Christian Group Protests Removal of Religious Apple iPhone App
- Posted on November 30, 2010 at 8:49pm by
Meredith Jessup
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A Christian group that recently had its iPhone app pulled from Apple’s App Store is asking the company to reconsider the decision.
According to the Daily Caller, Apple removed the “Manhattan Declaration” app late last week after a Change.org online petition called the app a “hate fest” and claimed it pushed “hateful and divisive language.”
The Declaration, which was released in November 2009, “speaks in the defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty“ and calls on Christians to ”adhere firmly to their family convictions.”
But the online petition warned Apple that “supporting homophobia and efforts to restrict choice is bad business.”
The religious group denies claims that the Declaration espouses any hateful rhetoric. “We’re making the argument that if [Apple CEO Steve Jobs] would take a look at the Manhattan Declaration himself, he’d see it’s not written with any rancor. It’s written on a very even keel,” Manhattan Declaration spokeswoman Michelle Farmer told the Daily Caller. “It’s just appealing to things that people want to come together on, that millions of Americans agree on.”
The app itself includes a survey with four questions each worth 25 points:
1. Do you believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman? Y or N
2. Do you believe in protecting life from the moment of conception? Y or N
3. Do you support same-sex relationships? Y or N
4. Do you support the right of choice regarding abortion? Y or N
After users take the survey, they can read the full declaration, sign it and pass it on to others. While the declaration itself calls homosexual and polyamorous relations “immoral conduct,” the section dealing with marriages simply calls the institution an “objective reality” according to the Christian philosophical tradition.
There is no language to suggest that homosexual or pro-choice advocates should be physically, emotionally or psychologically assaulted, despite accusations that the app is “anti-gay,” “homo-hostile” and “anti-women.”
“There’s no name calling, no offensive rhetoric,” Farmer says. “It restates firmly, without any kind of animosity toward anybody, the central moral teachings of the catholic, orthodox and Evangelical traditions.”
According to Apple’s App Store regulations, applications “must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or material of any kind… or other content or materials that in Apple’s reasonable judgment may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users.” But the company has come under fire in the past for removing a number of apps, including innocuous items like “Freedom Time,” a countdown of the final days of the George W. Bush administration.
The Manhattan Declaration reached out directly to Jobs late on Monday and have yet to hear back any word from Apple.
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Comments (62)
dontbotherme
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:41amThe true people practicing hate speech are the gay activists. They need to show tolerance for Christian beliefs. Apple better put the app back.
Report Post »Gruug
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:40amI guess that ends my interest in either Ipad or Iphone.
Report Post »Patriot Z
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:38amok im pro choice and pro gay rights., if you dont like the app dont buy the app. its that simple. Im sick of wannabe facists on both sides thinking they have the right to dictate what and how people think. MIND YOUR OWN FING BEEZWAX! is it really that hard?
Report Post »MikeWinVA
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:25amNo Apple products this year for our family of 11. Droid is starting to look a bit more appealing.
Report Post »kingssman
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:23amChecked the app store, plenty of Bible and christian apps from ibible to irosary, prayer buddy, bible verses, Christian e-cards, WWJD, daily devotional, christian baby names.
See no huss fuss here, doesn’t look like any christian persecution or discrimination,
Just more hot air to fuel the couch potato masses into a hissy fit
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:12amthat mild Christian ap was just one more excuse for the gays to further restrict and ban anything that does not promote their sexual deviance and diseases.
hey Jobs, no more APPLE products for this very large all-AMERICAN Christian family!! and what we already have is going on UPILLAR. == no APPLE in these households anymore if it’s going to be ANTI- American Christian. .
Report Post »HumanDoing
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:57pmMan had to adjust my Christmas list a little…took those darn apples off the list.
Report Post »kingssman
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:42amYup go on ahead,
btw your probably missing out on the 100s of other christian apps on the list that apple didn’t remove.
(besides, it was a .99 (buy me make me rich) kind of app that was removed.
Report Post »breedofthe45
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 11:30pmWatch out for the Marxists Socialists Darwinian fanatics, they will say that both billboards should be banned, out of sight, and then they will get what they want, and what they want is to banned every single christian (the only religion they have a problem with) billboard. In this way they are a sort of mini-Chernobyl, waiting to spew radioactive waste (disinformation) at any given moment, mutating public opinion. They did that with the Nativity scene at Washington once, they claim a holiday known as “Festivus” (better known as Frank Costanza‘s made up holiday in a episode from the tv show ’Sinfeld’) is a holiday and should replace Christmas decorations like the Nativity scene, since it is offensive and illegal to belive in God (only the Judeo-Christian God), and more if it is display in a public building. The whole goal of that stupid stunt was to make the Governor to remove BOTH decorations out, banned, no more. Well, the Marxists Saul Alinsky radicals for dummies Manifesto works like a charm, since the whole goal was to banned the Nativity scene out of sight, they spend money and time to make a riot, Remember the tactic, They already have Marxists Radicals in power at the top, then in the middle is you, without a clue of what is going on, so the Radicals at the bottom cause a riot over the claim that is not fair that the holiday known as ‘Festivus’ can’t have the same attention as the Nativity decoration, forcing the already Radical Marxists at the top to take action, and yes, you can guess what those at the top are gonna do, Banned BOTH displays, Festivus and the Nativity Decoration is out of sight, in other words, the Radical Saul Alinsky Socialists Godless Idiots win, since ‘Festivus’ means nothing to them. The goal was to destroy any Christian Display out of sight. Works like a charm. The same situation is here with these Billboards. So learn their tricks, remember, once you learn to ignore this Idiots, the battle is easy to win, since is attention what they want, thats the only way their tactics work.
Report Post »teahugger
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:45pmAs I recall, they took the “shake the baby” app off too, because it was offensive to some. Companies tend to bend to public pressure…its all about the money. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Apparently they are more worried about alienating gays than they are about alienating Christians. Their choice! (and I can buy from Apple, or not…MY choice)
Report Post »dkhartman
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:41pmJust sent them an Email. Not that it’ll do anything but hopefully if they get enough of us speaking out they will reconsider.. So don’t just sit on your behind.. OKAYYY, you can still sit on your behind.. but go to the apple website and tell them how you feel. Won’t make any progress getting all antsy on here..
Report Post »Oil_Robb
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:35pmSo typical……Just like in Soviet Russia…if its Christian its BANNED
Report Post »MissCherryJones
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:18pmI don’t own apple products. I want my stuff to work, and I want cell phone range
Report Post »Paper Roll
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:03pmApple products are over priced anyway. They are not winning me over with this political correctness.
Report Post »IVillageIdiot
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:35pm“Progressive” goals = Cleon Skousen observations of CPUSA/USSR goals of 1962:
Goal #27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with “social” religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a “religious crutch.”
Report Post »fdonnino
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:10pmCancelled my iPhone today sold it on eBay in minutes. Sold my iPad too today within minutes. Following Glenn’s lead. Enough.
Report Post »We need to open our eyes!
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:51pmWay to go. If only more would do it. I don’t own any Apple stuff or I would too.
Report Post »Wdawg
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:07pmhow much was the cancellation fee?
Report Post »TheGoverness
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:26pmI am still catching up on the TV episodes I DVR’d. Has Beck cut ties with Apple and sold his iPad? I remember him referencing some time ago that he was reading several books on it…
Report Post »Wdawg
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:42pmNot sure about Glenn dropping Apple, but Apple dropped all of Fox back in March of this year.
http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/29/apple-boycotts-fox-news-because-of-glenn-beck/
Report Post »lgf
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 4:56amresponse to WDAWG re: Apple dropping FOX NEWS… if you’re going to quote “news”, don’t quote from a blog. There’s no truth to the link you posted. I watch Apple iPad commercials on FNC all day long.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:09pmChristianity = hate speech.
It begins.
Report Post »Richlove1
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:08pmC’mon atheists, all of you, out from under your rocks, and tell us how we‘re whining and it’s not censorship! Christians are never picked on because we rule society and clamp down on free speech! Let’s hear it!
Report Post »dkhartman
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:13pmAre these the same people saying that the ant covered crucifix is freedom of speech?? Bet so! However, THIS is NOT a government funded organization or product. AND unlike a public museum that you take you’re family to expecting to see history and true art and then are forced to view this ant covered crucifix in passing – you CAN pass up the app and just NOT download it!
Report Post »VIKINGDAWG88
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:06pmAmazing how free speech is a one-way street with liberals.
Report Post »dkhartman
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:05pmIf you don’t like it, don’t download it. Geez it‘s not being shoved in your face and you’re NOT being forced to read it. I do recall on an earlier post talking about how freedom of speech was all honkey doorey UNTIL a CHRISTIAN or conservative is using his/her freedom of speech.. Then, it’s hatred!
SHUT UP and scroll to the next app for crying out loud!
Report Post »MissDiane1966
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 5:40amThat’s right!! Unfortunately, the real “hatemongers” of the left have lost all common sense.
Report Post »Dale
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:05pmI will never buy or own an apple product
Report Post »We need to open our eyes!
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:49pmThey probably pulled the App because they were affraid that those asking for it to be taken off wouldn’t buy their products. What if christians would refuse to buy their products that might make a statement.
Report Post »lketchum
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:59pmNor will I. I vote with my wallet feet.
Report Post »New-American-Saviors
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:05pmMake up your Group Mind already.
Report Post »MDLaMure
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:46pmIf a group of people is not in total agreement about a particular subject they are hardly a “Group Mind” are they? If you’re looking for people with a single line of thought fed to them by an organization with a progressive agenda you might want to try another website. I suggest MSNBC, CNN, NBC, etc. etc. etc
Report Post »MeteoricLimbo
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:00pmAvoid religious persecution. (pilgrims)……Y R we Here……
Report Post »Conserving Ink
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:00pmSteve Jobs made his stance on morality and constitutional rights know long ago, not surprised.
Report Post »______________________________________________________________________
http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com/2010/11/wretched-hive-of-scum-and-villainy.html
Dustyluv
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 8:57pmDoes anyone think that there will be a Muslim app soon…and what will they do then? hmmmmmmm
Can’t disrespect the pedophile Mohammed ya know…
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:39pmThey won’t do anything about any app that is non- or anti-christian. It is only Christianity that is under attack in our beloved USA.
Report Post »->Click For Brain Enema<-
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:42pmThey should make an educational app about the life of Mohammad and compare his life to his teachings. If any Muslim out there would care to justify the way he lived(you know 13 wives, rapping women, pillaging, asking for the hand of a 7 year old girl) compared to what he taught(limit of 4 wives, love, peace, tolerance and compassion) I would like to hear it. Maybe in an app form and please don’t point to the bad behavior of other “prophets”.
Report Post »motorman
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:10pm@DUSTYLUV
They already exist.
An iPhone App For The Modern MuslimFeb 2, 2010 … This article was originally published for The Faith Divide. … You should definitely give “Muslim Pro” a try (iPhone app). …
muslimvoices.org/iphone-app-modern-muslim/ -
So ends my limited association with Apple.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 8:51pmIt shouldnt have been pulled.
Report Post »->Click For Brain Enema<-
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:03pmIsn’t It like tv?
Report Post »Don‘t like a show don’t watch it.
Don‘t like an app don’t use it.
snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:17pm@Truthtalker
@->Click For Brain Enema<-
Agree that it should not have been pulled; people can boycott it by not chosing to download it or just simply to ignore it completely. Let their boots, or in this case I guess fingers, do the talking along with their wallets.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm
Report Post »what4
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 9:55pmI wouldn’t own anything Apple…Period! I would however like to hold them accountable for all the youngsters killed while using their mobil products!
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 10:25pmJust one more fine example of people wanting to control others. They talk about freedom, but when it comes to the right of others, well, then….there oughta be a law.
As Brain Enema said, like TV, you don’t have to download it. Although I have an iPhone, I’m baffled by some of the apps that are available. This particular app falls into that category. Why someone would want that on their phone just baffles me, but it’s their phone. And it’s not illegal.
The countdown calendar for the end of Bush‘s term wasn’t illegal, either, and I wouldn’t mind one for end of B.O.’s term.
The gays read “Hate” into everything and it’s getting to be a worn out song, just like racism. Sad thing is that someday, there really will be a problem and we’ll all have gotten so used to hearing about “hate speech” that it won’t even raise an eyebrow.
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 12:24amThis is major news. The Manhattan Declaration is powerful. Anyone not familiar with it should check it out. To have identified the Manhattan Declaration as ‘hateful’ is the beginning of very significant Christian persecution. ( http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/home.aspx )
The Manhattan Declaration isn’t just “any” christian group. It’s statement has been compared to the Christian version of the Declaration of Independence and was drawn up by evangelicals, Catholics and orthodox Christians as a declaration of faith against tyrany. We, as Christians are moving into significant persecution.. wake up! The high school kid being penalized for prayer at the endzone, Tony Perkins of Family Resource Council being declared a hate organization, the ant crucifix at Christmas in the Smithsonian, Repeal of Dont ask dont tell (which incidently was drawn up BY the homosexual community in the beginning) and the effect it will have on military clergy….a nurse forced to participate in an abortion procedure at a hospital… Prepare yourself. We are moving into a place where to practice as a Christian in our ‘land of the free” will be a hatecrime. Pray for our country…
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 4:53amI signed the declaration back when it first came out.
This is the email I got the other day from them. Notice that Apple didn’t have a problem with the app until pro gay marrage and abortion people protested.
Dear Friends,
Some of you may be aware by now that Apple has removed the Manhattan Declaration iPhone/iPad application from the iTunes Store. This happened some time over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Manhattan Declaration app was accepted by Apple and rated as a 4+, meaning it contained no objectionable material. Yet Apple pulled the app shortly after a small but very vocal protest by those who favor gay marriage and abortion.
We are urging Apple to restore the App, and have written to Steve Jobs. We will update you with developments as they arise.
Immediate updates will be sent via Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned for more…
Sincerely,
Chuck Colson
Dr. Robert George
Dr. Timothy George
The Manhattan Declaration is a non-partisan statement of conscience in defense of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom. Visit us at ManhattanDeclaration.org
Report Post »AmericanSoldier
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:01amThat’s why you jailbreak your iPhone so you can download whatever app you want without restrictions. Freedom is popular
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