For a limited time, a bit like Jesus

[Stevil]

Let's see how freedom of speech works in NZ
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10717617

[Davin]

I'm having a hard time understanding how anyone could be offended by that.

[fester30]

Not sure how many of you were ever religious, but I have one perspective.  When I was Christian, anything that seemed to directly assault God or Jesus was horrifying.  Reading such things made me feel like I'd better pray because just having set my eyes upon the sign was such a grotesque sin.  Even though, in the Bible, every sin carries with it the same result if no repentance occurs (eternity in hell), humans place value upon different sins.  Lying about being late to work or forgetting homework isn't that bad, but murder and blasphemy are terrible.  Seeing a billboard like that about my God was like someone spitting on my mother!  I felt like I had been slapped across the face.  When you're Christian, using God's or Jesus's name nonchalantly or for a bit of humor like that is one of the worst things you can do.

It's kinda funny and sad at the same time that I used to have such a reaction to such things.  It's also embarassing how I treated certain people based upon my religious beliefs.  All I can do now is try to make up for it by campaigning for equal rights for the same people (such as homosexuals).  

I used to not understand why atheists were offended by the words "under God" in the pledge.  I felt it wasn't a big deal when I was a Christian.  Like, you don't have to say the words or even stand... just sit there out of respect.  If you don't believe in God, how does it hurt you when others do?  I didn't understand the other side like I do now.  I can understand both sides, and hopefully that helps me deal more effectively with all people no matter how different they are.

[OldGit]

How would they like this?

[fester30]

LMAO!  They would get to church immediately just for having seen that!

[Stevil]

So I take it our Hell themed Pizza franchise is not unique then.
http://hellpizza.com/nz/

[xSilverPhinx]

How would they like this?

LOL

That's a good one

[Tank]

Not sure how many of you were ever religious, but I have one perspective.  When I was Christian, anything that seemed to directly assault God or Jesus was horrifying.  Reading such things made me feel like I'd better pray because just having set my eyes upon the sign was such a grotesque sin.  Even though, in the Bible, every sin carries with it the same result if no repentance occurs (eternity in hell), humans place value upon different sins.  Lying about being late to work or forgetting homework isn't that bad, but murder and blasphemy are terrible.  Seeing a billboard like that about my God was like someone spitting on my mother!  I felt like I had been slapped across the face.  When you're Christian, using God's or Jesus's name nonchalantly or for a bit of humor like that is one of the worst things you can do.

It's kinda funny and sad at the same time that I used to have such a reaction to such things.  It's also embarassing how I treated certain people based upon my religious beliefs.  All I can do now is try to make up for it by campaigning for equal rights for the same people (such as homosexuals).  

I used to not understand why atheists were offended by the words "under God" in the pledge.  I felt it wasn't a big deal when I was a Christian.  Like, you don't have to say the words or even stand... just sit there out of respect.  If you don't believe in God, how does it hurt you when others do?  I didn't understand the other side like I do now.  I can understand both sides, and hopefully that helps me deal more effectively with all people no matter how different they are.

Than you for a very insightful post. I have wondered what it's like for a theist to read something anti-theist. Your post provided me with some food for thought what considering how upset some Muslims get when a Koran is burnt/defaced. I don't think they should get upset but now I have a better appreciation of why they get upset.

[Stevil]

A Church billboard response to teh Hell Pizza billboard
"Hell no, we're not giving up pizza for Lent"
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10720379


Oh, and here was a really good one sponsored by a church from a while back
Tag line "Poor Joseph, God was a hard act to follow".
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10616110

[Davin]

^ That's way more awesome than complaining about it.

[Stevil]

For anyone that might still be interested in this saga

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10726031