For too long now, people have used religion as a weapon or tool to justify their own narrow agendas. Raised as a Christian, I was taught that God was loving and merciful. Jesus wanted us to welcome and embrace our neighbors no matter who they are, and open our homes and hearts to strangers in need. Too many so-called Christians spread messages of hatred and division, using the moral justification that Christianity provides for power and control, whilst acting in ways which are completely anathema to the teachings of the Gospel.
Clackamas United Church of Christ is reclaiming the original, inclusive message of Christ by practicing what they preach. Pastor Adam welcomes all to his sermons with love and acceptance regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or any other the other ways we choose to divide ourselves as human beings.
"God loves you relentlessly and eternally because God is love," is one of Pastor Adam's core principles. The fact that this kind of open-hearted approach is going viral, as opposed to simply being the norm, tells you everything about the direction that many churches have taken. The Pastor's signs preach a loving and progressive worldview that, for me at least, is what Christianity should be all about.
Scroll down to see how Clackamas United Church of Christ choose to spread the Word of the Lord, and let us know what you think in the comments!
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That's not religion. That's not faith. That's just humanity. And I love that. As an atheist, I could imagine supporting this kind of church.
me too! (in response to every point you made) :D
Load More Replies...If there’s no “sinning” in heaven why would you wanna go. No random sex no violent video games or movies. Sounds kinda boring
this is where your lack of satisfaction in life shows. Knowing God fills you with joy, even in your most terrible life situation. You will not need sex, violent video games, or movies. God alone is the foundation of happiness.
Load More Replies..."I came to the Clackamas United Church of Christ about a year and a half ago and realized that we needed to get our message out into the neighborhood," Pastor Adam told Bored Panda. "People saw our building, but didn't know what our values were. So we started a fundraiser for the sign and I started posting those messages. People began to stop as they drove by to thank me for the messages. But I didn't know it would have an online impact, too."
"Amidst the pain of the world and all the hate, people are thirsty for something deeper. The truth of the Gospel is that all people are loved. The sin is when we start treating certain people and groups as if they are not loved. Jesus was most critical of those who used religion as an excuse to marginalize others. We are merely seeking to follow Jesus in the best way we can."
It’s nice to hear that there are other people of faith that don’t condemn my son.
https://c-ucc.org/product/our-transgender-siblings-have-heartbeats/ IMG_5595-2...6be7a0.jpg
Yeah but this is the air bud rule. The Bible also never said to let immigrants in. Or mentioned America. Or that we’re made of atoms. It leaves out a lot
It does leave out a lot, but it also says to love each other like you love yourself and to forgive and give all of yourself when someone else is in need.
Load More Replies...When Pastor Adam arrived at the United Church of Christ, regular numbers were down to around only 30 or so people. "I’m convinced that one of the many reasons people aren’t coming to church, churches like ours, is because they don’t know that we’re there and they don’t know our message," he said. "So I thought, how are we going to get the message out?" It was then that the church held a fundraiser so that they could buy the message board.
"I decided that we needed to be bold with our message of love and inclusion, especially for those who are marginalized especially by religion. My goal is is to be part of a larger movement that is reframing or redefining Christianity so that it's based on God's love for all people, but especially those who are marginalized."
"When immigrants live in your land with you, you must not cheat them. Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself, because you were immigrants in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:33-34
I mean I get your point but if you wanna start quoting Old Testament there’s some parts about rape and incest and slaves and murder all being fine so
Load More Replies...You bet. Jesus befriended the friendless, all those without power or influence--those who are rejected and forgotten by those "Christians" who claim to know who will go to hell and what women should do with their bodies.
Totally! I've always tried to remember that Jesus didn't hang out with the well-to-do and the righteous. He hung out with the whores, the poor and the lame. That's who I want to emulate.
This sign thing by churches seems to be some American thing, I've only seen it when visiting America, but it doesn't seem to exist in Europe
Usually just the ones with drive thrus for forgiving sins and blessing souls or motorcycles. The sign usually shows what the cost is or if there’s specials that day. .
Load More Replies...I'd go to his church if he was anywhere near my area...we need more like him!!!
start with finding positive womenstories in koran and bring it out ... please ...
Adam's message is getting through. He has received widespread support in the community from all areas, from fellow Christians to members of other faiths and atheists alike. "There are so many of us who are trying to get this message out and whether we do it in the name of God or the name of humanity or the name of God and humanity -- I say amen, let's do this."
"I just want people to know that God loves them and we love them and we’re for them. It sounds so cheesy but that’s the basic message!"
Other, more conservative Churches in the area have been generally accepting of the new direction at the United Church of Christ,and Adam says that negative reactions have been extremely rare. "One guy stopped as I was changing the sign and told me I didn't understand the Bible," he told us. "But that's been most of the criticism. Everyone else honks, or says 'great job!' It's been very supportive."
"There is a big movement, not just in my generation but in all generations, of people looking for a more inclusive faith. We find it in Jesus."
HOW? That's the most r******d statement ever. Earth (billion years old) humans (been around fro millions of years) climate (still the same). So tell me how climate is induced by humans.
Load More Replies...Climate change existed long before humans did, and changed more violently than current, without any help from either humans or SUV's... Belief does not make proof just because you say so.
man-made climate change, which is a serious problem and happening before our very eyes is caused by men--as 98% of all scientists believe.
Load More Replies...Are you saying that global warming does not exist, do you hate Catholics or do you just hate religious leaders? Because global warming exists--98% of all scientists say it does and that it is man-made.
Load More Replies...Worth repeating.... what about the massive three story high super think wall and expertly trained guard that surrounding Vatican City? Funny how most politicians and people of means that oppose building a way to channel folks into the legal entrances into our nation, do themselves live behind the protection of walls and fences!!! Yes I say let's grant entrance to anyone that wants to come to the USA, as long as they do so through legal means. Just like my family and I did when we migrated here. My father waited nearly 25 years to receive the clearance for us to come. Argue over facts not opinions
Yeah, keep downvoting my comment from before. Prove that religious people lack sense of humor
He also said, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” But everyone seems to forget about that.
if God HIMSELF refers to Himself as a He, then out of respect Christians should too. There's such a thing as too progressive
the only problem here is that God refers to himself as He, so He had a reason for it...dont alter the bible, never ever
With the increased use of the plural pronouns as a gender-neutral singular, it should be "they".
I think they were trying to say that God could be a woman, they don't have to be a man.
Load More Replies...i love this with everything in me. SHE. Ah that sounds great.
some of those in this chain. Guys, if you once pick up the bible you will notice, that women are in the bible, and some of them were greatly praised. Just pick new testament book, Paul, a well-know author of many books of New Testament himself picks out female charathers of his time and appreciates them. stop judging the bible and God regarding what you hear from other. Pick up the book and decide for yourself.
Load More Replies...like separating children from their parents isn't? Like polluting the earth so no one else can use it and future generations will starve isn't? Like having generations of wealth so that others go without isn't heretical?
Load More Replies...the theory is that they don't "earn" money, and the money they are given as donations, are to help the poor & needy within the community, therefore taxing them would be a disservice to their underlying philosophy of doing their work for the good of others (not for their own income). The problem, is that some religious leaders choose to use faith, & the vulnerable, as a way of making money within this taxation loophole.
Load More Replies...This is incredible. So many LGBTQ+ people want to worship but have been forced out of their religious places of worship just because of how they were born. This church is really truly the meaning of love and compassion by saying that EVERYONE is welcome. No questions asked.
It’s nice to hear that there are other people of faith that don’t condemn my son.
What really makes my blood boil is when Christian parents brainwash their kids into thinking LGBTQ+ people chose their sexuality. This is INCORRECT. You are simply born that way. Think there's just "modern pressure" to join the community? Wrong again. The only thing that's changed is how accepting society is. In the 1700s, say, being gay would be completely unacceptable. You just had to hide it and pretend you were just like "everyone else." God loves everyone, not just the straight white people.
By perpetuating the unloving and false claim that the Church is expressing a lack of love for same-sex attracted people by maintaining a biblical view of marriage, you may be doing terrible harm. The people you point to as examples – those who are leaving the Church or worse, harming and even killing themselves – are people who need to know that the Church’s stance is not borne of lack of love for them, and that they are loved greatly. But there you stand, pouring gasoline onto the emotional bonfire, encouraging them to believe that we don’t love them.
My mom was a founder of another UCC church in a Seattle suburb that welcomed LGBTQ folks with open arms. I know they still have a number of gay and lesbian couples with children who are members, and the minister at the time of my mom's death was gay; it's a lovely church. All churches should be so welcoming, but of course we know they can't hate properly if they are!
Interesting that he has Jewish "friends" but Islamic "siblings"... that says a lot about his prejudice even while he bends over backwards to seem unprejudice.
And this all powerful God also believed that killing most of the planet in a flood was a good idea too so.....
But if everyone has health care, there are going to be people who will only be able to have 4 homes and 3 boats. And vacationing in Italy ain’t free, ya know!
As a nurse and Christian, I can not agree more. The crisis isn’t at the border, it is right here in our own backyard! thank you for all you are doing with these signs
Correction: Conservatives don't believe we have a gun problem.
Load More Replies...If you ban guns, people with the intent to do harm, will find another means to do so, and you will prevent those who are responsible from being able to protect themselves. We don't have a gun problem, we have a mental health and violence problem.
It' impossible to do mass murder with your fists, or a ninja throwing star, it's easier with a gun
Load More Replies...I agree with this completely. As someone who has been body shamed his whole life, you should think about how commenting on someone's body negatively could affect their life
I moved to Germany and the biggest shock is that there’s no body shaming here. EVERYONE here believes that if you criticize someone for their age, size, or looks, the problem is YOU and not them.
Load More Replies...I find a lot of people who say they are Christians have never actually read the Bible and pick out parts and twist them to fit their needs.
I don't need any thing or any body to tell me that separating children form parents is wrong. this is something that we should all be on board with, no matter our beliefs.
Load More Replies...Yes, so many people who say they are devout Christians are the opposite, but the Bible warns against this too--the hypocrisy of those who say they are in word but are not in deed.
But the bible says that they shouldn't preach. Yes it's in the bible more than once that women shouldn't teach men. There are many debates about it, if it's just because of the era that it was written. Anyway, there are many contradictions in the bible. Just saying.
Lisa S, millions of people have been slaughtered, thousands of nations and cultures have been wiped from existence... in the name of the christian god. In the US, to this day, there continues to be hundreds of deaths within US land, in the name of christian faith. Stop being so naive to think that only muslims kill in the name of their god.
Allah and God are not the same despite basic English translation. Don't belittle the Trinity
That is too many and so very sad. There needs to be something drastic done to help.
There has been incredible research in programs that pay homeless people's rent. The cost is drastically less and those with health conditions do not need ers nearly as much.
Load More Replies...‘Wrong beaches’ in wartime, can happen. Forgive. Help Veterans and their children and whole families ... to the seventh and eighth generation ...
God also punishes them for complaining and makes them wander for 40 years.
Yup. People who call themselves Christians but are without empathy are not Christian
We Eartlings need to get ready for billions and billions on the move, in worst case scenarios (from Canada— what can we do, to help?)
Seriously? This guy is sending messages of love and inclusion and you're nit picking his spelling? Want to bag on his fashion as well?
Sometimes comments temporarily disappear - refresh and it will show. Your comment IS here - for the little it is worth.
Load More Replies...Love this one. Going to hell is a huge lie built by religion that if you sin you go to hell which isn’t true. The lie was invented by churches to fear monger people to believe and follow the Christian faith.
What if I told you that your whole religion is based on a book that you won’t even take the time to read and follow?
No offense, at all, but I thought Christians believed in the entire Bible and not just chosen parts? Why would God let the book his word was written in include things that "don't exist"?
The true nature of Hell might be substantially different than what is typically portrayed, but I do not doubt that it exists, whether I like it or not.
Well.... I guess if there's no hell, Then there is no HEAVEN? Said the Bible, not once!
Why would they say this? Hell is definitely a real place, there is proof in the Bible of it.
The Seventh-day Adventist’s already told me ... perhaps ... Let’s pray for permission to co-build the Kingdom of Peace on Earth ...
You people are sadly misled. Do you even own or have read the entire Bible? You are following Satan's playbook to a T.
Can I just like some of them. The one girl is kind of weird. And there’s a lady who is bat s**t crazy, I don’t even like her.
I wonder if he'd also be okay with poly. Not trying to bag on the sign, you can only include so much in there and it's possible he's never even really considered it. But it makes me wonder.
Polyurethane? Polytechnic? Polly want a cracker?
Load More Replies...Divorced, happily, and have discrete friend, consenting adult — maybe I am more Buddhist, than Christian ... ?
As Pastor Adam strives to redefine Christianity to emphasize love for all, artistic voices echo this openness by addressing themes often shunned by mainstream narratives. By advocating for inclusive and honest communication, these artworks support the broader movement of deconstructing societal barriers.
For further insights into how arts can influence social change and foster sex-positive conversations, explore how an artist uses humor to make their point through candid storytelling.
These are good to see, this church is promoting much of what the bible teaches. Do not judge, love thy neighbour etc etc.
An atheist here... I would go to a church like this. That good they are.
If all churches were like this I may just have become religious.
Load More Replies...My mother always said that she would rather have God tell her that she was bad at theology than bad at loving people, and I agree with her. God loves all of us and we should not use Their name as an excuse.
i just.... i just want to give your mother a hug. dang.
Load More Replies...This is what churches need to do more. I am not a believer in God or Jesus but I do believe that if theh exist they would not want us fighting our fellow brethren. I was always told buy my grandmother that the Bible teaches love but people from multiple religions use the Bible to inspire hate. I love what this church is doing and would love to see then continue doing it.
It so matters that this church is located just outside of Portland, Oregon--a city well-known for its easygoing nature, openness, and embrace of all things "weird". I'm from California, and if I didn't have my whole life established at home, I would definitely move to the Pacific Northwest. The nature is gorgeous and everyone there is so nice and super chill.
These are good to see, this church is promoting much of what the bible teaches. Do not judge, love thy neighbour etc etc.
An atheist here... I would go to a church like this. That good they are.
If all churches were like this I may just have become religious.
Load More Replies...My mother always said that she would rather have God tell her that she was bad at theology than bad at loving people, and I agree with her. God loves all of us and we should not use Their name as an excuse.
i just.... i just want to give your mother a hug. dang.
Load More Replies...This is what churches need to do more. I am not a believer in God or Jesus but I do believe that if theh exist they would not want us fighting our fellow brethren. I was always told buy my grandmother that the Bible teaches love but people from multiple religions use the Bible to inspire hate. I love what this church is doing and would love to see then continue doing it.
It so matters that this church is located just outside of Portland, Oregon--a city well-known for its easygoing nature, openness, and embrace of all things "weird". I'm from California, and if I didn't have my whole life established at home, I would definitely move to the Pacific Northwest. The nature is gorgeous and everyone there is so nice and super chill.
