Oklahoma City Contends with Atheists & Satanists
- Posted on September 10, 2010 at 9:45pm by
Meredith Jessup
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A local club of atheists in Oklahoma City has erected a billboard to try and draw in new members. But members aren’t the only thing the band of non-believers are getting — their small campaign is drawing big attention.
Nick Singer, the coordinator of a local atheists’ group called “Coalition of Reason,” recently received $5,250 from its national counterpart to erect the billboard along Interstate 44 near the Oklahoma State Fair, which opens Wednesday. Its message reads simply, “Don’t believe in God? Join the club.”
Similar billboards were recently put up in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Texas and Washington.
“The billboard was designed to get a little bit of a response, but it’s not meant to be directly insulting,” said Singer said. “It’s just a sign to like-minded people that we are here.”
But in Oklahoma, a state that “wears its religion on its sleeve,” some religious leaders are taking issue with the billboard’s message.
No one has questioned the constitutional right of atheists to erect a billboard or Satanists to rent a public hall — but there are questions about how much of a crowd they’ll draw.
“People here, the vast majority, still hold a regard for scripture and traditional biblical values,” said Paul Blair, pastor of the Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond. “If liberalism, if the Devil himself, can make inroads in Oklahoma, that would be a great victory (for them) to be trumpeted across the land.”
But the coalition behind the billboard insists their motives are strictly non-devisive. ”We also want Oklahomans to know that there are many humanists, agnostics and atheists living here, contributing to the community,” adds Singer. “We’re your coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members. And like many people, we are leading good, happy and functional lives -– giving back to the community and staying true to our values.”
Ryan Dragg, 35, of Norman says the billboard doesn’t offend him. ”I just blew it off,” Dragg said. “That‘s what’s great about this country. You’ve got an idea, you can express it.”
Meanwhile, across town, another minority religious group is pushing the envelope and raising eyebrows. A Satanic group called the Church of the IV Majesties has rented out a theater in the Oklahoma City Civic Center — publicly owned and maintained space — to perform a “ritual exorcism” of God. James Hale, the group’s Lord High Master, says the group is welcoming the public to come view the Oct. 21 ritual in hopes it will dispel stereotypes people have about Satanists.
“We don’t kill animals, we don’t kill children,” James Hale, the church’s Lord High Master, told ABCNews.com. ”We just decided that being right here in the middle of the Bible Belt, it wasn’t a good idea to keep the secrecy you see in the traditional Satanist churches,” he said. “Because secrecy breeds fear. And we’re not looking to scare anyone.”
There’s no word yet if the Satanic group is “scaring” anyone at this point, but city officials say they have received some letters and emails in protest of the “blasphemy ritual.” “From a city perspective, this is a first amendment isse,” said Jennifer McClintock, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the civic center affairs. “As a public facility we don’t deny their right to assemble or deny their right of message. That’s discriminatory.”
One area pastor says he‘s not surprised by the group’s actions, but is looking to put a positive spin on the whole controversy. ”Their desire to try and get their message out doesn’t surprise me,” said Trinity Baptist Church pastor Jeremy Stowe.
Instead of protesting, Stowe says he’s hoping to use seize on the opportunity to set an example. ”Show the community how we are, to engage people who are different than us. Not in protest or crazy rallies but in shining the light of Christ and loving them, just like Christ loves us.”
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Comments (96)
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Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:56amas a devout, CONSERVATIVE atheist, i don’t see anything wrong with the group buying a billboard. freedom of speech. 1st amendment, folks. it’s ALSO a nice demonstration of the FREE MARKET.
if we can, as individuals, have the right to practice OUR religion as WE SEE FIT, then we can also choose NOT to follow any religion and are protected equally in doing so.
personally, i view my choice of atheism as important to MY faith in myself. much the same as any christian views their belief of christianity to be important to them.
i wont get into any god or no god debate, but wanted to point out that freedom of religion has to go both ways, equally. respectfully. to all.
Report Post »Hadassah
Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:52amAnd as a conversative Christian I agree with you. We would be remiss though if we didn’t share our thoughts on the love of Jesus Christ. Just as those responsible for the billboard might feel if they didn’t reach out this way.
Report Post »RichEG
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:55amMaybe forming an Oklahoma City Nihilist Club would serve everyone better. The members would believe in nothing and save money on advertising. Then again … no one would show up for the club meetings because there is nothing to discuss.
Report Post »IndianaJeff
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:00amTo be PC, you cant say this, it offends me.
On a side note, I wonder if all christians will use this as recruitment propaganda to help swell the ranks of thier radical fringe. We should be carefull this will aid the christian militants. Pres Obama, and other high profile people should come out against this like they did for the koran burning.
I am Christian, however, this is freedom of speach. I dont like it, but they have the right to do it.
Report Post »GOD HELP THEM!!!!
martnee777
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 7:44amThe left is not prepared for what is to come!!
Report Post »Mr.Citrus
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 6:10amSo… I don’t believe in God… okay but why do you have to threaten me with a meeting for when I die?
Report Post »veryconservative
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 6:25amthis isnt a threat. sorry u took it that way. either you believe or u dont.
hope u have a blessed day.
Report Post »veryconservative
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 4:54amThis is the first time i have ever commented on any site. I am really heavy hearted as i read the comments of people who say they are atheist, please don’t take this the wrong way. God knows my heart, I mean nothing but love. As i read The Holy Bible (kjv), & if you would read it too, you will see that what it says is happening this very day. Jesus Christ tells all of us that:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ” – John 14:6
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”-Romans 3:23
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” – Romans 3:10
“And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.” -Luke 5:31
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” -Luke 5:32
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”-Romans 6:23
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”-Romans 5:8
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” -Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: ” -Colossians 1:14
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” -Romans 3:24
“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” -Romans 5:21
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”-Luke 13:3
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”-Acts 3:19
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” -Mark 1:15
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”-Romans10:9
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” -Romans 10:10
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”-Romans 10:13
1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”-”Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.” -Romans 3:27
“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” -Romans 3:25
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” -1 Corinthians 1:30
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” -Romans 3:22
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”-”Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” -1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” -John 20:31
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” -John 3:3
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ” – John 14:6
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” -1 Timothy 2:5
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” -Acts 4:12
“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” -Matthew 24:5
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.” -Matthew 24:23
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” -2 Corinthians 13:5
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” -John 3:36
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”-Psalm 9:17
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”-Matthew 23:33
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”-Matthew 10:28
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”-Revelation 21:8
“And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” -Matthew 13:42
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” – “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” -Matthew 7:13-14
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” – Revelation 20:11
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” – Revelation 20:12
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” – Revelation 20:13
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” – Revelation 20:14
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20:15
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,”- Galatians 5:19
“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,”- Galatians 5:20
“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.”- Galatians 5:21
Look at what they are teaching our children in schools today, they are teaching 6th graders, LITTLE KIDS, how to fist one another. Do you know what fisting is? Look it up. it is disturbing & sickening beyond belief. They are telling them, they came from monkeys, that there is no absolute right or wrong. that morality is all subjective. if it feels good, you should do it. Then people wonder & ask “Why kids act the way they do & do what they do” & “Why is there so much violence in the schools”. It is the law of this land, That a Woman or Young girl can enter an abortion clinic & have her unborn baby ripped literally out of her womb. OUR politicians DO NOTHING BUT LIE TO US & CHEAT & STEAL THEIR WAY INTO OFFICE. Look at ALL of the EVIL & WICKED THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON IN THE WORLD! God SENT man A Way of SALVATION THROUGH HIS SON CHRIST JESUS. It is SO SIMPLE only man makes it hard. ALL YOU have to do is believe… it’s that easy yet man rejects Him. HE will give you peace that passes all understanding. Love that knows no end. Joy that makes your heart sing. i promise you, if you’ll only ask & recieve Him today, YOU will NEVER regret it, & wonder why you did’nt do it earlier.
Jesus loves you †♥
66Stitches
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:48amWhy do christians feel it necessary to type out long lists of bible verses? If we want to read all this, we are perfectly capable of picking up your bible and reading it, and many of us have already done so. I raised 4 children without cramming any religion down their throats, yet none of them have been in trouble with the law, aren’t drug addicts, and weren’t having babies at 15 years old. We have bibles of different religions in our book shelves, they were always free to read any of them to decide for themselves if a religion was for them. Too many kids run away from home and end up out on the streets and dead or in jail or strung out on drugs. I have never heard of even one running away because their parents were atheists and wouldn’t let them go to church. Kids have enough pressure these days. No matter how hard they try to do good and please their parents, it‘s not enough because the parents tell them they’re still not doing good enough to please one god or another. Even if they want to dress different or dye their hair a different color, parents go ballistic and kick them out into the streets, claiming the kids are worshipping the ‘devil’ and ‘god’ said they should be rid of the little heathens. I know for a fact these things happen, they happened to some of my kids’ friends. When I was in high school, my parents enlisted the daughter of one of their religions friends to spy on me at school and report my every move back to them. A boy from my math class had been out sick for a week. After class, he was asking me about the assignments he had missed. This girl saw me talking to a BOY, she didn’t even hear what we were talking about, and reported this back to my parents. We were not making any physical contact whatsoever, and were in an open classroom where anyone could see us. Well, my parents had plenty to say about it. I was hauled before the congregation elders, because ‘god’ said my talking to a boy made me a whore. I was punished and kept under watchful eyes every minute of the day for years. I was born with a twisted spine, but the condition wasn’t found till I was grown. It causes severe migraines that are so painful it can knock me out cold. This happened one day in front of my mother. Next thing I know, I’m being hauled in front of that council again and interrogated about what drugs I was doing, or was that just me worshipping ‘the devil’ and having fits? By that time, I was WISHING I was on drugs and they would kick me out. I swore when I had children that I would NEVER torture them with ‘god’, and I haven’t. And they’ve all turned out to be pretty good kids, my son going so far as to become a combat medic in the Army so he can help other people. I have 4 smart and happy kids, all without ‘god’. Christians make themselves feel good by going out and ‘rescuing lost souls’ from the streets. I feel better about myself for not having raised my kids to be in need of rescuing. So can you please tell me how atheists are the cause of all the bad things you have listed? Have you gone into the prisons and rehab centers and abortion clinics to do surveys on choice of religion of the people there? It would be a wise decision for you to do so before you start blaming the wrong group for the world’s ills.
Report Post »becklies
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 3:09pmHere’s my list:
“Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. ” Isaiah 14:21
“Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.” Psalm 137:9
“Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.” 2King 15:16
“Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.” Hosea 13:16
“Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 23:24
“And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:
Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Ezekiel 9:4-6
Report Post »scseahawk
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 3:27pmVERYCONSERVATIVE,
Report Post »Thank you for your post. i will pray with you that God would bring these lost souls to Christ. We must all remember that we were once lost and God showed His mercy and grace to us. God does promise his Word will not come back void.
To those who accuse us of “ramming our religion down your throats”, we are just voicing our belliefs just as you voice yours. We are not claiming you are cramming your beliefs down our throats. We just answer with God’s Word, it is not an assault on you. In any discussion, both parties express their beliefs do they not?
red-dirt republican
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 4:36amBTW-born Okie that grew up in one four Indian Baptist churches in the Greater OKC area. Have never plowed even one acre of dirt, but see the same things my Okie sisters have here in my teeming, busy city!!
Report Post »red-dirt republican
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 4:29amBTW-also a born Okie, raised in one of four Indian Baptist churches in the Greater OKC area, have never plowed one acre but see the same thing my Okie sisters do in my teeming, busy city.
Report Post »red-dirt republican
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 4:23amred-neck, I agree. My life, with close and happy family, honest work, and random spreading of joy and support whenever I can, I shine with the light of Our Lord. My witness is in my happy face and my kind ear and my big heart, all gifts of faith in my Father. I have no need to “cram ” anything anywhere LOL. Want what I have? be more than happy to share where I got it! If not,I will be here when you do.
Report Post »redneckphilosopher
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 2:46amIt would seem that several people who has placed a post here are atheists. I don‘t want sound like I don’t respect your opinion or your choise because I do. As for my brothers and sisters who might seem like it is their job to cram Jesus down peoples throat I would like to say I’m sorry. I believe they are trying to do what they think God would have them do. The bible says that we should share the good news not force feed it to people. A relationship with God is a free gift you receive it or you don’t.
I live in east Texas I have met people who say they don‘t know God and some who does’t believe in God but I never had a conversation with someone who said outright I am an atheists. The one thing I always wanted to know is why spend so much time and energy and money to stand against something you don’t even believe is there. As I said I respect your free will choice I’m just a country boy looking for a better understanding.
Report Post »martnee777
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 7:53amEverything is about “free will” and the choices you make.
Report Post »You must choose to accept Christ as your savior. He does not command it.
You “sell” your soul to satin, he can not take it from you.
You can choose to believe what ever you want.
All the power is in the power to choose. Free Will.
66Stitches
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:55amMartnee777, ‘sell your soul to satin’?? What if I prefer velvet or leather?
Report Post »solvitur ambulando *** Deo
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:34amIt seems that it has become freedom of religion and worship for all religions and beliefs except for Christians. There is outrage about anybody violating anyone‘s and everyone’s religion but not when there is criticism of a cross in the desert in honor of sacrifices during time of war, national endowment of the arts use of public funds to promote desecration of Christian religious beliefs and sacred items, and burning of churches. These are indeed strange times. Instead of the people doing the desecration, it is the people’s beliefs that are held up to ridicule. Soon all of the cross’s in Arlington will be ruled inappropriate. And, restoration 1787, we already have a “theocracy”… it is a “theocracy” of tolerance at the expense of Christianity…it is the use of government to take Christian religion out of society.
Report Post »redneckphilosopher
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 3:31amIt is solved by walking with God I like it your post is spot on as well.
Report Post »RESTORATION1787
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 10:31amI agree with you that Christianity is under assault. The United States has a disease of political correctness and liberalism gone wild. This is why we must return to the principles of our founding.
Report Post »I was merely stating we still have the freedom and must preserve it.
RESTORATION1787
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:10amWhat if?
One future day, The Constitution is amended to freedom “from” religion. Now all religions become banned. a godless society is created.
now the “will” of non believers is the law of the land. Churches are disbanded and worship is criminalized.
Then another future day the constitution is amended to only allow one religion. all other religious practices are banned. Now the “will” of the state has created a theocracy.
Report Post »NoStar
Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:42amWhat if?
Report Post »Such a change would also put Al Gore out of business. The religion of Scientism would have to be banned too. No one would be allowed to religiously follow an atheist philosophy either.
PaleRyder
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:53amI wasn’t aware that the DNC was having a convention in Oklahoma City.
Report Post »red-dirt republican
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 4:17ambwaa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha…ahem
Report Post »juliaflyte
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:48amThe watch says “There is no watchmaker. I work fine by myself”, and then one day, it stops working. The watchmaker doesn’t want to force his will on the watch, so, instead of fixing it, he throws it away.
Report Post »RESTORATION1787
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:43amThe Constitution gives the great freedom to worship. To practice our individual religion or no religion. I personally believe in God and Jesus Christ as my salvation. I have no problem with anyone who believes differently. Character is what matters. It is the personal freedom of choice. To say one “must” believe one way or the other leads to theocracy or godless communism.
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:11pmDEBRA BATE, have I pegged Okies just about right? I believe you to be a traditional Okie. I believe you understand my words about Okies being a good peoples and a tolerant peoples. I believe you know about outsiders coming to our state, outsiders who do not reflect our traditional Okie values nor our traditional American values which are displayed all across Oklahoma.
Okies are a “Don’t Tread On Me” peoples. We get along just fine with people as long as you do not step on our toes. Most of us are barefoot out in our fields, we really take notice when someone steps on our toes.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
Debrabate
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:53pmYup. I have lived all over Oklahoma from Hugo to Altus, OKC to Miami. Anywhere you go in Oklahoma you find good, honest folks that you give thier shirt off thier back to help a stranger if needed. 99% of Okies dont care what religion, color or political party you are. The Real Okies just care about the person you are… by the content of your character.
If you are a different or no religion we still pray that our God will Protect and guide them. Funny thing is, I told the Maid of Honor at my wedding (an Atheist) that I would pray for her when she went on a trip. She said, “Wont do any good, but if it makes you feel better… go for it!” We laughed.
The rest of the US would do good to use Oklahoma as a guide post.
One of the best things I did love about living there, and like about going back, is virtually every city has a small town feel. And there truely is a feeling that says, Mess with my neighbor and deal with the neighborhood.
The perfect example of what Okies are like is what happened when the Murrah building was bombed. What the nation saw on TV was not an act. It was what Okies are like every day. For those of you that dont remember, next time you go on a road trip, stop by the OKC memorial. The museum there has a beautifully done conveying the entire tregedy and the years that followed.
You did a WONDERFUL job explaining it OKPULOT TAHA. Thank you.
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:30amDEBRA BATE comments, “One of the best things I did love about living there, and like about going back, is virtually every city has a small town feel. And there truely is a feeling that says, Mess with my neighbor and deal with the neighborhood.”
Your words are critically important to our nation. You express what patriotic Americans feel and live on a daily basis. This is shown by our unity when Oklahoma City was attacked, and when Islam attacked us on 9/11. While watching news of the 9/11 attack, I was so inspired by people not crying rather defiantly chanting, “USA! USA! USA!”. This is our American spirit, we will never be conquered.
I rag on city folks. I really should not. I know most city slickers are good people, they just wear those funny looking shiny shoes. People do not need to be farmers to be good people. Times are different today, family farms are rare. Nonetheless, this community spirit of which you write is alive and well, even fierce. America has lost some of this community spirit is certain areas of our nation.
Washington, D.C. we know those folks are disconnected from America. Over in Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco, we know those people are also disconnected from America. Down in Los Angeles, I am not sure those people are even human. Boy howdy! We never go to Los Angeles.
Our challenge as Americans is to maintain our “small community” spirit and return this spirit to all of America. Our nation truly has lost its way. This is not hopeless, we simply must work at restoring our “honor” of which Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin speak.
Atheist, Devil worshiper, voodoo, Christian, Indian, we can and do live together in harmony. Again, Okies, such as Pastor Jeremy Stowe, well serve as example of real Americans, tolerant and friendly Americans. Just do not step on our toes. Don’t tread on us.
Your “small town feel” is our American spirit. We need to bring back our small town feel, our community feel and our national feeling of unity. Our America is direly split, is seriously polarized by politicians and, I must bite here, by left liberal socialists.
November will be here soon, then we can begin working at bringing back our national pride, and I am very proud to be a barefoot clod busting Okie.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
Chris G
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 11:51am@DEBRABATE:
I can definitely vouch for how wonderful & decent people Okies are….or @ least all of the onces that I have ever crossed paths with. Even tho I have moved back home to Little Rock, AR, I lived in Ft. Smith, AR for 6 yrs (2003 – 2009) & could not believe how kind, courteous, loving & patriotic they were to me one-on-one. IMHO, all Okies should be proud, & I have been blessed by having had Okies as a friend. Please stand up & take a bow! :-)
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:59pmnan isht ahollo okpulo : a thing – causes – dear to – evil : a thing which loves evil, a thing which holds evil dear.
Christian missionaries forced two expressions upon my peoples, “seten” and “chisas kilaist”. Quite easy to realize the meaning of those Christian expressions which are not traditional Choctaw words. Those are two of several hundred expressions forced upon us by Christians. Reason for this is Christian missionaries could not accept our “nan isht ahollo okpulo” nor “shilombish okpulo” because Christian missionaries demanded we call an evil thing by the Christian name, “devil” or “satan” neither of which make a lick of sense to my peoples. Christian missionaries made us say “seten” and “chisas kilaist” falsely believing our simply uttering those expressions meant we understand and embrace Christianity. We do not, we simply tolerate this oddball religion.
I am born and raised in Oklahoma. I know the people. I am one of those people. I can write to traditional Okies and will note some traditional ways of Oklahomans are lost to modern times and lost to invasion of mass media such as the internet. Traditional Okies are a tolerant peoples which is well displayed by pastor Jeremy Stowe. He is a typical Okie; down to earth and friendly.
This dates back to the Trail of Tears and Olkahoma’s namesake, “Sooner State”. Choctaw, Cherokee, other tribes and Anglos found themselves living side by side. Sooners were new to Oklahoma, our family farm was begun by Sooners rushing in for free land. Choctaw are famous for being excellent farmers. Anglos freshly arrived in Oklahoma came to depend on Choctaw to teach them how to best farm in Oklahoma. This led to tolerance, appreciation and deep friendship.
Anglos in Oklahoma are devout Christians but not religious zealots as in the Deep South. Pastor Jeremy Stowe reflects traditional Okie tolerance for all peoples and all faiths, including our Choctaw spiritual belief system. This bonding of Anglos and Indians centuries back lends well to explaining why Okies are devout Christians yet are highly tolerant of other faiths. Truth is, Okies and Choctaw are two peas in pod; no difference.
You can spot a resident of Oklahoma who is an import, who is not a traditional Okie. This person is intolerant, is more of a stereotypical Christian. Mine is not to offend Christians rather is to simply be realistic.
Traditionally, peoples of Oklahoma separate themselves when this comes to faith. Nothing racist here, this is a freewill choice and a choice respected by all. In my hometown, Eagletown, heart of my Choctaw Nation, over on Church House Hill is a black church. Down the route in Ponki Bok there is a Choctaw church, the first church built in Oklahoma and by far the oldest. Christian churches for whites are scattered about McCurtain county.
Come Sunday, blacks go to Church House Hill, Choctaw go to our church in Ponki Bok and whites attend services at various churches around. Monday morning we are back together plowing lands as a united community. Again, nothing racist, simply a recognition of and honoring of different cultures.
All of this history and more have led traditional Okies to be a truly tolerant peoples. Atheist, Satanic, Christian, does not matter to us. We sort ourselves out on Sunday and the rest of the week we work together shoulder to shoulder. However, we do have issues with left liberal pot heads.
Meredith Jessup titles her article, “Oklahoma City Contends with Atheists & Satanists”. If there is a person in Oklahoma City who “contends” with different faiths, this person is not a traditional Okie rather is an outsider, an outsider from our modern world which is not necessarily a compliment.
True Okies are tolerant and friendly, and you will not often encounter true Okies because we are almost always out plowing our fields. We are out of sight and out of mind, we are too busy working hard to support our families and our communities to have time to stand around swapping lies with city slickers.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
trouthunter
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:22pmI very much enjoyed your comments. My Paternal Grandmother’s family is from Oklahoma. They moved to Idaho many years ago, but we often hear stories about how my great-grandparents met in Watonga. I just wanted to commend you and thank you for sharing. It was a refreshingly honest and sincere post!
Report Post »Debrabate
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:36pmAmen! You tell em! Okies are OK! No seriously we are. It is exactly how she put it… we are tolorant of religions, or lack there of. If you are a good, honest, hard working person you fit right in.
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:57pmTROUTHUNTER comments, “I just wanted to commend you and thank you for sharing.”
Oh, now, you stop that! I am not to be thanked for simply being truthful.
TROUTHUNTER adds, “My Paternal Grandmother’s family is from Oklahoma. They moved to Idaho many years ago….”
People of Idaho are great! Lot of potatoes. Our family visits Idaho on a regular basis, mostly to snow ski up in Ketchum or better known, “Sun Valley”. Everywhere we visit in Idaho, making a point to visit in small farming communities, very warmly friendly people and the best of food is enjoyed in a tiny town cafe. Lot of mashed potatoes and hash browns.
Idaho, Wyoming, Dakotas, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas, which is Baja Oklahoma, many states from Arizona to Arkansas, from Texas to North Dakota, all the same type of people. We are discussing the Heartland of America. Peoples of those states are the Heart of America.
Our family experience is Heartland people are easy to like, right friendly folks. Heartland people welcome everyone and make a lot of effort to have visitors feel welcomed. There is a contrast, though. If you step on the toes of a Heartland person, the whole damn community gets after you!
We visit with people like us in the Heartland. We tell people we are Okies and never mention we are stuck in California for the time being. Our family does not care to visit on the West Coast nor the East Coast. We make a point to stay out of big cities. East and West coast, big cities, this is where the crazies live, the trouble makers.
Nothing more relaxing than to stretch your legs out on a farm which stretches as far as you can see. Big cities, skyscrapers, have me so nervous I could scream and sometimes do; I feel to be in a cage. I understand why those big city folks are crazy; rats in cages.
TROUTHUNTER, thank you for your kind words. Not needed but I am honored to have entertained you. This is the way of Okies and our American Heartland peoples.
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
merillorang
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:35amYou know, I am not from any of these states. I grew up just south of Detroit. In a suburbia. However, I relate strongly with the values you represented in your post. Being from Michigan, we called it southern values. Since becoming an adult some 14 years back and meeting people from all over America, I have come to realize that its not where you are from but how you were raised. Its the values and sensibilities that are ingrained in good people. Without those values, people tend to not care about others, steal, lie, cheat, or commit various other crimes. Thank you for that wonderful piece of writing.
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:34amMERILLORANG comments, “I have come to realize that its not where you are from but how you were raised. Its the values and sensibilities that are ingrained in good people. Without those values, people tend to not care about others, steal, lie, cheat, or commit various other crimes.”
Sure enough. A girl can grow up in Harlem, New York, a girl can grow up in Midland, Texas, and both girls can turn out good and no different. If there is a difference in values, one bad girl, one good girl, this is a result of quality of parenting and quality of community. This type of difference is not based on socioeconomic differences, this is solely based upon upbringing as you write.
Being more specific, a black girl in a big city, a white girl on a rural farm, both can equally enjoy advantages and suffer disadvantages. When a difference in moral values and behaviors, this points right straight back to parents and family.
You are quite right, “…its not where you are from but how you were raised.”
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
smartypoop
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:57pmIll leave them alone to practice/non practice as long as they do the same. Does not seem to be working out that way anymore tho.
Report Post »Drydave
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:14pmYou have got to be kidding! As an atheist, I can‘t say I’ve ever, EVER had someone knock on my door, hand me a pamphlet, produce a television commerical to insert into a show I’m watching, espousing the atheist way. That’s a Christian thing. As for the Tea Party and the core Glenn Beck people, it’s getting almost to the point of exclusion. If you’re not a Christian, you start to get the feeling that you, as an atheist, you really don’t belong there. Maybe you’re not even welcome.
I’ve seen plenty of billboards on the side of the road with an obvious Christian theme. All along the interstates throughout the country. You know what? I can live with it. So what. I manage to use the word God when I recite the Pledge of Allegience without feeling bad about it, and I’m perfectly okay with the “In God We Trust”, too. There’s just all sorts of different levels of all believers and non-believers. Some more radical than others. Whoop-de-do.
Report Post »66Stitches
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:33pmOut of all the major religions, the only ones I’ve ever seen go around knocking on doors or accosting people at the mall are christians. I‘ll be sure to recant that statement when I see a troop of Jehovah’s Atheists running door to door.
Report Post »JClem17
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 2:08amAmen DryDave! I’m an atheist as well and I am tired of the Christians complaining about be persecuted and not being allowed to practice their religion. They are the large majority and no atheist is trying to take away their right to worship.
As to the Tea Party, I completely agree with your sentiment. It seems it is evolving into a fundie movement were folks who do not agree with their religion will be excluded.
Report Post »RichEG
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 10:18amI know what you mean, DRYDAVE, I had a Nihilist show up at my door and handed me a blank sheet of paper.
Report Post »grnhrn
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:55pmDangling b.b. I wish you could come up with new material hearing the same joke over and over loses its luster. Did you get bored burning overton window by yourself. Why don’t you attend a tea party maybe your heart would soften seeing the truth for yourself & make a real friend or two so you could have company burning glenns book–or– BBQing some good food. Love you man & god bless you in the name of jesus amen
Report Post »David Foxfire
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:53pmYou ask me, they’re pulling this off just because they like the response they get. Especially the so-called Satanists. IMHO, I think that’s just for show. Meanwhile, the discussion of “God or No God” that the Atheists claim–especially the ones who don’t turn their noses up to any Christian, or act like they’re demon possessed over US currency (It’s the “In God We Trust” thing.)–has been going on since way before biblical time. (Read: Long before there were even scriptures to write. You think that someone with a pad and paper were there during Genesis 1?)
If there is a God–a rhetorical question to some of us–I doubt that His existence mattered a bit whether you believe in Him or not.
Oh, and Danglingbags? I can‘t hear your talking for all the Caps Locking you’re doing. You might want to turn the volume down. Oh, wait, my bad, you _wanted_ that response.
Report Post »becklies
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:11amThe satinists I’ll buy that for, but not the atheists. The ads I‘ve seen aren’t pushing anything and despite the headlines, dont “Evangalize.” These seem along the same line, saying “If you don’t believe in God, it’s OK.” They seem to be meant to counter the many Christian billboards out there and are meant to make like-minded people feel comfortable in a part of the country where such a thing is frowned upon.
Report Post »Drydave
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:52pmAll atheists are not liberals, just as all Christians are not conservatives. As a matter of fact, there are plently of liberal Christians out there, many that approve of all sorts of liberal/progressive ideas… even ideas like gay marriage.
We are all, first and foremost, individuals. I consider myself a conservative and an atheist. I share many of the conservative strategies to governing that Christian conservatives adhere to. We all have to realize that we will have differences along the way to a common goal.
As for the atheist evangelism, well, while I’m slowly tiring of all evangelism, from all four corners of the earth, I don’t see the addition of some atheists relaying their beliefs to the world as being all that shocking, threatening, or scary. Don’t we all have enough religion centered controversy to think about? The GZ mosque, inflamed muslims, abortion, the constant and never-ending strife in the middle east, quran burning in Florida, the constant threat of terrorism, airport security and x-ray machines, Homeland Security, lunatics with nukes, the Gaza Strip, tolerance-intolerance, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, Christmas Trees or Holiday Trees… It’s just endless and from my point of view, seems to be the root of most of our major issues.
But I do understand the role of religion in our society and that Christianity played a huge role in making us who we are today. And I accept that. But to worry about a few noisy atheists when there are some many noisy (and obnoxious) Christain preachers and murderous muslims, seems to be a waste of your time.
Report Post »Arov
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:50pm+20 internets
Report Post »Bigdog107
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:47am“But I do understand the role of religion in our society and that Christianity played a huge role in making us who we are today. And I accept that.”
Refreshing Dave, must be the conservative blood. Read your post below also Dave, you’ve gotta know anyone as respectful as you would always be welcome anywhere, heck you even went the extra keystroke to capitalize God. You are aware any good militant liberal atheist would never be seen with a capitalized God?
Seriously though Dave, I spent 38 years walking away from God believing a little more with each step that he didn’t exist. The strongest Christians I know didn’t believe right up until God gave um one up side the head to get their attention. Be pretty arrogant to exclude a guy walking in the same shoes you were five steps ago.
Report Post »Allarius
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 2:46pmThere are no Christians that support gay marriage. sorry, none. They may like to call themselves that, but they aren’t. If they had read the Bible and NOT taken things out of context or flat skipped verses because they didn’t agree with what they WANTED the verses to say, then they would understand Christianity. Truth.
Report Post »rocktruth
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:46pmEveryone will know the truth one day. Get ready to meet your maker!
Report Post »KevRo65
Posted on September 12, 2010 at 2:52pmAmen! Truth is truth! It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks they know. One day the truth will be known to all. But then, for many it will be too late. For those who have ears to hear, let them hear the truth and be saved.
Report Post »danglingbags
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 9:57pmTHEY Should ban christian churches in OKC because Tim Mcviegh was a self procliamed christian WARRIOR.
ALSO, GOD IS GOOD, GOLD IS GREATER …..CALL GOLDLINE TODAY.
Debrabate
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:13pmActually tim mcveigh was a survivalist. right before he left that truck in front of the Murrah building he looked up saw the children on the second floor and left not caring about the “Collateral Damage” I know this because I was 2 miles from the murrah building when it exploded and was one of the nurses working to help triage people as my husband was working to find people in the massive wreckage.
learn something before you speak. now you are really beginning to disgust me… before I thought you were just another antagonist… now I know you are much much worse than that. SHAME ON YOU.
Report Post »Progress-shun
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:52pmHey Danglingbags, thanks for reminding me to check my gold investment. Ive made 80 dollars on every once, since I took glenn’s advise a month ago.
Report Post »danglingbags
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:09pmProgress-shun
Just wait until you cash in and they kill you on commission and fees. You are obviously too dumb to read fine print. Gold will have to hit $2.5K an ounce before you make nickel #1.
what a baghuffing fool you are…..
RM Brand
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:56pm@Debrabate
There’s a saying out in the video gaming world were people like Danglingbags set up tent and rant. “Don’t feed the trolls.”
I’m an atheist. I don’t mind the ads, because I don’t believe in God, but I can see how this would grate against some people’s sensibilities. I must also say there are far more egregious billboards with lewd or violent content that I take quite a bit of exception to. However, in a free society those individual have a right to advertise/advocate what they wish. And if such billboards were to crop up all over my local community, I would encourage people NOT to frequent the advertiser(s) and help erect alternative billboards more suited to my tastes.
I’d rather make a positive out of a negative than to fret.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:56pmTotaly pathetic, bagless one.
Report Post »But chances are God who is far greater than gold would forgive you, if you’d ask that is. But you won’t because your far greater in your opinion, in fact your a legend in your own mind aren’t you.
dquay
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:12amyou are an Ass
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:15amNo he wasn’t.
You’re completely uninformed.
Report Post »Do you even know what McVeigh said at the time of his execution?
He recited William Ernest Henley‘s poem ’Invictus’.
Go read it and tell me he was a Christian Warrior.
Eleutheria
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:30amMcVeigh was a former Roman Catholic and self proclaimed Agnostic at the time of the Oklahoma City bombing. This is well documented.
Report Post »ADMIRAL747
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:47amHistory is repeating itself.
Report Post »ila
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:53amHi Cliff !
Report Post »JRAGWEED
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:40amThe billboard is despicable and classless to say the least. I have seen them before and it’s not a big deal. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. It always works where ever it’s allowed. What’s your post by replacing “God” with “Allah” on the billboard? And, how much is Soros and Media Matters paying you?
Report Post »Tore
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 9:12amThey should ban DINGLEBAGS, he’s a self proclaimed…Self Pleasuring warrior.
Report Post »Allarius
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 2:44pmEver heard the term “Don’t feed the trolls” ? This guy/girl is a prime example of that. Stop responding to people like this. They are just looking for attention they don’t get in their own life by poking at everyone here. Feel sorry for him/her. Pray for him/her and move on.
Report Post »JayCee
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 5:26pmHey DINGLEBERRIES,
Report Post »kwitcher lyin’!
webpreacher
Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:11amDANGLINGBAGS, I am begining to think that you are an atheist, Are you suggesting that the thing that God created is better than its “Creator”. I have address this before, however have had no reply from you, WHY?
gold is good, but eternal life in Christ Jesus (God) is better, and its FREE!!
Bruce // servant to King Jesus…………………………. By whom ALL things were created!!
Report Post »Itchee Dryback
Posted on September 12, 2010 at 6:49pmT.McV was a self proclaimed atheist who stated that science was his god….but you knew that.
If you tried to be a bit more clever, your troll shtick might not be so predictable and obvious.
Report Post »You would be even more entertaining to the sane posters here.
Give it a try!
Rgoff23
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 9:56pmWhy would they need to “exercise” God? Unless he is alive, and well and everywhere!
Report Post »auntnoree
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:32amWell actually, Satanists believe there is a God, just that Satan is their god. I worked with a so called satanist once, he was always telling me that satan was glorious and that he was getting all of these glories from him so I asked him why he was driving a Geo tracker and didn’t have running water at his soon to be condemned house. I finally had to tell him that my God was so much more powerful than his “god” that my God kicked his “god” out of heaven and that shut him up!
Report Post »GlennBeckIsADemagogue
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 9:54pmReally have to admire pastor Stowe. I’m not kidding. He’s a wise man.
Report Post »Larurie Burnell
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:26amI agree. The pastor is a wise man.
Report Post »Hadassah
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 11:37amI couldn’t agree more. None of this holds any surprise or sway for those of us who do believe in God. If we believe in God then we believe God and His Word which commands us “to love one another just as Christ loved us.” It is a radical choice to choose to love as Christ did, He chose to die for us.
Report Post »stephenb.net
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 12:44pmPastor Stowe is reacting as Christ instructs us. Good for you Pastor Stowe!
Report Post »sodun
Posted on September 11, 2010 at 2:54pmI think it’s actually refreshing to finally see these people just saying “here we are” instead of bashing Christians. As an American Christian I’m ASHAMED of other “Christians” in this video; especially the guy wanting to “accidentally” burn it down. Maybe he should read Revelation – “All liars have their place in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone”
Report Post »READ Psalms 8318
Posted on September 14, 2010 at 4:56pmIt seems that an edit was performed on that gentleman’s comment in the video. It is between a 1:40 and 1:45 in the video.
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