Blinking Jesus sign a beacon of debate

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Sunday, June 08, 2003 | Tom Gibb

[Willie Green]

BEDFORD, Pa. -- George Washington slept here.

Of course, there wasn't a flashing neon sign anywhere near his bedroom window to keep him awake.

A half-block from Washington's stopover and 209 years later, though, a sign -- 3 1/2 feet tall, 55 feet across -- flashes a red neon "Jesus is Lord" every two seconds, round the clock, 43,200 times a day.

[Willie Green]

ping

[martin_fierro]

Some deep thoughts on Jesus and Elvis:

Jesus said: "Love thy neighbor." (Matthew 22:39)
Elvis said: "Don't be cruel." (RCA, 1956)

Jesus is the Lords's shepherd.
Elvis dated Cybill Shepherd.

Jesus was part of the Trinity.
Elvis' first band was a trio.

Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:25)
Elvis surfed. (Blue Hawaii, Paramount, 1965)

Jesus' entourage, the Apostles, had 12 members.
Elvis' entourage, the Memphis Mafia, had 12 members.

Jesus was resurrected.
Elvis had the famous 1968 "comeback" TV special.

Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."(John 7:37)
Elvis said, "Drinks on me!" (Jailhouse Rock, MGM, 1957)

Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights.
Elvis had irregular eating habits. (e.g. 5 banana splits for breakfast)

Jesus is a Capricorn. (December 25)
Elvis is a Capricorn. (January 8)

Matthew was one of Jesus' many biographers. (The Gospel According to Matthew)
Neil Matthews was one of Elvis' many biographers. (Elvis: A Golden Tribute)

"[Jesus'] clothes became a dazzling white" (Mark 9:3 NIV)
Elvis' snow-white jumpsuits dazzled audiences.

Jesus lived in state of grace in a Near Eastern land.
Elvis lived in Graceland in a nearly eastern state.

Mary, an important woman in Jesus' life, had an Immaculate Conception.
Priscilla, an important woman in Elvis' life, went to Immaculate Conception High School.

Jesus was first and foremost the Son of God.
Elvis first recorded with Sun Studios, which today are still considered to be his foremost recordings.

Jesus was the lamb of God.
Elvis had mutton chop sideburns.

Jesus' Father is everywhere.
Elvis' father was a drifter, and moved around quite a bit.

Jesus was a carpenter.
Elvis' favorite high school class was wood shop.

Jesus wore a crown of thorns.
Elvis wore Royal Crown hair styler.

Jesus H. Christ has 12 letters.
Elvis Presley has 12 letters.

No one knows what the "H" in "Jesus H. Christ" stood for.
No one was really sure if Elvis' middle name was "Aron" or "Aaron".

Jesus said: "Man shall not live by bread alone."
Elvis liked his sandwiches with peanut butter and bananas.

[templar]

I'll be interested in seeing the outcome of this case. I think Foor may loose it because of the clandestine way he put the sign up an the lack of compliance with building code when he blocked the windows. He should have gone to court first to settle the issue, rather than forcing it by ignoring codes.

[RJCogburn]

Is there a reason why some religious people...of whatever religion....need to be so ostentatious, so in your face, about their faith?

The way one lives one's life is the best expression of one's faith, IMO.

[stars & stripes forever]

There is a barn roof in our county that reads "To God Be the Glory." People from all over take pictures of it.

The blinking Jesus sign would definately boost Bedford tourism. If fact it would be a blessing.

[Cvengr]

Both parties are living by their will. In one case, the man with the sign has faith that the message it carries has more import than the man-made rules which the county regulators seem to worship more than God.

His actions probably won't bring many of the regulators to God, but they manifest that they aren't going to Him anyways by their zeal to regulate.

At least he's erroring on the side of praising God, rather than the opposite of insisting His name not be shown out of respect for a county code.

I suspect the county will prevail by worldly force, but come Judgment Day, I suspect a lot of county regulators will wish they had more to show than this display.

[xsmommy]

you are very deep, marteen..... ; )

[StACase]

Is there a reason why some religious people...of whatever religion....need to be so ostentatious, so in your face, about their faith?

Is there a reason why the stinking liberals, left wingers and Democrats need to be so obnoxious, so in your face, about their religious bigotry?