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In reply to the discussion: Atheist Billboard Offends Some African-Americans [View all]muriel_volestrangler
(106,906 posts)79. This is attacking the PA 'Year of the Bible' resolution
It's not meant to be a comment on Christians; it's a comment on the state House of Representatives (that's why they're mentioned on the board, and not 'Christians'), and the bible.
the House of Representatives declare 2012 as the Year of the Bible in Pennsylvania in recognition of both the formative influence of the Bible on our Commonwealth and nation and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the holy scriptures.
http://thedp.com/index.php/article/2012/02/controversy_surrounds_pennsylvania039s_year_of_the_bible
http://thedp.com/index.php/article/2012/02/controversy_surrounds_pennsylvania039s_year_of_the_bible
Now, I can understand someone who passes the billboard not getting the message - reading the smaller print when you're in a passing car is not easy. There isn't such an excuse when you're participating in a forum discussion, however.
The board is sarcastically pointing out that one of the teachings of the holy scriptures is that slave should obey their masters. 'Paul' (whether the real one or not, I don't know), says this more than once:
Ephesians 6:5-9
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your masters here on earth. Respect them and honor them with a heart that is true. Obey them just as you would obey Christ. 6 Don't obey them only to please them when they are watching. Do it because you are slaves of Christ. Be sure your heart does what God wants.
7 Serve your masters with all your heart. Work as if you were not serving people but the Lord. 8 You know that the Lord will give you a reward. He will give to each of you in keeping with the good you do. It doesn't matter whether you are slaves or free.
9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. When you warn them, don't be too hard on them. You know that the One who is their Master and yours is in heaven. And he treats everyone the same.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A5-9&version=NIRV
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your masters here on earth. Respect them and honor them with a heart that is true. Obey them just as you would obey Christ. 6 Don't obey them only to please them when they are watching. Do it because you are slaves of Christ. Be sure your heart does what God wants.
7 Serve your masters with all your heart. Work as if you were not serving people but the Lord. 8 You know that the Lord will give you a reward. He will give to each of you in keeping with the good you do. It doesn't matter whether you are slaves or free.
9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. When you warn them, don't be too hard on them. You know that the One who is their Master and yours is in heaven. And he treats everyone the same.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A5-9&version=NIRV
Yes, Christians have reformed since then. But the bible has remained the same, and yet the PA House of Representatives decided to apparently break the 1st Amendment to wholeheartedly commend it to the state.
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Well if "the Bible supports slavery and always has", then why were the slaves led
humblebum
Mar 2012
#20
It was also the norm when the books were written and compiled 2000 or so years ago. And nowhere
humblebum
Mar 2012
#27
When a very sensitive issue is directed toward a racial group and their religion is also
humblebum
Mar 2012
#89
It's about what the bible says, not 'the religion of African Americans'
muriel_volestrangler
Mar 2012
#90
"If the picture wasn't used, then it wouldn't be connected with African Americans" - BUT
humblebum
Mar 2012
#91
It does condone slavery; in 1 Timothy 6, it says some Christians are slave owners
muriel_volestrangler
Mar 2012
#102
No, it is the intentional misrepresentation that makes me uncomfortable. Nowhere does
humblebum
Mar 2012
#103
"You should not impose today's standards in trying to understand ancient cultures"
muriel_volestrangler
Mar 2012
#110
I wasn't aware that they were trying to force the acceptance of slavery on anyone.
humblebum
Mar 2012
#111
So show me the law that said we are to own slaves or one against not owning slaves.
humblebum
Mar 2012
#40
Hardly a non-answer. Completely pointless is exactly what you have resorted to. You merely
humblebum
Mar 2012
#56
deacon, you are using reason, logic, and critical thought. Those things do not exist for him
cleanhippie
Mar 2012
#97
WTF??!! Atheists are supposed to be doing the right thing with this billboard??!!
Ecumenist
Mar 2012
#21
"I threaten with violence"?! You don't know what the hell you're talking about
Ecumenist
Mar 2012
#63
You know, "clean", I'm going to talk to you in a way that you MIGHT understand....
Ecumenist
Mar 2012
#70
Thank you, Obamacare.. I think that certain people are dieliberately trying to be obtuse
Ecumenist
Mar 2012
#72
Moobu, please understand what I'm about to ask..Why don't you feel that it's NOT
Ecumenist
Mar 2012
#74
i think this is one of the most hurtfully offensive threads that i have seen in a very long time
seabeyond
Mar 2012
#76
The only explanation of why it might be offensive I can see is LeftistBrit's in #80
muriel_volestrangler
Mar 2012
#85
Well, an explanation that it's because children can't understand the context does help
muriel_volestrangler
Mar 2012
#105
I suggest that it might be harder for those rarely confronted with bigotry to readily recognize it,
cbayer
Mar 2012
#108