Wally the Wiener Fights Porn

Imagine showing up to church next sunday and finding a 30 foot high erect phallus on top of your church or in the church parking lot announcing a sermon series on Pornography. "Absurd and ridiculous", you say. "No Christian Church or Ministry would ever resort to something as shameful as a giant phallus", you say. Sadly, you'd be wrong. (Warning: Explicit Link)

According to Wally's Website:

Mike and Craig of XXXchurch dreamed up the idea of Wally one afternoon in sunny southern California. XXXchurch exists to bring awareness, openness, accountability and recovery to the church, society and individuals in the issues of pornography and to begin to provide solutions through non-judgmental and creative means. XXXchurch is here to make you think, react and to decide where you stand on the issues of porn. We're not here to sling mud, but to shove the envelope and try and do some good.

Call us old fashioned but the church doesn't need marketing gimmicks in the form of a giant inflatable phallus to fight porn. The church needs to get back to preaching God's Word and the message of Christ Crucified for Sinners.

Comments

[Josh]

Wally is certainly a strong, bold statement, but I don't have a problem with him.

First, the post is a bit misleading - Wally is not placed on the tops of churches to announce a sermon series on pornography. Follow the link in the post - Wally is an icon used to draw attention to the gratuitous sex and partial-nudity used in marketing campaigns across the country. Click around once you follow the link and you'll see that Wally was at the Super Bowl to challenge the myriad sexual advertisements and images that the year's largest television audience would be viewing. It has everything to do with reminding people (and parents particularly) to be highly aware of what they and their children are watching - the sin that continues to creep into our daily lives. This is a good thing, not a bad thing.

Further, xxxchurch is not a church at all - it's a ministry focused on combatting the porn and "sex sells" industry in America. They produce free internet monitoring software for your computer to monitor your internet activity and email it to an accountability partner. Again, this ministry is not trying to be a church in any way - it's an independent ministry that, in my opinion, does a lot of good for a lot of people.

[James]

Hey Josh,

Christians are not called to combat sin with a 30 foot penis. We are called to Preach Christ Crucified for Sinners. This is not only offensive, it is sinful. Two wrongs do not make a right.

XXXChurch, regardless of their intentions is wrong to employ Wally the Weiner.

[Alan]

XXXChurch has an interesting ministry. Sure porn and lust is a big problem in the nation and in the church. Sometimes it's hard to diguess, good for these guys for doing it, but I question there way of going about it. It's one thing to get sin open enough for people to openly repent, it's another to build a 30 foot penis.

God's loving kindness is what leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4) and heeding to the Word is what cleanses a young man psalm (119:10). Maybe they need to show more of God's loving kindness and His Word, and build less penises.

[Tim]

If we're going to fight sexual advertising with more sexual advertising, let's please have the sense to use the sex which actually advertises. Frankly, a nude porn star can do a much better job of 'reminding' parents to be highly aware of what their children are watching than a giant penis. Oh...wait. Does that clarify things?

Impurity is about as capable of promoting purity as gasoline is capable of putting out a fire.

[mtctl]

I actively used to work with these guys in there ministries as a prayer partner until I learned they where in bed with Rob Bell no pun intended and a lot of there advice on getting over Pornography is the same 12stepbilge you get fed at SA or other such groups that and it was way too much about self-promotion that and when they would go to Adult Entertainment Expo or what have you there was no real Gospel message just hand out bibles and getting people to sign week long abstinence pledges. SO the whole XXX Church thing I feel is a bust. you would be better off getting help from your Pastor, The Bible and Prayer then giving time or money to these modern day Elmer Gantrys

[Josh]

I see where you are all coming from, but I still think the context of what xxxchurch is doing is being missed. The huge penis (or nude porn star, Tim) is racy. It's controversial. It's there to get the attention of people who are only aroused by our 24/7 sex culture. This is not a billboard on a church. The phallus is not preaching this week. Porn is a huge issue and area of addiction among all people (Christian and not) and it only stays powerful when it's not discussed. Wally starts a conversation. I don't know this organization enough to know what that conversation entails, so I'm not going to vouch for them. But I do think that it's always a good thing to confront the prevailing, sinful culture that we live in and question it in the open.

[Truman]

I've used xxxchurch's accountablity program on my PC; it was OK. If you're looking to really break free from porn or other sexual sin, or helping other men do the same, then this Wally isn't the way. A one-on-one approach or small group approach is much better, especially if you're using a resourch like Joe Dallas' book, "The Game Plan."

[Shannon]

What the Hell? (literally)

Okay, I thought SURELY this was a mistake somehow, then I looked at the link.

I can't even believe this.

You don't fight porn with more, bigger porn.

You don't put gigantic wangs up in the name of Jesus, saying you're taking a stand against porn.

This is insane.

I am just stunned.

And the fact that this is being defended, JOSH, is asinine.

People having public sex would "get attention" too.

Public murder would "get attention" too.

Living your life with your penis in your pants until you're married would also get attention, as would keeping your panties up... Far better than some insane, pornographic, idiotic, juvenile stunt like this.

If you think for a nanosecond that Jesus condones this, you are out of your everloving mind.

Wally starts a conversation alright...

I say we arm ourselves with icepicks, and deflate every Wally we see.

What itchy, itchy ears you have Josh.

You, and everyone else who thinks this is "okay".

It would behoove you to listen to this (if the owner of this site would be gracious enough to allow):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=S0ftrqEvD3U

Days of Noah have -NOTHING- on today's "christianity".

Have you READ Matthew, Mark, Luke, and/or John?

What Jesus do you know - the one you've heard other people talk about, or have you bothered to find out about Him for yourself?

Time is short man. Figure it out.

[Josh]

Shannon,

I hear everything you're saying. And I've been mulling the other comments as well. You and others make strong points that need to be considered...and I am. But why are you tearing me apart? It makes no sense. I'm just having a conversation. I was just stating that I can see some potential value in this - that I can see where xxxchurch is coming from. That's all. I'm trying to look at all sides, and I recognize that we live in an over-sexed society. To compare this to condoning murder as an attention grabber is silly...there's a difference.

Does that make Wally okay? Maybe not. But I have read the gospels, even though you imply otherwise, and I see Christ engaging the culture around him. That's part of the perspective I've expressed...and I will agree that xxxchurch might go too far. That's your point and the point of others on this blog. I hear you.

I do know Jesus, even though you imply otherwise, and I trust you know him as well. But you don't know me. And you're judging me based on a few sentences I wrote on a blog. To what end? You made some valid points, but you could have done it without being so vitriolic. I maintain the premise that led me to post on this topic in the first place - it's a good thing to confront the sinful culture of the day in radical ways.

[James]

Josh,

You can't fight porn with porn. That is not what Christ has called his church to do.

Jesus has given us his Word and has promised that he will convert people through the preaching of the Gospel not by slick marketing and sexual gimicks.

We don't combat prostitution by having happily married Christian couples having sex in front of a brothel. I'm sure that would be 'confrontational' but its wrong and Wally is wrong and sinful and doesn't glorify Christ in the slightest.

[Glen]

Great cause--definitely! Sincere motives--most likely! Questionable tactic---argueably!!

I agree with James. I think it is a question of HOW not IF. Confrontational is good---Jesus was confrontational, but we are to convert people through the preaching of the Gospel rather than marketing and gimmicks---especially when those gimmicks get a bit "tacky."

Doesn't the scripture say, "not even a hint of sexual immorality"??

[Evan]

Hey Wally is rad. Wally isn't porn. Wally represents the penis untainted with lust and immorality. A penis is not bad. just like a nose or elbow is not bad, if used the way the Maker intended. This penis is created to jumpstart us out of our superbowl mindset that it's ok to let garbage get into our heads through the media.

"Garbage in, garbage out." --- to many of us let ourselves be taken away in seconds to fantasy land because we knowingly turn on the tv, or walk through the magazine isle at the store... And our choices affect our kid's lives. our siblings' lives, our spouses and our own lives too.

hooray for someone being willing to speak up about our need for pure advertising and Godly views of sex.

[Tim]

Josh,

There are clearly many different ways of "engaging the culture," so just because something represents an "engagement of the culture" doesn't make it good. (I am sure you agree.)

Indeed, consider that Christ managed to "engage the culture" without resorting to sin. In fact, he managed to do so using ONLY the the Word of God. We might even go so far as to say that Jesus was actually *focused* on proclaiming the Word, and that "engaging the culture" was merely incidental.

[James]

What was I thinking? Yeah Evan is right...the penis is JUST a body part like a nose or an elbow.

I think that every single church in America needs to get their own Wally and proudly display it from the roof tops of their churches. But, since Wally only represents male body parts and we don't want to discriminate against the females in our congregations, we need to make a 40 foot high vagina as a mate for Wally. After all, the vagina is JUST a body part like an ear or a knee. I think we should name our vagina Regina.

If every church in America were to proudly display their Wallies and the Reginas to the whole world, then we'd be able to stop pornography dead in its tracks and the problem would just go away.

In fact, we don't even need Jesus anymore, we just need churches to take a bold stand with their Wallies and Reginas.

[Nancy Little]

This is just terrible! I could not bring my kids to a church that had Wally in the parking lot. This is just crazy! Who in their right mind would think that Jesus would condone this? Were these boys smoking crack when they looked at their WWJD bracelets and said, "Jesus would have made a 30 foot high penis if He were here so we should do it too."

This makes me so mad I can't even see straight!

[Lygia Bradnick]

The fact is that body parts are not in itself sinful, they were made by God to be used in the right way. To combat the wrong in everything we use the WORD of God, not replicas of body parts since minds have been twisted about the beauty of body parts and replicas offend people. If we are offending families, children, etc, we are not to do think this is a right thing to do. We have to think and think again before we accept things like that as a rightful way to combat evil. To have such a symbol in front of a church building or whatever would invite scoffers, cause offense and shame the Gospel.

[Chris Rosebrough]

Evan,

If a 30 foot penis is not porn and it is "just a body part like a nose or an elbow" then why are we even complaining about pornography at all? Isn't pornography nothing more than a bunch of pictures of God given "body parts" like noses and elbows?

If we were to adopt your way of thinking we'd have to conclude that Christians are just over reacting to Pornography and that pornography isn't really a problem. After all, porn is nothing more than pictures of harmless body parts. Right?

[carol Y]

"xxxchurch is here to make you think, react and to decide where you stand on the issues of porn."
Gee, now where do I stand on porn? I just can't make a decision. I need a big thingy to help me think about it.
Five-year-old little girl: "Mommy, what's that?" "Well honey it's a....... and it's there to help us think about where we stand on porn." "What's porn, Mommy, and why does that thing help us?"
Can you see that scenario? It certainly brings awareness.
Mike and Craig can make it into a "Wallymobile" and drive it from church to church like the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile. This is the worst thing I've EVER seen. Expect Wally to turn up at all the mega churches because as we all know, they are always on the cutting edge. Um..speaking of..... they can even do a children's lesson on circumcision!

[Kathy Beck]

Evan - maybe we should remove the crosses from our churches and replace them with Wally. We can even change the lyrics to the hymn Lift High the Cross and rename it Lift High the Wally. We should then have the children in our youth groups dance around Wally. They could use ribbons like one of those May Pole dances in Germany. Then we could give away Wally plush toys to all the grade school children and pre-schoolers.

How does that sound?

[Shannon]

Josh,

Vitriolic: virulence of feeling or of speech
Virulence: extreme bitterness or malignity of temper

Uh... guilty, and thanks for the dictionary run.

I apologize if I hurt your feelings. That was not my intent.
My intent is to make you, and everyone in agreement with your opinion, question your salvation.

I don't apologize for what I said, however, and it was not directed at you only, but to anyone and everyone who thinks that this Wally thing is remotely "okay".

People claiming to be Christian are going around, no different from anyone else in society, going with the flow, being "culturally relevant", "engaging the culture", and even accepting such an atrocity as Wally. It is ridiculous, it pisses me off to NO end, and I can't stand it. I want to shake all of you, slap you, and scream in your face "WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Jesus warned about the "love of many" growing cold.

He also said that being lukewarm is unacceptable, and he will 'spit you out' (Revelation 3:16)

I think a 30 foot penis is lukewarm, at best.

I think whoever thought of it was most assuredly NOT inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so.

I think whoever thinks this 30 foot penis is "okay", or a good "witnessing tool", or a way to "reach" the poor pornography-stricken people of our society, is under satanic influence, and in danger of either being a false convert, or losing their salvation.

Can you picture Jesus standing around, laughing & joking with the "ministry" members, waiting for Wally to inflate?

I sure as blazes can't.

This isn't okay.

Do you hear me?

It is - N O T - alright.

What does a 30 foot penis make you think of?

NOT having sex?

NOT your penis?

NOT the porn you were looking at last night? (or last week, or ten years ago)

NOT what you want to do with your penis?

What a beautiful act God designed its use for? Yeah, the goofy smiley face on the giant penis makes me think of just that.

It's making a freaking mockery of something GOD created, and the intended USE of the thing He made.

I don't have a penis, but seeing a 30 footer is probably going to make me think about a real one, and what one usually does with it.

We are supposed to guard our hearts.

Proverbs 4

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not go on it; turn from it and pass on.

23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.

27 Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.

You sound like satan... I mean Rob Bell... when you talk about "engaging the culture".

Jesus on us & the "culture"
"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." Luke 6:11

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."Matthew 5:10

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets." Luke 6:26

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10

"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." John 15:20

Like Tim said up there:

"Impurity is about as capable of promoting purity as gasoline is capable of putting out a fire."

THAT sounds like something Jesus would say.

THAT is something I can picture Him doing/saying.

THAT makes sense.

I'm sure Jesus wouldn't use the word "wang", like I did. Or "pissed off".

I am -not- a perfect Christian, or even a good one most days. I fear for my salvation on a daily basis. I don't love everybody like I'm suppose to, but by God, I CARE whether or not you go to Hell.

Too many people are wrapped up in "eternal security".

Jesus said there's going to be a whole slew of people standing around in shock that they aren't getting into Heaven (Matthew 25:31-46) They BELIEVE they are saved. They BELIEVE they are going to Heaven, but Jesus makes it VERY clear that it's not just a question of believing. Not that our works can save us, I'm not saying that.

We must be careful.

We must be more strict in what we are accepting of.

We have slid (have slidden, slud?) halfway down the dang slippery slope, and are reaching terminal velocity.

There isn't very much further before we hit Hell.

I'm just saying - put on some cleats, dig in your spikes, and be careful.

All of us.

[Jude]

It is one thing to make awareness of a sin, but it is an entirely different matter if you make an awareness of the sin but do not preach the gospel. All you have done is point fingers at someone, tell them they are sinning but you forgot to tell them why they are sinning or even worst, because of the graphic nature of the well...30 foot advertisement, you could actually make someone-especially someone in the faith-lust in their heart, then you have actually help someone to stumble...
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42
There are not even any scriptures on this advertisement, and having a church thats called xxxchurch doesn't make it someplace inviting for me to come, especially if I were involved in the sexual sins and wanting to get out.

Sometimes people forget that the bible is the most effective way in leading people to Christ. The first steps into salvation is faith So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:17. Let's not forget to preach Christ, instead of a gimmick.

[Gabriel]

Ephesians 5:1-51Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
”Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

Quote:
James 3:9-12“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Now, perhaps I’m wrong, but I’ve always been under the mentality that anything I say should be able to help GLORIFY the Lord and that it should also serve as a way of bringing people closer to the Lord……and if my language is not doing that, then whatever I say is of no consequence.

Even in light of what many may say regarding the actions of XXX Church and how it’s important for churches to use the same buzz words/labels the world does and that it’s appropiate for the Christian in order to “relate” to those around us, I’m constantly reminded of what the Word says regarding the distinction that is to be made between those living for the Lord and others who are not and how we’re not to be COMPLETELY THE SAME IN OUR LANGUAGE/WAYS, especially in the case of language where certain words may have certain connonations regardless of the culture or the context:

Quote:
1 Peter 1:16-1816for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]17Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,

Quote:
1 Peter 2:7-127Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone,[a]”[b] 8and,
“A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”[c] They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

And even though I may seem a bit extreme, I rather lean on the side of being overtly-cautious than being seemingly too lax and causing someone to sin, love worldliness moreso than holiness, and having that person fall into something against Scripture:

Quote:
Mark 9:41-43 41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
Causing to Sin 42″And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.[a]

Quote:
Matthew 18:5-9 5″And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.7″Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

There are many ministries which, IMHO, have done a MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE/BETTER JOB at helping those struggling with Pornagraphy become set free than those involved with XXX Church (which has done much COMPROMISE/BLENDING THE LINES in the PROCESS of trying to help those they’re aiming for).

Examples of these would be ministries such as tthese:

http://www.purelifeministries.org/

http://emissary7.wordpress.com/2007/12/25/church-people-on-broadway-celebrity-christianity-verses-real-christianity-by-steve-gallagher/

Also, consider Joshua Harris’s book “SEX ISN’T THE PROBLEM (LUST IS)”:

http://64.13.216.130/sex_is_not_the_problem_lust_is.php

Also, consider a ministry from “FOCUS ON THE FAMILY” entitled “PURE INTIMACY:

http://www.pureintimacy.org/

All of the following ministries have done SUBSTANTIAL HELP in aiding those dealing with perversion without having to go the route of BLENDING IN LIKE THE WORLD IN ORDER TO APPEAL TO THE WORLD (i.e. in XXX Church’s own words, “We’re the number one CHRISTIAN PORN website”, etc)

[merry]

"Days of Noah have -NOTHING- on today's "christianity"."

Shannon, don't be too sure! The evils of men are almost limitless. Ancient artifacts dating around the time of the flood and after of horrible, horrible pornography. There is nothing new under the sun.

I agree, though, that there are many parallels between today's era and the days of Noah. We have entered a postmodern era of reckless moral abandonment-- which historically has been the decline and fall of all great civilizations. Jesus said the world would be like the days of Noah when He returns-- this may very well be our last chance. Let's make the most of it!

[Mrs. Pilgrim]

You know, the use of a giant--um--implement of husbandry might be a good thing.

What we also need is for buxom women in this ministry to go about with their blouses cut so low as to draw people's attention to their ample cleavage. Then you can have them tattoo on their "assets" the following: "Why are you looking here? xxxchurch.com" or whatever.

(YES, I'm being sarcastic!)

[Shma]

Exposing your private parts has been a no no since the fall!!
First thing Adam & Eve did was cover themselves!

Noah's son's backed in to cover his because he was naked. Hamm was cursed for looking at his father's nakedness.

In most pagan cultures the men always cover their private parts!

Yes porn is a huge problem but we don't help them w/this kind of display no matter where it's located.

There were giant stautes of the phallus which in pagan cultures was worshiped. That should say no to this kind of display right now.

Wrong is wrong & this is just plain wrong!

[Gabriel]

By the way, if anyone has not caught it yet, remember the things that God used to condemn his people HEAVILY for not removing in the Books of I-II Kings & Chronicles entiled "ASHERAH POLES"? Those, in my study/understanding, were symbols of a male's PRIVATES....REPRESENTING power/fertility (as ASHERAH was the CONSORT of BAAL), and there was much sexual worship.prostitution going on around it.

Another name for it would be an obselik (or the very thing which is in our own backyard at Washington, D.C, which looks like a very long tower).

Now, that being the case, is it not ironic that people are trying to use the same symbol to RALLY people for a cause?

[Carol A.]

Using that giant phallus is an abomination in and of itself. IT's pornography with a Christian name slapped on it. This is the problem with too many so called "Christian" leaders, and I use that term loosely, because if they were of God they would not be making a mockery of God's creation in such a disgusting and offensive way! This is clearly an abomination and to justify it by saying it's a way to reach pornographic people is just ludicrous.

Anyone who condones this type of behavior for any church or church ministry is clearly blinded by the the devil to think this is acceptable in the eyes of a holy and pure God!

Call me old fashioned, call me what you wish, but to say this is acceptable is WRONG!

God cannot bless a ministry that uses pornographic images to "win souls for Christ". This is the worst thing I've ever seen.

If God does not judge the United States, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah and the days of Noah!

This is appalling!

[JfTheophilus from GodsKingdomNow.com]

Well here it goes for those interested:

JOSH- I hear what you are saying... after reading the link's content, it almost makes sense.

The reason they chose a "phallus" is b/c it's highly sexual but not as desirable as 'womanly-parts.' Someone said a stripper would get more attention, but it wouldn't be as noticeable. A giant 'phallus' is odd & disgusting enough to make you go "maybe they are right" whereas a stripper would be "white-noise" of sorts.

Don't think I'm praising this... I don't think it's the way to go about it. I think this could be a stumbling-block for some women & those struggling with homosexual temptations.

FUNNY HOW the asherah poles mentioned in the OT were giant erect "phallus'" used for worship. They had their own "Wally's" back then (though those were made of wood/stone).

[Shannon]

An addition to Gabriel's list:

www.EstherMinistries.org

[Shannon]

God came up with the idea of male genitalia, and I take great offense at it being called "odd and disgusting". (not meant as a personal attack against the person who stated it)

God invented sex too - prior to the introduction of sin and the fall.

There's nothing wrong with either of them, when they are implemented the way they were meant to be - in marriage.
And I guess it's now necessary to add, marriage between a man and a woman.

Satan is stupid, and can come up with nothing original, so he hijacks everything he can of God's.
Sex being (probably) his number one agenda.

Granted, male genitalia is unusual looking (perhaps just to women), but I am certainly very thankful God made my husband with some ;o)

[Al]

If Wally is okay, then they should proceed to the other half of the equation:

Vivian the Vulva!

[Reformation Nation]

This whole thing unbelievable. The only thing more appalling than this abhorrent display of perversity is the excuses used to defend this garbage.

I currently have one of XXXChurch's members debating me on my blog (at this link: http://reformationnation.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/pragmatism-taken-to-its-logical-conclusion/) on the merits of the 30-foot inflatable penis.

The times of apostasy are upon us.

- The Pilgrim

[Karen B]

After daring to look at their website, I think that their intentions sound good, but they are sadly mistaken in how they are going about getting their message across. I'm glad for once that I live over here in the UK although I miss home, because I know my kids won't see this type of thing over here.

There have been some thoughtful comments on this post and direct rebukes are sometimes appropriate but vitriol is a good description of some of them.

[merry]

This conversation is getting embarassing.

[Shannon]

I would rather all of you think me "vitriol"

- or worse -

and perhaps at some point you wake up from your stupor because of my "vitriol...ocity?" and realize the dangerous position you are in, and maybe keep your behind from possibly going to Hell than to stand before God on Judgement day, and have to tell Him I cared more about not getting my feelings hurt by being called names than to speak out against something so atrocious that is being so lightly.

Interesting that you want to call people who are actually angry about this names, but you seem to have "understanding" for the people putting out this vile garbage, and don't question their intentions.

I wonder where that comes from, Karen.

The only thing I find embarrassing about these xxxchurch comments are the people claiming the name of Christ, and thinking anything about these "methods" is alright.

This is utter insanity.

[Sandow]

Shannon - I appreciate your zeal...but if you think God loves you more, or will accept you into Heaven over someone else, because of your righteousness or holiness, then I think you'll be disappointed. You'll be in heaven "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead." That's the standard. Certainly many of us sin - you could argue that, as guilty as the xxxchurch folks are of sinning, there are folks on this blog (based on their comments) who are guilty as well. "There is no one righteous..."

[Mrs. Pilgrim]

Shannon, let me put it to you this way:

(1) Most of the folks here agree with the proposition that this method of "evangelism" is wrong, unbiblical, and even perhaps sinful.
(2) Those who do not are not likely to do so without solid reason and a bit of revelation. Screaming at someone accomplishes neither. Calling names certainly won't get them to listen to you.

And

(3) I would be hesitant to make accusations about others for which you have no substantiation, if I were you. God knows hearts; you don't. Someone refusing to speculate about the intentions of another does not mean that they are engaging in sin.

These are mistakes I've made before, and I've paid for them. I hope you don't meet with similar embarrassment, so that's why I bring it up.

[SHANE IDLEMAN]

As W. Graham Scroggie said, “Light and darkness, right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error are incompatibles . . . when they compromise it is the light, the right, the good, and the truth that are damaged.”

The biggest danger to the evangelical Church is not false religion or atheism, but compromise; it has always been a tool of the enemy. When compromise occurs, we can have church growth but no depth; numbers, but no character; enormous buildings, but small hearts. We “play” Christian, but have the tendency to compromise everything that Christ stood for. We have riches, wealth, and prosperity, but neglect the weightier matters—love, mercy, and forgiveness. When compromise reigns, we can easily become insensitive, indifferent, ineffective, unforgiving, unloving, unmoved, and self-righteous. “Where does Christianity destroy itself in a given generation? It destroys itself by not living in the light, by professing a truth it does not obey” (Tozer). (See Revelation 2:1-29 & 3:1-22.)Wally the Wiener is compromising the message--plain and simple. That's the truth in love.
SHANE

[Mrs. Pilgrim]

These are timely words for all of us to consider, Shane. Thank you.

[Jamie]

i thought this was a joke when i first saw it...

how sad.

[Predton]

Isn't there something in the bible that says "Do no evil so that good may come of it"?

The whole issue here is right doctrine. Most churches have a Calvinistic twisted doctrine that tells "Christians" that they are nothing more than depraved animals and that they can do no good before God. In other words they "sinning in word thought and deed everyday and yet they are "justified" before God.

But put a 30 foot tall phallic symbol in front of their churches and they will scream at the top of their lungs that this type of thing is wrong. My point here is your conflicted in your mind and heart. Your heart tells you this type of thing is wrong, but your mind (theology) is another. I would almost be willing to guess that almost everyone on this post believes in total depravity in someway or another - but yet most live inconsistent with your theology as your hearts and your sense of reason tells you another. Just look at how many people on this post admit this type of behavior is wrong. But wait if we are just depraved creatures we shouldn't even be able to tell if this type of activity is "right or wrong" to begin with!

We will see this type of silliness stop when men get the truth of God in their hearts and truly repent and have faith in Christ Jesus!

[paula]

Josh said:Wally is an icon used to draw attention to the gratuitous sex and partial-nudity used in marketing campaigns across the country.

Ooooh the irony...

This whole thing trivializes the horrific act that is adultery, both spiritual and physical. I cannot believe you who stick up for XXX church cannot see that. But then again, nothing should surprise me these days. The church is full of carnal Christians who think the key to overcoming sin is to 'talk about it' and have 'counseling sessions' and get 'in touch with your inner child.'

The key is to be broken by your sin and repent, and realize how utterly grotesque our sinfulness makes us to God, and to stop trampling the precious sacrifice of Christ under our feet for the sake of satisfying our lusts.

[jmac]

Only in California....No offense to anyone living there, it was more of a strike against the government leaders there.

As far as I know I don't think I ever read in the bible about Jesus or His disciples dragging around a big penis like thing telling people not to have sex (pre-marital and immorally that is).

I mean, the bible says that Christians are to take up the cross, meaning we are not going to be liked by the world and people like that are trying to be liked by the world in order to witness to them, and that doesn't work.

Someone needs to take a poll in the areas where that thing went and see how many people thought immoral thoughts when they saw that thing.

[WiitardHero]

Yeah. This is absolutely nuts. This whole discussion os a waste of time. The stupid stautue and the people that made it are completely perverted. This whole idea seems like something off that sick and perverted show, "Jack(donkey)" Its like some kind of public "gag" or something. This is definitely not something God in His Word honors. Even some of you are getting abit out of hand. Shannon, and some of the others here. I respect and agree with some of your comments, but you got to watch your language and attitudes. Would you discuss like this in a church or with your family? Because these are real people here, and even some of the things you are saying is offensive. Saying offensive things doesnt help the offensiveness of this stupid and sad story. Yes, we know sex is designed by God as a picture to show the kind of intimacy God wants with His church that is married to Him. a spiritual intimacy that exceeds anything. He gave us the physical to enjoy and share with our husband or wife as simply a taste of the joy and pleasure forevermore that is in His presence, when we one day will meet Him and be with Him forever. I believe Jesus has the best porn campaign when he uttered these words "you have heard it said by them of old, you shall not commit adultery, but I say unto you, whosoever looks with lust, has committed adultery with that person in their heart". If we would just see that we have broken God's laws, not only in letter, but in Spirit, we would see we are guilty and need salvation. And not a salvation that we doubt daily. A salvation where we trust Christ that He is suficient to save when we repent and trust Him alone. If we were to jump out of a plane and doubt all the hwile that the parachute was faulty, it would be an insult to the designer of it. But when when we doubt the Lord of our salvation who gave His life a ransom for many to pay for our sins, it shows we dont trust Him and that he is a liar. I know from personal expierience, when God saved me, I no longer want to look at thoe filthy pictures anymore of those disgusting pictures. When one truly sees their sin, and sees their Savior bleeding and dyiing in pain on that cross for their sin, how can they do anything but despise that thing that God so hated, and yet was so kind to take on Himself bore our sins so we could go free while he took the punishment for them. We mustnt join these porn perverts and do their perversion, only is greater sizes. We must simply proclaim the true gospel of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ who dies and rose again to defeat this sin and save us from the Hell we justly deserve for sinning against God and His law.

[WiitardHero]

In response to shannon. yes genitalia is unusual looking whether male or female and it is a shame to uncover those parts to the world let alone display statues of the very things that adam and eve covered in shame for their sin. those parts have their purpose in intimacy with each other and any other display is a shame and a perversion and in this case a reproach upon the name of Christ. now some of YOU people get your minds out of the gutter and stop talking about your spouses privy parts. you dont see how disrespectful and shameful it is. read the first few verses of ephesians 5 and see that these things are not to joked about or referred to lightly. God bless you all and lets pray for this perversion to stop and these people get saved.

[IRQ Conflict]

1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

[Shannon]

WiitardHero,

Yes, as a matter of fact, have discussed this with family, would in church, but mostly I've spoken to God about it, just as I have here. Worse, actually. Particularly in having to ask forgiveness for my reactions and feelings toward the people who have jumped down my throat.

To give your delicate, holier-than-I eyes and ears more consideration in regards to my "language", would be to elevate you higher than He is, which I won't do.

There is nothing unusual about genitals. If you have a problem with them, tell it to the One Who - DESIGNED - them, BEFORE sin, BEFORE the fall. Sex too. He saw that they were good, said they were good, and they were and are good. Not that I usually go around talking about my husband's bathing suit area, or that I necessarily should have.

I wish to God I'd never typed a keystroke, and do so apologize for my unholy cooties having so contaminated your ultra pure minds and hearts.

And, THIS IS LOUD, SLOW, AND ANNUNCIATED, not screaming.

[Brian Culver]

and to think, the latest on this is that porn star Ron Jeremy has hooked up with them in one of their video's. He is talking to little kids and telling them that pornography is not for little kids, it is for adults!

Nothing like having a lost sinner telling people that pornography is okay and should only be seen by adults. Doesn't sound like the message for helping people break addictions!

[craig]

wow! current blogger you are. that pic is from 2004.

[Eric]

I am sick of christians arguing with one another over meaningless drivel that they saw on tv, the news, the internet or wherever. How come every time christian has a slightly different view of things from another christian we act like children and constantly bicker and fight with each other over who is right? Are we not being as biased as what we are fighting over? One of the best things i can remember being taught in Sunday school is that God loves everyone no matter their flaws. I gave up being called a Lutheran for the very reason I stated. Every other sect of christianity is wrong and only ours is right. I have a very novel idea that many of you will call me a radical for; Please stop fighting and love each other as God loves us. It may be hard for us to do but i am getting more and more iritated by it and less and less likely to ever bring my children to a physical church because of the animosity towards other sects of the SAME religion. Jesus showed us the path, can't we at least try to walk it?