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Religion has a very different place in people’s lives than barely half a century ago. It used to be commonplace to go to church every Sunday and barely a soul grumbled about it. But nowadays, more and more individuals are acting like Homer Simpson and wondering if it wouldn’t be better to sleep in and stay toasty in bed.

Well, one place that certainly knows how to get the attention of both the faithful and non-believers and make them laugh and think, is Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church in New York. It uses hilarious (and sometimes deep) signs to make comments about religion and the world.

We’ve collected some of the best signs from Wantagh Church, so upvote the ones you enjoyed reading and share ‘em with your pals if you think they’re in need of a chuckle or two. Have you seen any amusing church signs, dear Pandas? What do you think the positive aspects of faith are? Share your opinions with us down below.

In an interview with Bored Panda, Pastor Ron Garner of the Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church explained the inspiration for the witty signs and talked about the role of religion in the 21st century.

“Our church is located on a very busy street in Wantagh. I want to convey to the public that Christianity doesn't have to be staid. I also want to convey to passersby that I believe people who follow Jesus are not called to be apolitical but are called to take social justice issues seriously. We are a small congregation but we have new members who came because of our signs.”

More info: wmcc1845.com | Facebook | Instagram

#1

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Report

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Mark Fuller
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How reassuring to know I'm not off to hell. I'm a kind atheist who likes to treat others as I'd wish to be treated, believes we should live and let live; and be responsible custodians of the planet. Not some bible nazi who judges the rest of the world on their own narrow, prejudice and intolerant views.

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago

Read it again. We don't get to decide when we get our invitation. If he calls and you decline too many times and choose to do evil you can become reprabate and not be invited ever again.

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Mark Mac Donald
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why do people need gods to treat others with respect? As an atheist, I treat people with respect. It worries me that so many billions of people need an imaginary friend to tell them not to kill or steal. It comes naturally to me

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Dan Pieniak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of the most vile and meanest people I have met in my life, were very religious. If you did not believe in their God or go to their church, they would curse you and say you are going to hell.

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is exactly what I mean when I say people don't worship God, they love so much, they PLAY God.

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Mark Fuller
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too many wonderful messages to comment on, so a post at the top will do. I am an atheist. No regrets, no apologies. It's very much an educated and informed opinion. I fluctuate from respecting the rights of all to practice religion, to seeing how much hatred and intolerance it breeds that I have no respect at all for it. But this church needs calling out and commending for the healthy, wholesome and equitable views it holds, irrespective of whether or not you believe in a god. This should just be the way community and society function. So sad that this is not the case. But hats off to a church that would make me walk through the door and say, "keep up the good work. Thank you!"

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Terd Fergison
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mark Fuller, do you think that these signs in a way are all just commercials? To me it seems to be propaganda getting more people away from science and trying to indoctrinate them into detrimental superstition. Yeah, it’s hopey, peacey. But, it’s all in service of harmful b.s. Why can’t there be more billboards like this celebrating science and all of its benefits (such as diseases scientists have cured)?

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elfin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For too many people "Christianity" is just a good word to hide behind. They can avoid all responsibility for what they say and do if God approves of them.

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CP
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like to point out when religious people give me gruff for being agnostic, that I am good for no no other reason than to be good and you are a good person because you believe you will be rewarded in the afterlife.

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Baby Clanger
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So well said, going to church seems to be a get out of jail free thing for some church goers to be as mean and cruel as they like all week but go to church to be forgiven for all there sins during the week!!!!

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CP
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My very Religious Uncle for some reason made the point that Hitler could be in Heaven if he repented for his sins, but I would never make it because I don't believe. I mean if God is that petty...

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Hendra Lim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes!! i also think that it's better to be a kind and just person to everyone rather than be a devoted believer but act like a mad dog to everyone else who don't

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Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....again, not just Christians, there is a lot of hate in non-Christian land.

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Shinomi Chan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never get why some of the Christians are so mad about the fact that not everyone will live according to the Bible. (I mean neither do they 100%) but still. I mean I'm a Christian, but like, if someone doesn't believe in the same things at me be it religious or not, I don't hate them for it. I want to hear about their beliefs, and culture if I don't know anything about them. And I really fail to understand why hate is still an issue ESPECIALLY considering Christianity TEACHES ABOUT LOVE AND ACCEPTING OTHERS. What went wrong??

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Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once again - this is your answer Shinomi: "If you have men who will exclude ANY of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." - St. Francis of Assisi This is what was, went wrong!!!!

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ADHORTATOR
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you, that' s me! (At least, I try to be kind every day)

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Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And heretics. Let's not forget the purges for believing a slightly different version of the tale.

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Non-New-Toni-An
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a small child I was bullied by 'Christians' for being an atheist. Those kids treated me terribly.

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cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...speaking about humanity: I'm not religious, consider myself agnostic, but the words of this man speak to me: ""If you have men who will exclude ANY of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." - St. Francis of Assisi

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Mark Fuller
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, and following on from the last comment I made... I'm married to a bloke. Kudos to this church! If only they weren't so unique that they're views actually get such attention. This should be the norm!

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Spikey Bunny
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with you, it should be the norm! Also wishing you many happy years together!

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atixc_partner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Muslims Accept Jesus Is Prophet Of God , Near the end Jesus Will Come ,,

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Kim Bush
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately I've met more of the hateful hypocrite types

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Debbie Fulton
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love it! I'd like to think that's so true! At least I hope so.

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Alexandra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyway since Christian beliefs seems to be so much implanted in civil life there would never be unity. People always tend to hate on each other. Furthermore when you have so many churches and community. In Catholicism at least it's the Church against atheists, and moreover in a lot of country from catholic tradition are laïc. Church and religious beliefs stays home and are not involved in Politics thanks God (Pun Intended)

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Robert, we do not know anything about God, Universe, Cosmic power, what ever you want to call "it" ; sheepherders did not know, scientists don't have the answers either, because this is unknown and unknowable, you're right, humans do not have resources to find out, humans cannot "phenomenalize" God, (I just invented new word).

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Amberly Middlemiss
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comments here show how little Athiests understand about Christianity. I i'll get downvoted like always but I disagree with this sign. I believe that as we are all sinner god does not see us as better or worse than each other and loves us all. (that's not to say all sin is equal, just that god does not show preference over who he loves)

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Terd Fergison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And why do you believe this? Are you claiming to know the mind of god? How god thinks?

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Terd Fergison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God doesn't prefer anything because god(s) are fictional. There are many passages in the bible saying to kill non-believers and kill every person in a neighboring village if even one person there worships another god.

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Amberly Middlemiss
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

can you please tell me what bible verse commands christians to kill non believers?

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acacia grace
Community Member
4 years ago

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Sadly this is just not true. Of course christians make mistakes and some can be hateful or cruel, or vindictive. But faith equates to salvation, not goodness. As much as we may wish, heaven is filled with hateful christians, not kind atheists.

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Cindy Snow
Community Member
4 years ago

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According the the bible that's not true. Because " faith alone saves".

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Chris Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only people remembered that it was written by humans, albeit supposedly interpreting the word of God. Things will have been changed in translation and from interpretation to interpretation. Alongside the fact that there are parts of the bible which are contradictory or their meaning isn't clear. People who follow it without an open mind rarely have an open heart.

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Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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Blueplanet
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cannot upvote this more! If you believe in a religion, you can't just ignore it when you want to. i hope ppl that just "participate" in being a christian but dont actually belive it with all their heart can see this post

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Kaisu
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone who has ever read the bible knows this, yet there's so many so called Christians who have never even opened the book and yet they still spew hate in its name

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“I often wonder if religion does have a place in modern society,” mused Pastor Ron. “ I certainly believe that the church of our era has become irrelevant too many. I believe that the church has quit challenging people to live full lives and has become more interested in butts in pews.”

The Pastor continued: “Jesus was a radical Jewish rabbi who challenged followers to live in radically different ways. Although it may not increase Sunday morning attendance, as a Pastor I feel compelled to offer my congregation the challenge of radical discipleship. This requires a focus on issues of social justice that are often absent from the worship or mission of the church.”

#4

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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Blueplanet
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So true, too true. how much of a change it would be if everyone understood that

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According to the Pastor, the Church has made itself ‘irrelevant’ in the West. “The US Church and all churches in the West have sacrificed a compelling message and mission for some vague promise of 'heaven' in some equally nebulous 'afterlife.' People aren't attracted to that message.  They want meaning in the 'here and now.' As far of changing this situation I don't have an answer. I can only do what I think provides relevance and a dedication to mission.”

Have you ever heard of a church having an Instagram page? I haven’t before. Well, Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church has one and it’s got 60 followers. I’m willing to bet the church would be even more well-known if it uploaded pictures of its signs to its IG account. A good way to spread some smiles, don’t you think?

The church, founded in 1889, describes itself as a place of worship for believers coming from different Christian denominations. “The Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ which renews and strengthens its commitment to advocate justice and equality for all people in all areas of society.”

#7

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Holy Family were also Jewish, which Christians who are anti-Semitic conveniently forget

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#8

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Report

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Wij
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

war is wages for profit of a few, so it depends for whom. peace - money made too slowly for those that hold power.

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While many of us think of the United States of America as a very religious country, the fact of the matter is, faith is declining in the US. According to The Guardian, Pew Research Center has shown that within the last decade there has been a 12 percent drop in people who identify themselves as Christians.

#10

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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#11

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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#12

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Report

It’s mostly younger Americans who are moving away from the faith of their forefathers. Furthermore, in the last decade, there has been a 17 percent increase in people who say they’re atheist, agnostic, or even “nothing in particular.” Now, around a quarter of all Americans fall into this category.

#13

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Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This Australian is so grateful to be Aussie, when I read about how the usa is. I got permanently injured at work, and sooo very grateful for disability pension and medicare.

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Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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Fewer people are going to church as well. Those who attend church at least once or twice each month has fallen by 7 percent in the same time period. Attendance has fallen so much that nowadays more Americans say they attend church a few times each year than each month. Obviously, the reasons for this are very complex, but Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church seems to have the right approach to at least draw attention to religious matters.

#16

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why the downvotes of Hendra Lim's comment? The reflexion of the photographer is quite clear if you look at the sign, and it does look like a child.

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Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church Signs

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Dr.Scott
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For all the people on the left on this site, and atheists for that matter, I’m kind of surprised a separation of church and state comment got 6 down votes. 😂

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