Patheticsexlife.com
In Acts 17, the Apostle Paul walked into one of the edgiest centers of culture in the ancient world--Athens. He went to the town square where the public gathered, looked around and said, "Wow, you sure have a lot of idols that you worship. Let's talk about these idols." And he engaged the culture in a way that was relevant and would lead people to Jesus.
Following Paul's example I began to ask the question, "What are the idols that we who live in America today are worshipping?" And I think the answer is fairly obvious. In America today we have the tendency to worship money and sex. And frankly, the church doesn't talk about either nearly enough.
So, this weekend we're beginning a teaching series at RiverTree called "Pure Sex." We're not afraid to talk about IT. We put up ten billboards in the area that are an image of two sets of feet sticking out from under the sheets. All the billboards say is patheticsexlife.com. When you go to the web-site you see a very cool flash video that asks questions about sex and then lets visitors know that RiverTree is going to be talking about how to have the best sex ever.
Well, the media has picked up on this big time. So far I've been interviewed by two radio stations, two newspapers and four television stations. On Sunday morning the Today show is flying in to do a live interview with me. All because we're willing to talk about sex?
Here are the posts from the Canton Repository blog regarding the article that ran. I left them all on . . . none deleted.
Reader's Comments
Mike Welsh - 7:04 AM on April 13, 2007
Personally, I'm not offended by exposed feet. I think it's important to be able to discuss anything at church. Too many people don't have a healthy view of sex and that can destroy a family. I think if these billboards encourage discussion on the topic, then they are a good thing.
Marley Greiner - 7:36 AM on April 13, 2007
The Christian church has never had anything healthy to say about sex. Go to these sermons and you'll end up with a more pathetic sex life than you have now.
Wren Bishop - 8:36 AM on April 13, 2007
I AGREE--NOT WITH THE CHURCH that did this--but..with the public,talk about PATHETIC,this is a pathetic way of geting people to the "church".Once again,this shows the hypocrisy of the church.The sign shows "sex"-it is implied,that could easily be looked at as porn,by some.There are surely other ways of stating your opinion on "sex" other than this.TALK ABOUT SHOVING the churches beliefs down everyones throat,the Pastor adn church should be ashamed of themselves.And a billboard is about $600-to $800-a piece-and a fee per month--think of all the people that money could've helped-with food-or other needs-NICE CHURCH to waste money on billboards like this,another church to mark on the list of-"DONT EVER ATTEND OR SUPPORT"-- SHAME ON YOU Pastor--and whoever agreed to do this. THESE signs should be removed or banned at once, and sorry, this not constitute freedom of speech either, this only shows an opinion,I really feel sorry for the youth that go this church, what ridicule they ar eprobably enduring at their schools, I CANNOT BELIEVE that more people have not banned together to have them removed--WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR PEOPLE?
chuck daugherty - 8:37 AM on April 13, 2007
Oh my god .... a billboard with feet! Quick cover it up ! This is a joke. The people that are up in arms about this need to join the rest of us in the real world and not be so PC. I bet if their life was an open book it might be way worse than naked feet. This is the best thing the church has done to reach people in a younger age group in years.
tanya cironi - 8:39 AM on April 13, 2007
I am very offended by this trashy billboard. One of them happens to be in an empty field across the street from my allotment, so every day when I bring my young chidren home, I have to look at this trashy billboard. There should be some limit in Lake Township as to what kinds of things can go on billboards in our township.
Donna Whelan - 8:41 AM on April 13, 2007
Garbage? This billboard is as offensive as an Anne Geddes photo: babies in flowerpots, nestled in ferns, in bunny suits, etc. Since it isn't really the art work, the objection must be the message. THAT is in the mind of the observer. Nobody raised a hissy about Easter Sunday service billboards for churches around the county. What would be the difference? A church is offering a lecture series on sex. Ahhh, that is the objection, the TOPIC. It appears that there might really be a need for such a series, judging from the remark about 'those people...Christies'. {I am assuming that Christies is a bar, from the 'tone'} I find it pathetic that a church is being pilloried because they are offering a lecture series on a MORAL issue. Oh, those nasty, nasty FEET!
Theresa Hamilton - 8:58 AM on April 13, 2007
Here we go with making a mountain out of a mole hill!!!
Mary Beth Habunek - 9:07 AM on April 13, 2007
I'm not offended by this billboard. You see others promoting condoms and other sexual topics, some are subtle. You just can't make everyone happy, and believe me, her daughter is hearing/seeing a lot worse at her school.
d moore - 9:34 AM on April 13, 2007
Oh My God! What trash is that billboard displaying. To think that young kids will see that, oh my. After all the positive messages that are put out to us daily, such as television and magazines, books, videos, walking down the street, and now this. Our kids are doomed. Sarah Owens, grow up. It's about time the church steps foward and acknowledges that people have sex and maybe they can help put it in perspective for our young ones, because Gods knows we haven't done well with this subject.
dan pierce - 10:33 AM on April 13, 2007
I think here is another case of someone expressing an opinion about which she knows nothing or very little at least.... television has it's limits until 8:00 hah, what rock has she been living under? If she thinks that the billboard is inappropriate and that the church meetings should be held at Christies then I am amazed that she can get anything done all day except to complain. Everything she is exposed to in this day and age has a sexual connotation attached to it because SEX SELLS (Ask any advertising person)!! Also, She is complaining about the service before she knows anything about it... maybe she should come to the service and if she still wants to complain then she can so based on knowledge not supressed inhabitions! I applaud Rev. Nettle and his desire to bring the uneasy topic of sex out in the open instead of treating it like the family secret that no one talks about. Knowledge is power and I believe that if more young people are given the proper knowledge then they will be better equipped to handle sexual decisions when they arise. I also believe that more marriages would be saved if sexual problems could be discussed and treated. I plan on attending the services at Rivertree and I believe that we need to get out of the dark ages where "certain topics" just aren't talked about and start helping those who are in need. Dan Pierce
Jennifer Sigler - 11:00 AM on April 13, 2007
Pastor Nettle should be applauded for having the courage to attack the issues that affect our society the most. Anyone who has heard Pastor Nettle speak knows he is 100% committed to bringing his listeners the truth about what God wants for us in our lives. I would challenge you to go to the Rivertree website where you can check out past sermons. God Bless you, Pastor Nettle.
Melissa Higham - 11:07 AM on April 13, 2007
The point of this billboards to spark interest so people go to the web site and become interested on going to a series about what GOD says about sex with in a marriage. Why aren't people complaining about half naked pictures and mannequins in store windows in our local mall that advertise sexuallity? Come on people get over the feet in the sheets, there is so much more in everyday life being radio, tv, the internet, etc. that is so much more explicit that this billboard.
Randy J. Lindower - 11:09 AM on April 13, 2007
Good for them. (the church) It may not be politically correct but like it or not, sex is a major part of the human life. It is a God -given part of life. It is what separates humans from animals.
JOHN JOE - 11:16 AM on April 13, 2007
'Pure Sex' = BORING SEX. Thats why 60%/%40 of men and women (respectivly) cheat. Id rather do to Christie's then this waste of time.
Nancy Dollard - 11:56 AM on April 13, 2007
It's important to talk about sex as long as you get medically accurate comprehensive information on sex and how to prevent pregnancies. I'm doubtful the church will tell you how to prevent a pregnancy w/birth control.
Melody Gates - 12:15 PM on April 13, 2007
I agree with the folks on this article. I don't like that fact that this church is promting this on big boards let alone kids starting in 8th grade can attend this. This is just wrong, I don't like this at all. If they want to do the classes fine - but there is no need for huge billboards promoting it.
michelle pittman - 12:26 PM on April 13, 2007
OH NO!! Two pairs of feet under sheets -- that is SO OFFENSIVE!!! Personally -- what a great topic for a sermon series! Maybe if more people would attend these types of sermons less people would divorce!
jim mapes - 2:02 PM on April 13, 2007
Before we were married, my wife went to a sex education class. While the teacher was talking ,a gentleman stood up and said ''I know 113 ways to have sex''. So my wife speaks out and says'' I thought the women got on her back and the man got on top. The gentleman jumped up and said 114,114.
Wendy Roberts - 2:44 PM on April 13, 2007
Very eye catching and clever. Only thing was I'd've put a bit more info on there so folks would know what this was about. TV, music, and movies talk about sex all the time. This church is right to attempt to give another view.
Jennifer Podis - 2:56 PM on April 13, 2007
I think if the church wants to open a discussion about sex to help prevent sexual misconduct, that's great. But I don't like the billboard. What about small children that can read, but aren't old enough to understand? Obviously since the discussions are only open to those 13 and older, the church knows this...so why advertise with the word 'sex' in a vibrant color?
Kenneth Jones - 3:01 PM on April 13, 2007
Sex is a gift from God. So is life itself. How about clap? Is that a gift too? It comes from God doesn't it? Oh no...I forgot. It has to come from Satan since only the pathogenic bacteria come from him. The beneficial rest are gifts from God. Oh...and since other animals practice sex as well, they have also been blessed with God's sexual gift. Now that we've got that settled, let's talk about God's rules regarding sexual behavior. I'm sure we can find at least one highly confidant and zealous preacher who can extract from the Bible the exact type of sexual behavior God condones. And undoubtedly, this preacher will sit at the right hand of God, all the while he listens intently to Satan sitting on his other side.
Stephen Orcutt - 4:09 PM on April 13, 2007
I have absolutely no problem with this. What ever happened to free speech in this county? Oh yeah, that is being hijacked right now too. Just ask Imus. We pass out condoms in schools, teach sex education to elementary school kids, and watch trash on our TV’s every night (sorry, no more shows like Happy Days anymore); and a church wants to advertise its series on healthy sex by showing bare feet, and everyone starts throwing stones? Of course, putting this on A1 above the fold probably sold a few more Reps today too.
JOHN JOE - 4:18 PM on April 13, 2007
Oh NO! I am unwed and I have sex with my girlfriend. I guess that is unpure. We have a kid together. I couldnt go to this thing if I wanted to. I am Satan's child and the whole place might collapse. I guess any other sex act other than the "missionary position" is unpure and considered sodomy. I got confirmed in the Lutheran Church, all of my teenage years they try and drill into our heads (at church) that sex is not ment to be pleasurable and should only be done with intent to conceive a child even inside marrage. What BS is that?! I don't care what the church does and says. It is 2007 and not 150 BC, time to come out of the darkages. Looks like many of these men may cheat if the church pushes it overly right wing conservative views on sex. Looks like Betty-Sue wont do that thing with her mouth that Michael likes because the church considers it unpure. Looks like the cheating rate of men just went up 1%. Its time to stop putting a TABOO on everything sexual. In Denmark they have Sexual Education classed that go above any beyond the basics of anatomy,safe sex, pregnancy prevention, ect. They actual instruct student on "how" to do it and what women like vs men. This is why America is so screwed up...because everything is TABOO!
And there you have it!
Following Paul's example I began to ask the question, "What are the idols that we who live in America today are worshipping?" And I think the answer is fairly obvious. In America today we have the tendency to worship money and sex. And frankly, the church doesn't talk about either nearly enough.
So, this weekend we're beginning a teaching series at RiverTree called "Pure Sex." We're not afraid to talk about IT. We put up ten billboards in the area that are an image of two sets of feet sticking out from under the sheets. All the billboards say is patheticsexlife.com. When you go to the web-site you see a very cool flash video that asks questions about sex and then lets visitors know that RiverTree is going to be talking about how to have the best sex ever.
Well, the media has picked up on this big time. So far I've been interviewed by two radio stations, two newspapers and four television stations. On Sunday morning the Today show is flying in to do a live interview with me. All because we're willing to talk about sex?
Here are the posts from the Canton Repository blog regarding the article that ran. I left them all on . . . none deleted.
Reader's Comments
Mike Welsh - 7:04 AM on April 13, 2007
Personally, I'm not offended by exposed feet. I think it's important to be able to discuss anything at church. Too many people don't have a healthy view of sex and that can destroy a family. I think if these billboards encourage discussion on the topic, then they are a good thing.
Marley Greiner - 7:36 AM on April 13, 2007
The Christian church has never had anything healthy to say about sex. Go to these sermons and you'll end up with a more pathetic sex life than you have now.
Wren Bishop - 8:36 AM on April 13, 2007
I AGREE--NOT WITH THE CHURCH that did this--but..with the public,talk about PATHETIC,this is a pathetic way of geting people to the "church".Once again,this shows the hypocrisy of the church.The sign shows "sex"-it is implied,that could easily be looked at as porn,by some.There are surely other ways of stating your opinion on "sex" other than this.TALK ABOUT SHOVING the churches beliefs down everyones throat,the Pastor adn church should be ashamed of themselves.And a billboard is about $600-to $800-a piece-and a fee per month--think of all the people that money could've helped-with food-or other needs-NICE CHURCH to waste money on billboards like this,another church to mark on the list of-"DONT EVER ATTEND OR SUPPORT"-- SHAME ON YOU Pastor--and whoever agreed to do this. THESE signs should be removed or banned at once, and sorry, this not constitute freedom of speech either, this only shows an opinion,I really feel sorry for the youth that go this church, what ridicule they ar eprobably enduring at their schools, I CANNOT BELIEVE that more people have not banned together to have them removed--WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR PEOPLE?
chuck daugherty - 8:37 AM on April 13, 2007
Oh my god .... a billboard with feet! Quick cover it up ! This is a joke. The people that are up in arms about this need to join the rest of us in the real world and not be so PC. I bet if their life was an open book it might be way worse than naked feet. This is the best thing the church has done to reach people in a younger age group in years.
tanya cironi - 8:39 AM on April 13, 2007
I am very offended by this trashy billboard. One of them happens to be in an empty field across the street from my allotment, so every day when I bring my young chidren home, I have to look at this trashy billboard. There should be some limit in Lake Township as to what kinds of things can go on billboards in our township.
Donna Whelan - 8:41 AM on April 13, 2007
Garbage? This billboard is as offensive as an Anne Geddes photo: babies in flowerpots, nestled in ferns, in bunny suits, etc. Since it isn't really the art work, the objection must be the message. THAT is in the mind of the observer. Nobody raised a hissy about Easter Sunday service billboards for churches around the county. What would be the difference? A church is offering a lecture series on sex. Ahhh, that is the objection, the TOPIC. It appears that there might really be a need for such a series, judging from the remark about 'those people...Christies'. {I am assuming that Christies is a bar, from the 'tone'} I find it pathetic that a church is being pilloried because they are offering a lecture series on a MORAL issue. Oh, those nasty, nasty FEET!
Theresa Hamilton - 8:58 AM on April 13, 2007
Here we go with making a mountain out of a mole hill!!!
Mary Beth Habunek - 9:07 AM on April 13, 2007
I'm not offended by this billboard. You see others promoting condoms and other sexual topics, some are subtle. You just can't make everyone happy, and believe me, her daughter is hearing/seeing a lot worse at her school.
d moore - 9:34 AM on April 13, 2007
Oh My God! What trash is that billboard displaying. To think that young kids will see that, oh my. After all the positive messages that are put out to us daily, such as television and magazines, books, videos, walking down the street, and now this. Our kids are doomed. Sarah Owens, grow up. It's about time the church steps foward and acknowledges that people have sex and maybe they can help put it in perspective for our young ones, because Gods knows we haven't done well with this subject.
dan pierce - 10:33 AM on April 13, 2007
I think here is another case of someone expressing an opinion about which she knows nothing or very little at least.... television has it's limits until 8:00 hah, what rock has she been living under? If she thinks that the billboard is inappropriate and that the church meetings should be held at Christies then I am amazed that she can get anything done all day except to complain. Everything she is exposed to in this day and age has a sexual connotation attached to it because SEX SELLS (Ask any advertising person)!! Also, She is complaining about the service before she knows anything about it... maybe she should come to the service and if she still wants to complain then she can so based on knowledge not supressed inhabitions! I applaud Rev. Nettle and his desire to bring the uneasy topic of sex out in the open instead of treating it like the family secret that no one talks about. Knowledge is power and I believe that if more young people are given the proper knowledge then they will be better equipped to handle sexual decisions when they arise. I also believe that more marriages would be saved if sexual problems could be discussed and treated. I plan on attending the services at Rivertree and I believe that we need to get out of the dark ages where "certain topics" just aren't talked about and start helping those who are in need. Dan Pierce
Jennifer Sigler - 11:00 AM on April 13, 2007
Pastor Nettle should be applauded for having the courage to attack the issues that affect our society the most. Anyone who has heard Pastor Nettle speak knows he is 100% committed to bringing his listeners the truth about what God wants for us in our lives. I would challenge you to go to the Rivertree website where you can check out past sermons. God Bless you, Pastor Nettle.
Melissa Higham - 11:07 AM on April 13, 2007
The point of this billboards to spark interest so people go to the web site and become interested on going to a series about what GOD says about sex with in a marriage. Why aren't people complaining about half naked pictures and mannequins in store windows in our local mall that advertise sexuallity? Come on people get over the feet in the sheets, there is so much more in everyday life being radio, tv, the internet, etc. that is so much more explicit that this billboard.
Randy J. Lindower - 11:09 AM on April 13, 2007
Good for them. (the church) It may not be politically correct but like it or not, sex is a major part of the human life. It is a God -given part of life. It is what separates humans from animals.
JOHN JOE - 11:16 AM on April 13, 2007
'Pure Sex' = BORING SEX. Thats why 60%/%40 of men and women (respectivly) cheat. Id rather do to Christie's then this waste of time.
Nancy Dollard - 11:56 AM on April 13, 2007
It's important to talk about sex as long as you get medically accurate comprehensive information on sex and how to prevent pregnancies. I'm doubtful the church will tell you how to prevent a pregnancy w/birth control.
Melody Gates - 12:15 PM on April 13, 2007
I agree with the folks on this article. I don't like that fact that this church is promting this on big boards let alone kids starting in 8th grade can attend this. This is just wrong, I don't like this at all. If they want to do the classes fine - but there is no need for huge billboards promoting it.
michelle pittman - 12:26 PM on April 13, 2007
OH NO!! Two pairs of feet under sheets -- that is SO OFFENSIVE!!! Personally -- what a great topic for a sermon series! Maybe if more people would attend these types of sermons less people would divorce!
jim mapes - 2:02 PM on April 13, 2007
Before we were married, my wife went to a sex education class. While the teacher was talking ,a gentleman stood up and said ''I know 113 ways to have sex''. So my wife speaks out and says'' I thought the women got on her back and the man got on top. The gentleman jumped up and said 114,114.
Wendy Roberts - 2:44 PM on April 13, 2007
Very eye catching and clever. Only thing was I'd've put a bit more info on there so folks would know what this was about. TV, music, and movies talk about sex all the time. This church is right to attempt to give another view.
Jennifer Podis - 2:56 PM on April 13, 2007
I think if the church wants to open a discussion about sex to help prevent sexual misconduct, that's great. But I don't like the billboard. What about small children that can read, but aren't old enough to understand? Obviously since the discussions are only open to those 13 and older, the church knows this...so why advertise with the word 'sex' in a vibrant color?
Kenneth Jones - 3:01 PM on April 13, 2007
Sex is a gift from God. So is life itself. How about clap? Is that a gift too? It comes from God doesn't it? Oh no...I forgot. It has to come from Satan since only the pathogenic bacteria come from him. The beneficial rest are gifts from God. Oh...and since other animals practice sex as well, they have also been blessed with God's sexual gift. Now that we've got that settled, let's talk about God's rules regarding sexual behavior. I'm sure we can find at least one highly confidant and zealous preacher who can extract from the Bible the exact type of sexual behavior God condones. And undoubtedly, this preacher will sit at the right hand of God, all the while he listens intently to Satan sitting on his other side.
Stephen Orcutt - 4:09 PM on April 13, 2007
I have absolutely no problem with this. What ever happened to free speech in this county? Oh yeah, that is being hijacked right now too. Just ask Imus. We pass out condoms in schools, teach sex education to elementary school kids, and watch trash on our TV’s every night (sorry, no more shows like Happy Days anymore); and a church wants to advertise its series on healthy sex by showing bare feet, and everyone starts throwing stones? Of course, putting this on A1 above the fold probably sold a few more Reps today too.
JOHN JOE - 4:18 PM on April 13, 2007
Oh NO! I am unwed and I have sex with my girlfriend. I guess that is unpure. We have a kid together. I couldnt go to this thing if I wanted to. I am Satan's child and the whole place might collapse. I guess any other sex act other than the "missionary position" is unpure and considered sodomy. I got confirmed in the Lutheran Church, all of my teenage years they try and drill into our heads (at church) that sex is not ment to be pleasurable and should only be done with intent to conceive a child even inside marrage. What BS is that?! I don't care what the church does and says. It is 2007 and not 150 BC, time to come out of the darkages. Looks like many of these men may cheat if the church pushes it overly right wing conservative views on sex. Looks like Betty-Sue wont do that thing with her mouth that Michael likes because the church considers it unpure. Looks like the cheating rate of men just went up 1%. Its time to stop putting a TABOO on everything sexual. In Denmark they have Sexual Education classed that go above any beyond the basics of anatomy,safe sex, pregnancy prevention, ect. They actual instruct student on "how" to do it and what women like vs men. This is why America is so screwed up...because everything is TABOO!
And there you have it!
posted by Greg Nettle at 6:37 PM
23 Comments:
Saw the billboard today and then read the article in the paper. I don't understand the issue with the billboard (though I have issues with non-expositional preaching, but that's beside the point;-)...it's two sets of feet. I didn't study the position of the feet, but couldn't it be two people lying in bed doing a crossword? But I wasn't looking at it with a filthy mind either. I thought it was sweet and kind of cute and emphasized a relationship beyond the physical...these two people weren't actually engaged in the act (I don't think) but were enjoying a closeness that should exist in spite of the act. Oh, now I'm analyzing it too..ahhh.
As for the word "sex" and young kids. My 5 year old can read a bit and if he read it and asked I think I'm smart enough to give him an answer without telling him what sex actually involves. Come on people, lighten up. It's the Victoria Secret signage in the mall that I worry about, not a pair of feet.
BTW...Greg, God used you in bringing me to Christ when I was 16. I used to go to the early morning fellowship thing at Northwest back around '86 or so because I had a crush on a boy (and you...ha ha) ...but seeds were planted!!! Thanks brother!
I never imagined that this billboard would cause this much controversy....unbelievable!!!! I personally commend Greg Nettle for standing strong in his faith. Why are people so offended? The billboard is not obscene at all, and wouldn't you think people would attend the series before forming an opinion? It is an advertisement..simple as that.
Oh no!!!..the church wants to talk about sex!!!! The schools talk about it, it's on TV, why can't the church discuss the topic.
As a member of Rivertree, I am proud that my church has chosen to speak about sex..it's long overdue. Following God's word is always rewarding......but following what "society approves of" isn't.
Wow! Speechless again...happens more and more when I check this blog.
I wish I could be there to see the series in person. But alas, I'm in sunny Florida. Guess I'll have to wait for the download.
Kudos to Rivertree and hats off to Greg!
You have totally sold me on your craziness! I Love it! The dialog is stinkin hilarious and sadly pathetic. Dude you rock!!
This is just absolutely great!
IHL,
Richie
It really baffles me how someone could be so upset about a billboard when sex is all over the media. One thing that really made me chuckle was the fact that no one seemed to have a problem with a picture of the billboard on the front page of our local paper.
To me, all the attention that this is getting confirmed that it was the right thing to do. IMO, Greg and RiverTree take "world changing" seriously. How many more people will investigate and listen to the messaeg as a result of the media attention? How many other churches will see that this is being discussed in the media and bring the topic into the open at their church?
God's not ashamed of sex - He gave us the wonderful gift. Man has abused and perverted it - THAT is the piece that's not good. I think this weekend we will learn that God wants us to have great sex - with the one person that we have joined souls with.
Greg, you will come under attack unfairly. We will pray for you - we fully support you. Be strong and let God continue to speak through you.
Thanks for Chasing this Lion into a Pit on a Snowy Day!
My wife and I are praying for you and the church this weekend. I agree that there needs to be a series taught on "sex". It is a subject that many churches in the area would never touch. I think it is courageous that Rivertree is approaching this issue. I hope all the people who have been critical at least come to this weekends service to see what the message is all about. Maybe then when they hear the message they will see that Rivertree doesn't judge or condemn people but is a church that "anyone can come to" to find healing, peace and to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ. I know there is media attention surrounding this sermon so I encourage all to pray that God's message will be conveyed. If one new person experiences healing and comes to know the Lord after this weekend then the advertising leading up to this weekend was worth it! God Bless you .
Wow, after reading those comments, I thought the position of those feet must be very provocative. I thought the positioning had to be different. Then I went to the website. For Pete's sake, it wasn't even the missionary position. It was merely two people in bed, probably with cold feet.
I'm guessing if a condom company, a feminine product company or a "productive rights" group had put up similar boards, there wouldn't be much ado.
I'm just not sure I want to hear Bro. Greg give me the straight talk on sex. I might be emabarrassed.
I attend Rivertree every weekend, and I leave there every weekend having learned something new, a lingering thought and feeling incredibly blessed to have found a church that not only uses the scriptures, but enforces them in our everyday life experiences. There's so much to say about all this nonsense that people feel is absurd. Frankly, the billboard is an innocent representation of feet. It doesn't necessarily say "oh they are having sex!" Clearly, people have sex on the mind and perceive the billboard as they want. This series on sex is indeed overdue. Sex is a huge part of the world we live in. I attended a series on sex at 707 about a year ago. It was incredibly amazing and took everything the Bible says about sex and put it into this glorious act that it truly should be, but most don't experience. Speaking about sex shouldn't be condemned. It's better to put the information out there for those who think they know it all and for those who are curious as well as those who are clueless.
I'm 22, and did a Bible study with a group of young ladies ranging 14-24 on purity. We read and discussed a book "Every Young Woman's Battle: Guarding your mind, heart, and body in a sex saturated world." It was amazing to see how these girls came off so naive, but were really experiencing things that should wait till marriage. I find it amazing how parents are condemning their children witnessing these billboards, when they have no idea what their kids are hearing/seeing at school or anywhere else that they are not in their presence. I would strongly recommend this book for young girls. It explains how men perceive things with their eyes and women thrive off emotions of what they hear and feel. Far too often, girls give sex to get love and guys give "love" to get sex. I think this a very important issue that should be addressed as well. Lastly, I want to wish Pastor Greg luck on this series and for sticking up for his beliefs and going against the norm and stepping over the boundaries to address such an amazing topic of Sex. Although I've done lots of studying this topic through the Bible and my studies, I'm sure I'll learn something new from you in the coming weeks! Bless you and Yay God!
I applaud you for picking such a touchy topic. I never understood why people thought Christian's couldn't have a sex life that they enjoyed.
And I seriously don't understand all the harsh critisicm from the public. Do they not understand the concept of the billboards and the message?
I know that kids see and hear A LOT worse on tv and on the radio, and even on the internet!! So parents acting like this is so offensive is amusing, to say the least. So I guess I would be curious to know if these parents make sure to keep their feet covered up at all times, so that their children don't see them since the feet on the billboards are soooo offensive?? lol The absurdity of it all!
I think it is awesome that the church put out this billboard. I really think that a lot of churches need to start talking about topics that affect our young children today. They see so much things on tv that twist what God had intended. I think sex can be a beautiful thing between two people who waited until they were married. I wish that I would have had someone teaching me about abstinence until I was married. Instead I grew up in the 60's and 70's where it was all about free sex and drugs. I just wanted to share with the kids out there that I felt very empty and very used the first time because it was with someone that I didn't really love. I just want more churches in today's world to talk about these subjects. They are not TABOO to the churches like the world would want you to think. Just look at the bible, if it is in there then it is okay to preach about(and SEX is in the bible. I think our kids today need to be told that sex is not an ugly pathetic thing that the world is making it out to be in their tv shows, movies and music. It was something beautiful that God created for a man and a woman and especially if it is the one that you are married to. Thank you for churches like this one.
I am disappointed in the tone of the interview NBC had during the interview of the Pastor Nettle promoting the patheticsexlife.com site. There is a national misuse and misunderstanding of what sex is and how it is used. This is a conversation that needs to be had. Per the comment that the billboard of feet at the end of a bed may have an "influence on children," I would like to invite you to Hartford, CT where we have billboards promoting pornography shops and strip clubs on both major interstates. You could also visit Manchester where a pornography store recently opened up on a corner of two major routes going to the town's central shopping area for 4 surrounding towns. You cannot miss the building, it is large and yellow with mannequins in lingerie in the windows. (A note on that shop, it actually negatively affected house prices on that block!). I feel the that the final comments made by NBC in the interview that “this will continue to be a controversial issue for your community” is highly bias. It infers that the billboard is wrong. Why is it wrong for the church to discuss sex, but when it is promoted on their (and other corporate) network(s) through various daytime soap operas, evening shows, tabloid news, and other media, that is OK? In fact, on the Today homepage, they have a pole posted asking “Have you caught your spouse cheating.” What negative influence is NBC having on America’s youth?
To JOHN JOE, I would like to comment that my brother is also unwed with a child, living with his girlfriend. It is an increasingly common lifestyle for 20-somethings and those of us in our early 30's. While I do not think it is the best environment for a child, I DO NOT NOR DOES THE CHURCH CONDEMN YOU. The true power of Christ comes in love, forgiveness, and understanding NOT through accosting people for their choices in life . The "REPENT sinners!!" days are really gone. Per your comment on the "missionary position," I would respond that you are referring to a misnomere that died in the 50's & 60's... that was cultural NOT Christian (Consider Europe vs. America, both Christina societies with different ideas of sex). I know of no scripture that prohibits other "positions" or even oral sex. In fact, the Song of Solomon is some of the most errotic literature ever printed and has been read in the BIBLE for over 2000 years!! So, please, do not generalize or feel angry with the Church. Any true Christian would say "Come to Church with your family 'Just As You Are' and we will love you."
If a pastor does not stir up the Pharisees he is not like Jesus.
The backlash of comments come from those of us that are so intrenched in our society, that we are blinded to see how lust and desire is used to sell everything - from the life our society believes we should aspire to, to orange juice and the latest SUV. It's interesting how, whether we believe in God or not, we will see this picture differently. Some will see the pair of feet as depicting a beautiful relationship, enjoyed by a married couple; however others of us will see this as something negative and threatening to our society, core beliefs or the way we want to raise our children.
I don't think it's offensive, the picture depicts 2 pairs of feet under crisp clean white sheets with the sun shining in. I perceive this as being a loving married couple on any given morning.
The billboard is a great idea, after all Jesus being crucified on the cross is the biggest billboard of all time. We still hang that billboard in most of our churches, in order to re-inforce the message.
I applaud this approach and praise our Lord for bringing the subject of sex and sexuality into the lives and homes of so many people, that may never have the opportunity to learn the truth.
Getting God's message out there is key and I am so excited. This is going to make a great topic for our office discussions next week.
Thank you and have a great day!
Does free speech apply to everyone else in the United States EXCEPT Christians? Whole demographics are tolerant concerning the advertisement of "care free" sexuality and violence portrayed in music videos, television, and magazines. Yet, a pair of feet suggesting sex is offensive all of the sudden? Why? This generation follows suit from it's two predecessors... tolerance loses it's appeal when you're defending Christianity. When a christian states their beliefs, it doesn't resonate with the masses as being conversation worthy. The attitude we recieve is "Christians believe what you like... but keep it to yourself"
How can defending gay marriage be a valid conversation, but defending traditional marriage becomes offensive?
How can stating your conviction be politically correct for everyone except us? Advocates for anything and everything shouting about gay marriage, abortion, and even the war in Iraq, are tolerated and even encourage. Stand up and speak out against those ideals and you are critizized for being intolerant.
It continues to irk me when people tell me that I am being intolerant of others ideals, simply for believing in my own.
As a graphic designer, i believe that the concept is solid, believable and apparently... very effective. I cannot believe people are offended by this, but no one even winces when they see the same size billboard with "adult video" or "all nude!". Satan has his claws deep when society would rather promote a stripclub than Sunday Morning Worship.
Amen to the comment about stirring up the Pharisees! I also agree with the poster who feels that all the attention has confirmed that this was the right thing to do. What a great opportunity to reach our community (and beyond) with the message and love of Jesus!
look. i dont see why all of you people are being so extreme over this. it is a topic that isnt discussed in school at all rarly and to hear it from the church is better than in the locker room before practice. the message needs to be put out there and i think that people need to hear it. You can say all you want about the billboards but it is not going to change anything. If you would just stop and listen maybe you would understand. Do i think that the billboards are right? i dont really know. but i do know that the message is for the good of the people so im not going to go against it. All of you need to grow up and just forget about it.
ryan- 15- perry township
I live in Denver and I am a Christian. I watched Greg on the Today show this morning. Every year, couples and families are destroyed by affairs and porn, and many people lose jobs due to internet porn. So, talking about sex at church can't be a bad thing, even if it only helps a few couples remain intact and prevents some people from losing jobs due to porn. I commend Greg and Rivertree for reaching out to those people and families.
Unfortunatley, the church has a terrible reputation and legacy of inserting a right-wing political agenda in what might otherwise be a redemptive, healing, and positive message. We Christians have been judgemental, hateful, hypocritical, oppressive, and intolerant towards others. We have burned down abortion clinics and preached damnation in the name of God. We must confess our sins as a church and apologize for our pride and arrogance.
I don't live in OH, so I don't have the pleasure of seeing the "feet". But is it really about the feet? No way! Many people have been hurt and burned by churches. I would imagine that most people are less offended by the feet, and more offended with the self-righteous and judgemental attitude that many Christians (constantly) display. The feet may represent a shameless audacity to "shove our beliefs" towards others, though that doesn't appear to be the intent of Greg and Rivertree.
So, I am not suprised that others are offended. I hope that the church can learn to talk about sex in ways that don't involve an underlying political agenda. But I would suggest to other Christians to not attack those that are offended by the billboard. When attacked, I believe our first response should be, "you know, you're right, we have been hateful, judgemental, and hypocritical. I completely understand why you would be offended. I am sorry."
I hope that we can form a dialogue with people of other religions and beliefs. With humility, I believe that the church can form a dialogue about sexuality and other issues.
I sat in the Saturday service with my 13 year old son and my husband. After our son went throught the "Abstanance" program last Wednesday at the middle school, I was looking forward to having him hear what the Bible says about sex. As Christians we expect to hear what the Bible has to say about all areas in our live, so why shouldn't sex be right in the mix of things? We have always been open and honest with our son. I believe that by having our children in service is an opportunity for a teachable moment. They hear everything at school, why not hear the truth at church. And 7th grade isn't too young. If you are honest with yourself, remember when you were in 7th grade? I do too. Sooooo, what do you say? It's better to me invest in children today than to have to repair adults tomorrow. You go Greg! See you next Saturday!
We live in a culture that's super-saturated with sex. As I've already mentioned in another comment, it should only be natural that the Church should launch a counter-offensive. We do for everything else, don't we?
I like that you're having the kids come in to the adult services. I don't think they should be sheltered from this topic. Kids are incredibly smart. They could probably take us to school on sexual matters and us adults would learn some things that'd make our hair stand on end.
We have a serious problem with teen and 'tween pregnancies, along with marital degradation because of sexually oriented "stuff". The kids NEED to hear it. They NEED to hear that there are countless numbers of adults out there who will support them in a decision of abstinence. If they feel alone, they'll cave to peer pressure. But if we, as an army of Christian adults can stand behind them, then they won't feel alone in their decision.
If you just turn on The-N (Noggin after 6 p.m.) you'll see that even the kids channels are peddaling sex to our kids via such shows as "Degrassi: The Next Gen", "Summerland", "Beyond the Break", and "Dawson's Creek". These programs are loaded with sexual interaction between kids from 8th-12th grade, and it's glorified and condoned!!
It's fairly common for girls to reach puberty as young as age 9. If the Church doesn't educate the kids, then the world most certainly will. What the world will tell them is ruinous. I'm not a fan of daytime talk shows, and in the past I used to watch Jenni Jones and Rikki Lake. Some of you may laugh, but at least 2-3 times each week, even Jenni and Rikki were doing shows about promiscuous teens and 'tweens, trying to stop this madness. This problem is real, and it's serious. Ignoring it won't make it go away.
As for the comment made about the Church preaching "safe sex"...if it's a Bible-believing church, then you can take it to the bank that they'll be preaching safe sex: ABSTINANCE. There is no such thing as "safe sex" outside of marriage. You can't get pregnant if you don't have sex. It's extremely difficult to contract STD's without the "S". Every measure of protection out there has a failure percentage (which is labelled on the box). NONE of them are 100% failure proof. Why, even the Trojan condom company named their product after what they thought was the most impregnable city imaginable: Troy. What happened to Troy? Wasn't it "impregnated" by a gargantuan force of Greek and Spartan warriors?? Only abstinance is 100% fool and failure proof.
As for the Church taking a stand: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
NOTE: For the readers here who do not attend RiverTree Christian Church and are uncomfortable with this church's series on sex, let me assure you that our pastors teach us that it is unChristian to look down upon anyone for any reason, no matter what they've done. We don't bash single mothers, homosexuals, people who've had abortions, those who've been divorced, etc. Our pastors teach us that God is a God that anyone can come to for any reason, and we should be a people that anyone can come to for any reason. At RCC, people in any life situation will find love, gentleness, mercy, forgiveness, grace, and healing in spite of their flaws or the way they live their lives. RCC holds to the teachings of the Scriptures, but they don't use Jesus as a battering ram. RiverTree gets its name from Revelation 22:2.
God loves each and every one of us right where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there.
I agree with teaching the biblical truths abou a pure sex life. However, I don't want to bridge that subject with my young kids yet. My family is a Christian home that not only attend church regularly but, also live a life of Believers. I don't find the message offensive at all, only wish the topic could have been brought up in a more subtle way. As far as the rest of the trash that the world is putting out there, I try to shelter my kids from it as much as possible.
Lust and Greed are the two common factors leading to the downfall of just about every historical "empire" that we can trace. It will be no different for the US unless we wake up and smell the coffee. God has never turned His back on us, but we surely have not been too keen on even acknowleging Him or His ways. There is a purpose to our lives and it is not found in casual sex or material gain. Time is short folks...as Bob Dylan would say "ya gotta serve somebody" (He got that from Paul incidentley - Romans 6:15,16)
Choose this day whom you will serve! (Joshua 24:15)
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