greg from canada July 10th, 2007

When Jesus comes, don't be caught with your pants down

Mark July 10th, 2007

Crack kills, but Jesus saves.

Mike Zook July 10th, 2007

Message this Sunday: Why did God make your crack vertical and not horizontal?

greg from canada July 10th, 2007

now that we have your attention, Come on out to Times Square Church this Sunday

greg from canada July 10th, 2007

Times Square Church, now with the most comfortabe chairs in town

Gene July 10th, 2007

Missing out on Heaven is anything butt funny..

Chemical Erik July 10th, 2007

Time Square Church explains the Left Behind series

Chemical Erik July 10th, 2007

got another:
Time Square Church: You'll find joy behind our doors!

greg from canada July 10th, 2007

this week at the Times Square Church: The Garden of Eden

greg from canada July 10th, 2007

Times Square Church: help us with our cloth the needy clothing drive

Steve Brown Etc. » Blog Archive » Happy Bidet, Sharon! July 11th, 2007

[...] you don't believe me, check out our post titled "Bare Buttocks Bidet Billboards Barred 'Bove Broadway Basilica." Then listen to this week's show to hear us call the Times Square Church and pass along your ideas [...]

Jordan (w.m.s.n.b.s) July 11th, 2007

Butts are gross. Time Square Church is a no smoking establishment.

Athiests are going to hell, bidet don't care.

Clense you spirit here too.

Troy from Jasper July 12th, 2007

Here's a possibility for the church billboard…

"Song of Solomon Series…it might just make your cheeks flush!"

Wayne July 14th, 2007

And of course the obvious….. "Repent, the end is near."

Wayne July 14th, 2007

"Times Square Church… Rapture practice Wednesday nights, 7:00 PM"

Wayne July 14th, 2007

"Times Square Church… Think of our Sunday morning services as you spiritual bidet."

Matthew July 16th, 2007

Wayne, it was in front of our faces the whole time. Good work, sir.

MP

señor jefe July 17th, 2007

(just under the pics of the 3 tushys)

Holy – Holy – Holy

fryar tuck July 17th, 2007

"The only ass that's missing here is yours. Come join us this Sunday."
-Times Square Church"

fryar tuck July 17th, 2007

"Our 'Saddlebacks' put Rick Warren to shame…"
-Times Square Church

Regular Jeff July 18th, 2007

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

señor jefe July 18th, 2007

Jesus fixes lives that are cracked…

señor jefe July 19th, 2007

He'll wipe away… (every tear)

señor jefe July 19th, 2007

Ass and ye shall receive…

Wayne July 20th, 2007

Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's ass.

Zach July 20th, 2007

I wonder what Shermon thinks of this…

Don Sturgill August 8th, 2007

This, Erik, is an excellent example of forward thinking–not, "What's wrong with this and how can we fix it," but "How can we use this (apparently) crass situation to further the work of the Kingdom."

Thank you.

"You bet your ass, Jesus saves."

Church Snooty About Too Much Booty…What!? « Sand Versus Stone August 30th, 2007

[...] Read the Rest at http://stevebrownetc.com/2007/07/podcasts/ping/bare-buttocks-bidet-billboards-barred-bove-broadway-b... [...]

Jude September 6th, 2007

As a Reformed pastor, and one who listens at times to Rev. Brown's broadcast, im just simply shocked beyond words that this sort of thing is approved of (apparently) by Brown. And I fear for those who can use the holy in such a profane, vain, and irreverent manner. I guess this is sadly the direction the church is headed in. Judgment will begin with us, we best repent.

—Pastor Jude

Erik September 6th, 2007

I take full responsibility. I'm sick. Please pray for me.

Chemical Erik September 6th, 2007

Erik – how dare you take full responsibility! Matt, Sharon, and many PING listeners have all participated. We are all a group of sick individuals who desparately need Jesus.

Erik September 6th, 2007

Sorry…how arrogant of me. I'm sick. Please pray for me.

Mia September 6th, 2007

Glad you guys have the "freedom" to laugh about an offensive billboard and even more offensive suggestions of a slogan the church could put on their sign. Hey, loved the comments about Pastor Jude as well – - he deserved it. That is what you call it, right….freedom? Sounds a lot like making fun of fellow believers, but there's nothing in the Bible about offending brothers and sisters in Christ, is there?

To poke fun and laugh at the way a church is handling this situation (which you do not lead or apparently even attend) is sad. Why don't you go start yourselves up a church and let Victoria's Secret put up a billboard in the parking lot. I'm sure you could think up a million slogans to go along with that. Just think of all the people in your congregation you could offend and then make fun of for being offended! What a riot! You'd get lots of yuks too. After all, that's what Jesus would do.

In fact, if Jesus were here today He'd be hangin' out with cool guys like you, hoistin' a few brewski's, smokin' a cigar, lookin' Sports Illustrated and chuckling at the butt billboard. Yeah. Jesus and you guys would be punchin' each other in the arm and making farting noises with your armpits. Jesus is your "bud" and not your Savior, right?

Erik September 6th, 2007

I was serious when I said I was sick and asked for prayer.

Mark September 6th, 2007

"To poke fun and laugh at the way a church is handling this situation (which you do not lead or apparently even attend) is sad."

–I'm confused. So only those who are involved in a church or leading a church are allowed to poke fun at it? Or is it that poking fun at a church and laughing at it are wrong altogether? In my experience, churches tend to take themselves way too seriously. I don't think any comments here have been mean spirited toward the church – coarse perhaps, but not malicious. Perhaps the problem is not with jokes per se, but rather that in some of the comments that the name "Jesus" has appeared in the same sentences with the words, "ass", "crack", and "butt"?

greg from canada September 7th, 2007

I dont know about you, but I would like to have the kind of relationship with my savior that he could be my "bud". I think that is what we all are looking for as christians…

Erik September 7th, 2007

Jesus would not smoke bud. You should be ashamed of yourself Greg.

greg from canada September 7th, 2007

I agree with you Erik, thats not what I meant. What I was trying to say is that I would like to have a relationship with Jesus where we were like friends where you could confide in him, laugh with him… not a distant entity that you go to church to worship for an hour once a week.

Erik September 7th, 2007

I knew that Greg. I was just screwing around.

Erik September 7th, 2007

Mia,

First, let me say sorry for being a smart ass. I apologize.

Second, I've been thinking a lot about your comments. This part in particular…

"In fact, if Jesus were here today He'd be hangin' out with cool guys like you, hoistin' a few brewski's, smokin' a cigar…Jesus is your "bud" and not your Savior, right?"

You sound like somebody who takes the Bible and Jesus very seriously. That's a good thing. Let me point out a scripture about Jesus that came to my mind while noodling on what you wrote.

Matthew 11:19 – The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."'

That scripture seems to answer your question about what Jesus would be doing if He were here in His original bodily form. He was a "bud" to messed up people then, and He's a "bud" to messed up people now. He's the same yesterday, today and forever (I think that's another scripture, but don't feel like looking it up).

Another thing that doesn't seem to change is religion. It caused people to dimiss Jesus then, and it causes them to miss Him now.

You asked, "If Jesus were here today…?" The thing is, He is here. Hang out for a while and see.

Mia September 9th, 2007

Mark – I'm talking about the disrespectful comments about and to fellow believers, and the casual attitude about the offensiveness of the billboard. From what I read, Times Square Church didn't picket the company, or call for a boycott or anything radical like that. It wasn't an attention-getting ploy by them. From what I can tell by their web site, they do a lot of good in the community in which they have served for around fifty years. Fifty years! Why on earth would any fellow Christian want to verbally beat these people down for doing something that was beneficial to their community – i.e. getting an offensive billboard changed? What possible good motive could there have been for this treatment?

If they were teaching heresey or trying to shamelessly promote themselves, like so many so called "ministries" I know, I could sort of understand. From their web site, a lot of the work they do is hands on work to the needy – homeless, children, disabled, etc. in their community.

Erik – You don't need to apologize to me. There's a fine line between just being a good-natured smart ass and being a crass, profane, irreverant, disrespectful jerk. IMO, some people here crossed that line.

In Matthew 11, Jesus was talking about John the Baptist. In Matthew 11:18-20 He said: "For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say 'He has a demon! The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" Then He began to reproach the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent.

When you put it in context, verse 19 does not say he was just hanging out and having a few laughs with these people. He was calling them to repentence. When the religious leaders did not repent, he pronounced judgement. He didn't say, "Hey, had a great time! You guys really know how to party, man!"

"Another thing that doesn't seem to change is religion. It caused people to dimiss Jesus then, and it causes them to miss Him now."

Just what do you mean by "religion"? There's the "religion" of the Pharisees, which Jesus condemned. There are phariseeical (sp) people today who think they can gain approval from God on their own, by their own merit. There's no need to think all Christian churches are this way, because that's just not true.

Jesus himself didn't denounce the church – not at all. He denounced the religion of the Pharisees. The church was estabished to encourage and equip the saints so they can go out and be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus. We go to church to learn and grow and help others to do the same.

"Another thing that doesn't seem to change is religion. It caused people to dimiss Jesus then, and it causes them to miss Him now."

So, people shouldn't be members of a church? That's absurd. If you're a Christian, you're a part of a "religion" whether you like it or not. So, just because you apparently think Times Square Church was out of line, you think it's okay for you to belittle them. If you truly think Times Square Church was out of line, there are Biblical ways to deal with them, and I can assure you none of them include a public blog.

"You asked, "If Jesus were here today…?" The thing is, He is here. Hang out for a while and see."

Somehow I'm not convinced that He condones what went on here. Not only, using "the holy in such a profane, vain, and irreverent manner", as Jude said, but the general disrespect for others. We are supposed to be salt and light to a dark world. We can go many places on the web to look at crass humor and people being mocked and ridiculed. IMO, we should be different.

You know, the Bible has way more in it than just some verses about Jesus hanging out with people – "doctrine, reproof and instruction in righteousness." Why would we need instruction in righteousness if we weren't expected to live holy lives? By "holy", I don't mean wearing your hair or skirts a certain length, or eating certain foods. I'm talking about the fruit of the Spirit – sorry you'll have to look that one up yourselves, but I'm pretty sure "rudeness" and "disrespect" didn't make the list.

The book of James has a lot to say about the tongue and holiness, and it's pretty short, too. You could probably read it tonight. If you wanted to.

Mark September 9th, 2007

You've made some good points. The church did not handle this in a poor manner – if I was the pastor or a leader in the church, I would have likely reacted in a similar way. I assumed this blog post was intended to be humorous, not malicious. "Open Source Comedy" has been present for a long time on this web site in its several incarnations.

"Why on earth would any fellow Christian want to verbally beat these people down for doing something that was beneficial to their community – i.e. getting an offensive billboard changed?"

This is where I will have to respectfully disagree with you. I don't consider this thread of blog posts a verbal beat down against the church like you do. My comment early on in this thread was intended to be a humorous play on words, not a slam in any way against the church. I would guess that others who have posted here would say the same about their comments.

The problem here is subjectivity. We all have different opinions as to what is socially or spiritually acceptable. I'm quite certain that you and I would strongly disagree on where the "line" is in these types of situations. You feel this blog post and the comments that followed have crossed the line. I do not. We won't convince each other to change opinions. I am glad, however, that an environment like this exists where people with different opinions can share their thoughts and learn from one another's perspective.

Erik September 9th, 2007

Mia,

Thanks for taking the time to reply so thoroughly. Two things:

1) I love all the stuff in the Bible about behaving well and being perfect in one's dealings. If we all lived that way, it would be Heaven on Earth. God wants us to have the peaceful fruit of righteousness:so I'm all for being Jesusy and I'm submitting to His work on me. But I'm not there yet. I'm still in process, and any failures you note online are testament to that.

But if I waited around until I was sure all my motives and actions were pure before I did anything, I'd wait till I die and never express the Spirit of Jesus in me Who wants to shine through my poopy.

2) Unlike Mark and some of the others, I wasn't merely joking around. The main point of this post was to express my displeasure with Christians who don't respond to their culture creatively because they're too worried about their image.

It's really easy to tell pagans how they're a bunch of douche bags. Complaining about billboards to keep the Church "pure" just reinforces the belief that Christians think their poodoo doesn't stink and they aren't gonna be happy until they scrub everyone else's turds as shinny as theirs. This isn't the gospel. On top of that, this church was willing to blow $90,000 to do it.

This all irks me because of the fact that I want people to know Jesus. I want them to experience His love and all that warm, fuzzy Kingdom goodness. This kind of caca isn't about Jesus. It's about the church's good name. "Tampons!" I say:and certainly not worth $90,000.

That's not to say the church doesn't do great stuff. I know they do. In fact, when we called them, I thanked them for the work they were doing. But just because I do the dishes, that doesn't mean my wife can't tell me I'm being an ass while I do ‘em.

mia September 9th, 2007

"The main point of this post was to express my displeasure with Christians who don't respond to their culture creatively because they're too worried about their image."

And just how, pray tell, did you know what their motives were? You can't read their mind. Did you speak with them before you wrote what you did? Did they tell you they were worried about their image? It sounded to me like they were concerned about their parishoners and members of the community – especially the children. This wasn't a bunch of holier-than-thou people passing out fliers going on Good Morning America and gaining press for themselves.

Why should people have to be "creative" about everything they do? Funny, I mist have missed that commandment. What was wrong with them speaking up? Nothing, that's what.

"Complaining about billboards to keep the Church "pure" just reinforces the belief that Christians think their poodoo doesn't stink and they aren't gonna be happy until they scrub everyone else's turds as shinny as theirs."

Again, you are reading things into the story that just are not there. I saw nothing that said they complained to "keep the church pure." They complained because it was inappropriate. Their parishoners would have to be exposed to the billboard coming into the service, and the community would have to be exposed to the billboard every day. It was offensive, and I believe the company agreed it was and that's why they changed it. (They probably got other complaints. Why don't you call them and get their side of the story?).

There was not one word about keeping the church pure or anything that you read into the story because of your own hangups with church or with Christians who take a stand for what is right.

"This isn't the gospel".

That church lives out the Gospel every day.

"On top of that, this church was willing to blow $90,000 to do it."

They got that money back because the court ruled that they did have a legitimate reason to complain. Besides, what business is it of yours what they do with their money? If you want to probe into ministries that have questionable practices when it comes to money, why don't you rag on TBN or a myriad of other so called "ministries" that are out there?

"This all irks me because of the fact that I want people to know Jesus. I want them to experience His love and all that warm, fuzzy Kingdom goodness. This kind of caca isn't about Jesus. It's about the church's good name. "Tampons!" I say:and certainly not worth $90,000. for decency."

"Warm, fuzzy Kingdom goodness." — Oh, like you are showing Times Square Church?

From their web site and other things I've read about them, this church shows the love of Christ all over their neighborhood, and around the world through their support of missionaries. I did not understand from any article that I read about this incident that the church did it for their "good name". That is a lie. A LIE! You slandered these good people for no good reason. No reason at all. Now THAT's a waste of time and effort and decidedly unlike Jesus.

Speaking of wastes of time, I won't be back. Pearls before swine and all that. You are going to keep on spewing your nonsense about how uncreative and so not warm and fuzzy these people are, in your opinion. You will continue to make up lies about their motives. You will not admit you were the one who was wrong, no matter how much anyone tries to reason with you. You are so prideful and vain that you are not willing to see the truth. Sad. Really sad.

I submit that YOU are the one who is acting "holier than thou" – not Times Square Church. YOU are the one making a mountain out of a molehill. YOU are the one who is acting decidedly UN-Christian toward your brothers and sisters in Christ. Not them. They have continued their work while you rant and rave and get your drawers in a wad about what you think someone else thinks. Ridiculous.

I hope you read the book of James and study it and absorb it. Otherwise, you're going to do more harm than help for the cause of Christ.

Mark September 10th, 2007

At this point, I will step away from the table. It seems this discussion has suddenly become very personal and not about the issue at hand.

*sigh*

Erik September 10th, 2007

Mia,

You're wrong. Deal with it.

Another Erik September 14th, 2007

I guess the way this discussion has turned, maybe this wasn't ass funny ass we thought.

Erik September 14th, 2007

Oh, BUTT I disagree.

Mark September 17th, 2007

You guys are so cheeky.

Chemical Erik September 26th, 2007

It seems this discussion is BEHIND us.

Mark September 26th, 2007

I don't think we've reached the end yet.

Chemical Erik September 26th, 2007

If we're going to continue, we better clean up our …. act.

Daniel October 3rd, 2007

A few days late and a dollar short here, but I did have a few things to mention. I like the idea of getting "creative" with the billboard, which is a good point. I DO think however that churches would need to be careful, as a pithy retort could do more harm than good, or maybe not, just a fine line if you ask me. But more interesting to me was the "intense fellowship" we had between Erik and Mia, and for the record I think you are both wrong on at least one point (but you're still great peeps). Mia, even though you won't be reading this (although we all know you will check in once in a while), I agree with Erik, Christians and the church are too uptight, on the outside it is almost look Pharisaical, and for the most part we should loosen up a bit, have a little fun. God loves us and it's all good!

On the other hand though, to counter one of Erik's points, I don't necessarily think Jesus is a "bud". He is our King and Lord, and though he loves us and adopts us into His kingdom, he is not our "bud", more like a big brother or something. (I mean after all, He'd win every game you played with Him, and if he didn't you'd KNOW it was b/c he let you!) If anyone has an older sibling or a really cool dad, you know what I'm saying. There is a fun relationship, but always a measure of respect.

Seriously though, maybe I am falling into my own trap by getting hung up on minute things like being too uptight or calling Jesus my "bud" or "Homeboy" (like the shirt says), but we should be mindful. Christianity is no walk in the park, I kind of equate it to yelling "Democracy!" in China or Cuba…people may agree with you but they sure don't let you see it. Honestly people are envious of our Freedom, which is exactly why they persecute and ridicule us. Well that's enough out of me for now, I will defiantly be back, I love you guys!

– Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

greg from canada October 4th, 2007

I think Jesus being your "bud" would be the ultimate relationsihip with him. There would be such a level of closeness and freedom with that. And repspect. For example I think that most people would love to have a relationship with their dad that they could go fishing, hunting, hangout and treat each other like friends. Though, that wouldnt take away any respect you would show him though since he is your dad. I think that is the same way with Jesus being our "bud". He is still our savior and we treat him as such…. but we have a relationship with him such that we can take anything to him, joke with him, etc…. That would be my idea of an ultimate relationship with Jesus…

Erik October 4th, 2007

Jesus said, "You are My friends…"

Daniel October 4th, 2007

I think you are right Greg from Canada, I however come from a religious backgroud of the "Sinners at the hands of an angry God" variety, so I always kind of cringe when I don't cower in fear at the mention of Jesus' name(ok a little hyperbole here, but still). It is something Im working to understand that while Jesus IS the King of Kings he also wants to be my "bud". Its very counter-intuitave, kind of the same way a Creator-King-Lord of all Creation died for ME…and yet I don't deserve it. But I think in an off way thats is the entire point of this thread, that religion takes itself too seriously, and tries to convence everyone that we are so serious, when in reality WE should be the most joyful, laid back people in the entire universe…

–As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2)

Erik October 4th, 2007

I'm sitting here editing and thinking about this. Quick note…

Jesus used all kinds of images to convey the nature of God and the quality of the relationship He has with us. King? Sure. Also, friend, brother, bride, etc.

If you take all that literally you may come away from the scriptures thinking that He wants to have an incestuous homosexual marriage with his friends. Rather, I think you have to look at the essence of those images and what that means for us.

For me it really goes beyond, "bud." I'm disgusted by sh*t like, "Jesus is my homeboy." I'm not encouraging that kind of kitsch.

I look at how He expresses Himself and I come away with something more like a relationship that has the closeness and intimacy of a great marriage…one where your spouse is your best friend and you laugh and cry and live together…really live. So close that "the two have become one." What's more, the person you are one with is royalty and His Father (Sovereign of all that is) is now your Father. You're just as much part of the family as His Son (cause you're one). And beyond that…the Father is looking forward to giving you and His Son His inheritance…the entire universe.

That's how I see it. Pretty far away from "bud." But "bud" is in there somewhere.

Daniel October 4th, 2007

God bless you Erik , he has sure used you and Steve in my life…

greenboy October 9th, 2007

I dont know why some people love to be vulgar…? I wonder…
is a fallen world let me tell you…

Nino October 9th, 2007

I walked by that billboard when it was up. I work down a couple blocks from there. Funny I gotta tell ya…I wondered if that would upset the church at all, and from the looks of the board here I guess it did. Some of us are more concerned about these things than others, and I guess that made them upset enough to put up $90,000 to get it taken off their wall. I laughed a lot about the jokes put up here, and could see some churches taking that route, and some taking the other, more serious route. I guess it has to do with who your audience, or church members are. The funniest thing to me is that there are Victoria's Secret ads all over that area as well as other ads that could be considered sexual and perverted, bloody tv show and movie ads, and all sorts of other things. To make a big deal over a bunch of butts, I mean. The ad wasn't even sexual. I didn't even think any of those butts were extremely sexy or apple-shaped. Hey those are my 2 cents. A little late, I know…but Love Is All You Need.

-nnnnnnno

Charles October 12th, 2007

I can't speak for Eric but I what I get out of this is that we are His and because of that we need to lighten up….not be so uptight.

It's hard for people to see our joy when we're always worried about everything and trying to control absolutely every outcome imaginable.

LIGHTEN UP! YOU'RE HIS AND HE WON!

The minute we pull that pole out of our keister, we'll get along with each other much better and people will start to see a real difference.

brent October 22nd, 2007

in all of the discourse of the above billboard there has been no mention that there is a mcdonalds underneath the church… where is the combination of thoughts that the bidet is needed due to the burger? or the idea of the food of our souls, or the you eat today but need to eat again… I thought it was amusing that the food track was missed completely…
we are so unhinged that we forget people walk past this all day long and never notice… who new there was a church there
look again with eyes open at the place you are… you might be missing the meal deal in front of you

Noelle November 13th, 2007

way late in the game, but some random thoughts…

this brought to mind the comment that CS Lewis made about being able to base a sound argument for God on bathroom humor and ghost stories. that we find our bodies ridiculous points to us being something beyond animals.

thinking about Jesus as Friend–one importance is that He is always bringing us closer to His level instead of vice versa. so, He might start the relationship hangin' out drinkin' a cold one, but whereas we can be perfectly content with our drinking buddies remaining just that, He won't allow the friendship to stall out there. and the tension between awe and intimacy results in holiness.

Charles November 20th, 2007

The key is that His friendship can bring us something far better than a cold beer ever could. Trying to figure out what that specifically looks like, in our time and motivation, is a sure fire way to drive us (and turn us into) to many cold ones of an entirely different kind.

To be honest, I shudder to think my destiny with Him is eternal services, activities and playing nice and polite through the pain and smiling, singing songs through the numbness.

I want more. Sorry. I can't deny this.

Seriously….I caught a fleeting glimpse of it when I met Him and ever since, I have joined the project His children started years ago of trying to paint that picture ourselves here and thereby draining all the glory out of it for myself and everyone else.

He offers more….beyond words or expectations.

I believe He offers something that makes a cold beer look like tepid water. Any organized mass attempt at bringing that in like a magic incantation always comes out a failure. That's a good thing. If we succeeded, we would have proven the serpent correct after all.

In the meantime, I may go ahead with the cold beer…maybe not. But I won't settle and niether should you, no matter how unsettling that is for many. He taught me that much.

God is a Rock when the storm comes. But He can be uncaged and wild when the weather is monotonous.

James Flikkema November 30th, 2007

I came into this and was upset, confused, disgusted, laughed a little, disgusted again, then found some very good thoughts.

This is a great (if occasionally irreverent) forum to REALLY think about your relationship to a HOLY God.

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Jeff December 19th, 2007

podcast listener for a year… love the show.

these comments made me laugh out loud… but of course I used up all three of my free sins here in just 3 minutes of reading…

of course its going to be a stumbling block to some… its the issue of meat. Some have the freedom, others are appropriately offended.

Adam and Eve covered themselves, and so should we.

Its still a hysterical story.

Bruce January 21st, 2008

Genesis 2:25
The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Mark January 21st, 2008

And just when I thought this thread was dead…I think we've all been a bit behind in leaving clever comments.

George McFly January 29th, 2008

There are 2 types of people:

Real people and Not-so-real people

I choose to be a real person.

cathleen February 26th, 2008

Ah, the way the world changes. Thirty years ago this would not have been an issue. No one would have put up such a display. Today, such things are common place. And us Christians just sit back and accept the way the world changes without so much as a squeak. No wonder our children cannot pray in school anymore. I applaud Time Square Church for their protest of this bill board. Now if they could get them to take the pictures of teenagers in their underwear off the busses they would really be accomplishing something. But the issue here is not today's morality, so enough said about that.
Is the issue God's sense of humor? I think we can see all around us that God does have a sense of humor. After all, He uses all us broken people to help heal others. I find a lot of God's humor in everyday life. Jesus was human, and I am sure he fully understands our "offbeat" humor.
Perhaps God would look at this the same way I do. Great lines. Very witty. Very funny. Laughed alot at some of them. But in the end, I would not want to see any of them on the building. I would want to see the billboard down. I would not want to see "the bride of Christ" dressed in the "emporer's new clothes".
Perhaps this church decided to put up $90,000. with the confidence in God that they were standing up for what was right and their money would be returned. After all, it is God's money to start with.
I get the sense from these comments that Times Square Church is unknown to you, except for Mia who looked up their web site.
Anyone ever hear of David Wilkerson? Many many years ago when he was a very young man he had a calling from God to go on the mission field. His field of mission? New York City. The poorest parts. The meanest parts. The objects of his mission? The teenagers. The gang members. Did he have any "church based" support? No, only God's. Did God provide? Yes, in a big way. David Wilkerson took the Good News into the warring gangs on the streets of New York all by himself and brought hope and light and salvation into the lives of some of the worse people in this country at that time, while having his life threatened by the very people he was trying to help. Read his book "The Cross and The Switchblade". I did. When I was 13 and it changed my life. I had always loved God. But that book showed me the reality of God and His power.
From there David Wilkerson started Teen Challenge, which has ministered to teen in all kinds of trouble for decades. His ministries have expanded world wide and he finally came back to New York City and opened a church in the middle of another "raunchy" neighborhood and began ministering once again to prostitutes and street people and anyone else who needed God. In this church today, you will find poor raggedy dirty street people sitting next to rich fur clad people. I personally know an elderly lady that will take a bus from Albany and spend the night in the station just to attend a Sunday morning service.
And why am I telling you this? Just because. Maybe I thought you would like to know. I like to hear about God's work and I am sure the rest of you do also.
Once again. Loved the suggestions, glad they were not used.

Craig March 13th, 2008

Is it all right if I jump in 6 months after the fact? I don't want to engage the dialogue about whether tweaking that church is brotherly-minded (which I assume) or mean-spirited (which I do not suspect, but apparently SOMEBODY does…)

I just want to offer another sugestion for the billboard beneath the butts!

How about: "Butt I say…" Join us for a series through the sermon on the mount.

Or: "The Bare Facts: introducing the basics of Christianity"

Or: "Are you a smart-ass who makes fun of Jesus? Or a dumb-ass who ignores him? Come find out!"

Or: "Bummed Out? We can help!"

Or: "Hot Cross Buns and Coffee every Sunday"

Or how about: "Causal attire accepted"

Or, if you want to be just plain edgy:
"They say "ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE" but we say there is hope!

Okay, that may be over the line.

Daniel March 13th, 2008

""Are you a smart-ass who makes fun of Jesus? Or a dumb-ass who ignores him? Come find out!""

That had me laughing so hard….thats hilarious!

Angie June 27th, 2008

Every one of our sinners, period. That we can get so hung up on this stuff is crazy. If I thought for one minute that Jesus would have a hard time loving me because I laughed (really laughed) at this I do not know how I could go on. I have been set free from the sin that once had me bound and and that sin was so much more damaging than having a few laughs at the bared bottoms. Jesus loves us, the Eric's, the Mia's, the Angie's, all of us. I am certain of this not one thing that has been said on this blog spot has suprised Him, yet He still chose us to be His and to allow us to call Him, Daddy, friend, and also He is my Lover. He's is not mad and neither should we be. Shalom

Heather July 11th, 2008

It makes giving directions to the church pretty easy..

Esanae July 15th, 2008

I have always respected Dr. Brown very much and do not understand what brief insanity led to this crass discussion. Perhaps he had no idea of the depths of crudity which his audience could reach.

Craig D. Greatman August 14th, 2008

Hello to all. I am new here, just recently becoming hip to this website a couple of days ago. I absolutely think as if I have found a home, however. This is great stuff, terrific, edifying dialogue. Sure I am late, but never balk at the opportunity to put in my 2 cents. I always wonder why Christians find themselves in hystrionics when witnessing the world being just that…the world. Paul was all things to all people. Peter learned that he could eat whatever he wanted to as long as he wasn't causing others to stumble. Jesus hung out with sinners as was mentioned here previously. This (the advertisement) is the stuff that witnessing is made of, in my opinion. What an opportunity to demonstrate who Jesus is! We are called to be shrewd as serpents when dealing with the world, not prude as _____, (fill in the legalistic denomination of your choice here). We cannot call the world into holy living without first showing them the love of Christ. Expecting a bidet company to have any different approach is rather silly. This was a great marketing ploy. Christ has called us to holy living only because we know who He is and what He has done for us. Anyway, we each work out our salvation with fear and trembling in very unique ways. What may bring offense and stumbling to one may simply be nothing but fun and games to another. While there are certain obvious behaviors that we can all agree upon as sinful, other things (non-salvation issues) are fun to debate and edifying to discuss. If God speaks to your heart in regard to viewing such an advertisement and you are offended, so be it. Don't watch it. If a church and its' congregation have a take on this sign and feel that allowing it presents a slippery slope that may lead to an ad for how to wear a condom, that could be quite reasonable. But, I think that for far too long the "religious right" and/or the "moral majority" have been the loudest voice for evangelical Christians who more often than not come across to a fallen world as pious, arrogant, stiff, and hypocritical. May God bless each of you who are wrestling with this issue and others like it. May you find peace in Him and not allow your wrestling to be the measurement for all Christians in all circumstances. Grace and peace out.

Fred September 25th, 2008

When will we lighten up. The world won't even venture to give Christ a chance because we are to busy being the "uptight /uprights". Things like this are put up by the enemy of our soul and people are watching to see how we are going to respond. Will we lift up Jesus or our form of idolatry that looks like Jesus. Choose. By the way we need to laugh at things like this and ourselves a little more. It's good for the soul. Blessings

Sheryl November 17th, 2008

Way late in this discussion, but the first thought that came to my mind?

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Doesn't that say it all?

Seriously, I appreciate those who recognize that Christianity doesn't have to be stuffy. Many individuals who most need Christ perceive an unbending attitude that has them failing to truly understand, or at the very least questioning, the forgiving nature of Chriastianity. I believe there are some people who need to take a step back and look at the "spirit" of the words (like those written in this blog). There's no ill intent, simply making the most of a situation that might otherwise be viewed as a negative plight on a Christian world. What if the Times Square Church would have lost their court battle? Would they have walked away in defeat? Would they have launched a protest that may have turned away many who take no offense in the images of human bodies…one of God's greatest creations? Or would they have simply taken the hand they were dealt and looked for a way to relay their own message alongside that of the bare bottoms? I would like to think the latter.

Alex November 19th, 2008

"The past can be all BEHIND you…. "
No?

abigail November 24th, 2008

Okay, I just found this blog. Here is my reaction to this blog and to American Christianity in general…I come from a different world- the Christianity I know is different. It is the kind where you could die for believing in it. It is the Christianity where it was the only light in a world of evil (oppression, death, disease, rape, poverty) that is why it was so precious. It was freedom and salvation. God was grand and powerful. Miraculous. When I came to America where Christians and their ancestors have been Christians for generations I was surprised how Jesus became so minimal, unpowerful, unholy. Just like any other guy condoning sin not requiring changed lives and sacrifice. Christianity was a matter of style or taking philosophical sides, theological sides. Jesus became a debate. I do not understand this.

Martin November 24th, 2008

Abigail,

I think the reason for the difference lies in the fact that we are by nature sinners, far worse sinners than we realise, who naturally and constantly seek to find their hope, security, satisfaction, and very identity in something or someone else. The western world offers so many things to distract us in this way and, by and large, it keeps us all cosseted and secure so that we do not naturally see our need to turn to God anywhere near so often or so clearly than we might in other more dangerous countries.

Martin

Michael, January 22nd, 2009

Another possible line…2 and a half years later.
Got spritual turds?
Come in and be renewed by the washing of the water of the word

Dean November 15th, 2009

A stimulating interaction, even this much time later.

Couldn't help but offer another:

JESUS loves you from top to bottom…

john glass December 16th, 2009

Balaam's ass speaks words of wisdom!Is anyone listening

jochanaan May 21st, 2010

"Turn tail on the devil! Come to Times Square Church!"