A Kentucky church is turning the Ten Commandments into "Just Nine Commandments" in the name of Jesus.
Faith leaders at Reformation Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky are encouraging congregants to ignore "thou shalt not steal" by checking out LGBTQ+ books from the local library and never returning them.
Church officials are billing it as an “an act of civil disobedience,” as opposed to openly defying the Eighth Commandment. They argue that plundering the small town library’s stock of gay content is a necessary step to keep kids safe from what they say is a sinister grooming agenda.
Others are calling it the name it more commonly goes by: Theft.
Theft or Activism?
“My local library, the Shelby County Public Library, is peddling this filth to children,” says Pastor Austin Keller, holding aloft a book entitled ‘The Art of Drag’, in a video shared by Reformation Church on Facebook. “The encroachment of evil is happening in your community,” he warns, “and you may not even be aware.”
Keeler and his fellow pastors at Reformation, Tanner Cartwright and Jerry Dorris, are leading the charge in what they say is nothing less than a holy war for the hearts and minds of their community’s children.
This isn’t the first time they’ve dipped their toes into political activism. In the past, Reformation leaders protested a local bar which hosted a drag show, and they also branded a nearby town “a hotbed of witchcraft” for hosting a witch-themed community event.
Now they’re escalating, knowingly asking parishioners to break the law.
“This is Not Literacy”
“We have urged Christians, both locally and across the country, to search their libraries for books that promote sodomy, gender confusion and rebellion against God,” they wrote in an email, “and if found, to check them out and never return them as an act of civil disobedience.”
According to Pastor Dorris, the church and their 357 parishioners are taking a “public stand against sexual perversion being pushed upon children through taxpayer-funded institutions.”
“This is not literacy,” said Dorris. “It’s grooming.”
Libraries Under Siege
Libraries have come under fire in recent years by anti-LGBTQ+ activists who say public libraries give children unfettered access to material they deem objectionable. And while librarians are familiar with most methods to censor their material, Kentucky library officials say that strategically checking out books with no intention of returning them is a new one.
So far, the Shelbyville library has curiously “lost” 16 LGBTQ+ books with a total value of over $400.
While the 16 books being targeted by Reformation are all LGBTQ+-focused, not all of them are for children – as implied by the pastors. The targeted books range from juvenile fiction like “My Two Dads,” to young adult books on puberty, to adult nonfiction like “He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters.”
The lost books are currently being treated the same as any other delinquent books in the library system, meaning a collection agency is contacted after 60 days of the book being overdue. Whether that stays the same in the future, or recouping the cost of the books is pursued more aggressively, remains to be seen.
What is your reaction? Does the Bible condone this type of civil disobedience, or is it a clear violation of "thou shalt not steal"?
61 comments
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Stephanie A Willey
Thou shalt not steal .... That's like a fundamental thing in Christianity, isn't it ?
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Iden Charles Siegbert Hill
Amen, Sister Willey.
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ServantOfJudgement
There are many things churches willingly do that stray from the Bible today. I suppose theft can be added to this churches list although everyone steals even if they don't think they do. Certainly this church doesn't insult God by flying the pride flag as other churches do. I was once at a church that pledges allegiance to the USA flag still from the 50's. That said, trading one evil for another is still wrong.
In practice, all people violate their own principles from time to time. Biden, a Catholic praises and permits the killing of unborn humans. Harris, a baptist also supports violence and the killing of babies. Trump, a Christian who says he never sins. Bush2, a Christian drunkard. Clinton, a Christian adulterer.
All people fall short of even our own expectations, let alone God's.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Just look at what's happening to the morals in our country. Christians are being encouraged to steal. And Christians voted for a convicted sex offender to run the country.
Isn't America great?
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ServantOfJudgement
Correction, President Biden was never convicted as a sex offender. We only have his daughters word saying as much. It's true though, people did vote for and elect the fella.
We need to be careful about throwing accusations around like that.
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Michael Hunt
Trump was though. He was found civilly liable for the sexual abuse of E. Jean Carrol. Now, civil court might not have the same standards as criminal court, but there's numerous women who have credibly accused President Trump of sexual abuse as well. He also likes to hang around people with a history of sexual abuse and violence.
https://19thnews.org/2023/05/e-jean-carroll-donald-trump-verdict/ https://19thnews.org/2023/10/donald-trump-associates-sexual-misconduct-allegations/
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ServantOfJudgement
Michael, you should research the ex post facto law New York created and passed to specifically allow Miss Carrol to file some of hese lawsuits after the law said too much time had passed. Since she doesn't remember when she was allegedly assaulted we can guess it was about 24 years from the alleged assault to the lawsuit.
Rape and wait? 24 years? Wait for what? A big paycheck? All those Hollywood chicks come forward once the check got cashed didn't they? They didn't complain until they got a mansion with a garage for their Porsche. Very clear why the lawsuit happened when it did.
Aside from all this, I agree if Trump has done what Biden has done they both should be brought to justice.
Why can zero people on the left not see clearly and defend a sicko? Why can I see clearly? Delivery from ignorance is bliss.
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Michael Hunt
That law is not an ex post facto law as what Trump was accused and found guilty of doing was illegal at the time he committed the crime. Ex post facto laws are unconstitutional and no state is passing them. The Adult Survivors act was not created specifically for E. Jean Carrol, she just took advantage of it, as did 3000 other victims.
You're showing your ignorance regarding sexual assault victims and the rates of reporting, especially when the perpetrators are powerful, wealthy persons who could destroy their lives with legal suits. The trauma and shame of being sexually assaulted plays a large role in not reporting the crimes. About 1 in 3 victims of sexual assault actually report the crime.
https://news.northeastern.edu/2023/12/07/sexual-abuse-lawsuit-new-york/ https://rainn.org/facts-statistics-the-scope-of-the-problem/statistics-the-criminal-justice-system/
Of the 24 examples listed in the 19th News article, only one victim has received any legal judgement or settlement in their favor: E. Jean Carrol. That's 24 different women who all have stories of similar, unwanted sexual encounters with Trump.
Biden has been accused of uncomfortable interactions with women in the past as well, and I'm not here to minimize that at all, but the descriptions of the incidents do seem significantly less violent and overt than Trump. Also, his daughter has never accused him of sexual abuse; the only evidence of potential misdeeds is a stolen diary entry where his daughter states it was probably inappropriate that he showered with her when she was 7. That said, if Biden has sexually assaulted someone in the past, he too deserves legal consequences for his actions.
I don't know a single person on the left who would defend Biden for this behavior or defend him if he was charged with sexual assault. I'm sure there are sycophants out there who might, but the people I know are pointing out the hypocrisy of the right in making inflammatory accusations against Biden when Trump has actually been convicted for these crimes and yet they do not care.
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Michael Hunt
https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/joe-biden-accuser-accusations-allegations.html
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Joseph Grieco
Wow. Can you imagine the surprise some of these folks will get when they suddenly find the County Sheriff at their door with a summons to appear in court on the charge of theft of government property? Even worse - if it is discovered that they damaged or destroyed the materials, not only is it theft but destruction of government property. As this was willful and intended, there will obviously be no remorse there, so instead of suspended sentences and community service, they'll have to do time in the County jails or even the State Prison, depending on the value of the property destroyed.
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ServantOfJudgement
About 6 million books are stolen each year from public libraries. Are you suggesting singling out this specific instance of theft and ignoring all others?
The bible is the most stolen book of all books. That means it's ok for the left to remove the bible but not ok for a person to remove smut books.
Indeed our Lord was correct with what he said of this current mob of hate.
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Rev. BH
Wow, has this conversation gone off the rails!
Let's talk about the topic, stealing (books, anything): Thou shalt not... Also, here on earth, it's a crime.
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John W
Unfortunately these individuals are from my town and some live in my neighborhood. I personally find their actions distasteful, close-minded and a few other not so kind words. Because of my very open-minded acceptance of individuals, ideas and beliefs that are contrary to what they believe and preach has branded me a radical heathen destined for Hell. I literally roll my eyes, shrug away their insults, giggle and remind them that Jesus loves me as much as he does them. Censorship of ideas, beliefs and words both spoken and written are indicative of the fear they have and are seeking to spread across this somewhat small rural country city and it's environs. Unless it is a matter of military or national security censorship should not come into play by self appointed guardians of morality.
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James Riggle-Johnson
I’m surprised they stopped short of burning the books. What they fail to understand is that this won’t erase LGBTQ people. Our numbers have remained fairly consistent for over a century. The only difference today is that we don’t hide anymore. And let’s not forget—straight people are the biggest contributors to our numbers. As long as they keep having kids, LGBTQ people will keep being born. Mic drop!
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Daniel Todd Kamm
We have some of the greatest libraries in the world in this country. And let's not forget the ones we have lost in the past, like the great Library of Alexandria, Egypt, which incidentally was destroyed by christians... and they destroyed as much of the holdings of christian thinking up to that time as they did a vast amount of antiquities we can only now find via reference from writers whose works survive (or sometimes do not and are re-referenced by others) and that is a pitiful state to be in, when we are here to learn and grow.
It is unfortunate that so many people choose to wallow in their ignorance and sense of self importance , particularly when that ignorance exists in the framework of a personality problem. We are after all, just specks of dust...and that's also where we are all headed....
Lift Up, Not Down.!
Peace Out...tk
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ServantOfJudgement
Actually the library suffered partial losses by the Pagans, Christians and finally in totality by Islam which burned everything to the ground.
In this rare case the Atheists hands are clean.
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John P Maher
THE WHOLE PROBLEM SINCE JAN. 2025 is THE PEDOPHILE POTUS in THE W H, HE MUST VACATE and GO TO PRISON, HE IS A CONVICTED FELON TOO MANY TIMES and SCOTUS 6 " 666 " OR THE GALLOWS FOR ALL OF THEM MUST BE PEDOPHILES or WHY DO THEY AID and ABET ? GUILTY, I HEARD THAT tRUMP HIRED a THUG to PUSH HIS EX IVANKA DOWN THE STAIRCASE, SHE WAS ABOUT TO DISCLOSE EVIDENCE THAT HE tRUMP WAS PARTNERED WITH EPSTEIN in THE PEDOPHILE BUSINESS SCHEME, SHE WANTED A LOT OF MONEY, HER INFO CAME FROM MAXWELL WHOM SHE WAS CLOSE FRIENDS WITH, NICE FAMILY the tRUMPs EH ???
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Rev. BH
John, please turn off the caps lock. It's considered to be shouting, but moreover, hard to read.
Otherwise I agree with most of your comment. However, Ivanka is his daughter, and her bodyguard pushed a guy away from her. One click google check.
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ServantOfJudgement
You're mistaken Mr Maher, Joe Biden is no longer president. He's the only president on record to have showered with a young girl. I do agree pedophiles should receive capital punishment but there's a lot of people protecting Mr Biden. It'll be hard to bring him to justice. Impossible really.
Until we have such damning evidence against president Trump as we have against Biden, we don't dare make accusations. If we find that Trump has indeed done the same thing Biden has done then their fate should be the same.
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James Riggle-Johnson
SOJ, think again. There is NO evidence that Biden showered with his daughter. The supposed diary entry was unverified. My mom showered with me when I was 4 or 5, and that did not make her a pedophile.
There is also no evidence tRump ever molested a child, but his social circle definitely included some who did. There is also the matter of Lawrence Julius Taylor, a registered sex offender, who HE appointed to lead a fitness program for children. Mr. Taylor’s offense was the sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl.
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Keith Ramsey
We see you are here pushing lies and propaganda again. There is no president on record to have showed with a young girl. But we do have one that walked into their dressing rooms and bragged about it. He also said that he wanted to date his daughter.
We have much more evidence against Trump than has ever existed against Biden.
But keep on trying to ignore the things that Trump did and attack others that don't fit your political beliefs.
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ServantOfJudgement
Keith and James,
It's the strangest thing amongst the left but for some reason you keep ignoring my critiques of president Trump and say I defend him while you refuse to critique Biden and relentlessly defend him. You're doing what you say I do but don't do.
A daughters word is evidence. That's all that need be reported for children's services to show up at people's homes.
If Trump's daughter said he showered with her you'd not need any more than that to brand him a pedophile.
Please break from your shell and read this carefully. If President Trump or President Biden are sex offenders they both need to be in front of a jury or judge.
For us straight folk, it's never cool for daddy to shower with a 7 year old no matter the relation. It's disgusting.
It's said of the Bible that belief in Jesus lifts the veil from our eyes and lets us see truth. Perhaps that why I have no difficulty critiquing any politician while you find it impossible. It's the veil.
Delivery from ignorance is bliss.
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Bridget Kielas-Fecyk
ServantOfJudgement Dude, there's TONS of proof that Trump slept with little kids including photos of him inappropriately touching 13 yr olds, wrapping his hands around their waists. You are in a cult and refuse to believe it.
Apparently the idea of Pedophilia isn't "that bad" if it's Trump doing it. And, btw, Even Biden's DAUGHTER stated her dad never touched her inappropriately.
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ServantOfJudgement
Lol, dearest Bridget, then get Trump in front of a jury for it. I'm on your side.
Let's get Biden in the same courtroom. God knows we all know the ill minded man loves holding touching smelling kind da on international TV. And find out what girls dress that was that Clinton wore in Epstein's mansion.
Am I still in a cult? Are you? Can you say it with me? Get Trump and Biden in a courtroom.
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Robert Gagnon
I don't agree with such books in an elementary school library, but a public library is for the public. Free speech dictates that every adult has the right to their opinion, but not the ability to deny others the same rights. Stealing is wrong, but stealing to target a group is a hate crime. Maybe the alph community should start stealing his church materials or have a bible burning on the front steps. He probably still wouldn't get the eye for an eye response. You have to comprehend what you read to understand the basic concept.
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Bridget Kielas-Fecyk
Since when has MAGA, or the GOP, or Trump, or "the good christians" that are doing this ever believed in something as honorable as free speech?
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
Good people do good things; and bad people do bad things; but sometimes, all that it takes, to get arrogant religious-exclusivists to do bad things, is the arrogance that they’re right, so therefore those who disagree with them must, logically, be wrong.
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Morgan Lewis Williams
Leave these books in the library.
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Michael S. Russell
So to "defend" themselves against something they don't agree with, they will break God's standing orders themselves to correct what THEY believe is wrong. We have not declared a Christian Nation just yet. Their views are not laws (in this case). And to do wrong to defend against their perceived wrong is actually criminal in the human laws. In my area, if you do not return a book, they will fine you the cost of that book. Don't pay it and they will take you to small claims court. If you continue to not pay for the fines, you will be arrested for theft. So, really, is it worth a criminal record just to defend yourself against something that you only believe is "evil" because of your religion and not the law? Seems a little mentally unstable to me.
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obere mchugh
point blank they are willfully breaking the law and its premeditated as well being condoned by a preacher, so its even worse. First off just because you dont like something, fine dont read it dont allow it around you or your kids, but you have no right to tell some one else that they cant read it or even let there kids read it. period. your thoughts and views are not the whole of your community and you have no right to dictate morality or what is precieved as right. keep your thoughts and opinions on subjects you dont like to your self as its only to your twisted view point of morality. thank the universe i was never raised in christianity so digusting behavior.
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Merlin
The Preachers must have read “Puritans for Dummies”.
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Robin Anne Hannon
I guess "Thou Shalt not Steal" has been ignored. How do you ignore what is a basic fundamental principal?
Matthew 7:21-23 English Standard Version I Never Knew You 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
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Elizabeth Susan Cosgrove
Those of us who are aghast at the thought of banning books, is there a gofundme or similar to set up a book purchase fund for the Shelby County Library? I love the idea of buying replacements, but a fund is probably more practical. For me books were a sacred escape from the hell of my daily life as a kid. Not just the Bible, but all books, were sacred and to be protected from harm. I'm no longer Christian, but still have my KJV, a copy of the Masoretic texts and whatever the Catholics were using in the late 70's early 80's.
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Cheryl Pettijohn
Theft is theft.
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Keith David Harry
When I was a little kid, if I did something absolutely stupid, my Grams would walk up behind me, pull my ear and say ; “ sei dannatamente pazzo? “. Someone needs to pull this guys ear.
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Frank Outersky
Isn't the churches the biggest groomers of them all.
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Bridget Kielas-Fecyk
This is nothing but theft and more ways to try to ban critical thinking and equality. Before you know it, people will be arrested for "thinking the wrong way" and "writing the wrong things"
And if people were doing this to books about christian / catholic subjects, they'd be throwing a fit.
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Jimmy Moon
Don’t let your kids read the garbage. Point out that it is perversion. And GOD says it is sin. Not a choice or lifestyle. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
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Robert James Ruhnke
Man said it was a sin, not god. Get over yourself already
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Jimmy Moon
You have not read the Bible, I guess. It is in there.
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Reverend Paula Copp
So is incest, sexual assault, crimes of passion et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, yet you tell your kids to practically memorize it…apparently, you, Jimmy, have not read the bible
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Jimmy Moon
I have. Many times. Try it. You might see yourself in there.
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Wesley Richard Hunt
you lie
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Jimmy Moon
Why lie?
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Robert James Ruhnke
I don’t need to read it to know it’s just another flight of fantasy turned into a political tool. Though wiser people than myself have read it and do what right instead being flapping internet head, moon. Maybe try reading all of it instead of just the parts for kids.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Jimmy,
So have your children read the story of David and Bathsheba? If you are really interested in keeping them away from smut, tear out the Song of Solomon from their Bible before giving it to them. It would be banned from anything except the 21+ crowd if it were a stand-alone book. For grins follow that all with the story of David and Goliath and the beheading of John the Baptist to give them a dose of gratuitous violence, and you've got a great book for children to read indiscriminately. The Bible has more sex and violence than a story about a kid with two moms or two dads.
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Jimmy Moon
It is the best book anyone can read. Man or child.
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Michael S. Russell
My friends, while debate can be enlightening and let's you see a different point of view, Mr Moon has stated he is MAGA and shown he is a Christian Nationalist. For him the debate is already over. No need to try to converse with someone who will not see anything but their own desires. Be at peace.
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Jimmy Moon
Proud MAGA. What is wrong with being a Christian Nationalist?
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Robert James Ruhnke
You’re the worst part Christianity has to offer. You prove there’s no hate like Christian love with every comment, moon.
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Michael Hunt
For one, it would be unconstitutional for the US to become a Christian Nationalist country. It's antithetical to freedom of religion.
Two, subjecting others to your religious beliefs against their will is authoritarian and against the American ideal of freedom.
Three, Christian nationalism twists Christian tenets into a tool for political power and division, contrary to the Gospel's message of love and justice.
Four, nationalists are never the good guys when you look back through history. They're intentionally discriminatory and those who do not conform to their brand of nationalism are persecuted by the government.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Agreed
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ServantOfJudgement
Many times lets wicked men do what they would naturally do to wicked men. The evil Cortez was used to put down the wicked Aztec empire who butchered 10s of millions as sacrifices. All with some horses and a few boom sticks the Aztec empire crumbled. That's got God's fingerprints all over it. Cortez later died in disgrace and received none of the glory he so desperately desired. He was punished by God for doing the wickedness his heart desired.
It's wrong to steal and it's wrong to teach wrong. Looks cut and dry. Some bad people stole some things from some bad people.
God will square up with the thieves on his timeline.
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Colleen McAllister
No. This is stealing. Raise your children right, be honest with them about everything and they will make up their own minds. And let them be who they feel they are. Even if you disagree. If you nieve in God then also believe He will handle the rest.
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Patti Anne Lisenbee
so a preacher preaches to sin to rid themselves of "sin." Ironic, that. Gawd claims he knows you in the womb, what you will be like, so he KNOWS when gay babies are born and allows it. I just self-published a child/young adult book at Amazon and it has gay characters in it, so it would be stolen. I can only hope they would be curious enough to decide to read it. (It's a chapter book.)
If kids are old enough to learn that gawd impregnated a 14 year old against her will and have a baby, kids are old enough to know that Jonny has 2 moms or 2 dads. Kids know what they are by three years old and try to act it out until they have enough communication skills to talk about it. Xians call these library books "grooming?" well, what do you call constant indoctrination of a particular religion? It's grooming also. They want a bunch of mini-me's all running around spouting things they don't understand in the name of their particular Jebus.
Telling Xian people to steal to please gawd is a good way to lose your golden crowns you'll get when you die. Sin is sin. Break one, break them all, according to scripture. This pastor is losing crowns right and left. I hope all the thieves are happy with the fines they will accrue on these books. maybe they'll deny paying them. Libraries use the fines to buy new books. Check mate!
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David Cox
That's like letting your child touch the top of a stove. Let it burn them. It's ok they will learn. It's called teaching your children the right way. Be a guide to them. Teaching them what's right and wrong. There is a reason we were born male and female.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Would you please clarify your opinion on the reason we were born male and female? While your at it I would love to know how you feel about your god also creating some human beings as intersex.
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Steven Ferrell
While I agree that alphabet lifestyle books have no place in children’s literature or libraries, stealing them is also wrong. Parents need to be teaching their children that the alphabet lifestyle is sin and tgat while we hate the sin, we should love the sinner and pray for them. We treat them with kindness.
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Elizabeth Susan Cosgrove
Inherent in your comment is the assumption that being LGBT is a choice. Let me challenge that ass.u.me.ption: when did you choose to be a cis straight man? I don't ever recall choosing to be a cis straight woman. It is who I am. In my snarkier moments I say being a straight woman proves sexuality is NOT a choice. I mean have you SEEN our options?
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
There is no such thing as an “alphabet lifestyle.” A human being who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, non-conforming, and other has not “chosen” to identify as such. It is who they are. Just as you haven’t chosen to be heterosexual…or did you?
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Wow… next they’ll prohibit critical thinking… if you don’t like the material, don’t read it. It’s not grooming; it’s allowing people to have information which might otherwise not be available and allowing them to make their own decisions. If it doesn’t affect you or yours, leave it alone.