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December 1st, 2010
09:22 PM ET
Conservative Christians blast Apple decision to discontinue appBy Dan Gilgoff, CNN A coalition of conservative Christian leaders blasted Apple on Wednesday for discontinuing an app the group had created because the technology giant said the app was offensive. The Christian leaders had created the app to promote a document that urges opposition to abortion and gay marriage and support for religious liberty, among other positions. An Apple spokeswoman confirmed the company had removed the app, which was called the Manhattan Declaration after the document it was meant to promote, from Apple's online iTunes and iPhone stores. "It violates our developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris, who said the app was removed last week. The Manhattan Declaration app allowed users to sign and share the the declaration and included a four-question quiz that featured questions like "Do you support same-sex relationships?" and "Do you support the right of choice regarding abortion?" The app computes a score for the quiz depending on how many "correct" answers a user gave. Kerris said that Apple had heard from "large groups of people" about the app but declined to answer questions about who complained about the app and about which part or parts were deemed offensive, saying "I'd rather not got into further detail." Prominent gay bloggers had criticized the app, focusing on the quiz. Chuck Colson, a former aide to President Richard Nixon turned evangelical leader, said Wednesday that he was disappointed in the decision and because Apple had declined to respond to his requests for an explanation. "If you have a public communications company, you have a responsibility to see that certain views are not suppressed," he said. "This is a dangerous thing to do in a free society." Colson helped draft the Manhattan Declaration last year, which promoters say has garnered more than 478,000 signatures. A spokeswoman for the declaration said Wednesday that Apple had approved and posted its app in October and that it had received a 4 plus rating for "no objectionable content." "...Numerous attempts to have a dialogue via phone have been ignored," the spokeswoman, Michelle Farmer, said of the leaders' attempts to reach out to Apple. "Now leaders with the Manhattan Declaration are asking its supporters to get involved and pressure Jobs and Apple to reinstate the Christian app." Colson and two other declaration drafters sent a letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs on Monday asking that the app be reinstated. In an interview, Colson said that if the quiz was considered offensive, he would have it removed. Asked whether Apple had any plans to reinstate the app, Kerris said Wednesday that she had "no further comment."
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Its too easy to be a hypocrite like these "christians". Im racist against racists thus making me a racist? Nothing makes sense. Decent minded women text? Rehoboth Bch,DE
Shawn you are very far from having the ability or the credibility to make a point. However, you are on the right path.
The word 'racist' has a well defined meaning, and has nothing to do with disliking a person's views.
I feel as though Christians have really lost their way and forgot what it means to be Christian. Being Christian is about spreading the word of the Lord. It's not about spreading hate, blowing up hospitals and clinics, using your power in the church to molest children or become rich. Christians are supposed to "Love thy neighbor" and not sit around thinking about ways they can destroy their neighbors.
Bruce, you like so many other "Christians" have taken Christianity out of context. And the Love Thy Neighbor bit is an example. If you choose to use/reference the Bible, give us the context within which the passage is found. In other words, what was said above and below and what do Biblical scholars have to say about the passage. You, again, like so many others, are destroying The Faith.
Daniel, "Love thy neighbor" or the equivalent is found in multiple places in the Bible. Also, this isn't just found in Bibles, but also other religions.
Here is some background on where the "Golden Rule" comes from.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Rule
Shocked, even as the reference you quoted states only in the Bible do we find the positive form of the "Golden rule"
"Jesus' teaching, however, goes beyond the negative formulation of not doing what one would not like done to themselves, to the positive formulation of actively doing good to another that, if the situations were reversed, one would desire that the other would do for them. This formulation, as indicated in the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasises the needs for positive action that brings benefit to another, not simply restraining oneself from negative activities that hurt another."
Source: Wikipedia
Note the dates:
An early example of the Golden Rule that reflects the Ancient Egyptian concept of Maat appears in the story of The Eloquent Peasant which is dated to the Middle Kingdom (c. 2040–1650 BCE): "Now this is the command: Do to the doer to cause that he do." An example from a Late Period (c. 664 BC – 323 BCE) papyrus: "That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another."
The Golden Rule in its prohibitive form was a common principle in ancient Greek philosophy. Examples of the general concept include:
"Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him." – Pittacus (c. 640–568 BCE)
"Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing." – Thales
"What you do not want to happen to you, do not do it yourself either. " – $extus the Pythagorean.
"One should never do wrong in return, nor mistreat any man, no matter how one has been mistreated by him." – Plato's Socrates (Crito, 49c) (c. 469 BC–399 BCE)
At the time of Hillel, an elder contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth, the negative form of the golden rule already must have been proverbial, because of the accordances with Tobit 4:15. When asked to sum up the entire Torah concisely, he answered:
"That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn."
—Talmud, Shabbat 31a
"Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind your own dislikes."
—Sirach 31:15
Hillel said: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow: this is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn" (Shab. 31a). Hillel recognized brotherly love as the fundamental principle of Jewish moral law. (Lev. xix. 18).
Hillel was preaching the brotherly love philosophy before Jesus. And Hillel was not the Messiah or the Son of God.
Writers in the old west, took gunfighters and made them legends. They wrote about deeds, that never happened. They enhanced deeds that were done.
The gospel authors did the same with Jesus.
Cheers!
Dave hope that wasn't directed towards my post as it only further proves the point
The ones you sighted are the negative form, do not do, avoid, don't
Where Jesus is DO... actively do treat others take part.
@Mike, not me
Spin it how you like, but it shows the golden rule, that every Christian attributes to Jesus, was not original.
The gospel writers may well have "put the words in Jesus's mouth".
Hillel said: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow: this is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn" (Shab. 31a). Hillel recognized brotherly love as the fundamental principle of Jewish moral law. (Lev. xix. 18).
Seriously dude, Jesus as the Messiah and/or Son of God is extremely unlikely.
You seem intelligent. How can you believe this Bronze Age mythology?
Give me the word dude and I will bring a bottle of Jack and by morning we will have the silly right out of you!
Cheers!
Spin the word spin all you want, it the original statement still holds as fact.
Even you, not knowing it probably, quoting and proving Romans 1:21
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
.
@Mike, not me
Now you disappointed me. You want to argue from the position, that the existence of god has already been established. Most Evangelicals do this. It's because their holy book and that feeling in their heart is the only evidence they have. LOL
When you are talking about religion with your other silly putty brained Christians, this probably works. But I am a freethinker. If you are going to use scripture as your argument, you must first prove there is a god, and then that the bible is that god's word.
The golden rule was not original with Christ. I don't have to spin anything. It is a fact. Now I know what you will do, you will cover your ears and bleat until the bad thought goes away. That's okay.
But listen! Good liquor and clear thinking can set you free!
I'm pullin' for you dude! Dump the silly!
Cheers!
Dave, I hope I never close my ears.
"If you are going to use scripture as your argument, you must first prove there is a god, and then that the bible is that god's word."
Yeah that is the paradox when arguing anything as the highest authority. You can not point to something esle to prove it as the highest authority because that thing itself would be the authority.
Argue that rationalism is real without appealing to rational though. Sensationalism without a sense or feeling, empirical without appealing to a experience?
TOLERANCE
The thing most Christians don't understand is God teaches we should love everyone and hate the sin. HE also teaches that he who is without sin cast the first stone. We ALL sin, we should NOT hate someone because of their sin. We should not promote what God says is wrong, and we as Christians should not allow others to suppress OUR rights either. Right is right and wrong is wrong, stand for it, live by example, and love by example. God does the judging!
@Jennifer
Sounds good in theory, but it fails in practice. Mostly, because god doesn't exist.
The Evangelicals believe they can do a better job than god. They want a theocracy, with Jesus as Head of State. At least that is what they are telling the country. The Evangelicals know, that Jesus isn't going to run the country. The Evangelicals know that they will, claiming it is the will of the long dead Jesus.
The Christian Right is dangerous. They will destroy our country.
Cheers!
So David ... since God does not exist ... those ideas are worthless? They will destroy your .... love one another is a dangerous thing? Love your neighbor as yourself is a dangerous thing? Don't kill is a dangerous thing? PLEASE. Again you are guilty of what you accuse others of. I think I am done trying to engage you in conversation that is meaningful. You simply don't want to go there. For that I am sorry!
@Bill In STL
You said: "So David ... since God does not exist ... those ideas are worthless? They will destroy your .... love one another is a dangerous thing? Love your neighbor as yourself is a dangerous thing? Don't kill is a dangerous thing? PLEASE. Again you are guilty of what you accuse others of. I think I am done trying to engage you in conversation that is meaningful. You simply don't want to go there. For that I am sorry!"
The Christian Right through their puppets the Republican Party will attempt to establish a theocracy.
Did you watch the YouTube video I posted. That is the mindset of the Evangelicals. You talk of loving your neighbor etc. That is not the objective of the Evangelicals.
The Evangelicals will attempt to ban gay marriage; Women will lose the right to choose; they will decide what is por_no_graphic. What is art and not art; they will bring prayer back into school. Whose god will we pray to?; $ex education will be eliminated from the schools. Pregnancy and abortion will increase; Creationism will be taught alongside evolution or instead of evolution; All other religions will take a backseat to Christianity; Nativity scenes and crosses will be put up everywhere. The children of other faiths, will pass beneath a cross on the way to classes.
The Catholics entice us to come to Jesus. The Evangelicals demand it.
The Evangelicals can trace their origin to about 1730. Hmmm...So for 1700 years, Jesus did not have a church?
The Catholics can trace their origin back to Christ and the first Pope – Peter. Maybe that was Jesus's church? Can you say Apostolic succession?
I believe in no gods, but the Evangelical position is ludicrous. They run about waiting on Jesus, claiming this or that one is going to hell.
I see little difference between the Christian Right and the Taliban. Both would rule with a bible in one hand and gun in the other. Remember Sharron Angles statement about Second Amendment remedies?
Cheers!
I don't own any apple products. Now I never will. I hope there are no bibles in the Apple store? If so will Apple remove the bible because it is offensive? This quiz and the bible clearly remind people of eternal truths. This suppresion of people's inaliable right to free speech is disgusting. Hey apple while you are at it remove, the bible, koran, torah, etc... all of those books "offend" large groups of people. Like the pharisees thou art Hypocrites!
It's ok. You wouldn't fit in as an apple product consumer. They're mostly literate non-bigots. Obviously not your thing.
@ Mark.. Lmfao, bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
they didnt pull the app because it was religous, they pulled it because it was incouraging hate. I hope they do pull all religous texts, because all religous text, and all of there readers, are 100% unadulterated evil.
@mickey1313 – You need to hear this from a fellow atheist: Grow up and stop being such an a$$hat. There is nothing wrong with those books in themselves, in fact their each quite fascinating in their own way. The issue arises when people allow an idea or an ideology to become more important in their minds than other human beings. The point at which you can repress, torture, or kill another person with a clean conscience "because it's for the greater good" is the point at which you've become a monster. It always starts subtly, though, usually with wishing to ban their ideas in any form.
What an uninformed comment. There are literally 100s of bible apps in the app store, if you don't want to check, don't complain about it. Took me 30 seconds to search the app store for all the bible apps you just ignorantly assume do not exist.
@pcarini
Mickey1313's heart is in the right place.
The problem with religion is that their respective gods don't exist. Believers are deluded. Deluded people are dangerous.
The Christians once tortured and killed, in the name of their god. They believed baby Jesus was smiling down on them with every scream of their victim.
Religious texts are dangerous. They aren't read, as one might read other mythology. They are believed to be the word of their god. If they are to be pleasing to their god, they must hate what He hates.
I think maybe you should not be so quick to criticize other atheists. Lay off Mickey1313. We wouldn't want to drive him to Evangelicals, now would we?
Cheers!
@Justin Bashing
You said: "I don't own any apple products."
That's okay. I bet the gays and women who support free choice will make up for your not buying. LOL
So PCarini... what you have said, at least to me, holds more than a grain of truth .... and a serious waring for all religous and non religous....
The point at which you can repress, torture, or kill another person with a clean conscience "because it's for the greater good" is the point at which you've become a monster. It always starts subtly, though, usually with wishing to ban their ideas in any form.
The last sentence is particularly revealing.... All those that wish to ban other religions beware ... all those that wish to ban all religions you need to beware as well...
David Johnson – What you say is it is okay for mickey1313 to rant and rave and desire/wish to ban christianity... that is no better than Christians trying to ban Islam of Islam killing the infedels. This slope is way to slippery to really get involved. See what Andrew posted and Frogist and my replies.....
@Bill In STL
The Evangelical branch of the Christian religion are attempting to create a theocracy with Jesus as the Head of State. Only the Christian Right will be able to hear Him. They will tell the rest of us His will.
That is not acceptable to me. I am all for banning them.
Cheers!
David Johnson – Your posts and the posts of your fellows do not identify the evangelical wing of the church as your main source of pain. You simply say Christians are responsible for (insert crime here).... This is probably an innocent mistake.... But remember this when you say that only a handfull of Muslims are responsible for the bad name Islam has today...
You know, the lesson they always taught us at Sunday school was "Love thy neighbor" not "Love thy neighbor as long as he's not gay."
Not that I expect my words to convince anyone – it's a sad truth that the fundamentalists of any religious group (Christians do not hold a monopoly on stupid) are already convinced they know they truth that anything anyone says to them is automatically wrong.
And as Epictetus said, "A man cannot learn what he thinks he already knows."
@Greg
"Love Thy Neighbor" isn't the real message of the Evangelicals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LACyLTsH4ac
"Love Thy Neighbor" isn't the real message of THIS PARTICULAR Evangelicals,
@Mike, not me
Evangelicals are all cut from the same cloth. They want to rule. I don't want them to.
Cheers!
Spin the word spin all you want, it the original statement still holds as fact.
Even you, not knowing it probably, quoting and proving Romans 1:21
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
Kudos to Apple for their action here. Say no to all those who advocate intolerance and hatred.
Yea say no to Say no to all those who advocate intolerance, including the no sayers who are intolerant toward the advocate.
It's not personal; Apple just doesn't support belief systems that are hateful and dishonest. Like Christianity.
Your just as bad as the christians bashing the gays. Not that i support them but there are stupid people in every group so dont bash all christians either.
JC they (the christians) have been torturing people for not believing what they believe for 2000 years, i think some reverse bashing is justified.
@JC
You said: "there are stupid people in every group so dont bash all christians either."
Yep, stupid people in every group. But damn, dude! Christianity seems to have hit the mother lode.
Love and Prayers!
David Johnson – You have the facts on that? I really think that there are others that have done so as well... at least Christians are not beheading people in this century...
@Bill In STL
Doesn't make them stupid. It makes them blood thirsty.
Religion poisons everything – C. Hitchens The man is a prophet!
All religions are worthless. All dangerous.
Are you here to straighten everyone out? If so, let's begin by proving your god exists.
@Bill In STL
As far as proof of stupidity, go to any church, when in session. Read the Christian blogs. Read the bible.
I rest my case! LOL
Love and Prayers!
Please don't call this a 'Christian' app. This is just some hateful nonsense that Jesus himself would be ashamed of. Just ask yourself, What app would Jesus have? This app wouldn't pass the test.
Freedom is a two way street, you're free to be a bigot, Apple is free not to play along. Just post your victim nonsense on conservapedia and have fox news turn this into a 'war on christmas' segment you angry bigoted right-wing evangelical Taliban.
@Bob Freely
You said: "Please don't call this a 'Christian' app. This is just some hateful nonsense that Jesus himself would be ashamed of."
I don't see any reason to give any Christians a pass on this. Most Evangelicals (Chrisitan Right) agree with the hate speech Apple banned.
Christians are bigots. They are deluded, following a desert war god that they can't even prove exists.
How is it sane, to discriminate against gays or take away the rights of women to choose, in the name of a god who is just as unlikely as Santa Claus?
Love and Prayers!
Bob, thats a pretty big assumption you male there.... How do you know that Jesus would be ashamed of this app? Have you spoken with him about it or is this your feeling on what you think he would say .... there is a WWJD and we all know what that means... I see that now we need a WDITJWD (What Do I Think Jesus Would Do)
Jesus supported the teachings of the old testament. Including the "no gays" thing. Welcome to reading your bible.
there is no free-speech right to have an iApp – you can stand on the street corner and yell your hateful anti-gay extremist-Christian epithets, there is no obligation on Apple's part to sponsor them. it's also bizarre that being Christian seems to be the default setting from which all decisions in public life are to be made – what about an absence of religion being the default. I was raised Catholic but am so FED UP with the white-male-Christian-fundamentalist extremists hijacking faith in this country for political gain. GO ATHEISTS!
@Daisy
You said: "I was raised Catholic but am so FED UP with the white-male-Christian-fundamentalist extremists hijacking faith in this country for political gain."
That is the way god wants it. Woman was made from the rib of a man! A cheaper cut!
Cheers!
It is easy to say you are a Christian. But it is hard to be real one.
expressing yourself is one thing, marketing your views is another. if u hate gays express yourself in some way that makes you happy but to market that and complain that you're freedom is taken away is absurd. that app is no different from hate mail with 478,000 signatures on it. it deserves to be taken away. besides why would a company lose its image in public for something it's not accountable for?
no its not, hate anything differant, stone diobedant childeren and believe that god will sort out all the peices after you die to avoid all forms of responsibality
"It is easy to say you are a Christian. But it is hard to be real one."
It's apparently even easier to say the other guy isn't a Christian. I swear, if I only had a nickel for each time I heard some Christian say another Christian "wasn't a real Christian"...
@John
It's not easy being a Christian...But you've got it down pat, huh John?
No it is not easy being a Christian, and no Christian has it down pat... You non believers seem to have your position down pat and your condemnation.... It must be a great thing to be as good as you are ever going to get. Have a happy life!
I will continue to struggle with it though....
@Bill In STL
How noble of you to tell us you still struggle. I never would have guessed. Thank you.
Love and Prayers!
I agree, it's very hard to attribute science, rational thought and careful evaluation of what is claimed to Satan.
Just part and parcel of the demonization of this country! In a few years, no one will recognize America....the USA! But, the world is spiralling downward....people are becoming more stupid! What does anyone expect?
Nothing you're saying makes any sense. We're talking about an iPhone app created to promote intolerance and hatred towards a group of people. It's evil and offensive, and Apple removed it due to many complaints all over the country.
The only one getting more stupid is you kittyg!
if we supress monotheism of all types, this trend would reverse, thoughts of god are distroying this world.
Yep, get rid of God and we will have the paridises of communism and the French revolution.
Because Apple removes an App, that means your freedom has been taken away? Haha. I am sure you can spread you hatred in other ways.
2 quick things.. 1.) Christianity isn't real, but if I were to compare a person to a mythological figure to be demonstrative, then Richard Nixon is Satan, and this 'evangelist' is his ex aide. 2.) He whines at the end of the article that "if you run a public communications company, you have a responsibility to see that certain views are not suppressed" well Christianity isn't a company persay, but since they won't STFU about their backward views I'd say they communicate their garbage in public – so why don't they have the same responsibility to not suppress the views of gays and women, muslims, atheists, jews, sane people.. etc.
They'd be the first to scream if Apple didn't remove something they thought was offensive. Heck they religious nut jobs (lead by political nut jobs) just had art removed from the Smithsonian as it offended them!
Everyone knows that the Smithsonian is run by an Atheist Woman who once had an abortion.
yup, because in there eyes its ok for them to hurt others, but not ok for others to hurt them, there all hypocrites
It is completely hypocritical of them to want to restric the rights of others and then whine like babies when Apple removes thier hate from the app store. What ever happened to 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'?
Sort of a modern day story about God, Man, and an Apple... 🙂
sam, didnt you know christianity and hypocracy are the same word
fool
I disagree that the Church is full of Hypocrites.
http://azusacom.blogspot.com/2010/12/church-is-full-of-hypocrites-i-beg-to.html
@jeff
Except this time, the apple wins!
@mickey1313
whoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. – Mathew 5:22.
the apple won last time...in the end it won't...
@JPG and Fred: Y'all are still free to be as bigoted as you'd like, Apple just didn't want any part of that. That's their choice. Your first amendment protections only protect you from the government, private individuals and corporations are free to censor as they see fit.
Apple is a private corporation and as such can control or restrict apps for any reason they want...including hate speech from evangelicals.
It's more than a little hypocritical that a group wanting to abridge the rights of another group is the first to whine about their rights being violated if they think they're not allowed to spread their hateful rhetoric. They call themselves Christians but real Christians don't behave like bigots.
Apple is a private corporation. They can do what they want. Thinking otherwise to anti-American
I own a private company. I can't fire someone because of their race or religion. How is the different ?
I agree. Let apple do as they wish. Just let this apply to all cases. If a restaurant owner wishes to not serve a black man.... its his private company and his choices so no outrage ?
Rich, How do you not see the difference? You can put all the Christian stuff you want on the app store until you start putting "Christian" apps on there that are specifically made to advocate hating a group of people. Apple isn't stopping free speech of Christians- just the bigots.
Not one Christian follows the bible to a tee. They all pick and choose which pieces they like the best. It's a shame that a few pick a few ambiguous passages to justify their hatred of something they don't understand.
@Rich
WoW! Shades of Rand Paul! Let's roll back civil rights. Blacks would probably be more comfortable in the back of the buses.
Since Obama was elected, racism has raised its ugly head in a big way. I guess it really never went away.
No man should lose his job because of the color of his skin. No man should be refused service because of the color of his skin. It makes me sick you would even post such a comment.
I can't tell you how happy I am that Apple threw Jesus out on his ear!
Cheers!
@ Rich: You own your own business? Then by your views you obviously would have no problem with other telling you what products your business can sell. Freedom in your view means you would have to make any product people want, even if you do not like the product or it goes against your established business guidelines. Give me a break!
@Rich If you can't figure out the difference between not allowing an app into a store for sale and firing someone, you're a moron.
David – If no person should be fired or refused service because of the color of their skin, is it also your opinion that no person should be refused a date or a friendship because of the color of their skin. It seems that most Americans marry people who are ethnically similar to themselves. Statistically this would mean that most Americans discriminate when it comes to choosing spouses. Is this ok? If so then why is it not ok to discriminate when it comes to business and employment?
Please dont get me wrong. I would be appalled to see a restaurant goer turned away because of the color of his skin. But my solution to this ethical dilemma would be simply to not eat there anymore not insist that he must be served.
@Earthling
You said: "If no person should be fired or refused service because of the color of their skin, is it also your opinion that no person should be refused a date or a friendship because of the color of their skin. It seems that most Americans marry people who are ethnically similar to themselves. Statistically this would mean that most Americans discriminate when it comes to choosing spouses. Is this ok? If so then why is it not ok to discriminate when it comes to business and employment?"
The difference, is that it is their choice. They can marry whoever they want. This was not always true. The bible belt Christians fought against it. Google interracial marriage.
A black person may sit in the back of the bus because they want to. Not because they must.
If everyone (whites, blacks, etc.) would boycott a business for not serving some group, this would make the business "straighten up", or go out of business. Self policing at its finest.
The problem is, that before the Civil Right Act, minorities were not served. They were forced to sit in the back of the bus. No one joined a boycott. No business was forced to hire or serve minorities.
I never realized how much racism still existed in this country, until Obama was elected. I truly believe, that lots of people would support a restaurant that discriminated. Do we want the violence of the 60's?
A while ago, I was sitting in a restaurant with my wife. A black family came in, for breakfast. They had the most precious little girl. She was pretty and bright and adorable. I could not imagine refusing this family service. To destroy this child's perception of life would be criminal. Must be criminal.
Yes, in theory, a business should police itself. But a law insures that they do the right thing. And if a business isn't planning to discriminate, why should they care if is against the law? I don't mind that there is a law against murder.
Cheers!
Please dont get me wrong. I would be appalled to see a restaurant goer turned away because of the color of his skin. But my solution to this ethical dilemma would be simply to not eat there anymore not insist that he must be served.
apple is not a private corporation. they have shareholders just like any other major organization and are therefore subject to the views and opinions of their shareholders. Why do you think they created the offensive content clause in the terms of service contract? Apple is subject to their customers and shareholders.
@Rion Look up the definition of the term "private company". You're making yourself look foolish.
Free speech for all. Except Christians. Another step toward the return to the catacombs.
It's so simple when you take freedom out of the loop!
Feel free to preach hatred and intolerance all you wish. Not on my iPhone.
You have free speech in a public forum. The app store is a private business. Your "free speech" doesn't apply there. Go make a your own phone and app store if you want to bash gays.
christians rule the world, so stop your bit****g. just because you cant put your hate filled filth on your iphone, does not mean you must stop believing in all your hate. Christians will never give up there right to hate.
You think this a freedom of speech issue? What a bunch of pansies the Bible-thumpers have become.
Take it to the Supreme Court.
Sounds like a good idea, except that the Supreme Court is seven ninths Christian 😉
I know hate and intolerance when I hear it. Good for Apple because those spreading intolerance like that, and hide behind the bible, are hypocrites. If you claim to be Christian, then your faith must follow the teachings of Jesus. Go back to bible study and stop being judgmental. It's not your job to be judge. It's no wonder more and more people are moving away from organized religion. It is full of judgement, intolerance, and everyone thinks they're the chosen ones, the ones who have it right, and to hell with everyone else. Do your homework, and practice what Jesus taught you, and it isn't to shun your fellow man for being different than you, but to embrace all. Stop hiding behind religion to justify your own intolerance for anything different than yourself. It is such crap.
You mean christian extemists? aka wackos/nutbars/conservatives. Yes it is offensive when these self annointed "keepers of the faith" insult normal christians and others with thier misplaced moral judgements. These so called christian Bible thumpers insult everyones God given intelligence and in fact are an affront to God himself – He doesn't need these minions to pass on any messages – if he has anything to say, he'll say it himself. If God exists, everything everybody in the world does is always right because it's all Gods work. To pass judgement on someone elses belief is to pass judgement on Gods work, unless you are suggesting God made a mistake. Does he make mistakes?
I don't think these so called 'christians' have any shortage of ways in which they can spread thier hatered.
@Fred
Christians also talked against interracial marriage. They said it was not god's plan.
God does not have a plan. God does not exist.
Cheers!
@Sherry
You said: "It's no wonder more and more people are moving away from organized religion."
I love to read posts like yours! You have warmed my heart.
May Jesus and His 8 tiny reindeer bring you lots of presents!
"Freedom" as you've stated need not have to come at the expense of another. Religious freedom is alright as long as religious beliefs do not trample on another one's reedom.
No Fred Phelps, you are still allowed to hate and picket funerals with your merry band of sicko Christian fanatics. The first amendment still allows you and your incestuous clan to make fools of yourselves. Do you even know what an iphone is?
Really? Are you serious? Apple can do whatever they wish with thier product. Let this Christian group invent their own phone and app and peddle their anti American views.
Ridiculous. Christians form an overwhelming majority in the US. The Mac app led directly to a lying and dangerous slander against gay Americans. Christians should have been the ones protesting it.
Juni, Why can't you handle the freedom? Are you not reacting with intolerance with what you just said?
I think Apple made the right call. Gays deserve to have their civil rights. Women the right to choose.
It is so simple when you take god out of the loop!
Love and Prayers!
Uh...what about Christian's rights? Gays and women who choose abortion dont have to download the app.
I really hope America doesnt trust Apple to decide what is good for us and what isnt!
Amen to that! LOL
Agreed. An app specifically created to promote hatred and intolerance against a group of people has no place on the App Store.
What do you mean "what about Christian rights"? The app store is a private business and apple can refuse whomever they want.
I'm so sick of a few (not all) bigotted Christians whining about their rights when someone stops them from oppressing gays. You don't have the right to oppress a group of people. End of story.
As a Christian I am always appalled to see so-called Christian groups spreading hatred. Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love God with everything you have and to love your neighbor. To consolidate he says to love. Where does the hate come in?
As a Christian, a fan of Apple and an app developer, I think Christian groups should focus on building apps that spread the gospel rather than hatred.
I also think that CNN has it wrong to call this group "conservative Christians." They are wrong to even call them Christians. It is quite evident they don't read their Bible.
jpg, the app store is a company, it is not infringing on the rights of the wako christians, because they are still free to believe whatever hatefilled crap they wish to.
What does the word "faith" mean to you?
What does the word *faith* actually mean within a standard dictionary.
Hint: No Facts Required.
So many gods. So many religions. So many belief systems – have passed..... Our history is full of them.... Mythology.... Think.... Stimulate your mind.
Am I the only one that thinks "conservative christian" is an oxymoron?
@Mark
Well said, and totally true!
If this site was just another Evangelical come to Jesus site, I would care less. It is not. It is a hate site.
Cheers!
What if your mom had an abortion - don't hink you get it do you ?
@Jay
Gee, I'm glad you pointed that out to me. It never occurred to me...
Cheers!
To all people that did not understand JPG comment. He was not criticizing apple but Dave's comment of everybody has rights, unless your Christian, you must have tolerance and "love" and except peoples different beliefs of every group except those Christians.
Since when are the rights of the majority populace suppressed by smaller minority groups. We are losing our rights left and right as people choose that they are more important.
If you do not like something make the choice to step out of a room or not take part. Once this starts happening then we will be a more civil nation.
So let me get this straight... Mark you say Apple is a business and can server whomever they want.... Lets see they had the app to start with but after people who would not use the app told Apple the were offended by it Apple removed it. So I have two questions and a statement. The question is how could these people be offended unless they actually downloaded the app and tried it? Second is it just the mere presence of the App that is offensive? Some people have stated here that if you don't like it you should just turn around and walk away.... But you just don't seem to want to do it do you? You are drawn like a Bee to honey to this blog when it is not intended for you, rather it is intended for people of faith. You want to confront and prove to people of faith that their faith is misplaced. You mock their beliefs and call them names and yet you see yourself as better than those you mock.... sorta like school yard bullies eh?
JPG
"Uh...what about Christian's rights?"
Rights to do what, exactly? To be free to discriminate against whomever you wish under the protection of religious freedom?
I agree though it probably was a business decision. Apple probably didn't want to be seen as "taking sides" on the issues you've mentioned.
@Mike Not true, I consider Christianity, Buddism, Islam, Hinduism, Wiccan, Druidism and many other faiths all equally moronic.
@ Bill in STL – "You want to confront and prove to people of faith that their faith is misplaced. You mock their beliefs and call them names and yet you see yourself as better than those you mock.... "
Bill is right, having an argument with a Christian about the bible is like having an argument with a Twighlight fan over how much the books s u c k e d, they will never see it unless they are exposed to a real authors works that would open their minds, but like most Twighhards, Christians dont like to study outside of their favorite author.
ScottK-
Just as an aside, have you ever considered how the writer of the Twilight series, about the romance between a young girl and a guy who, despite his looks, is in reality a really old man, happens to be a Mormon? Point that out to a young female reader and chances are they will go "Ewww!!" 😉
Ah ha!! I knew it!! Edward is really Warren Jeffs!!!
@ScottK & NL : Has it really come to this? I know fundies are ripe for the mocking but Twilight? You've gone too far...
Prayers? I thought you were leaving God out of the loop.
David Johnson
I think you've responded to every post here..."cheers!" to making the most of your day...looks like you're pretty much preaching to your choir anyway...
Love and Prayers (sincerely)
"Love and Prayers"????? Who exactly do you pray to if you "take God out of the loop"??? Christians deserve their rights too.
JPG is right..im tired of so many "Christians" pulling the "You're being hateful card-God is love" people..this is not about whether or not you agree with gay marriage or abortion..this is about the right for people to express themselves. Christians have that right just as much as anyone else. Apple simply took that right away to please the "politically correct" point of view. Let's leave biased opinions out of this and just admit that what Apple did was take someone's right away.
Love and prayers. Prayers to who? God is out of your loop.