Last year, when we put up the billboards “To all of our atheist friends: Thank God You’re Wrong,” we knew it would create controversy. As expected we had criticism from both Christians and non-Christians—but we also had overwhelming support. This billboard effort was a great success for getting the attention of the media and those who oppose Christianity. These billboards weren’t meant to be “teaching” billboards (you can use only a few words in the space given), but boards that would catch the eye of countless people and let them know that we as Christians are not ashamed of our faith, and that we intend on making a public stand in our culture for the Lord.
This week, we released new billboards in response to the massive propaganda campaign from the secularists who have been intent on spreading as much false information as they can against our Ark Encounter project—all with a view to try to stop or undermine the project in some way. The new billboards state, “To all our intolerant liberal friends: Thank God You Can’t Sink This Ship.” Just like our previous billboard campaigns, this has received overwhelming support—but also criticism (as expected) from Christians and non-Christians. Within hours of our new Ark billboards going up, the secular and Christian media were buzzing about them.
Indeed, we believe it is important for Christians to take a bold stand in this culture. Since these were not intended to be teaching billboards, they had another purpose. The boards proclaim nothing more than what I say often in my talks—that those claiming tolerance in our culture are some of the most intolerant people around! And their intolerance is really directed mainly at Christianity.
Sadly, we live in a time when many in the church have been conditioned to believe that Christians should be passive and not say anything negative. They seem to succumb to political correctness and don’t want to rock the boat.
The secularists, because of their victories in the culture, have become more daring, going after anything that has some sort of Christian message.
Even some well-meaning Christians have asked me why we are using tax dollars to build the Ark—when no such thing is happening! They have swallowed the lies of the secularists.
Recently a group of atheists wrote to the IRS to claim AiG was acting illegally and needed to be investigated. They either know what they are claiming is not true, or they just never checked out the true situation in regard to how AiG has been set up.
At AiG we have never been hesitant about being bold in the culture. I get inspired by people like Elijah and what he did with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. Actually, I’m sure he received criticism for the way he treated those pagan prophets. I’m sure some of those criticizing our billboards would have also been critical of Elijah! But he was prepared to take a stand!
I challenge more people (including Christian leaders) to stand with us as we boldly and unashamedly call the enemies of God to account.
I pray God’s people will take these words to heart: “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him’” (1 Kings 18:21).
Let’s show the world in a public, bold, and unashamed way that we follow our King—the King of Creation!
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.