going to church yard sale with my evolution shirt?

Question

I recently bought a t-shirt from the cleveland museum of natural history. There is a huge church yard sale like thing by my house. i plan on going, i plan on buying about 15 dollars worth of stuff. But i am wearing my shirt i bought from the museum that says (evolution happens) and on the back there are stages of man. I believe in the ideals of the church, but not its ideas. Meaning i believe that trying to help a community is a great ideal i will fully support (by buying stuff) but ideas too right wing (evolution didnt happen) i cannot say i agree with at all. (ps im going to a non denomonational church)
so will i be rude if i wear my evolution shirt, but support their cause?

oh god, what if one of the kids see it, will they ask what it is and will the parent have to tell the kid why science is wrong and a book is right?

and this church, as I knew a few members, want nothing to do with evolution

Answer 1

Not all churches teach against evolution. I'd say wear whatever you're going to wear, and be done with it. Don't make a big deal out it. Do you always put this much thought into what you're going to wear to a rummage sale? Purposely wearing a shirt you feel would be potentially offensive, to a church or anywhere else, would seem somewhat immature.

Answer 2

If they are offended by a shirt that says the earth is round, lightning bolts have a scientific explanation and are not the sound of angels bowling, or anything of that sort, then that is their problem. If they say they cannot support your presence because of a shirt that shows you know more about science than most of them do, it is their loss.

To avoid mentioning evolution so as not to rock the boat, however, is what lots of people are doing. Plenty of people in churches are educated and understand biology but keep quiet because they don't want to cause offense and perhaps even get kicked out. It is time to stop letting fundamentalists bully the majority of Christians into silence.

In other words, WEAR THE SHIRT! :-)

Answer 3

Is the sale carrying out God's will, and is it being used for His service? If so, there ought not be a problem with doing it at the building. People mentioning the overturning of the tables at the temple miss a key element in the story- those guys were ripping the pilgrims off, making it harder for common folk to sacrifice or visit the temple. That is NOT what you are doing, is it? As far as listening to other people, there is a tendency amongst some groups of people to hold churche buildings as much more sacred places than they really are. You need to pay attention to what is going on about this. On the one hand, if you are an affront to those people, you are a bad witness for Christ. On the other hand, remember the story about the man, his son and the donkey and how as they walked along a road, every bystander found seomthing else wrong with the way they were doing things. We need to be sensitive to others, but not led by them. For my own two cents, if you plan on this every week, I'd try to open some form of thrift store- perhaps out of a garage on church property.

Answer 4

Why don't you just go and do what you said like spend $15 at the yard sale and save your t-shirt wearing for a more appropriate occasion, I believe in evolution too but there are times and places for these sorts of things. Also some churches like Catholic and Orthodox teach evolution in their schools so I guess it depends on what church sale you are going to if you really are hell bent on causing a stir or some attention grabbing stunt

Answer 5

I am curious. Are you going to wear the shirt in an effort to illicit thoughtful discussion, or are you trying to piss people off? Perhaps this church is open miinded enough to start an investigation into this topic and its ramifications for the church?

I knew a geneticist who was Christian and went to the same church I attneded. He believed in evolution obviously, due to the science, but also was a very intense believer. I don't think they are incompatible, do you?

I would hope that in the future faith and science can be less confrontational.

Answer 6

I think that, if you support strongly a belief in evolution which you wish to proclaim -- apparently, since you bought the tee shirt -- then you should not feel guilty in doing so; after all, you are as entitled to express your opinions as anyone. Alternatively, you are prepared to offend those who deny evolution based upon their religion by flaunting your shirt at their sale. Ask yourself whether you are interested only in "making waves" because, certainly, you are unlikely to convert any of the church members to your point of view. What then is your point? My sister once sent me a tee shirt adorned with a quote by Einstein which stated: "Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds." Although I could surely identify with the sentiment, I rarely if ever actually wore the shirt as I felt it would be regarded as hurtful by those with mediocre minds! I think that your actions must depend upon how devoted you feel toward expressing your views!

Answer 7

You seem to assume that since it's a church event that all or some present don't believe in evolution. Wear it if you like, but it sounds like you're trying to make a statement of some sort. Are you trying to be provocative or cause a scene? Do you think your t-shirt will influence any present, or are you just being a smart-***?

I think it's great that you're supporting their cause by contributing.

I'd probably wear it, but be prepared for backlash.

Answer 8

There's nothing rude about your shirt. All sensible Christians accept the scientific theory of Evolution. Depending upon the church, it may be that a majority of the congregation would not be in any way offended by your shirt.

Answer 9

Sounds like you are just trying to create an argument by wearing your shirt. I'm curious what your motives are. The church has its view of creation and you have your view of evolution.

Answer 10

evolution is just as much a theory as creationism. neither have been "Proven". and as far as the religion vs. science thing goes, both are simply the search for the truth. maybe its possible that god created life intending for it to evolve. Rather than adam physically rising out of the earth, me metaphorically rose out of the earth meaning he came from the protein strains that were here then later life started, evolved, and here we are. Religion and science shouldn't be at odds seeing that there is nothing to prove religion is right, or wrong for that matter. We are still learning. if anyone becomes offended at the yard sale, they are close minded fools and they wouldn't be following their own teachings when they try to tell you that you are wrong.