I just saw a post today about the newest push back to the "Good without God" campaign in Fort Worth, TX. Some local businessmen have paid for this truck to follow around the bus with it's own slogans. It reads “2.1 billion Christians are good with God,” and “I still love you. — God.”
The atheist line, from what I understand here, is that atheists wanted other atheists to know they weren't alone, especially this holiday season as they get bombarded with religious messages. I may or may not fully believe that. There was a time in my life when I'd have just cheered on the local businessmen and not thought much about. Today, I cringe a little. (why I cringe is further down)
Apparently responses in other cities have also been interesting.... In Detroit (2 ads), Tampa (1 ad), and Sacramento (10 ads) - ads were vandalized or destroyed. In Cincinnati, after the landlord received threats, a billboard was taken down. And in Des Moines, complaints from religious leaders got ads removed and threats of legal action got them put right back up. I even came across a blog whose response was "Made by God to do good."
However, the most intriguing response I've heard about (thank you National Youth Worker's Convention & Jeremy Del Rio) has been a student response to rally the largest student led prayer walk in New York City donning shirts that read "God Belongs in My City." In May 1,500 students marched 8 miles in Manhattan culminating in a flash mob style silent prayer at Grand Central Station. They kneeled in the lobby for 5 minutes and everyone around - let them. In October a second march included 2000 students.
There were some other things going on - it's not just about responding to atheist billboards - but COME ON. THIS IS AMAZING TO ME. You can read more about all the factors of this movement here.
I think we respond so quickly sometimes it comes out of strange places inside us and slightly skewed motivations. We don't think out the consequences. It comes across as a school yard fight... and unfortunately, The Church, who want to seem to be the victim here still comes across as the bully to those outside (and some inside) the faith. That's not cool. It's not speaking the truth in love. It's not drawing anyone "outside" of the church closer to God.
What are your thoughts? How would you respond? How do you wish other brothers and sisters would reply? Is it possible to respond without demeaning anyone?
The atheist line, from what I understand here, is that atheists wanted other atheists to know they weren't alone, especially this holiday season as they get bombarded with religious messages. I may or may not fully believe that. There was a time in my life when I'd have just cheered on the local businessmen and not thought much about. Today, I cringe a little. (why I cringe is further down)
Apparently responses in other cities have also been interesting.... In Detroit (2 ads), Tampa (1 ad), and Sacramento (10 ads) - ads were vandalized or destroyed. In Cincinnati, after the landlord received threats, a billboard was taken down. And in Des Moines, complaints from religious leaders got ads removed and threats of legal action got them put right back up. I even came across a blog whose response was "Made by God to do good."
However, the most intriguing response I've heard about (thank you National Youth Worker's Convention & Jeremy Del Rio) has been a student response to rally the largest student led prayer walk in New York City donning shirts that read "God Belongs in My City." In May 1,500 students marched 8 miles in Manhattan culminating in a flash mob style silent prayer at Grand Central Station. They kneeled in the lobby for 5 minutes and everyone around - let them. In October a second march included 2000 students.
There were some other things going on - it's not just about responding to atheist billboards - but COME ON. THIS IS AMAZING TO ME. You can read more about all the factors of this movement here.
I think we respond so quickly sometimes it comes out of strange places inside us and slightly skewed motivations. We don't think out the consequences. It comes across as a school yard fight... and unfortunately, The Church, who want to seem to be the victim here still comes across as the bully to those outside (and some inside) the faith. That's not cool. It's not speaking the truth in love. It's not drawing anyone "outside" of the church closer to God.
What are your thoughts? How would you respond? How do you wish other brothers and sisters would reply? Is it possible to respond without demeaning anyone?
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