God = :)

[ThinkTink721]

When we were there in Sept., we saw the JESUS sky writing several times.
We even took some pics!
:wave:

 

[k.hunter30]

While I don't care who writes what in the sky...
As I'm not religious - I don't particurlarly like it when it's thrown in my face or, sky for that matter, and have to look at it.

I have a few friends that are very religious (Christians) and would go nuts if they saw "Allah" in the sky. But that's them...not me! :animwink:

I mean, you could also look at it this way - how would you feel if you were Jewish and Jesus was plastered all over the sky? Or Christian, and Hebrew was written all over the sky...

I'm just say'n....

Of course - I really haven't heard of anyone being converted to one religion or another by sky writting with smoke - who knows?? :shrug:

I am Christian, and I wouldn't care in the least. I respect people who genuinely, and respectfully want to help others by sharing their faith. I may not agree with what they believe, but those who are respectful can show their faith in such a positive light with the boldness and confidence they use as they share it.

 

[PacMan2006]

We were at Universal on Sunday (before heading over to MVMCP for the night) and we saw it. I just looked up - read it, and shook my head.

I was like - with the money you just spent on 10 minutes of "smoke" and an hours worth of fly time - can't you feed the homeless or buy clothes for them instead of wasting that money on sky writing? Or basicly - anything charitable instead of that...

**just shaking head**:hammer::dazzle::hammer::dazzle::hammer:

Can't the same be said for all of us who shell out thousands of dollars to go to a theme park?

Your money could always go to a better cause, if you think about it.

 

[sbkline]

Can't the same be said for all of us who shell out thousands of dollars to go to a theme park like WDW?

Seems like you could say that about anything, really.

True, but on the other hand, the rest of us who go to WDW aren't claiming to be trying to evangelize. We're just taking a vacation and having a good time. The guy doing the skywriting is presumably on an evangelistic mission. So he's spending that money doing his evangelistic work which, in the opinion of some, would be more likely to accomplish a positive result if the money and effort were redirected to other methods of outreach.

I guess that's where the difference lies.

 

[WDWKat26]

The other day I was working, and I WISH I had my camera on me. The sky writer was writing "Love" in the sky, and it was positioned right above the castle. That would have been the best picture.

 

[PacMan2006]

True, but on the other hand, the rest of us who go to WDW aren't claiming to be trying to evangelize. We're just taking a vacation and having a good time. The guy doing the skywriting is presumably on an evangelistic mission. So he's spending that money doing his evangelistic work which, in the opinion of some, would be more likely to accomplish a positive result if the money and effort were redirected to other methods of outreach.

I guess that's where the difference lies.

Yeah, that's certainly possible. I guess it depends on what the skywriter's intent is. But, I would have to believe that if the skywriter has a passion as strong as this to get into the air and spell out those words, it's also highly possible he or she gives their time to help out those in their community. It's not as if it isn't possible for the person to accomplish both (but now we are getting into "what if'" type scenarios).

 

[kimmychad]

The other day I was working, and I WISH I had my camera on me. The sky writer was writing "Love" in the sky, and it was positioned right above the castle. That would have been the best picture.

yes it would have, if you ever get a picture of that pleasse post

 

[k.hunter30]

True, but on the other hand, the rest of us who go to WDW aren't claiming to be trying to evangelize. We're just taking a vacation and having a good time. The guy doing the skywriting is presumably on an evangelistic mission. So he's spending that money doing his evangelistic work which, in the opinion of some, would be more likely to accomplish a positive result if the money and effort were redirected to other methods of outreach.

I guess that's where the difference lies.

You might have missed my point before... Christians are asked to give "according to their ability." Not everyone is called to give money to help people. If you're a mechanic and can help people in need by fixing their car, do that. If you have a sky-writing plane and can help people who are lost, do that. If everyone just gave money, the world would be missing out on a lot of other positive residuals of giving.

 

[PigletIsMyCat]

First of all, there is no such thing as a No-Fly Zone over or around WDW.

Second, there has been at least 4 similar discussions that have been locked because some of us can not comport themselves.

Incorrect. There is indeed a no fly zone over the parks of Disney World. Do a quick Google search and you will find many, many articles relating to it. Of course, the first one that comes up is when a religious group wanted the no fly zone down during Gay Days in Orlando so they could preach through the skies to gays.

 

[dandaman]

If I had money to waste, I would write 'HAPPY FESTIVUS' in the sky on December 23rd over WDW. :lookaroun

As long as the Airing of Grievances doesn't get too graphic... :lookaroun

 

[Shere_Khan]

I haven't seen things contrary to my faith written in smoke in the sky. However, what about the various similar things that I have to see, either on a daily basis, or on a fairly frequent basis, or anytime I make a road trip to WDW, which are contrary to my faith?

The billboards advertising Cafe Risque as I drive down I-75 through Georgia, just to name one example.

I could also think of other billboards along interstates, or maybe just along the roads as I drive through town, advertising cigarettes, endorsing political candidates that I don't like, or expressing other opinions which I disagree with.

These things may not be written in smoke by an airplane, but they are much more permanent. While the smoke dissapears within minutes, these billboards are there until someone takes them down and are therefore, seen by more people over the long haul.

So how do I feel when I see these things? I'll tell you one thing...it sure doesn't ruin my day. It's all part of living in this old world; you're gonna have to have things "thrown in your face" so to speak...if you want to consider the simple presentation of an opinion or idea as being "shoved in your face"...which I don't. There are billions of people in this world, each with opinions and worldviews, and we are all entitled to express ours.

Nude women dancing around like whores in front of perverted, deprived men at a bar goes against my beliefs, but I don't get my panties in a wad everytime I go to Florida and see advertisements for that place along the interstate. Sure, I think it's sad that humanity is so depraved and that places like this exist and that they are advertising it like there's nothing to be ashamed of. And some may argue that my lack of righteous anger towards those kind of places is indicative of my being de-sensitized to things like that.

But regardless, it's like this folks: we all live in this world and have to come into contact on a daily basis with those who think differently than us and have a different opinion than us. If the simple words "God loves you" or "Jesus" is enough to get you riled, then there's something wrong with you. Maybe you've grown up in a bubble and haven't had a chance to venture out into the world and discover that there are others who have a differing opinion than you, such that the mere sight of someone else's worldview throws you into a tizzy. But all it is is someone expressing their opinion in writing. It's hardly infringing on your rights at all.

So, as I have already said, if someone decided to sky write something about Allah, I don't think I'd be offended at all. The rest of my day would progress the same as planned and I would still be at WDW having a good time. I really don't think I'd be spending the rest of my day stewing about how I had to see something in the sky that goes against my beliefs. With thousands of people walking around the parks, chances are that there is already plenty down on the ground for me to see that goes against my beliefs, whether it's language I overhear that I find vulgar, or someone's T-shirt, etc.

I very much agree, and no matter what your beliefs are, anyone who would be offended by God is Love or Jesus is Love needs help. If someone wrote something about another religion different from mine that was a positive message, I would not think another thing of it. I would read it and then go about my day. It's simple, just ignore it.
Now if they were skywriting "Repent or burn in hell," that would be something to get riled up about.

 

[sbkline]

You might have missed my point before... Christians are asked to give "according to their ability." Not everyone is called to give money to help people. If you're a mechanic and can help people in need by fixing their car, do that. If you have a sky-writing plane and can help people who are lost, do that. If everyone just gave money, the world would be missing out on a lot of other positive residuals of giving.

I wasn't attempting to agree or disagree with you. I was just addressing the point that someone else made that if he should be giving that money to the poor instead, then the same could be said of us who go to WDW.

Personally, I don't think this method of evangelism is likely to yield too much fruit. But that's just me, and if that's what he wants to do, I won't condemn him for it.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Maybe he should write SFX in the sky on a windy day...you know, like Simba. :lookaroun


:shrug:

 

[happymom52003]

I haven't seen things contrary to my faith written in smoke in the sky. However, what about the various similar things that I have to see, either on a daily basis, or on a fairly frequent basis, or anytime I make a road trip to WDW, which are contrary to my faith?

The billboards advertising Cafe Risque as I drive down I-75 through Georgia, just to name one example.

I could also think of other billboards along interstates, or maybe just along the roads as I drive through town, advertising cigarettes, endorsing political candidates that I don't like, or expressing other opinions which I disagree with.

These things may not be written in smoke by an airplane, but they are much more permanent. While the smoke dissapears within minutes, these billboards are there until someone takes them down and are therefore, seen by more people over the long haul.

So how do I feel when I see these things? I'll tell you one thing...it sure doesn't ruin my day. It's all part of living in this old world; you're gonna have to have things "thrown in your face" so to speak...if you want to consider the simple presentation of an opinion or idea as being "shoved in your face"...which I don't. There are billions of people in this world, each with opinions and worldviews, and we are all entitled to express ours.

Nude women dancing around like whores in front of perverted, deprived men at a bar goes against my beliefs, but I don't get my panties in a wad everytime I go to Florida and see advertisements for that place along the interstate. Sure, I think it's sad that humanity is so depraved and that places like this exist and that they are advertising it like there's nothing to be ashamed of. And some may argue that my lack of righteous anger towards those kind of places is indicative of my being de-sensitized to things like that.

But regardless, it's like this folks: we all live in this world and have to come into contact on a daily basis with those who think differently than us and have a different opinion than us. If the simple words "God loves you" or "Jesus" is enough to get you riled, then there's something wrong with you. Maybe you've grown up in a bubble and haven't had a chance to venture out into the world and discover that there are others who have a differing opinion than you, such that the mere sight of someone else's worldview throws you into a tizzy. But all it is is someone expressing their opinion in writing. It's hardly infringing on your rights at all.

So, as I have already said, if someone decided to sky write something about Allah, I don't think I'd be offended at all. The rest of my day would progress the same as planned and I would still be at WDW having a good time. I really don't think I'd be spending the rest of my day stewing about how I had to see something in the sky that goes against my beliefs. With thousands of people walking around the parks, chances are that there is already plenty down on the ground for me to see that goes against my beliefs, whether it's language I overhear that I find vulgar, or someone's T-shirt, etc.

Very well said. Best post in this thread, in my opinion.

 

[k.hunter30]

I wasn't attempting to agree or disagree with you. I was just addressing the point that someone else made that if he should be giving that money to the poor instead, then the same could be said of us who go to WDW.

Personally, I don't think this method of evangelism is likely to yield too much fruit. But that's just me, and if that's what he wants to do, I won't condemn him for it.

Oh, I didn't think you were disagreeing. :wave: I just thought that the idea of him donating his time and efforts was being overlooked - seemed most people were thinking a church or some entity paid for this advertising, and that that money could have gone to a "better" cause.

Loved your longer post though! Very well said.

 

[KeeKee]

I haven't seen things contrary to my faith written in smoke in the sky. However, what about the various similar things that I have to see, either on a daily basis, or on a fairly frequent basis, or anytime I make a road trip to WDW, which are contrary to my faith?

The billboards advertising Cafe Risque as I drive down I-75 through Georgia, just to name one example.

I could also think of other billboards along interstates, or maybe just along the roads as I drive through town, advertising cigarettes, endorsing political candidates that I don't like, or expressing other opinions which I disagree with.

These things may not be written in smoke by an airplane, but they are much more permanent. While the smoke dissapears within minutes, these billboards are there until someone takes them down and are therefore, seen by more people over the long haul.

So how do I feel when I see these things? I'll tell you one thing...it sure doesn't ruin my day. It's all part of living in this old world; you're gonna have to have things "thrown in your face" so to speak...if you want to consider the simple presentation of an opinion or idea as being "shoved in your face"...which I don't. There are billions of people in this world, each with opinions and worldviews, and we are all entitled to express ours.

Nude women dancing around like whores in front of perverted, deprived men at a bar goes against my beliefs, but I don't get my panties in a wad everytime I go to Florida and see advertisements for that place along the interstate. Sure, I think it's sad that humanity is so depraved and that places like this exist and that they are advertising it like there's nothing to be ashamed of. And some may argue that my lack of righteous anger towards those kind of places is indicative of my being de-sensitized to things like that.

But regardless, it's like this folks: we all live in this world and have to come into contact on a daily basis with those who think differently than us and have a different opinion than us. If the simple words "God loves you" or "Jesus" is enough to get you riled, then there's something wrong with you. Maybe you've grown up in a bubble and haven't had a chance to venture out into the world and discover that there are others who have a differing opinion than you, such that the mere sight of someone else's worldview throws you into a tizzy. But all it is is someone expressing their opinion in writing. It's hardly infringing on your rights at all.

So, as I have already said, if someone decided to sky write something about Allah, I don't think I'd be offended at all. The rest of my day would progress the same as planned and I would still be at WDW having a good time. I really don't think I'd be spending the rest of my day stewing about how I had to see something in the sky that goes against my beliefs. With thousands of people walking around the parks, chances are that there is already plenty down on the ground for me to see that goes against my beliefs, whether it's language I overhear that I find vulgar, or someone's T-shirt, etc.

Wasn't going to weigh in on this, but this post is so well stated that I have to. You saved my a lot of typing, BTW.

How and when did we, as a people, become so intolerent that we can't look at the expression of another person's opinion, or faith - whether we agree or disagree - and just accept it and move on with things? So what if the guy writes in the sky and spends his money doing it? It's not up to him to be responsible for the results he may or may not get either. That's God's business.

As a Christian, as has already been stated, I am to share the love of Christ with all, however that may express itself. I don't believe in obnoxious evangelism either, like so many have said. I don't want to judge the motives of the skywriter in any way. It does seem, however, that he/she is concerned for others, and that is a good example to set. We could all benefit from that, no?

 

[AlishaMisha]

Here is what I've seen in the sky over WDW...

Jesus loves UGOD =
You+God=
God = love

IMHO I do NOT believe that anyone who is offended by this "need help". Who are you to judge? Isn't that a little "unchristianly" of you to say?As a lifetime agnostic I have been in MANY "rubbed in face" situations. My family (grandparents [one of which is a minister], 12 aunts and uncles, 28 1st cousins and 15 second) are ALL Jehovah's Witnesses so yes I have had my share of full fledged religion and I can honestly say I am probably the most bible educated agnostic/athiest there is. I didn't "drift away", I don't need to be "saved", and no I don't hate religion because I was forced into it. I just simple believe that superman is more real to me than "god" ever could be.

My problem with sky writing is that it's braking a big christian rule about lying. How do they know god loves me? I infact know that he doesn't, especially with my lifestyle that is "ungodly".

If anything these writings are pushing people further away. When I look at it its just one thing added to the pile that drives me crazy(We Athiests/Agnostics don't shove our beliefs in your face even if it's in a kind and loving way. So why is it right for you?). Im sure others will agree. Infact my family dislikes the sky writings, AND THEY ARE CHRISTIANS! Why? Because that is NOT the way to preech. Preeching is to educate others, not tell them how god feels about them and their actions. If god loves you you'll feel it in your heart. You don't need no stranger telling you that.

:king:~Leash

 

[mep517]

Now if they were skywriting "Repent or burn in hell," that would be something to get riled up about.

I was thinking the same thing. I think the writings are nice and positive. I have to admit, though, every time I see the sky writer get started, I always get worried that the message will be negative. There are hell fire and damnation people who stand outside of our state fair every year and they always make me very uncomfortable.

I like the "God is Love" or "Jesus is Love" though.

 

[fossilizedtrees]

While I don't care who writes what in the sky...
As I'm not religious - I don't particurlarly like it when it's thrown in my face or, sky for that matter, and have to look at it.

I have a few friends that are very religious (Christians) and would go nuts if they saw "Allah" in the sky. But that's them...not me! :animwink:

I mean, you could also look at it this way - how would you feel if you were Jewish and Jesus was plastered all over the sky? Or Christian, and Hebrew was written all over the sky...

I'm just say'n....

Of course - I really haven't heard of anyone being converted to one religion or another by sky writting with smoke - who knows?? :shrug:

Well sadly your "Christian" friends would be pretty ignorant. Allah is not just specific to Muslims, in fact Allah is just the Arabic word for God. Muslims, Christians, Jews, and even pagans used Allah in the past to represnt God or their gods.
If I were to see Allah written in the sky, I would not be offended, because to me it's just another wonderful name for God(He has many). Now my God might not be the same God that someone else is reffering to, but it is what you make it.
I know in miy mind I would be reminded of God and probably would say a prayer (not out loud, you know just privately) praising and thinking my God and Saviour.
The point is, it's what you make it. You can either move on or make it a big deal. To me it's not so in your face because honeslty no one made you look up and stare.

 

[MissM]

Just out of curiosity, how much is a day at Disney?

Free. I went as a guest of a CM. It's the only way I was able to go. It's why I haven't gone in six months despite living here and getting discounts for being a resident. Otherwise, I can't afford to go these days. Hence the whole, "haven't been on a vacation in nine years." I meant that literally.
-m