Oregon pastor challenges people’s assumptions about religion with original messages.
Pastor Adam Ericksen, from the Clackamas United Church of Christ in Milwaukie, is on a mission to educate the public on what religion is truly about.
As Upworthy notes, the priest has been spreading the original, inclusive message of Christ through unusual quotes he puts on the church marquee sign. Sometimes the messages are quite funny, while other times they have a political tone.
Locals noticed the pastor’s creativity, and his church soon became internet famous, with residents sharing pictures of the unique signs. Talking to Bored Panda, Pastor Adam said:
“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. 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.”
Here are some of the most intriguing messages Pastor Adam has written:
Noting that people were “thirsty for something deeper,” the priest added:
“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.”
The pastor’s goal is to show everyone, especially those who are marginalized by religion, that Christianity is based on God’s love for all people.
What do you think of this pastor’s way of educating the community about religion? Let us know in the comment section!
