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Family First NZ is labelling a proposed billboard by Auckland's St Matthew-in-the-City Church as insensitive and objectionable to many people.
The church has announced that it is putting up a billboard to 'challenge stereotypes about the way that Jesus was conceived and get people talking about the Christmas story'. It shows Mary and Joseph in bed together with the caption "Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow."
"The church can have its debate on the virgin birth and its spiritual significance inside the church building, but to confront children and families with the concept as a street billboard is completely irresponsible and unnecessary," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
"The church has failed to recognise that public billboards are exposed to all of the public including children and families who may be offended by the material. Billboards should not be used to promote adult concepts which are inappropriate for children, and the topic of sex and religion is not a debate that parents want to be forced to have with their children simply because their children are exposed to this material."
"It may be that many people of various faiths will also be offended by the underlying message of the billboard."
Family First is calling on St Matthew-in-the-City Church to have their 'sex and religion' debate in an adult setting and to protect families this Christmas.
"If the billboard is put up, Family First will be laying a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority - for what it's worth," says Mr McCoskrie.
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Comments
Heaven forbid we might
Heaven forbid we might offend someone!! Or for that matter we might even create some debate amongst ourselves about something other than which fast-food outlet is best or other interesting discussions...
Family First?? Bit of an oxymoron in this case!
Why is the church disputing
Why is the church disputing the virgin birth in the first place?? I find this totally ridiculous!! They need to read the Bible where it speaks about the Truth and the profanity of it. *shakes head*
Ah yes... the Bible, that
Ah yes... the Bible, that wonderful literate work of mortals. Where has the church disputed the Virgin birth again??
I think this is
I think this is funny...family first need to pull their heads in and stop pretending that they speak on behalf of the majority of NZers, they are nothing more than a vocal minority...I mean seriously, how many children would actually understand the bill board.
How many building sized posters of dan carter and various Bendon models in their underwear did it take to destroy the fragile minds of our kids?
also I don't think the church was disputing anything, merely suggestion that god was better in the sack than Joseph...
I respect every religion
I respect every religion that makes somebody a better person, but I have 2 gripes with God regarding this:
1st: Being omnipotent, he could have prevented all the confusion with the Virgin Birth and delivered Jesus fully grown from the sky, ready to preach right "out of the box".
2nd: Being omnipresent, he should not be keeping silent; instead we should be having an annual "State of the Universe address" at Christmas (akin to a "State of the Union" by the U.S. president), e.g.:
"...
Another supernova has gone off in the galaxy NGC 234455, known to the local life forms as Ggggaaahhhhh.
Nearby habitable planets have had to be evacuated with the assistance of Archangel Michael and his Angel Rescue Urgent Response Squad.
...
A new series about the demise of Cretaceous dinosaurs is to be broadcast at noon next Sunday based on video recordings made by Me 65 million years ago.
...
Now, Jesus will personally deliver you his blessings on this festive season. There you go, Jesie...
Thank you, pa... Hmm... Merry Christmas everyone!! Take it easy and love one another!!!
Remember, all that happens, I have already foreseen, so give each other a break!!!
I promise, when the world ends (dad says in 1 billion years the Sun will be too hot, so it's a good time),
then I won't be too hard on most of you!!!
with some exceptions naturally...
Ma and Jo couldn't make it, but they send love as well!!!
Cheers, and God Bless!!!
...
"