The First Conservative Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida has become synonymous with spreading religious hate with signs posted outside of their church. Below are a couple fine examples:
So for anyone in Jacksonville, Florida looking for a church, be sure to check them out. Who wouldn’t want a church that shares “A Changeless Message for a Changing World”. Even if that changeless message is one of bigotry and hate for others.
Tags: Baptist, Bible, Bigotry, Church, First Conservative, Florida, God, Hate, Hypocrisy, Islam, Jacksonville, Jesus, Muslim
May 25, 2009 at 1:56 am |
“Dr Gene A. Youngblood” – I just love it!
May 25, 2009 at 2:59 am |
Thanks for the tip re Bizarro by the way – it`s a new one to me, and VERY funny! I particularly like the Zen greetings card (“Not thinking of you”) and the Zen crossword – 1 Across: Nothing; 1 Down: Nothing; and the monk deep in thought – brilliant!! Do you keep up with “Jesus and Mo” – they`ve been very topical just recently, at least as far as events in Europe are concerned.
May 25, 2009 at 8:34 am |
Would I be correct in thinking that this Christian god who loves me is the same one who said: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17)? Oops, I forgot, that`s from the outdated Old Testament, so it no longer applies (I think!). Better go to that nice man Jesus: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46): “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 8:12 & other places).
May 25, 2009 at 8:38 am |
I normally react by gnashing my teeth and weeping when people love me. Isn’t that normal?
June 4, 2009 at 1:26 am |
Yeah, that’s the same guy. He loves us unconditionally, and if you don’t believe that, just burn in hell.
May 29, 2009 at 11:14 am |
Great blog (wandered over here from Unreasonable Faith)
I would actually, however, agree with the one church billboard….Islam…or at least some parts of it…does teach hatred. But, of course, Jesus does not equal love.
May 30, 2009 at 2:36 pm |
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
June 4, 2009 at 1:29 am |
God is love. Mmmmm. God, who commanded murder, genocide, tribalism, murder of babies, kidnap and rape of virgins, slavery, mysogeny. Who is jealous and fearsome (and clearly insecure – check out the first three commandments – I wouldn’t even date a guy that unsure of himself). Oh yeah, that’s the god of love. Seriously though, I was raised as an evangelical christian, and the fact that this pychotic god was “love” really screwed me up. For years. I had no idea what love was until I eventually realized that the bible was a book written by ignorant men trying make sense of my world, that christianity is a giant patriarachal fraud, and that god doesn’t exist. Now, life makes sense and I have the happiness that comes with freedom to question and to form a moral code that works for me. One that doesn’t include rape and murder, thank you.
June 4, 2009 at 11:53 am
That’s a lot of accusations. Let’s start with rape.
Point: there is nowhere in the Bible where God commanded rape.
Counterpoint: ?
May 30, 2009 at 8:23 am |
From the perspective of the treatment of women, there are definitely relative evils among the man-made religions. It is no accident that imagery of Jesus as peace-bringer (with a Mother Mary) built a culture in which it was possible for Quaker women (like the Grimke sisters) to participate in freeing literal slaves and then wonder, why the virtual (or if not bodily, the mental) enslavement of womankind as a one-down global gender class to the warring ways of man.
As relative evils go, the Judeo-Christian world view is far better for women than the Islamic world view — just look at the continents across the Atlantic from America, and the atrocities (hooding, body-wrapping, severe genital mutilation of girls far more debilitating than male circumcision, household cloistering, etc.) going on against womankind.
The answer is not to posit the Judeo-Christian worldview as an evil equivalent to Islam. The answer is to go beyond the man-made god form and back to antiquity for the living Presence now.
If you need an iconic symbol for your infinite energy, if you want a personal relationship, try Columbia, the quintessentially American Goddess.
June 4, 2009 at 1:34 am |
Worshipping the goddess is not as obnoxious as worshipping a man-made male god to legitimize male authority, but in my journey I have come to the conclusion, based on overwhelming evidence, that there is no “god” as we know it. There may be some kind of energy out there, but clearly not a personal god.
And the bible is not much better than the Koran regarding oppression of women and violence. It’s just that the christians are just tired of murderin’ and torturin’ because they’ve been doing it for 2000 years already. Give the poor christians a break. They tortured and killed thousands of women in the witch trials, and what about the inquisition? Their fight to keep women from voting, or their fight to keep their slaves (to which they had a god-given right)? Damn, they have a right to be tired.
June 4, 2009 at 2:41 am |
What About Muslim Women?
Islam sees the woman, whether married or unmarried, as an individual in her own right. She has the same right to own property, earn wealth, and spend it that a man has. Her wealth does not become the property of the man after marriage. A woman does not change her name when she gets married. A woman can seek divorce if her marriage does not work out.
Men and women are equal before Allah. They are both accountable before Allah. They both receive their reward in the Hereafter for their faith and good deeds.
Economically, every man and woman is an independent legal entity. Both men and women have the right to own property, engage in business, and inherit from others. Both have the equal right to receive an education and enter into gainful employment.
Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. The type of knowledge that is obligatory upon every individual is religious knowledge. It is also obligatory upon some people in society to study every beneficial field of knowledge. For example, society needs doctors, both men and women. It becomes obligatory for some people to go into this field to fulfill the needs of society.
Women are allowed to pursue their academic interests and strive to fulfill their intellectual curiosity. To prevent women from getting an education is contrary to the teachings of Islam.
Many people perceive Islam as a chauvinistic religion that belittles women. They cite the condition of women in some Muslim countries to prove their point. Their mistake is that they fail to separate the culture of a given people from the true teachings of the religion that they profess. Women in many third world countries live horrible lives. They are dominated by men and denied many of their basic human rights. This does not apply to Muslim countries alone, nor does it apply to all Muslim countries.
Oppression of women exists in many cultures around the world. It would be unjust to blame these cultural practices on religious beliefs unless the teachings of the religion call to such behavior. The teachings of Islam clearly do not.
Source: http://www.islamtoday.com
June 4, 2009 at 3:49 am |
Do you follow the Quoran? If so, how do you explain all the clear passages that promote violence and even death against women and infidels? I want to respect your belief, and obviously I respect your position on equality, but it’s hard for me to understand how a self-respecting woman can follow the teachings of mysogenistic religions.
June 4, 2009 at 3:01 am |
http://vimeo.com/3206907?pg=embed&sec=
What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?
In the first place, we would like to stress that the study of world history would show that Islam and terrorism are extreme opposites. There is no meeting point between Islam and terrorism as practiced by terrorist groups in different parts of the world. Terrorism involves the indiscriminate use of force to achieve certain objectives. Whereas, the basis of national and international relations in Islam is peace and not war as falsely claimed by some people.
In Islam, the use of force is allowed only in special situations, particularly when the Muslim community is threatened by hostile forces. This is natural and logical for any other community indeed. Then again, the use of force in a campaign of Jihad is determined by the leader of the Muslim community in a very orderly way.
For a detailed discussion on the Islam’s stance on terrorism, we would like to cite for you the following:
One of the distinctive characteristics of the times we live in is the overwhelming presence of violence in our societies. Whether it is a bomb going off in a market place, or the hijacking of an aircraft where innocent people are held at ransom to achieve political ends, we live in an age, where the manipulation and loss of innocent lives has become commonplace.
Such is the all-pervasive nature of indiscriminate violence, that “terrorism” is considered as one of the prime threats to peace and security in our societies.
The word “terrorism” came into wide usage only a few decades ago. One of the unfortunate results of this new terminology is that it limits the definition of terrorism to that perpetrated by small groups or individuals. Terrorism, in fact, spans the entire world, and manifests itself in various forms. Its perpetrators do not fit any stereotype. Those who hold human lives cheap, and have the power to expend human lives, appear at different levels in our societies. The frustrated employee who kills his colleagues in cold-blood is a terrorist who provokes our anger and revulsion. Ironically however, the politician who uses age-old ethnic animosities between peoples to consolidate his position, the head of state who orders “carpet bombing” of entire cities, the exalted councils that choke millions of civilians to death by wielding the insidious weapon of sanctions, are rarely punished for their crimes against humanity.
It is this narrow definition of terrorism that implicates only individuals and groups, that has caused Muslims to be associated with acts of destruction and terror, and as a result, to become victims of hate violence and terror themselves. Sometimes the religion of Islam is held responsible for the acts of a handful of Muslims, and often for the acts of non-Muslims!
Could it be possible that Islam, whose light ended the Dark Ages in Europe, now propound the advent of an age of terror? Could a faith that has over 1.2 billion followers the world over, and over 7 millions in America, actually advocate the killing and maiming of innocent people? Could Islam, whose name itself stands for “peace” and “submission to God”, encourage its adherents to work for death and destruction?
For too long, have we relied on popular images in the media and in Hollywood films, for answers to these pertinent questions. It is now time to look at the sources of Islam, and its history to determine whether Islam does indeed advocate violence.
The Sanctity of Human Life
The Glorious Qur’an says: (…take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.) (Al-An`am 6: 151)
Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. Allah says in the Qur’an says: (… if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.) (Al-Ma’idah 5: 32)
Such is the value of a single human life, that the Qur’an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity. Thus, the Qur’an prohibits homicide in clear terms. The taking of a criminal’s life by the state in order to administer justice is required to uphold the rule of law, and the peace and security of the society. Only a proper and competent court can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other human beings.
The Ethics of War
Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly in the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of the Prophet are as follows: “Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman.” (Reported by Abu Dawud) “Do not kill the monks in monasteries” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)
During a war, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw the corpse of a woman lying on the ground and observed: “She was not fighting. How then she came to be killed?” Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.
Jihad
While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word ‘Jihad’. The term ‘Jihad’ has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the Crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.
The word Jihad comes from the root word iahada, which means to struggle. So Jihad is literally an act of struggling. Jihad primarily refers to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to God in all aspects of life.
Secondarily, Jihad refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. The Glorious Qur’an says: (And why should ye not fight in the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: ‘Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!) (Aal-`Imran 3: 75)
Thus, Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive their utmost in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest when he sees injustice and oppression around him. As Martin Luther King Jr. said: “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”
Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which God created everything. However, regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur’an never condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian population can never be termed as Jihad, and can never be reconciled with the teachings of Islam.
History of Tolerance
Even Western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O’Leary wrote: “History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.” (Islam At Crossroads, London, 1923, page
Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until they were finally forced out, the non-Muslims there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish populations.
This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of view. The Glorious Qur’an says: (Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 256)
Islam: The Great Unifier
Far from being a militant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds us of our common origin: (O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).) (Al-Hujrat 49: 13)
Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts and deep schisms between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism, perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is a beacon of light that offers hope for the future.
The above quotation is excerpted with some modifications from: http://www.whyislam.org
In the light of the above, it becomes crystal clear that Islam, the true religion of Allah, doesn’t permit aggression, violence, injustice, or oppression. At the same time, it calls to morality, justice, tolerance, and peace.
June 4, 2009 at 4:03 am |
just listen to them they all experienced different matters in life and saw all tha phases came to some conclusion they lived like animals of modern life and found peace.
June 4, 2009 at 4:26 am |
to come to some conclusion u must see all the facts and then give your opinion.
http://vimeo.com/3206907?pg=embed&sec=
June 4, 2009 at 4:26 am |
Tell Layluf that we just ignore Mohammedan propaganda on this site BEattitude, please!!!!!
June 4, 2009 at 5:12 am |
ok sir.
muhammadan propaganda will not continue unless someone ask for or a subject demands in answer.
regards
August 10, 2009 at 8:41 pm |
Matthew 10:34. “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a “sword”. no peace but sword. no peace swooooooooooooooooooooooor. is this peacemaker verse in the bible???????
35 “For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’;
36 “and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household
Jesus teach peace???????? read your bible pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaase!!!
August 11, 2009 at 7:03 am |
Y’know, I don’t endorse Wikipedia as a theological resource, but it’s got an article on this which explains the common interpretations of that passage pretty well. The “OMG, Jesus taught violence” view is decidedly a minority one, especially considering the context of those verses.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=But_to_bring_a_sword&oldid=305576139
August 28, 2009 at 8:44 am |
WHOEVER CREATED THIS WEBSITE IS A RACIST PIG AND FOR EVERY MOTHERFUCKER THAT LIKES THIS SITE YA”L A BUNCH OF FUCKIN ASSHOLES….FUCKING RACIST PIGS I FUCK ALL YOU CUNTS UP……..FUCKING COCKAROACHES DAS ALL YOUSE ARE U BITCHES AAAAALLLLLAAAHHHHUUUU AAAAKKKKBBBBAAAARRRR
September 30, 2009 at 11:17 am |
you charming motherfucker.
November 5, 2009 at 11:49 pm |
How is the top bill board teaching “hate” religiously? Its simply stating the truth. if people dont do something about these muslims then our united states is going to end up just like Iraq. cant anyone see this??
Thanks to those crazy Islamic fanatics, my comrades were killed in action. They are ALL at fault. if theyre not busy setting up IEDs trying to kill me and my fellow soldiers, then they are busy keeping the secret of whos the ones bombing us. Either way, they are all guilty and we need to just bomb them the way we did to japan. The problem is that now days American leaders dont have a backbone. Anything that has to do with Islam is pure evil. what kid of “God” wants to kill anyone who doesnt follow them? Jesus Christ doesnt even say “You muslims must die because you dont believe in me”. And loko up online *nit muslim* and you will see a picture of an islamic guy saind somehting like “forget freedom”. if they feel so strongly about that then we should sterilize them all. “screw freedom”, right? no. screw YOUR freedom, not mine’s and not everyone else’s who belong to free countries.
Remember *in WAR, there are no innocents*
November 6, 2009 at 6:53 am |
…correction, dude, listen to yourself.
RELIGION is causing you to CONDONE the BOMBING and RAZING and KILLING of others.
(And politics, too. <_<)
Freedom is NOT EXCLUSIVE (and I suspect it doesn't exist). Just as you are free to wish death upon others, so shall others be free to wish death upon you. REMEMBER THAT.
November 6, 2009 at 11:56 am |
Wow. Hate is an ugly thing.
Is it justified for me to blame you for every evil action of Christians? If one Christian does it, they are all to blame? Right? That is the definition of bigotry.
Christians have murdered, tortured and slaughtered human beings throughout the past 2,000 years. Fortunately the religion has evolved. And yes, your God did want all non-Believers to be killed. It wasn’t until Jesus said to “love your enemy” did that teaching change.
Read a few lovely excerpts from you “holy” Bible. I did a post on the subject:
http://thebeattitude.com/2009/05/11/the-bible-instructs-how-to-deal-with-atheists-or-anyone-who-rejects-god-kill-them/
You can hate Muslims if you want to. It’s a free country. But don’t pretend your bigoted hate is any different or more justified than the hate a terrorist has for you.
November 6, 2009 at 1:29 pm |
You Americans just NEVER learn! If you’re so worried about getting blown up in Iraq, get out of THEIR fucking country!!