The Philadelphia Story

[MooseGirl]

Just wondering what you all thought about this story. I posted the link and the story for you to read.

http://www.snopes.com/info/random/random.htm

The Philadelphia Story

Claim: Four Christians in Philadelphia face a potential sentence of 47 years in prison for preaching in public.

Status: True.

Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2005]

PENNSYLVANIA CHRISTIANS FACE 47 YEARS IN PRISON FOR READING THE BIBLE IN PUBLIC

Philadelphia charges Christians with hate crimes, inciting a riot, and using a deadly weapon.

Bill O'Reilly reported on the situation on Fox News Channel.

Dear B.,

What we have been saying has now happened. You cannot quote what the Bible has to say about homosexuality in public or you will be charged with a "hate crime." Philadelphia is only the beginning. If we fail to take a stand here, this "crime" will soon be applied across America.

In the 27 years of this ministry, I have never witnessed a more outrageous miscarriage of justice than what is happening in Philadelphia. Four Christians are facing up to 47-years in prison and $90,000 in fines for preaching the Gospel on a public sidewalk, a right fully protected by the First Amendment.

On October 10, 2004, the four Christians were arrested in Philadelphia. They are part of Repent America. Along with founder Michael Marcavage, members of Repent America

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings,

The Voice of the Martyrs web site, I believe looks into these things, but I do know that the ACLJ and other legal agencies are doing battle around the country fighting these very things. It is going to get worse.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[dwinkjr]

Am I the only one here that would love to get a look at the video tapes from both sides so I can actually make an educated decision on this matter. If they were there, condemning, judging, and causing strife, I can understand the arrests. If they were there to help lead these sinners to salvation and repentence, we need to fight along side of them, and not stand aside and say they deserve it.

I for one, will take the risk of being in error and support my brethern until I have been given sufficient proof otherwise. It sounds to me like alot of the charges are bogus and will never make it through the trial. The AFA offering them FREE council says alot though, the AFA would only take this type of case on a pro-bono basis if they thought they could win it. The publicity for the AFA is only beneficial if the case is won, so I would say the tape this group possesses must be rather convincing to there side of the case.

As far as the "Pink Angels" are concerned, they should of been arrested, they contained this group against there will. Surrounding them with pink styrofoam to block them out? come on now people, the devil is hard at work trying to take as many souls with him to the Lake of fire as he can.

These are our Christian Brethern. What would Jesus do?? I love when non-believers ask this question to believers. Jesus was a loving man, God is a loving God, but there Character does not stop at just that. God is Just, God is Jealous, God is the ruler of all things. He is not willing that one shall perish. I know many of you do not agree with this method of witnessing, but what if 1 soul was saved that day?

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Mat 18:12  How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

Mat 18:13  And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Unless you were there that day, or have seen the videos you have no way of knowing the actual events taht took place, So are you more inclined to trust the world or your brethern in this?

The other issue here is, even if you believe they were not preaching in a productive manner, if they lose this case, you can bet these cases will only continue and they will get much worse. Pray for your brethern and pray for our country.

God Bless,

Dave

[JimR-OCDS]

My understanding of the story, is that the Christian group was broadcasting their messages through a loud intercom system, with that their message would interfere with the gayfest.

I don't support homosexual act's, but they have a right to assemble and associate, as guaranteed by the US Constitution.

I have a bigger problem with "In-Your-Face" Christians, who apparently attempted to interfere with the gay group.

There are better ways to bring the gospel to people, and this way is more destructive than helpful.

[Shelby]

I also would like to point out that it said above that the Christians got a permit from the police to be on that corner. So it wasn't a suprise that they were going to be there. Why didn't they tell them they would be arrested then. I think that people are focusing on the rights the Gay Pride Party had because it was such a huge event with much publicity, but the Christians didn't just walk up and start doing their thing, (which I am not into this commando converting) they went through the proper channels. I am guessing the police there were under much pressur from the community they were around. I think these charges will prove alot about our country.

[JimR-OCDS]

Well, as some one else pointed out, I would like to hear both sides of the story.

However, from the accounts I have read so far, the Christian group was interfering with the Gay people, through a loud intercom system.

Either way, there was an intended target, by the Christian group.

[other one]

I saw something last week on this in a movie form on some site and it is my understanding that the christian people had a permit to be on that corner. There was a millitant group of gays that came down the street for the purpose of harrassing the christians. They had large pink posters that they were basically coverning up the christian people and their protest signs.

There were gay US Department of Justice people that came with them and assisted the police in the way to arrest the christians, which is a direct violation of federal law.

It was a setup and the christians fell right into it.... looks like standing up for your constitutional rights is getting dangerous.

This is just a start of the things to befall us as christians.

I agree with some of the others that I don't really like the in your face confrontation that some christians are using, however that is leagle in this country.... or at least it used to be.

Next we won't be able to tell people about Satan or the things to come without being in danger of prison or worse.

se

[MooseGirl]

My understanding of the story, is that the Christian group was broadcasting their messages through a loud intercom system, with that their message would interfere with the gayfest.

I don't support homosexual act's, but they have a right to assemble and associate, as guaranteed by the US Constitution.

I have a bigger problem with "In-Your-Face" Christians, who apparently  attempted to interfere with the gay group.

There are better ways to bring the gospel to people, and this way is more destructive than helpful.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I didnt get that understanding at all. A bullhorn or whatever is not a loud intercom system. I to would like to see both vidoes.