Full Version: Church Tempts Worshippers With Free Gas
It is actually on a billboard sign with a number someone must call to find out the details.
ah so they have to bribe people into coming to the church....thats really sad....
QUOTE (Rockerchick2008 @ May 18 2008, 03:35 PM) 
ah so they have to bribe people into coming to the church....thats really sad....
Exactly.
QUOTE (norwood1026 @ May 14 2008, 10:58 AM)
SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- In an attempt to draw in new members, a church in Snellville set up a sign that read “Free Gasoline.”
The offer is a not a giveaway. Instead, each time newcomers or members attend a church event during a Sunday-to-Wednesday revival they get a pink raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two $500 gas cards.
"We don't know how far it will go with these soaring prices," said Rusty Newman, the church's senior pastor. "But it may make someone's night."
They set up a sign advertising the offer outside the church's parking lot on a busy road near downtown Snellville, a traffic-clogged suburb northeast of Atlanta. How can we capture those people?" asked James Lee, the church's minister to seniors, who came up with the idea. "We're strong in door-to-door evangelism, but there's no way to reach them all."
Soon after the church posted the sign, the calls came flooding in.
Enough inquiries came pouring in that Newman had to order a new phone line and dedicate a receptionist to answering each one.
Radio show hosts in Oregon caught wind of the idea and invited Newman on air.
Newman views it as a service to the community, and he's looked to the Bible for his endorsement. One passage he mentions to support his idea involves Jesus feeding 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish.
"Some pastors have questioned our motives," Newman said. "If it was just to get people in the building, it would be wrong. But we want to meet someone's physical need and eternal spiritual needs."
http://www.cbs46.com/gwinnettnews/16253418/detail.html
Anyone besides me have a problem with this?
The offer is a not a giveaway. Instead, each time newcomers or members attend a church event during a Sunday-to-Wednesday revival they get a pink raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two $500 gas cards.
"We don't know how far it will go with these soaring prices," said Rusty Newman, the church's senior pastor. "But it may make someone's night."
They set up a sign advertising the offer outside the church's parking lot on a busy road near downtown Snellville, a traffic-clogged suburb northeast of Atlanta. How can we capture those people?" asked James Lee, the church's minister to seniors, who came up with the idea. "We're strong in door-to-door evangelism, but there's no way to reach them all."
Soon after the church posted the sign, the calls came flooding in.
Enough inquiries came pouring in that Newman had to order a new phone line and dedicate a receptionist to answering each one.
Radio show hosts in Oregon caught wind of the idea and invited Newman on air.
Newman views it as a service to the community, and he's looked to the Bible for his endorsement. One passage he mentions to support his idea involves Jesus feeding 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish.
"Some pastors have questioned our motives," Newman said. "If it was just to get people in the building, it would be wrong. But we want to meet someone's physical need and eternal spiritual needs."
http://www.cbs46.com/gwinnettnews/16253418/detail.html
Anyone besides me have a problem with this?
Does not effect me, or my Faith, does sound a little like Gambeling though.
Bro Jesus might just turn the money changers table over, or in this case the raffle table and cut the phone lines,
Then again, Whos to judge, The intent might just be a heartfelt good one, who said the road to Hell was payved with Good intentions?
Just kidding.
Love Omnaka
Sinful very sinful.
gambling not okay for any reason.
charity should Never benefit the doner [yeah that means tax breaks should go]
one neednt a church to teach the word that is what every action you take does.
gambling not okay for any reason.
charity should Never benefit the doner [yeah that means tax breaks should go]
one neednt a church to teach the word that is what every action you take does.
churchanddestroy:
QUOTE
Not surprising coming from Georgia. A nation united under God? I just thought we were a United Nation, under whatever each individual constituent chooses to believe, God or No.
That's what I thought too! I hope a lot of people think that!
I cannot imagine doing such a thing in my church. The promise of a drawing for a free gas card just seems cheap and misleading. I don't believe that a person should be bribed into attending a church, it is an individual decision which one needs to make on his/her own. 
QUOTE (Watchful @ May 18 2008, 06:54 PM)
churchanddestroy:
That's what I thought too! I hope a lot of people think that!
That's what I thought too! I hope a lot of people think that!
Unfortunately alot of people would disagree. I recently wrote a letter to my local newspaper because some fool had the nerve to write in and say that if you were to check the constitution you would clearly find that our nation is founded on Christianity, to which I 1. LOL'd, 2.
and finally 3. 
QUOTE (churchanddestroy @ May 18 2008, 08:15 PM)
Unfortunately alot of people would disagree. I recently wrote a letter to my local newspaper because some fool had the nerve to write in and say that if you were to check the constitution you would clearly find that our nation is founded on Christianity, to which I 1. LOL'd, 2. and finally 3.
and finally 3. I hope you don't mind me asking this, but what did your letter say? And did this fool actually prove it themselves, considering they were the ones trying to prove it themselves?
QUOTE (Watchful @ May 18 2008, 10:28 PM)
I hope you don't mind me asking this, but what did your letter say? And did this fool actually prove it themselves, considering they were the ones trying to prove it themselves?
I cited the establishment clause in the Bill of Rights for the United States Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Its not really much of an argument, because its right there in the constitution, but sometimes people still argue about it. ::shrugs::
QUOTE (churchanddestroy @ May 19 2008, 01:25 AM)
I cited the establishment clause in the Bill of Rights for the United States Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Its not really much of an argument, because its right there in the constitution, but sometimes people still argue about it. ::shrugs::
Its not really much of an argument, because its right there in the constitution, but sometimes people still argue about it. ::shrugs::
Well, I'm glad you did that! Good for you! In retail, despite assuming so many people have the knowledge and the common sense, I still see it lacking in so many. It's baffles me!
Well calling people fools for their opinion, especially when those opinions have been very much a part of the thought stream, and have some historical precedent, only shows the bias within both of your views. I have a bias in my view, we all do, but to call another a fool for disagreeing with you is a tactless and intolerant view that should be condemned by everyone.
Just because there is a division of church and state does not mean that religion has been devoid within the public sphere. In fact until this day many use religion, whether admitted or not, in the past it was admitted, to form and craft the laws that guide this nation. This applies to legislatures who craft the laws and the judicial branch which interprets them.
Even this Sunday clause within the Constitution proves this is true:
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A1Sec7
As well as the mentioning of the Year of our Lord.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Article7
Now while some will claim there is Christian thought and morality within the Constitution the above two examples do not prove such but they add insight. Let us not forget our Pledge of Allegiance. Also when our President, whether you agree with him or not, did say this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights
If a President can say that today and some of the founding fathers also declared something similar I think the case can be made that the laws of this nation and the government of America has historically been grounded in a stream of Christian consciousness. Here are just a few quotes among many that prove this cultural reality of history. While the Culture Wars are changing America that does not take away from the fact of how it was built and operated for almost two centuries.
http://www.errantskeptics.org/FoundingFathers.htm
While it is certain the Constitution did not establish a Christian nation, and a case can be made that it is not a Christian document, it is quite true that Christianity has guided our nation in the past.
Here is a part of a survey in what people think even if what they think is not totally true.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-0...amendment_N.htm
Times are changing and Christian principles are waning, I even agree with the view that the Constitution is not a Christian document, but to call someone a fool for supporting a view, even if it is not totally true, is not something I will agree with and know that it only reflects the negative nature of the person calling another a fool.
Just because there is a division of church and state does not mean that religion has been devoid within the public sphere. In fact until this day many use religion, whether admitted or not, in the past it was admitted, to form and craft the laws that guide this nation. This applies to legislatures who craft the laws and the judicial branch which interprets them.
Even this Sunday clause within the Constitution proves this is true:
QUOTE
But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Dahttp://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=125998&st=60
Church Tempts Worshippers With Free Gas - Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forumsys (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
Church Tempts Worshippers With Free Gas - Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forumsys (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A1Sec7
As well as the mentioning of the Year of our Lord.
QUOTE
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth. In Witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Article7
Now while some will claim there is Christian thought and morality within the Constitution the above two examples do not prove such but they add insight. Let us not forget our Pledge of Allegiance. Also when our President, whether you agree with him or not, did say this:
QUOTE
Accordingly, the casing was updated and the Rotunda rededicated on September 17, 2003. In his dedicatory remarks, two hundred and sixteen years after the close of the Constitutional Convention, President George W. Bush stated, "The true [American] revolution was not to defy one earthly power, but to declare principles that stand above every earthly power—the equality of each person before God, and the responsibility of government to secure the rights of all."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights
If a President can say that today and some of the founding fathers also declared something similar I think the case can be made that the laws of this nation and the government of America has historically been grounded in a stream of Christian consciousness. Here are just a few quotes among many that prove this cultural reality of history. While the Culture Wars are changing America that does not take away from the fact of how it was built and operated for almost two centuries.
QUOTE
"A general dissolution of Principles and Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole Force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader . . . If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security." Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, ed., Harry Alonzo Cushing (G. P. Putman's Sons, 1908), Vol. 4, p. 124.
QUOTE
“Should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples, captivating and noble. In no book is there so good English, so pure and so elegant; and by teaching all the same book, they will speak alike, and the Bible will justly remain the standard of language as well as of faith.” Fisher Ames: Author of the First Amendment
QUOTE
"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. And it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." First Chief Justice of Supreme Court John Jay to Jedidiah Morse February 28, 1797
QUOTE
"The American population is entirely Christian, and with us Christianity and Religion are identified. It would be strange indeed, if with such a people, our institutions did not presuppose Christianity, and did not often refer to it, and exhibit relations with it." John Marshall, in a letter to Jasper Adams, May 9, 1833, JSAC, p. 139. Marshall was Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1801-1835.
http://www.errantskeptics.org/FoundingFathers.htm
While it is certain the Constitution did not establish a Christian nation, and a case can be made that it is not a Christian document, it is quite true that Christianity has guided our nation in the past.
Here is a part of a survey in what people think even if what they think is not totally true.
QUOTE
Most Americans believe the nation's founders wrote Christianity into the Constitution, and people are less likely to say freedom to worship covers religious groups they consider extreme, a poll out today finds.
The survey measuring attitudes toward freedom of religion, speech and the press found that 55% believe erroneously that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation. In the survey, which is conducted annually by the First Amendment Center, a non-partisan educational group, three out of four people who identify themselves as evangelical or Republican believe that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation. About half of Democrats and independents do.
The survey measuring attitudes toward freedom of religion, speech and the press found that 55% believe erroneously that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation. In the survey, which is conducted annually by the First Amendment Center, a non-partisan educational group, three out of four people who identify themselves as evangelical or Republican believe that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation. About half of Democrats and independents do.
QUOTE
Haynes says the Constitution "clearly established a secular nation where people of all faiths or no faith are protected to practice their religion or no religion without governmental interference."
Rick Green of WallBuilders, an advocacy group that believes the nation was built on Christian principles, says the poll doesn't mean a majority favors a "theocracy" but that the Constitution reflects Christian values, including religious freedom. "I would call it a Christian document, just like the Declaration of Independence," he says.
Rick Green of WallBuilders, an advocacy group that believes the nation was built on Christian principles, says the poll doesn't mean a majority favors a "theocracy" but that the Constitution reflects Christian values, including religious freedom. "I would call it a Christian document, just like the Declaration of Independence," he says.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-0...amendment_N.htm
Times are changing and Christian principles are waning, I even agree with the view that the Constitution is not a Christian document, but to call someone a fool for supporting a view, even if it is not totally true, is not something I will agree with and know that it only reflects the negative nature of the person calling another a fool.
QUOTE (norwood1026 @ May 14 2008, 11:58 AM)
SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- In an attempt to draw in new members, a church in Snellville set up a sign that read “Free Gasoline.”
The offer is a not a giveaway. Instead, each time newcomers or members attend a church event during a Sunday-to-Wednesday revival they get a pink raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two $500 gas cards.
The offer is a not a giveaway. Instead, each time newcomers or members attend a church event during a Sunday-to-Wednesday revival they get a pink raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two $500 gas cards.
Talk about an incentive
so I guess 'salvation' just isn't enough...you gotta blow out some gas to get their attention 
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