Atheist Behind Infamous PA ‘Slave’ Billboard Speaks Out: ‘It Is My Hate for the Bible’
- Posted on March 9, 2012 at 8:53am by
Billy Hallowell
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Image Credit: American Atheists
Earlier this week, residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were sent into an uproar over an atheist billboard that presented the image of a shackled slave along with a Bible verse about the very same subject. While the sign has since been defaced and removed, the conversation — and outrage — over its creation and initial presence continues.
(Related: PA Atheists Use Race & Slave Imagery in Billboard Against the ‘Barbaric’ Christian Bible)
As The Blaze reported, the billboard was purchased and created by the PA chapter of American Atheists and Pa. Nonbelievers — two groups that seek to promote non-belief in the state. The message aimed at railing against politicians who supported a resolution calling 2012 the “Year of the Bible,” was posted just blocks away from the state capitol.
While the men behind the billboard have already come out to say that they believe the sign was misinterpreted, Ernest Perce V isn’t done voicing his opinion on the matter. Perce, the state director of the American Atheist branch responsible for the billboard, is continuing to defend it (he made headlines in 2011 and 2012 after being attacked by a Muslim during a 2011 Halloween parade).
In an interview with CBS21, he doubled down, saying that the verse he chose was one of the more tamer of the Bible’s slavery references.
“Exodus 20-21 says that if you beat your slave and he lives you will not be punished since he is your property,” Perce said.
Atheist leader Ernest Perce V
The verse he is referring to reads, “Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.” While controversial in some circles, Christian commentators claim that this was more of a sign of the cultural times than a Biblical mandate.
Historian David Barton has discussed the form of voluntary slavery that was allowed in Exodus, writing the following about the “sons of Israel”:
Those who needed assistance, could not pay their debts, or needed protection from another were allowed under Biblical law to become indentured servants (see Ex. 21:2-6; Deut. 15:12-18). They were dependent on their master instead of the state. This was a way to aid the poor and give them an opportunity to get back on their feet. It was not to be a permanent subsidy. Many early settlers to America came as indentured servants. These servants were well treated and when released, given generous pay.
The complete verse that was paraphrased on the billboard reads, ”Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”
Barton has addressed these words as well:
When Paul wrote how slaves and masters were to act (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; Col. 3:22-25; Titus 2:9-10), he was not endorsing involuntary slavery or the Roman slave system. He was addressing the attitudes, actions, and matters of the heart of those Christians who found themselves in slavery or as slave owners. This encompassed many people, for half the population of Rome and a large proportion of the Roman Empire were slaves. Many people were converted to Christianity while slaves or slave owners, and many Christians were enslaved.
When it comes to the fallout from this latest billboard flap, Perce seems to be worried about his well-being.
“Stay alive, that is the first thing, constant security and I am really overwhelmed at how people misconceived a billboard, they misunderstood a billboard from an image that is American history,” he told CBS21.
Despite this fear, he’s not willing to back down.
“The reason they‘re upset is just because they don’t understand history,” he explained. “Reflecting back on history and showing how far we have come as a nation is not racism.”
While this may, indeed, be true, the use of a Bible verse that wasn’t properly placed in context teamed with an image that had nothing to do with the Biblical content itself may have led to some of the confusion and angst.
When asked if his actions constituted a hate crime, Perce had an intriguing response.
“It is a hate crime,” he proclaimed. “It is my hate for the Bible and it is my disdain [for] the House of Representative who passed a Year of the Bible.”
And those who found offense in the last billboard — well, they may be in store for more. Making good on his previous promises, Perce says that there is more to come. Bus ads. New billboards. The works. In fact, he apparently says that the new ads may show Jews, as they were held as slaves during Biblical times.
Considering American Atheists’ most recent drama with a Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York, one wonders how future billboards will pan out.
(H/T: WHPTV)
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Comments (304)
blazingaway
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:29amI wonder if he realizes we are now slaves to the federal government
Report Post »joe.r.piehole
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:00amI don’t think you understand what a “slave” is.
I’m pretty sure you still have your rights, and are a freer citizen than any citizen of any developed nation in the history of the world.
With that said, I want to point out that the Bible is not the word of God, but a collection of stories of lying, thieving, plagiarists.
lukerw
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:13am@JOE…
I view the Bible as History… and the only conflict with other records in the area is that Egypt claimed that Israel was under their control during King David & Solomon, and they divided it into two Kingdoms.
Can you cite any examples to support your Claims?
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:02pm“… two groups that seek to promote non-belief in the state… .”
A non-religious, religious group. No different from those groups that seek to promote belief. Thus, if one is banned from the public spaces, then both must be banned. Since both can not be banned, then both must be permitted. Both religions must be permitted in public spaces under the concept of equality.
Report Post »Bad_Ashe
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:45pmOf course its because of his “hate” for the Bible, it always comes down to religious hatred for the socially autistic Atheists like him. What stronger motivation could be behind pulling a Bible verse out of context, putting it next to an offending and misleading image, and then playing the victim when called on his sophomoric antagonism.
It also tickles me to no end when Atheists talk about understanding history while simultaneously displaying their complete ignorance of it. This guy is exhibit A.
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:54pm@PIEHOLE:You don‘t realize you are a slave just as you don’t understand that God is real and the bible is true. So sad…MY FREEDOMS come from God NOT the government! The Gubment has NOTHING for me. They are enslaving you. You look to them for something and they are full of dead mans bones.
Report Post »‘None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free’ JW Goethe
Marci
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:30pmWhat a frickin moron. Atheist activists like this have given atheists this lasting label. He is not truly an atheist or he would rail against ALL religion. And no, I am not an atheist—but those that I have know that are tend to be live and let live people. NOT destroy Christianity people. This guy is a useful idiot for our government.
Report Post »JGraham III
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:51pmAmazing how many of the detractors from the Bible always seem to know where all the flaws and mistranslations are and yet blithefully skip over all the very clear things the Bible does say (about 90% of the Bible is easy to understand; so easy even an atheist can do it…). Chapter and verse please Mr Detractor/atheist on where the Bible has been added to or subtracted from? Pardon me while I don’t hold my breath. “all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls away. But the word of the Lord endures forever.” sorry fellas, you seem to be on the wrong side of the equation as it were.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:12pmjoe.r.piehole
When a person on welfare has more income than we have disposable income, then we are wage slaves.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 4:14pmGoing by his depiction on his billboard, Perce is racist enough to think that the Bible was commenting particularly on Blacks.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 4:24pmAtheists, making friends and gaining sympathy……….not.
Report Post »npbreakthrough
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:52pmwell said Bad_Ashe.
Report Post »NVGoober
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:11pmTo Joe Piehole…?
Report Post »EXACTLY!!!!…you are right on!!!…stories about sinners……like you and I…..and a story about a redeemer….sorry if that angers you…..but it shouldn’t you know.
tvtailor
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:11pmWow, this thread has deviated from the original comment. I just wanted to add that the Bible was passed down orally for up to 400 years, when a group of Christian leaders decided what to believe in a what to not believe in. First of all, has anyone ever played that childhood game “Telephone Line”? Secondly, does that not tell us all that we should take EVERYTHING written in the Bible with a grain of salt? And lastly, anyone who speaks more than one language knows that there are some words or phrases that just do not translate exactly, which leaves the translation ultimately in the translator’s hands. There is also the fact that language is fluid and words change meaning over the years, so mix in idiomatic usage of the day with a translator’s best guess as to the exact definition/word used and you end up with a very imperfect book. I‘m not saying that the Bible doesn’t teach good things to many people in need of guidance, however, anyone who believes every single word of the Bible as the gospel truth should have their sanity checked, plain and simple.
binge_thinker
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 10:24pmAtheists are far more intolerant of religious folk. I’ve had religious people tell me what they think I should believe; but atheists go out of their way to make sure that I’m not permitted to express anything that I believe, and use the power of the courts to oppress people into their thinking. In the end it’s all about tolerance; atheists have none.
Report Post »eagle275
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 10:49pmJoepiehole = joea-hole – guess you haven’t figured out what a slave is either, have you? Glad I’m not a slave to what your are. Hmmmmmm.
Report Post »DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:10amThe only thing dumber than this man‘s sign is the blazers’ counter points. You xians really do not understand Scripture at all. The slavery in Scriptue is not like the slavery in early america. That is an anachronism. It was slavery to pay off your debt! You were to be released in the 7th year even if your debt was not paid. There were also rules concerning if you CHOSE to remain with your master. The best supporting argument for an atheist is to let a xian, or Beck, speak about Scripture.
Report Post »uhadenoughyet.com
Posted on March 12, 2012 at 6:31pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIDpjWYa5as
Report Post »jncarlos007
Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:57pm@joe- Do you have the right not to be snatched by the govt and held indefinitely without charged
no
Do you have the right not to have to buy health insurance if you dont want it?
no
etc
etc
So your point is?
Also- please cite some “lies” in the Bible (not things you simply disagree with), as well as the evidence that they are indeed lies
Report Post »Patrick Henry II
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:23amFredrick debunked this argument years ago. At first he was fooled by it too and then educated himself on the truth of the Bible and the the Constitution. The Democrat propoganda even back then took the Bible out of contextt as Obama still does.
Report Post »Patrick Henry II
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:27amFredrick Douglass. Sorry forgot to insert last name too.
Report Post »an.atheist
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:53amFact is there’s a lot of stuff in the Bible that is open for interpretation, sadly most of the time you guys seem to nitpick what benefits your ideology, and choose to ignore all the evils in it.
lukerw
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:20am@AN.ATHIEST
Report Post »If you go back… to the original languages, as Hebrew, Greek, & Latin, you can find the original meanings, where there have been intentional translations that alter, such as the King James. One that always comes mind is Lucifer, which in the original text reads: Morning Star (Venus)!
scarebear83
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:24amIgnore the evils? Like what for example? Sodom and Gomorrah? The peoples who worshiped Baal and Molech and sacrificed their children to these gods? Or others who did evil vile things? I don’t know of anyone who would ignore those events. I mean they are examples of how not to act. The Bible gives us examples of those who do good and those who do bad.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:28pmYeah, scarebear, . . .and those who killed everyone except young virgin girls for booty of war. Those who made their wife drink “bitter waters” to test whether or not she was faithful or not. Stuff like that.
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:12pm@Luke RW “Christians” Still getting it wrong since 0000
Report Post »http://en.allexperts.com/q/Orthodox-Judaism-952/Various-9.htm
This_Individual
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:00pmThe proslytizing that’s going back and forth here is very entertaining. You’ve got the militant atheists on one side and the militant Christians on the other. At least the militant Christians can claim that it’s their “duty” to spread the word, while the atheist denies his/her proslytizing.
Report Post »DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
Posted on March 11, 2012 at 12:21am@luke
Um… Latin was not an original language. I also do not believe Greek was but at least that is debatable. No person who knows history above a 3rd grade level thinks Scripture was written originally in Latin. You may just as well said German or English. It is that ridiculous.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:21amIt is uncanny. The guy looks so much like Mohammud — as a zombie.
Report Post »joe.r.piehole
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:13amThe truth is that the Bible is a compilation of tall tales and plagiarized fiction. The people that wrote the stories were not inspired by god, but by greedand power.
jkendal
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:22amYour screen name is certainly apropos – you got some piehole there for sure. BTW, truth is not anywhere near your grasp.
Report Post »an.atheist
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:23amIndeed. It’s been destroyed, rewritten, translated, rewritten. mixed with other stories, etc. etc. over and over. It can no longer be rewritten though, which is why people are starting to realize just how many contradictions and how much of a fairy tale the whole thing truly is.
vernva
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:06amPiehole,
Report Post »where did morals come from? If it is all tall tales and even LaVey admits morals come from the bible, is it ok to kill for fun? What kind of world would that be? Who made the universe? If gravity was just a billionth stronger the whole thing would collapse. A billionth weaker and planets would not orbit. Who planned that?
And lastly, what if your wrong? What provision have you made in that instance?
TEIN
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:19am..and yet if intellectuals understood the scripture James 2:17 “Even so faith, if it have not works is dead, being alone.” You would have been 1000 plus years ahead of Sir Issac Newton..Bible (compilation of works not of one source) must be one good fairy tale…
Report Post »joe.r.piehole
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:21amIf anyone is ever looking for the default IDIOTIC positions that theists hold to make themselves feel better in the face of atheism, look no further than VERNVAs post.
Morality was around way before the ancient religions, which were around way before Christianity. If an invisible sky-master is the only thing preventing you from killing and raping, I feel sorry for you and hope you seek therapy.
I don’t know exactly how the universe came into being, and neither do you. The improbability of our existence is completely and totally useless, because if it were any different, we wouldn’t be here, making up creation stories and convincing people that there are “prophets” that can speak to a divine creator.
“And lastly, what if your wrong? What provision have you made in that instance?”
Report Post »Pascal’s wager is a pitiful argument and you should be embarrassed for referencing it.
TEIN
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:33amJoe..you can talk to the divine creator as well..it is called prayer….but you will have to find that out for yourself, because that is how it works…individual…seek find, knock door opened to knowledge…that kind of stuff….be sincere and put it to the test….
Report Post »SoNick
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:41am@vernva
Report Post »When you say “where did morals come from?”, are you implying that before the Bible, everyone went around killing their neigbour? Do you think non-christian societies have no respect for life and human decency? Can you name me one culture in History that made murdering, thieving, lying and coveting your neighbour’s wife and/or property the basis of its moral code? Think about it, what your statements amounts to is saying that morality does not exist outside of the Bible, which is ludicrous. As for your comment about gravity, you assume that our planet was “built” with us in mind. Most rational people argue its the other way around: we are here because our planet happens to sustain life. A life sustaining planet was not “created” just so we could inhabit it.
DeavonReye
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:22pmTein, . . . I “put it to the test” for ~20 years . . . and came back with nothing when I prayed. Nothing outside myself. So, the “test” proved to be what reality tells us. No magic being is attempting to telepathically speak to you. It is your own mind you’re conversing with.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:23pmIf the Bible is such a bogus story to you, why do feel the need to slam it. I mean, only if there is truth to it would you feel compelled to disparage the Bible as well as those who believe in it. What are you afraid of Piehole? I call people like you arrogant.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:17pmYa, the prophets speaking out against the Israelite kings were writing to get adoration & wealth from the king. NOT!
Report Post »RaptorEP
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 4:14pmYou are very ignorant if you truly believe that. Have you studied the Bible? it’s Historic and Cultural context? The bible has been proven to be written by those known by Jesus, yes Roman records has Jesus’ birth on record, along with James, John, Saul(Paul), as well as the other disciples. There are detailed record of it’s accuracy and Archeologists, believing and non-believing both, uses it to find lost cities, as cultural reference, and Anthropological study of 1st century history. The Vatican has detail records of the various councils in which we get the modern Bible, and how they limited the inclusion of books not proven to be written by those known or proven to be written by the Prophets and Disciples who knew Jesus first hand to ensure it’s accuracy. The Dead Sea Scrolls verified the accuracy of nearly all New Testament books with a ~90% accuracy to the modern Bible. Get Educated before you make such erroneous claims.
Report Post »lisahoof
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 4:35pm@Joe
Report Post »Can you tell me what power Paul got when he wrote the majority of books in the New Testament? Hmm. It must have been his extreme love of getting whipped, beaten,and thrown in prison. OH, and then death. That is some motivator to write letters to different cities in need of Jesus. He must have had quite a booty stocked away back then while he was traveling to Rome, Africa, Israel: ALl to preach the word of God and to pay the price for it. But that’s ok. Cheer up, Paul! You will be paid well for your torture and death, and your fame will last forever. Hmmm. Come to think of it, that last statement of mine may be right. His “Heavenly” fame and fortune is abundant! AMEN!
ModerationIsBest
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:00pm@RAPTOREP
I‘m sorry but that’s completely untrue.
The gospels weren’t written by Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, but by followers of them a few decades after the events they are describing.
The reason they don‘t teach this information is because even they don’t know who actually wrote it, and they know that it wasn’t written in the life and time of Jesus.
You ask your Pastor or church leader to their face, who physically wrote the Bible and when, and see if their eyes can convince you of the truth.
In the end, it all comes down to the “infallibility” of your God and his words, and that he wouldn’t let his word become distorted, thus everything is true. Unfortunately for me, I can’t suspend my skepticism enough to see what I think is obviously a man made book. It may have extremely wise and enlightened teachings, but I view all of the supernatural stuff as silliness.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:06pmJOE , do you realize that you are doing the same proslytizing as your Christian counterparts?
Report Post »Any true atheist would not join in such things, as he or she would know what works for them may not work for others. The same would go for a true Christian whose love for their God would be sufficient.
TEIN
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:53pm@DeavonReye…I guess we have a contradiction then..I followed that process of seeking knowledge and it has led to some amazing things( and not just things based on religious aspects)…but then again as I said it is a personal journey…
Report Post »Scripture
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:41pmHey Joe Piehole if the Bible is a lot of tales then how can you explain all the prophecies that have come true right to the detail? Jesus is coming back soon to receive all the glory that is due to Him and judge the world. You better be ready because forever in eternity is a long time and if your not right about the so called tales of the Bible you will live in Hell. However by believing in Jesus you can spend eternity in Heaven where it is always better!
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 6:25am@ Vernva – morals come from the evolution of society and man’s need to get along with one another to survive.
Report Post »binge_thinker
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 10:33pmJoe,
What you don’t know makes you who you are. It is a fact that it takes a great intellectual capacity to understand, trust and hope than it does to only understand and believe what you see. So it stands to reason that atheist lack the intellectual capacity to comprehend the concept of God.
Report Post »As with all causes fostered by the disease we call liberalism, this one is about some group or snippet of a group being offended.
Boo Frickin Hoo
FoxholeAtheist
Posted on March 12, 2012 at 6:03pmAll those prophecies have come true, Scripture? Which ones, exactly?
Report Post »football lady
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:01amWhat a wasted emotion — hate. He must be miserably unhappy. What a fool.
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:26amAt least he’s being truthful about hating God. It’s what every one of these people posing as atheists are – full of hatred for God and anyone who worships Him. Now they need to be truthful in what they call themselves – because they sure aren’t atheists. If they were, they wouldn’t care a twit about the Bible; it wouldn’t bother them in the least. It’s just a book of fiction after all, right???
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:27amWhat a waste of good breathable air…..
Report Post »SoNick
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:46amhe didn’t say he hated God. For an atheist, that would be nonsensical. He said he hated the Bible, which is a human invention.
Report Post »binge_thinker
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 10:36pm@ Jkendal
Atheists believe God doesn’t exist, and yet they hate Him for “not existing.”
Report Post »Atheists believe God doesn’t exist, and yet they spend hours and hours talking about him.
One has to wonder….
skiz
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:57amWhat the athiest are is slaves to the earth and slaves to the government. Heaven awaits the believers in Jesus Christ!
Report Post »an.atheist
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:27amYou are a slave just as much as anyone else is to the Earth, because we have no choice but to be on it. Find a way to jettison yourself somewhere else and I’ll retract my statement.
Report Post »cariboodragon
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:59pmwhere exactly is heaven?
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:19pm@CARIBOODRAGON: How many grains of sand are there in the world? How many stars in the universe? How many hairs on your head? I don’t know, but God knows.
Report Post »Texas.7
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:33pmskiz,
So true, atheists are “Ground Bound”, tied to the desires of their heart, which are the things of this world and fulfilling the desires of the flesh- and all that will burn in the end. They haven’t tasted what exists beyond here, though we have, because the Kingdom of Heaven exists inside of us through Christ. And though we are limited by the flesh, we sense it, feel it and often get glimpses. We can trust in Christ, for even now, He is preparing us a place, and a Bride for Himself!
An Athiest- somehow hatred needs no response. If you ever want real conversation with Christians, and care about what we say, then it might be worth it to converse. But as long as you are angry at God, how will you hear anything we say? And if you aren’t angry at God, why are you anti-Christ? For, by attacking Christians, you attack Him.
Report Post »Magpie_Z
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:28amI have always wondered how they square their existance with the denial of a higher power. Is their life little more than an amoeba, to exist for a time and then just wink out at the end of life. Perhaps their belief that their being a creature of “reason” is all they need for justification but they cannot explain why they have rights. Where are their rights drawn from, man? Which man? What is the right path? Murderers and tyrants all think they are only doing what is right or just in their minds.
I have seen a friend who claimed to be atheist pass away from cancer and the fear in his eyes will never leave me. Despair of the unknown from years of denial of anything more than simply a body walking around until it is time to expire. But get this, the name of God came off his lips.
Maybe doesn’t happen to all atheists but I would like to see how these “enlightened ones” deal with end of life (sorry about being morbid). I would rather live my life in a Christ like way and know that I did all I could do to live my life in the grace of God than to end it praying to myself.
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:09amThe billboard lies. That is NOT Colossians 3-22. Not even close. Besides that what he has stated as his interpretation is taken out of context. THIS is Colossians 3-22. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
Report Post »Now let us put it in context
Colossians 3-16 thru 24
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the lord and whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as it is fit in the lord. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them. Children obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers provoke not your children to anger lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service as men pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God. And whatsoever ye do do it heartilyas to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall recieve the reward of the inheritancefor ye serve the Lord Christ.
Now that things are in context it seems as if we all are servants to someone, doesnt it. All of those that have jobs are servants to their bosses and we are all servants to God. Read EVERYTHING UNDERSTAND AND LEARN BEFORE YOU TALK
JRook
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:25amThere is no doubt there is some higher power or energy in the universe. There is also no doubt that humans don’t have a clue what it is and probably could not comprehend it. It is all to easy to explain away inconsistencies in the bible as cultural aberrations while ignoring the wider notion that people who thought the world was comprised within a 1,000 mile radius, possibly had the answer to the origin of the universe, let alone the FLAT world they were living on. The evidence is in the similar behavior that exists among ancient tribes in terms of explaining the unknown and achieving some degree of moral and social order by invoking a higher power. The result is of course Hinduism, Buddhism and the Mayan religious beliefs. For me I’d be happy if everyone just RELIGIOUSLY followed the universal, yet hardest tenant, “The Golden Rule”. I have yet to find even the most devote Evangelical consistent behave in a manner that would display even mediocre compliance. And of course I have found very few people measure up to the criteria they hold out for others. What a wonderful world it would be if people were have as good at rationalizing as they were in following the Golden Rule.
Report Post »Two Sheds
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:41amTo Cancantiques, it depends on the interpretation of the word of God. New Inational Vsion: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” Is a direct quote from the Bible. However, it could be interpreted as servants; or if you use the Greek Orthidox it’s interpreted as bondservants.
I agree with most that Perce is an idiot, however his point was that the Bible was used as justification of slavery in the Colonies and the US. Which it was.
You can‘t change his mind and he won’t change yours. As my mother used to say, “Ignore him.”
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:16pm@JROOK said: “I have yet to find even the most devote Evangelical consistent behave in a manner that would display even mediocre compliance” Now you’re learning!
It is IMPOSSIBLE to always keep the 10 commandments. Go down the list and tell me if you have kept them all your entire life? Christians are no different. We are saved by grace lest any man should boast! But we are to strive away from sin. It doesn’t mean we never slip up. IF you know people who are in habitual sin…they probably are not a Christian. 85% of Americans claim to be Christians but very few really are.
Report Post »Romans 6:14 …..’For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.’
Galatians 5:19-25 …..’Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.’
tvtailor
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 4:23pmI can tell you, Magpie, that when my father was dying he never once recanted and prayed to Jesus on his deathbed…or anyone else for that matter. In fact, the priest in the Catholic hospital kept trying to sneak into his hospice room and administer last rites, which was NOT my father’s wishes. I had to talk to the hospital administrator to keep him away from my dad. By the way, my father lived a much more moral, honest and upstanding life than most of our family’s religious friends…just saying. He never gambled, rarely drank, never did drugs and never cheated on my mother and stayed married to her even though all 5 of us begged him to divorce her. He made an oath to stay with my mum through good and bad…and he did.
My father was an educated Athiest who embodied all of the kind and giving qualities that your god is supposed to emulate, but yet he judged no one, no matter what colour, size nor belief. I find most of these comments here to be filled with hate and judgement, which is exactly what you Christians are NOT supposed to be doing, if I understand some of the most basic tenets of your religion.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:25amWhy didn’t he use the KORAN and use a photo of the Twin Towers burning? EXACTLY!
Report Post »Two Sheds
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:44amHe dressed up as Muhamed and got attacked, read the article. This guy is and Atheist and hates all religions that promote “imaginary friends.”
Report Post »NOITUloveR
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:19am“While controversial in many circles, Christian commentators claim that this was more of a sign of the cultural times than a Biblical mandate.”
Interesting phraseology. I have not researched this guy, nor do I care to. He has a right to free speech. It is unfortunate that he has to fear repercussion for what he has to say. While I may not agree with his method, I understand his point.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:32amHis point is in Error… just as Paul was in Error when he wrote it, being against the Teachings of Christ.
Freedom of Speech… allows for Opinion… no matter how ignorant or wrong!
Report Post »NOITUloveR
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:52amTo me, that is the point exactly. The Bible is a book filled with interpretation and intervention. He is protesting against Congress calling this the year of the Bible.
Report Post »Dstarr55
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:08amNoitulover, He hates the Bible – is that the point you understand? I can understand those that disagree with the Bible, I can understand those that use the Bible (as this man does) to selectively take out verses and use them for their own personal ends but hate? That is an unreasonable reaction from a man claiming reason. Whether you agree with the Bible or not, it is the religious tenet of Christians – there should be a level of respect for the beliefs of others, if not an agreement. I respect your right to be an atheist yet I see very little in these atheist groups that respect those that are Christian. I have stated before I understand how a Christian would want you to believe, there is a concern for your soul (the concern is an obligation of their faith, to see none suffer) but I often wondered why atheists care if someone is a Christian. I have received replies to this but they are just as nonsensical as Ernest Perce V.
As far as repercussions this man fears, so far from what I have read the only repercussion is when he mocked the Islamic faith.
Report Post »NOITUloveR
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:57amMy comment about repercussions came from reading “Christian” posts on here. And yes, I can understand how he “hates” that people are oppressed because of what the bible says.
Report Post »SoNick
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:05pmbefore we get into another debate over semantics (slave in the Bible is not the same as a cotton field slave, bondservants were treated well, yada yada yadda!) I would like to reiterate a point I first made when this story broke out and that nobody seems to understand. What is the message of this billboard and why did its creators feel the need to juxtapose the image of s shackled african slave with a bible verse? Let’s see: the PA assembly wants to declare a “year of the Bible”. An atheist is offended because he thinks Government should not make proclamations about religion (Establishment Cause). He wants to point out that his Government should not endorse a book full of questionable moral teachings. With his billboard, he wants to remind Americans that the Bible, which treats human bondage as something completely OK, was often used as a JUSTIFICATION for slavery in their own country.
Report Post »Billiam302
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:54pmSONICK, the Bible was also used to end slavery. See Wilburforce, William.. People misuse the Bible all the time. I would say simply what my teachers and Pastor has said. Test all things in light of Scripture. That includes Scripture. If someone quotes a verse, check it out for proper use and context. For instance, the Qur’an says to kill unbelievers. Christ says no such thing, though some try to twist that he does in the NT.
Report Post »SoNick
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:36pm@Billiam302
Report Post »That‘s what I’m saying! That book is so full of contradictions and subject to so many interpretations, I just don’t understand why people want to make it the source of all that is just and moral. If God is all knowing and if, according to you, he doesn’t like slavery, why would he instruct the authors of the OT on how to treat slaves? We didn’t he just include “You shall never keep another human in bondage” in the Commandments?
caladesi
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:18amDear Lord,
Report Post »We pray for Ernest Perce IV. Come Holy Spirit: Lord, his heart is filled with so much hatred that I ask you open his heart just enough that he might wonder if he might be wrong. Amen
mycomet123
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:02amAmen!
Report Post »Texas.7
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:48pmAmen, Caladesi!
Col 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the *knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
Of course this was a prayer to believers, who are listening to the Holy Spirit, but I think it is a good prayer for anyone who isn’t listening to the Holy Spirit also, that the scales would be removed. It is a good prayer for our president too, along with the following:
2 Cor 13:7a Now I pray to God that ye do no evil…
Report Post »LOJ
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:17amGod did not make men slaves, man did with his ignorance, greed, and selfishness. Bondage came from man. The White man and the Black man both sold slaves throughout centuries…God is in no way to blame for man’s stupidity and ignorance of the way to treat people as they would treat themselves, God made and loves all people. Hate destroys a mans clear way to think rationally!
Report Post »binge_thinker
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 10:41pmTrue.
Report Post »The idea that God or Christianity encourages or approves of slavery is shown to be false. In fact, anybody who was caught selling another person into slavery was to be executed. However, since voluntary slavery was widely practiced during biblical times, the Bible proscribes laws to protect the lives and health of slaves. Paul, the author of many of the New Testament writings, virtually ordered the Christian Philemon to release his Christian slave from his service to “do what is proper”. In addition, numerous verses from the New Testament show that God values slaves as much as any free person and is not partial to anyone’s standing before other people
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:16amMay God have mercy on his soul; to declare anyone a slave, especially in that manner, means a bondage by force not by service as Christians give unto God for His mercy to us.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:12amPerce at least told the truth. These atheist organizations are not about free thinking. They exist because of an absolute hatred for God and the Bible.
Report Post »These people are enemies of God and as such they are my enemy.
justangry
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:36pmCareful Momrules. We’re not all your enemy. I’m an agnostic or diest (idk), but I see religious freedoms are under attack too. I’m raising my kid Christian, like I was, because I like the morals and happiness it brings people. I just haven’t found god there. I live my life the way it says you should and pray often for God to show me the light and make me a better person. If I weren’t honest, you‘d never know I wasn’t a true believer. I think the groups who seek to agitate are ridiculous, but they do have the same first amendment rights as you that need to protected. The in-your-face athiests seem to be a petty group of people that should be ignored, but please recognize they don’t represent everyone who is a non-believer.
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:30pm@JUSTANGRY: What? I am so confused…So who are you lying to? Yourself, God, and/or your child?? If you truly do not believe there is a God, what are you doing?
At least you’re honest….sigh
Revelation 3:15-16
Report Post »“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
justangry
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:02pm@Girlnurse, I’m confused as well, which is why I consider myself an agnostic. Athiests believe there is absolutely no god, whereas agnostics say, “I don’t know”. We’re typically lumped into the same category, but in reality athiests have more in common with religious folks than agnostics.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 8:52pmJUSTANGRY……….If you will notice I referenced these atheist organizations. They are the ones on the constant attack on Christanity. I know that that not all atheists feel as they do, most just do not believe in God but do not wage war against Christians.
Report Post »I do not judge them, that is the provence of God, nor do I hate them. At most I pray that they have a moment in their lives that allows the prescence of God into their lives.
As for your own confusion and struggle with belief I will only say God bless you. Many have been where you are now and you are not my enemy.
justangry
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 3:39am@Momrules, OK Cool
Report Post »Billiam302
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:10amIf you believe in Freedom of speech, you must respect his right to say that which is antithetical to your beliefs. I abhor his opinion, and his using the Bible verses out of context. Yet, that is typical of the media, leftist ‘christian’s’ and those who seek to destroy any mention of faith in public discourse. Yet, he has the right.Destroy his, and you destroy your own.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:09amI found myself saying Amen with my darker skinned brothers and sisters. We are all souls we have bodies and if you don‘t get that then you don’t get Jesus. God gave us different colored vessels to travel through this life in and that besides being male and female is the only difference between us. Any other opinion is foolishness.
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:09amMisguided fool!
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:09amThis cowardly DUFUS will not put up a bill board aimed at Islam. He knows that if he does, he would really be in fear of his life. It always amazes me that people who believe there is no God hate people who believe there is.
Report Post »NOITUloveR
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:08pmActually, he walked in a parade as a Muslim zombie and was attacked by a Muslim. Unfortunately, the judge determined that the man who attacked him was the victim. So now people are free to attack others if they feel their religious beliefs are being mocked.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:08amIt was NEVER a matter of freedom of religion, or in THEIR case “freedom FROM religion,” it‘s their hate and ignorance of God’s Word that is the problem.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:06amThe Bible is not what enslaves but what frees one from the death of sin
Report Post »chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:06amI would have to agree with Ernest Perce. Many people who read the bible only cheery pick certain verses like John 3:16 or others they feel relate to prophecy. When you really understand the bible, quran and other religious books you’ll began to understand these books allow slavery, murder and genocide, rape, poor treatment of women (misogyny), etc. I will always agree with this quote about religion “The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshiped anything but himself.”
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:18amPaul… was a Prosecutor of Chistians… and did not Know Jesus… rather, he was a Jew of Rome, converted, and preached to the Roman areas of Turkey.
Consider the SOURCE!
Report Post »chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:27amI wouldn’t doubt there are many similar characters in mythology. Joking aside I would have to doubt Paul as a historical figure. Wikipedia (yes, I know many articles can be edit-sue me!) has a good entry on the authenticity of the books by or relating to Paul and whether he was a historic figure.
Report Post »http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_the_Apostle#Sources
I guess it is in the eyes of the beholder. There is another entry about Christians and others who are critiques of Paul. In the past I have heard many Christians who disliked Paul and called his views pagan.
SquidVetOhio
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:33amYou are truly ignorant of the Bible sir. I can’t speak for the Quran. God allows murder, sickness, starvation to happen. Does that mean He’s for it? You also do not understand the Old Testament theology as pertaining to Israel, the laws were meant for Israel and the Jewish people to keep them separate from the pagan world. The laws were harsh to show man his sinfulness. New Testament theology teaches God’s grace came with Christ and believers were freed from the OT law.
When you make claims like that, you really ought to back it up. I study the Bible. You need to understand the historical context, the authors intent, the intended audience, and the proper translation into today’s english. None of which you seem to understand apparently.
Finally. The OT Jews had the year of jubilee. Every 7th year, you were to free any slaves you had and forgive any debts. You all must have missed those verses eh?
Report Post »chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:42amNo, I have truly studied the bible since my mid-teens. I can be confident in my opinions of the bible being nothing more then a collection of myths. One thing anyone can never agree on is that religion is about interpretation. Can you agree there are different Christians from you who interpret the bible differently then you do? I would bet! For better or worse different people of religions have influenced the history of the world. I do know a lot about the Jewish mitzvot and other laws. However, there are many verses clearly directed at murder and genocide, misogyny, etc. For anyone to over look these verses and feel that their concept of god is alright with this is truly crazy.
Report Post »http://www.usbible.com/usbible/prophecy.htm#war
http://www.christianitydisproved.com/
The two links I included show why I’m critical of religion, the contents of bible and historical accuracy of the bible. Trust me I understand more then you think I know.
tzion
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:46am@Chameleon
Report Post »So “Don’t murder” really means murder and the law calling for the execution of rapists encourages rape. You’re really going to have to back up those claims. Even Biblical slavery itself has more in common with modern day indentured servitude.
momprayn
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:56amCHAM — Have you checked these out?
http://www.allabouttruth.org
http://www.creationevidence.org
http://www.answersingenesis.org
http://www.christiananswers.net
http://www.dancingfromgenesis.wordpress.com
Book: “Scientists Who Believe”
Unlike other religions, the Bible, when studied with a sincere, honest open mind can be proven to be true without reasonable doubt. They do not contain prophecies that are thousands/hundreds of years before which were fulfilled….(such as about 300 of them re Jesus in the Old Testament fulfilled in the New). Yes, many so called “Christians” criticize the Bible, which doesn‘t prove it isn’t true…it’s just their mistaken notions….many aren’t “real” Christians. Too many are “sincerely wrong”….
Report Post »chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:59am@TZION: I would encourage you to view the two links I hotlinked. Many “believers” would proclaim that there religion goes against murder, rape, etc. But is that the case? Is there a different between how different religions view the bible or the quran or other holy books? Let’s find out!
Report Post »“Update” There is something I never saw till now I would like to point out in the bible. This is more then a contradiction– this is hypocrisy on the bibles part. On the topic with law and morality in the bible I would like to share one about sex with your sister or half-sister: “If a man takes his sister, a daughter of his father or a daughter of his mother, and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness, it is a shameful thing, and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people; he has uncovered his sister’s nakedness, he shall bear his iniquity. (Lev. 20:17)” But Abraham of the bible was married to Sarah and had Isaac with her. She was his sister their father Terah. For the Jews or anyone else to accept this law must go against their identity as the decedents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is my opinion on why the bible was created by man and is full of contradictions and misinformation. But read my links to understand my position on the bible. I cannot post everything.
chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:06amI would also like to point out the story of Noah’s Ark as believed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims; I wouldn’t doubt many other people believe this story. Let’s just hope they find it as funny as any story published by the Onion. My question to believers of the story of Noah‘s Ark is do you believe God’s actions were justified? This is not about Noah being a historical figure-whatever. I want to ask when you read this story do you not see the genocide of humanity and all other life on the planet? Do you see the impossibilities of people in the time being as older 100, building the Ark, gathering the animals and taking care of the animals and taking care of themselves. I just cannot see who will believe in this story.
Report Post »http://www.usbible.com/Bible/Noah.html
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Global_Flood
tzion
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:14am@Chameleon
Your first link is full of inaccuracies and mistranslations. For example, the whole 600,000 men issue comes from how you choose to translate/interpret the verse. The word your source translates a thousand comes from the same root as commander. One could interpret this to be 600 heads of households, which would drastically cut the number.
I would respond more completely to the whole “consecration is murder” claim if your source had actually provided the correct citations (Exodus 32 doesn’t mention the firstborn issue). To put it in perspective though, at Jewish weddings the man says that his wife has been “consecrated to him”. All the term means is that the person in question is now solely devoted to, in this case, God. If the Levites replaced the firstborns as sacrifices there wouldn’t still be Levites.
Maybe before you start posting interpretations made by those on only one side you should actually look at what those on the other side (who have studied these texts for millennium) have to say.
Report Post »chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:24amThen we will have to agree to disagree. We both can agree it is up to interpretation. There are numerous links, sources, etc I use to understand what people of religion believe and what the skeptics have to say. Personally I see the bible as nothing more then a book about bronze age mythology. If you or anyone else can make me say otherwise I will be interested to see what you can cook up. Why do you believe and how to do you see what you believe is true? Should I post my email? My internet connection is acting up and I wanted to go for a bike ride. I always love to debate about religion, philosophy and skepticism. jonjohn43@hotmail.com or juanarguelles@yahoo.com
Report Post »tzion
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:27am@Chameleon
Report Post »In response to your “Sarah was Abraham’s sister” claim, I should point out a few things.
1. This was Abraham speaking to a man who he had told that Sarah wasn’t his wife. We can’t rule out the possibility that he was lying to protect himself.
2. Outside of that verse their is no other mention of who Sarah’s father was.
3. Some Jewish interpreters hold that Iscah, Abraham’s niece, is actually Sarah. Abraham’s own brother took the other sister as a wife (from which Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah are all descendents) and Iscah isn’t mentioned anywhere else with Sarah being mentioned in the next verse. In this case, the premature death of Sarah’s father would have meant she would have meant Terah would have acted as a father to her. (For the record, marrying one’s niece is legal).
4. In any event, the Torah laws were given centuries later. If you are holding by the interpretation that Abraham upheld all the laws regardless then you are guilty of using selective interpretation.
maccow
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:33amDon’t believe Chameleon;
Such use of straw-men arguments. “Many cherry pick verses”? How many? How do you know? I don’t cherry pick verses but seek the whole council of God. Have you ever done that?
“When you really understand the bible, quran and other religious books you’ll began to understand…”
This assumes that the writers understanding is greater than everyone who may disagree with him/her. How arrogant and prideful.
The difference in how you view the bible is who you listen too when studying the bible. I, like so many strive to view the bible through the lens of the Spirit of God that wrote it. Neither I nor anyone else is perfect at viewing through this lens, but it doesn’t make the Spirit or the bible less perfect. The Spirit only comes to the reader after declaring for Jesus Christ and not before as the bible makes perfectly clear. Without the Spirit, man‘s attempts to understand God’s words will often become foolishness. For proof of this read Chameleon‘s and other atheist’s rants.
Report Post »Every word I have written here makes perfect sense to the millions who are being saved from enslavement and death through the sin in their lives by the power of God through the work of Christ.
To the atheist, just as the bible makes clear, “The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.”
As for the historic Paul; How much wiser is it to believe the writings that come 2k years after the fact then the writings only a generation removed?
chameleonx
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:49amTo me there is no evidence supporting that the Christian God or Jesus is a real historical figure. The with Allah in Islam or HaShem in Judaism. Even though I’m a deist I have no evidence for my belief in a supreme deity. Carl Sagan commented “ Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”. This is why I would not believe in religion without evidence. If you or anyone else can prove what you believe is real then I’ll listen to every word you have to say.
Report Post »the wireworker
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:57pmFlavius Josephus (AD 37?-101?, a Jewish historian)
Tacitus (A.D. c.55-A.D. c.117, Roman historian) mentions “Christus” who is Jesus – Annals 15.44
Thallus (Circa AD 52, eclipse of the sun) Thallus wrote a history of the Eastern Mediterranean world from the Trojan War to his own time. His writings are only found as citations by others. Julius Africanus, who wrote about AD 221, mentioned Thallus’ account of an eclipse of the sun.
Pliny the Younger mentioned Christ. Pliny was governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor. Pliny wrote ten books. The tenth around AD 112.
Lucian (circa 120-after 180) mentions Jesus. Greek writer and rhetorician.
Suetonius: Roman historian and court official during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian.
Mara Bar-Serapion: Syrian stoic philosopher who wrote a letter from prison to his son circa 70AD. He compares Jesus to the philosophers Socrates and Pythagoras.
Lucian of Samosate: Greek satirist later half of 2nd century spoke scornfully of Christ and the Christians but never argued that Jesus never existed.
The Babylonian Talmud: “It has been taught: On the eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu. And an announcer went out, in front of him, for 40 days (saying): ‘He is going to be stoned, because he practiced sorcery and enticed and led Israel astray. Anyone who knows anything in his favor, let him come and plead in his behalf.’ But, not having found anything in his favor, they hanged him on the eve of Passover.”
Report Post »Bgroovy2
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:27pmYou should really make it a point to read the BIBLE and know what is in it before you critizize it!
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 6:30am@ Squidvetohio – You stated, “God allows murder, sickness, starvation to happen. Does that mean He’s for it?” Quite possibly if God is omnipotent. Epicurus said, “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”
Report Post »binge_thinker
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 10:51pmStart here and really try to open your mind and you’ll be amazed at what you can learn.
http://www.rationalchristianity.net/apol_index.html
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/false.html
http://christianthinktank.com/hway.html
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:06amIn Law… created via Kings… based upon Roman Law… Debt had to be repaid… which resulted in Indentured Servatude as a repayment Method.
Slavery… under Roman Law came from Conquest… where prisioners who were not Killed became Slaves. In America, Slavery was introduced in Virgnia, in 1652, by Anthony Johnsom, a Black Man, who claimed his Black Man, Indentured Servant, was forever in his Debt!
None of this has to do with… Christianity nor the Bible! IDIOT!
Report Post »Duckhead
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:52amPaul was against Christ. Before his conversion. Did you read that far?
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:06am@DUCK…
Please check my comments upon Paul.
This comment has to do Law… in Ancient Rome, as adopted in the Holy Roman Empire, & as adopted in America.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:05am“It is my hate for the Bible” Thank you for being honest about it. I respect that a lot more than most of the misdirection you get from the radical atheists. By no means do I consider all atheists radicals either.
Report Post »justangry
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:12amYou’re a rare breed Gonzo. Most of the comments will lump all athiests/agnostics into one category and demonstrate intolerance and hatred. Watch…
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:25amThe atheists I have known aren’t radical. They don‘t believe but also don’t care what I chose to believe. That attitude makes sense to me. The ones that show so much hate for something they don’t believe in, really make me scratch my head.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:29amWell said Gonzo.
Report Post »Razorhunters
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:17pmgonzo just dropped the knowledge,,,would suggest all read and comprehend.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:15pmGonzo
Faith is a hard thing. I have waivered before & probably will do so again. I don’t like in your face people who say believe this way or go to HeII. Nor do I like rabid atheists who foam the mouth & try to take the bible & every other religious text out of context.
Report Post »Balpit
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 12:58pmNot all atheists are like Ernest and his ilk. Militant atheists are very different from your average atheist.
An atheist just doesn’t believe in any God. Most respect your beliefs, as long as you’re not hostile to them or ram your beliefs down their throats. A militant atheist is self-explanatory. They not only don’t worship a deity, but they are openly hostile to anyone who does, while ramming their opinions down everyone’s throats.
The purpose of this billboard is to bait Christians. When they react in anger, the militant atheists can go “See! All Christians are prejudiced against us!”
The average atheist sees this billboard as three giant steps backwards in helping their relations with people of faith. The main reason atheists have such a bad rap is because of the antics of militant atheists. If a group of atheists stepped forward and publicly denounced these people, it would be a boon to their reputation.
Report Post »hi
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:03amHe is only hurting himself with all of that anger, hate, and bitterness. He should volunteer at a homeless shelter or something to take his focus off of “Me,Myself, and I.”
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 8:58amthat vile creature SHOULD be concerned about his well-being, he ignornatly put himself right on top of the list of what‘s going to go down and ’be removed’ when obama induces his civil war across America.
Report Post »Minonkman
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 8:56amIf had to hate a book it would be the Koran, it has enslaved millions more and is still doing it.
Report Post »SoNick
Posted on March 9, 2012 at 11:44amexcept that no American legislature proposed something stupid like “the year of the Qu’ran”. Stick to the subject at hand…
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on March 10, 2012 at 6:34amLets have the year of the cookbook. At least a cookbook teaches something useful. Everyone likes to eat. Everyone needs to eat. Eating brings people together. Cooking is creative and entertaining. I think I’m going to start worshiping cookbooks.
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