards for my efforts that were given freely to others, yet because I would not give a false testimony in court, was denied the achievement of 4 years of hard work and study.
...we do have the right to believe in, or not to believe anymore.
...2 Pastors, who lied and cheated me were part of my decision to quit christianity, and seek out the truth.
...It seems that you may be bitter that some of us, will not agree with you. And that is our right. and not yours to deny.
But if you find it insulting, don't you think that Christians and other people of faith are insulted by what atheists say?
I said I felt sorry for those who have no hope and believe in nothing. If you view that as an insult, there's nothing I can do about that.
I feel sorry for you.
It appears that you are the one who needs to believe in something. I have always had sympathy for those who believe in and stand for, nothing.
Where do you believe you came from?
What do you believe your purpose on earth is?
And where do you believe you'll go when you die?
I have the answers, and I do not fear death or any man. You seem to be lashing out at me, like a child who blames others for their unhappiness.
I am not the one that is mocking your cross by placing it in a container of urine.
...The reason I am here is because my parents was horny!
...After being ripped off by, and from "born again christians," including 2 preachers, and told by another to give TOTALLY FALSE TESTIMONY, in court, and when I told the truth, I was fired.
...I have found out that it is a fable. A story just like Jack and the beanstalk.
...Jesus had a brother, and more than likely, he was the one seen on easter day.
...I feel sorry for you if you go and insult people, and think, that just because you believe in the easter bunny, that everyone will forgive you, and you go straight to heaven.
...Is it ok for "born again Christians" to force someone to give false testimony in court, ir to deny them the wages they rightfully earned, or for christians to steal from me because I no longer believe in a fairy tale?
...The answer is: Thou shall not steal. :thou shall not bear false witness
from the ten commandments. SO theat answer is no. Yet born again punks keep stealing, calling us theives, yet they steal from me.
...IF you want atheists and others who believe in something other than a dead man arising, to stop insulting you, stop insulting us.
...IF there was "streets of gold;" during the day they would be too hot to walk on and too cold to walk on at night."
You don't seem to be a person who is blessed with a healthy and happy family. I say that because you seem to spend an excessive amount of time posting items on Gather. Where's your family while you are doing that? Gather seems to be your life.
I have already lived a fulfilling life, and have entered retirement, but I still keep myself busy with a part time job and studying mathematics just for the pleasure of it.
...Even though I am a disabled US Army veteran, my needs are met, I now have a quality connection with my family.
...my son is a medic in the US Army. And has served 2 tours.
...I am content with my life.
...Are you content with your life Roryann??? If not, then I pity you.
As I originally state, negativity is all I get from atheists.
In this country, even atheists have a right to state their beliefs and opinions.
Your instance that those who do not believe like you do; are wrong. That is rude.
Your insults are being returned, not by me,(I can not afford to post something on a billboard.) yet those of us who disagree with you are getting the royal treatment.
I have equal rights, not inferior.
IF Someone puts up a billboard that states something about a myth, you are free to not believe that.
How's that work?
You have to recognize that even atheists are entitled to their beliefs.
You opened your post by saying, "It is sad that there are so many people whose lives are so empty, they find pleasure in mocking people who have faith in God." That is an insult.
It is also an indication of your hate, ignorance, and disregard for the Constitution of the United States.
You also need to understand that nothing you say will change my opinion. If I didn't mean it, I wouldn't say it. I never say anything I don't mean.
You see hatred anywhere someone else has a differing opinion. IMO, they do have somthing missing from their lives. If they really believed in what they were saying, they wouldn't be trying to convince every one else. Even they must know that people would rather die than denounce God.
They're also starving for attention. They honestly think they are going to change the hearts and minds of 83% of the US population.
I think that I know why you are so bitter, but why would I want to be attacked again.
...If you can understand that the next sentence is NOT condemning OR endorsing your religion, but a metaphoric statement. Trying to have a civil discussion with you is as useless as a bible in hell.
Worlds smallest violin
You objected when I called you a crybaby, but now you are accusing Ed of "whining". With you slurs against atheist in your post, it shows that you are the juvenile.
By the way: That is was two Republican appointed judges who called DOMA unconstitutional.
Before you say another thing, I have a letter from former President Bush, the son, thanking me for helping him in his re-election.
He had absolutely no reason to go to war in Iraq.
PLUS, the civil rights removing of the "patriot act."
Why does the government need to know that I have pimples?
We are now subject to a random search, to "make sure" that we are not carrying a bomb, either in our shoes or in our underwear..
And as to why I responded, your in more than one of my groups.
I will not respond to any more posts that you have.
Your bitterness has come out with you accusing me of whining, OH what a delusional state your in.
Have a great time in your fantasy land.
Richard, you don't really think I'd give out personal info, do you? My kids are grown and are leading their own lives. And since you're keeping tabs on how often I'm on here, which in and of itself is a little creepy, that must mean you're on here too. See, I can run our business website online and post on Gather at the same time.
Thanks for sharing, but I didn't ask. I believe I made myself clear in the original post. I stand by what I said.
You both seem to have a problem with a woman speaking their mind. Sorry, but no amount of insults or name-calling from any man, will make me back down from what I said.
You lied.
On a post dated Apr 9, 2012, 4:04pm EDT you said,
"Is there a valid point you'd like to make that doesn't involve adolescent language (I get enough of that with my two kids when they bicker with each other)?"
Notice the use of the present tense, which clearly indicates that you have two bickering kids at home. Now you say the children are grown up and living on their own.
I am not keeping tabs on how often you are on Gather, but I do click on "My Gather" and go through the recent posts in my areas of interest. It is not hard to notice people who post often. This was extremely obvious yesterday when you had numerous posts one following another.
Honestly. I have never had a problem with a woman speaking her mind. That has been a serious problem for Christians. It has only been in the last few years that some Christian denominations have permitted women to become ordained ministers. Some churches still don't allow it. After all, the Bible is opposed to women speaking in church or having authority over men:
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak. Rather, let them be in submission, as in fact the law says. If they want to find out about something, they should ask their husbands at home, because it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church.
1 Timothy 2:11-12
A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.
The fight to give women the vote, to give women equal educational and job opportunities, to give women the right to control their own bodies were all fought against deeply entrenched Christian opposition. The fight is still not over.
Sorry you don't have a clue about siblings and how rivalry doesn't end when their teen years do.
Oh, well thanks for clearing that up for me. Is there a limit to how much I can post? What will you do report me to the gather police. This is a social networking site, for pete's sake. This isn't my source of income. That I get elsewhere.
Quoting Bible verses now? When I start taking advice on what the scriptures mean, from someone who mocks those who believe in God, I'll know I've hit rock bottom.
You do the same thing Obama does, mock scripture and mock religion, which is why he lost a lot of the Catholic, Jewish, and evangelical Christian support.
Keep up the good work, you're doing a fine job of following your master. I'll stick with God, not a false messiah for the left.
What angers Christians is that I know the Bible better than most of them.
For Christians to pick obscure passages out of the Bible and use them to attack gays and lesbians is outrageous when that same Bible condones slavery, demeans women, and endorses beating children with a rod.
When Christians want "creationism" taught in schools as a science, while the Bible's knowledge of genetics is demonstrated by Jacob's methods in breeding sheep, at become laughable. See Genesis 30.
For Christians to claim that our laws are based upon the 10 Commandments when the Bible itself says nothing about democracy, freedom or speech, or freedom of religion, it becomes absurd.
Unlike democrats and liberals, once children are grown they don't need to be dependent on their mother for all their needs. They didn't grow up believing that the government will then take over when they're parens are no longer responsible.
They have their own jobs, lives, and families.
And I don't really care how many of my posts you see on your feeds. You are free to ignore my posts if you like.
Wow, now you're all over the page accusing me of saying a ton of things. You've moved on to gays and the Ten Commandments and slavery, and child abuse.
I'll only answer to one of those, even though I didn't say all the things you apparently read into my posts and comments. People who abuse children, particularly those who sexually abuse children, deserve the death penalty. And that's not me speaking as someone of any religious faith, that's me speaking as a parent.
You should take your fight to someone who actually said all these things to you.
I think you're just fishing for an opportunity to bash religion. How do you know I'm not Jewish?
...ANd those without salvation, are all domed to hell. I know that you didn't say the last line but that is implied.
until the first post, on this line, I didn't know that you were a woman.
Neither of us brought up sex, but you did.
Did either of us ask, or demand that you back down???
NO!!!!!!
Rudeness by and from born again people, that have stolen from me, etc, is being returned.
Happy Holidays is acceptable to me, why not you??
You do not want a civil discourse, you want to browbeat me into a conversion.
I have to wonder what made you soo bitter??
It seems to be a common thread, I do not agree with you, which makes me rude.
I stand by my opinion. If you think someone holding a different opinion than yours, makes someone bitter, you should read your words back maybe. You don't seem happy in your non-beliefs and it sounds like you're trying to convince yourself.
When a Christian group decided to place a sign saying "Jesus died for your sins" in a public park they should have known that people who disagreed with them had a right to put up their own signs. They had the option of putting the sign up on their own property, but they chose to place it in a public park so children could read it.
So stop crying and grow up.
I hope that you can find a way to relax, I am tired of your bitterness.
Oh, your welcome to keep posting to my groups, But I doubt that you can keep discussions civil.
goodbye.
Tell you what, let me know what groups you're both in and I'll take myself out of them. I can't stand to see grown men cry.
Oh, and FYI, it isn't Bush, Bush Sr or Reagan who is up for re-election.
Ciao!
Its none of anyones business how long you stay on the computer and its down right ignorant to accuse someone of not having sex since Reagan was in office... This is the kind of people that has been around since Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden... The same kind of people that ridiculed , mocked and crucified Christ... If they want to live their hate filled lives picking on those that believe its ok, by me... those that believe havent lost anything by someone NOT believing.... BUT those that dont believe in God and at the end of their lives come face to face with him, well ... its to late then... They have lost their soul and in the end if we find out that the believers were wrong, then all we have lost is our time.... I wouldnt even give them a debate... Its clear that some people go around walking with a chip on their shoulder... Some people love to hate... You cant please everyone, so you may as well please yourself...
As far as the billboard... These nut jobs seem to go to alot of trouble and expense trying to convince us that God doesnt exist... Isnt that what the devil did...? The greatest deception that the Devil did was to convince the people that he didnt exist.... So, his plot seems to of worked on the non - believers.... They bought right into it...lol the joke is on them... You keep right on believing lady, you may not get that crown here on this earth , but someday you will receive it...
The key word is "attempt". They haven't intimidated me, they just would like to believe they have so I'll stop posting. It's the 2nd time, BTW, that someone mentioned how often I post, or about disliking what I post.
LOL