A Christian church in Alabama became the focus of a heated debate after its pastor posted a message on its marquee that “discouraged” an “unhealthy lifestyle” that the “bible calls sinful.”
While members of the community say the sign is from a “prideful bigot,” supporters say the message is an expression of faith, arguing that they will not “change” their “beliefs” to avoid persecution from “the godless.”
Keep reading to know more about what eventually happened.
A few years ago, Carter’s Grove Baptist Church in Hazel Green displayed a message during Pride Month that read, “Pride month sounds about right,” paired with a verse from Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goeth before destruction.”
The marquee, placed outside the church, quickly gained attention on social media after one Reddit user highlighted how such a message could hurt LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who fear coming out.
“The irony of his using the ‘Pride comes before a fall’ line when he is being a prideful bigot,” starts one Redditor. “What if there is a kid in his church who is in the process of coming to terms with his/her sexual identity? This kid is being indoctrinated to hate him / herself by a leader of the community.”
Online users also pointed out the potential harm caused by equating LGBTQ+ pride with sinfulness.
Responding to the post, that also shows an image of the sign, another cyber fan shares their experience of growing up in the community, that as of 2020 had a population of about 4,100. “I’m a gay man born and raised in Alabama…Homophobia comes as natural to southerners as swamp a** during the summertime. It is what it is, and I carry concealed because I have been attacked before,” writes the netizen.
One commenter suggested the sign offered potential parishioners a review of what the Baptist church was selling: “Look at it from another perspective. At least you know what to expect from that congregation, and you can make a decision based on the advertising they provide on the marquee.” The message continues, “I had a hard time staying in the denomination I grew up in for the same reason, but none of the churches I attended were as blatant about their stance.”
David Cleland, a member of the board of directors for Rocket City Pride, told Fox that he appreciated both sides of the arguments.
“I can definitely see both sides. So, the way I first read it was honestly, thinking that they were in support of pride.”
But not everyone found the sign offensive, and many interpreted it as being supportive, honoring “American Christianity.”
“I can’t call myself a Christian, not in America because American Christianity has strayed so far from his teachings,” says one user who then explains that “it makes my heart weep” that her daughter has to go to a school with “Muslim” or “gay teachers.”
Adding onto that comment, another Christian offered, “I apologize if that offends anyone, but I will not change my beliefs to avoid having someone persecute me or call me names like ‘bigot.’”
“So the godless are insulted by a verse from the Bible! Way to go Carter’s Grove Baptist Church!” writes a third.
Pastor Jim Weaver, the leader of Carter’s Grove Baptist Church, stood by the message, explaining that it aimed to discourage what he described as an “unhealthy lifestyle” based on biblical teachings.
“I believe, scripturally speaking, promoting a lifestyle that the bible calls sinful will bring a country down. It’s not bigotry, its actually loving a person to tell them that things are not right in their life,” Weaver told Fox 54
Weaver also clarified that the sign was posted specifically during Pride Month to counter the celebration of what he believes is an “unscriptural lifestyle.”
This clash of beliefs serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between faith, inclusivity, and societal progress. Both sides of the debate continue to grapple with how to express their values while respecting others’ experiences and identities.
What are your thoughts on this church’s message? Please let us know what you think and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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