Christian spirit? - Page 5

**Bob Dole** · 09-08-2005, 10:53 AM

A confrontation this morning between an East Texas church and an evacuee from New Orleans. It centers around a sign out front of Woodland Hills Baptist Church on Old Jacksonville Road in Tyler, about a mile inside the loop. Some say the message is offensive.

"I drove by that sign and was just horrified when I saw that," says Kelly Jackman who now lives in Tyler but used to live in New Orleans.

That sign at Woodland Hills Baptist Church reads ,"The big easy is the modern day Sodom and Gomorrah."

Kelly along with her sister Robin Lafont, an evacuee from New Orleans, showed up this morning at the church to talk to the man who put it up, Pastor Wiley Bennett.

During a heated discussion, Robin asked, "What's the point of the sign out there?" Pastor Bennett replied, "The point of the sign is New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New York City are some of the most wicked cities in America."

Robin, who still has family members unaccounted for in New Orleans, is offended by the sign. "I'm telling you. This hurts. Why would you want to put more hurt, more salt in my wounds and why would you want to do this to me?"

Kelly adds, "And to go by and see this church saying that God did this to destroy these people and basically they're celebrating that by putting that sign up there saying look at what God has done. He has destroyed the city of New Orleans because it is evil."

Pastor Bennett says, "Anybody that's ever visited New Orleans, the very name its self - Big Easy - denotes that it's easy to find sin there."

Pastor Bennett says the sign, is a sign of the times. "The purpose of the sign is to wake American up to the fact that America is going away from God. New York City's 9/11 was a call of judgment and New Orlean's horrible incident was judgment on a wicked city."

Pastor Bennett was quick to point out that the church has helped evacuees by donating clothing, food and lodging, but their good will seems to be overshadowed by the sign.

"I'm not saying that you were evil and didn't have good intentions but it is hurtful. It's extremely hurt full. That's all I'm saying. I'm asking you to take it down," pleaded Robin.

"If I was doing it to hurt people I would take it down, but I'm not doing it to hurt people. I'm doing it to point out the sins of America," said Bennett.

Even after the sisters left the church, the confrontation continued in the parking lot. Kelly said, "That sign also says a lot about your character and your integrity and it's nothing good I assure you."

"They both called me an ungodly person with bad character and all that, and that's their right, but I have people that would say differently," Bennett told us.

Finally, the confrontation came to an end, but with no resolution. Robin tried one last time, "I'm asking you to take it down." Bennett said, "We can not go any further so we may as well go." Robin said, "That's fine. I need to go."

Robin and Kelly say they are going to spread the word of opposition to the sign and encourage people to contact the church. They hope the church will eventually take it down.

Since the sign went up, many KLTV viewers have e-mailed us with their comments. Wednesday night, a viewer named Tammy told us:

"Encouragement is needed, not more salt in the wounds... How could anyone see that sign as appropriate or bearing witness for Christ?"

We were at Woodland Hills as they prepared for Wednesday Night services.

They say earlier in the day, they were deluged with phone calls from people urging them to take the sign down.

But they say after our report, the response has been 100 percent positive. They began their service with a prayer for the people of New Orleans and Mississippi, and we spoke with many members including these who say they support the message on the sign.

Betty George has been a member for 23 years.

"Our pastor has a strong stand on the Bible and he preaches God's word, and he has compassion for America and the souls of America."

Randy Hays joined Woodland Hills in 1999.

"All our pastor was trying to say is that America is pulling away from God, and He wants America to realize that."

Pastor Bennett told us once again he has no plans to take down the sign right now, despite outcry from the community.

Gillian Sheridan reporting. [email protected]

Source

**luv** · 09-08-2005, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

ah ... but the people in NO weren't going around telling this church how to live/feel/act.

the difference is who is try to shove their beliefs onto other people.

one side is just living

the other side is trying to judge/condemn how everyone else lives

They're trying to shove their beliefs by posting something on a sign on their property? Aren't you passing judgement on them by saying that? You tell someone you think the Chiefs are the best football team. They disagree, so you talk about it. Are you shoving that on them? Do you have Chiefs emblems on any of your automobiles? Do you give people crap for being a Denver or Oakland fan? Difference is, one is sport, which you enjoy, and the other is religion, which you don't enjoy.

Swanman · 09-08-2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I wonder if the preacher would've put this sign up if his mother or sibling had died in the flood.

I bet he would say that he would still put the sign up regardless of what happened, but if he had a loved one die in the flood, I guarantee he wouldn't put up the sign. He's a hypocrite ass.

I understand there are lots of "sinners" in NO, but what about Gulfport and the 100 miles of shoreline wiped out? What's his story then?

**Bowser** · 09-08-2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PennyWise

That sign shoud read 'Welcome to Tyler! The asshole of Texas.'

Now THAT'S a statement....

**Bowser** · 09-08-2005, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rite

They're trying to shove their beliefs by posting something on a sign on their property? Aren't you passing judgement on them by saying that? You tell someone you think the Chiefs are the best football team. They disagree, so you talk about it. Are you shoving that on them? Do you have Chiefs emblems on any of your automobiles? Do you give people crap for being a Denver or Oakland fan? Difference is, one is sport, which you enjoy, and the other is religion, which you don't enjoy.

I don't think there has been thousands of people lose thie homes or lives at a football game.

Bottom line....this guy put this sign up for selfish purposes. He wanted attention, and according to this thread, he got it. But in the end, people really should just ignore this guy and his church. That would do more damage than people bickering over what the meaning of the message really is.

jspchief · 09-08-2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rite

They're trying to shove their beliefs by posting something on a sign on their property? Aren't you passing judgement on them by saying that? You tell someone you think the Chiefs are the best football team. They disagree, so you talk about it. Are you shoving that on them? Do you have Chiefs emblems on any of your automobiles? Do you give people crap for being a Denver or Oakland fan? Difference is, one is sport, which you enjoy, and the other is religion, which you don't enjoy.

I don't know about shoving their beliefs on people, but they are making a pretty obnoxious statement. I don't think the comparison to a Chiefs emblem is accurate.

It's disrespectful, and in poor taste. But it is also well within his constitutional rights to put that sign up.

That doesn't stop me from hoping his house gets washed away in a flash flood tonight.

Mr. Laz · 09-08-2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rite

They're trying to shove their beliefs by posting something on a sign on their property? Aren't you passing judgement on them by saying that? You tell someone you think the Chiefs are the best football team. They disagree, so you talk about it. Are you shoving that on them? Do you have Chiefs emblems on any of your automobiles? Do you give people crap for being a Denver or Oakland fan? Difference is, one is sport, which you enjoy, and the other is religion, which you don't enjoy.

your actually comparing sports discussion/sports competition where part of the "fun" is competing with the other team and fans with a church basically saying that the people in New Orleans deserved to die?

AND YES putting this sign up is pushing their religious beliefs onto other people.

if i put a sign up in my yard that says "follow Allah and kill all americans" ... that is isn't aggressive?

Imon Yourside · 09-08-2005, 12:55 PM

Who cares? Big friggin deal, anyone who is offended by signs anymore needs to get out and see more of the world. I am a Christian but seeing that sign would make me think that preacher hasn't a clue and to move on. I wouldn't start up a campaign if i drove by a mosque and saw something to offend Christians. Move along nothing to see here.

Now on to some things that do offend me

Gas Prices
Pissing in public (yes i've offended myself a few times)
chair throwing escapades (hey hal have you broken any chairs lately)
the royals and baseball in general
pete prisco
door to door watch salesmen
hidden camera's whilst i'm speeding
a possible dirtnap in my not so distant future
things that are purple (sorry saul)

i could go on but would anyone care?

**luv** · 09-08-2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

I don't think there has been thousands of people lose thie homes or lives at a football game.

Bottom line....this guy put this sign up for selfish purposes. He wanted attention, and according to this thread, he got it. But in the end, people really should just ignore this guy and his church. That would do more damage than people bickering over what the meaning of the message really is.

Although I was talking of people thinking Christians shove their beliefs in general, I completely agree with you.

Hi-ho, hi-ho. It's of to work I go!

**luv** · 09-08-2005, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

your actually comparing sports discussion/sports competition where part of the "fun" is competing with the other team and fans with a church basically saying that the people in New Orleans deserved to die?

Absolutely not. I was commenting on your statements of Christians shoving their beliefs on people. There are some who do, but it's unfair to make generalizations. People do the same thing s with politics, sports teams, etc.

I apologize if I sounded like I think the people in NO deserved to die. I could not disagree with that more. I hope you don't think I would ever think that.

HolyHandgernade · 09-08-2005, 01:00 PM

The Preacher is wrong.

In Genesis God promised he would not destroy the world for its sins by flood ever again. It must either be the vengence of some other God who made no promises to Noah.........or George Bush.

-HH

Mr. Laz · 09-08-2005, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KILLER_CLOWN

Who cares? Big friggin deal, anyone who is offended by signs anymore needs to get out and see more of the world. I am a Christian but seeing that sign would make me think that preacher hasn't a clue and to move on. I wouldn't start up a campaign if i drove by a mosque and saw something to offend Christians. Move along nothing to see here.

ahh ... but it is a big deal because this church holds a position of power and influence over people of faith.

when the the religious dudes in the middle east say "go kill americans in the name of Allah" it's breeding hate in the name of religion.

this sign is also breeding condemnation and hate etc

Boyceofsummer · 09-08-2005, 01:02 PM

]Never would have expected a Fire and Brimstone Baptist to put up a sign like this. [/sarcasm]

What a clown.[/QUOTE]

The best avatar, evah.

Mr. Laz · 09-08-2005, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rite

I apologize if I sounded like I think the people in NO deserved to die. I could not disagree with that more. I hope you don't think I would ever think that.

didn't think you did...

but that's what that sign basically says

a huge difference between debate sports or politics and that sign imo

Imon Yourside · 09-08-2005, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

ahh ... big it is a big deal because this church holds a position of power and influence over people of faith.

when the the religious dudes in the middle east say "go kill americans in the name of Allah" it's breeding hate in the name of religion.

this sign is also breeding condemnation and hate etc

I would say you take life way to seriously, go read the rest of my post.

chagrin · 09-08-2005, 01:03 PM

Yeah, and Osama speaks for God too

09-08-2005, 10:53 AM
Bob Dole King Shit of **** Mountain Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texarkana, Texas Casino cash: $-1394563	Christian spirit? A confrontation this morning between an East Texas church and an evacuee from New Orleans. It centers around a sign out front of Woodland Hills Baptist Church on Old Jacksonville Road in Tyler, about a mile inside the loop. Some say the message is offensive. "I drove by that sign and was just horrified when I saw that," says Kelly Jackman who now lives in Tyler but used to live in New Orleans. That sign at Woodland Hills Baptist Church reads ,"The big easy is the modern day Sodom and Gomorrah." Kelly along with her sister Robin Lafont, an evacuee from New Orleans, showed up this morning at the church to talk to the man who put it up, Pastor Wiley Bennett. During a heated discussion, Robin asked, "What's the point of the sign out there?" Pastor Bennett replied, "The point of the sign is New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New York City are some of the most wicked cities in America." Robin, who still has family members unaccounted for in New Orleans, is offended by the sign. "I'm telling you. This hurts. Why would you want to put more hurt, more salt in my wounds and why would you want to do this to me?" Kelly adds, "And to go by and see this church saying that God did this to destroy these people and basically they're celebrating that by putting that sign up there saying look at what God has done. He has destroyed the city of New Orleans because it is evil." Pastor Bennett says, "Anybody that's ever visited New Orleans, the very name its self - Big Easy - denotes that it's easy to find sin there." Pastor Bennett says the sign, is a sign of the times. "The purpose of the sign is to wake American up to the fact that America is going away from God. New York City's 9/11 was a call of judgment and New Orlean's horrible incident was judgment on a wicked city." Pastor Bennett was quick to point out that the church has helped evacuees by donating clothing, food and lodging, but their good will seems to be overshadowed by the sign. "I'm not saying that you were evil and didn't have good intentions but it is hurtful. It's extremely hurt full. That's all I'm saying. I'm asking you to take it down," pleaded Robin. "If I was doing it to hurt people I would take it down, but I'm not doing it to hurt people. I'm doing it to point out the sins of America," said Bennett. Even after the sisters left the church, the confrontation continued in the parking lot. Kelly said, "That sign also says a lot about your character and your integrity and it's nothing good I assure you." "They both called me an ungodly person with bad character and all that, and that's their right, but I have people that would say differently," Bennett told us. Finally, the confrontation came to an end, but with no resolution. Robin tried one last time, "I'm asking you to take it down." Bennett said, "We can not go any further so we may as well go." Robin said, "That's fine. I need to go." Robin and Kelly say they are going to spread the word of opposition to the sign and encourage people to contact the church. They hope the church will eventually take it down. Since the sign went up, many KLTV viewers have e-mailed us with their comments. Wednesday night, a viewer named Tammy told us: "Encouragement is needed, not more salt in the wounds... How could anyone see that sign as appropriate or bearing witness for Christ?" We were at Woodland Hills as they prepared for Wednesday Night services. They say earlier in the day, they were deluged with phone calls from people urging them to take the sign down. But they say after our report, the response has been 100 percent positive. They began their service with a prayer for the people of New Orleans and Mississippi, and we spoke with many members including these who say they support the message on the sign. Betty George has been a member for 23 years. "Our pastor has a strong stand on the Bible and he preaches God's word, and he has compassion for America and the souls of America." Randy Hays joined Woodland Hills in 1999. "All our pastor was trying to say is that America is pulling away from God, and He wants America to realize that." Pastor Bennett told us once again he has no plans to take down the sign right now, despite outcry from the community. Gillian Sheridan reporting. [email protected] Source
Posts: 51,630

09-08-2005, 12:55 PM	#67
Imon Yourside WhatUneed2Hear Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: AllSoulsMatter Casino cash: $-1106819	Who cares? Big friggin deal, anyone who is offended by signs anymore needs to get out and see more of the world. I am a Christian but seeing that sign would make me think that preacher hasn't a clue and to move on. I wouldn't start up a campaign if i drove by a mosque and saw something to offend Christians. Move along nothing to see here. Now on to some things that do offend me Gas Prices Pissing in public (yes i've offended myself a few times) chair throwing escapades (hey hal have you broken any chairs lately) the royals and baseball in general pete prisco door to door watch salesmen hidden camera's whilst i'm speeding a possible dirtnap in my not so distant future things that are purple (sorry saul) i could go on but would anyone care? __________________ "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" Peter 5:8 "Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay" Isaiah 29:16 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20 Last edited by Imon Yourside; 09-08-2005 at 01:01 PM..
Posts: 47,614

09-08-2005, 01:00 PM	#70
HolyHandgernade Integralist Join Date: May 2001 Location: Murrieta, CA Casino cash: $10006370	The Preacher is wrong. In Genesis God promised he would not destroy the world for its sins by flood ever again. It must either be the vengence of some other God who made no promises to Noah.........or George Bush. -HH __________________ You'll see it's all a show, keep 'em laughing as you go, just remember, the last laugh is on you, and always look on the bright side of life!
Posts: 3,875

09-08-2005, 01:02 PM	#72
Boyceofsummer That Doyle, he's a mean-un Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Salina, Kansas Casino cash: $10004900	Love the avatar................. ]Never would have expected a Fire and Brimstone Baptist to put up a sign like this. [/sarcasm] What a clown.[/QUOTE] The best avatar, evah. __________________ ALL YOU GIMPS & reerunS..........GET THE OUT!
Posts: 970

09-08-2005, 01:03 PM	#75
chagrin Giggitty! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Missoula, Mt Casino cash: $9804905	Yeah, and Osama speaks for God too __________________ Times have changed, so have I, things are better now.
Posts: 13,414