Discussions

As much as their antics simultaneously amuse me and make me worry about the fate of the species (I know . . . Pretty sure that ship has sailed), they have the right to be there. I'm sure the nearby businesses aren't particularly fond of their presence either, but so long as they stick to public right of way and aren't bothering anyone. . .  
 
Whether or not they could be considered a distraction. . . I'm not sure how well that would hold up to MPI. Being that your job behind the wheel is to NOT be distracted . . . Because your at the helm of several thousand pounds of potentially deadly inertia.

Been wondering the same thing for awhile. Their activity is distracting and wonder how many accidents have occurred or almost occurred because of them. I don’t disagree with their message or intentions but feel there must be a better way. I believe the city has banned the large billboard signs that used to be all along 18th street because of their potential to distract driving. Is this activity any different?

So then why don’t YOU go challenge their beliefs if it bothers you ( Jesus really is coming )

The point is “quit distracting people when they are driving”! It’s going to cause an accident!

If they distract enough drivers, and someone dies in an accident, then that person COULD be on the way to meet Jesus. So maybe jesus won't be coming here, but they're sending people there instead?? Really, if your excited to see him either way works, it only doesn't work if you don't think he's worth seeing

It would be more constructive to engage in this matter with greater maturity.  
 
How can the act of shouting through a loudspeaker while dressed in bright orange traffic vests not be perceived as distracting? It also appears to show a lack of respect for those who hold different beliefs. Although it may take place on public property, it disturbs the peace for others. This scenario is similar to someone publicly campaigning against abortion: there is a suitable time and place for such conversations, and a street corner is not one of them.

As a driver, you are supposed to be able to deal with minor distractions: quickly identify them and pay attention to your driving. Sadly, a large percentage of drivers can't accomplish this. As annoying as they may be, ignore them and keep your attention on the road.

I’m driving through an intersection. I pass through a crosswalk. Then suddenly, I hear a loud voice, and I should ignore it? If I’m a pedestrian on that crosswalk next time, please don’t ignore me!

It is distracting, and disturbing to see people on a street corner vying for attention, when all I wanna do is get home safely without hearing someone screaming on their bullhorn or microphone looking downright crazy. You can be proud of your religion without having to whip it out on a street corner.

So how this any different let's say people loitering at an intersection asking for food, and money? Or if one to go that direction, people with environmental signs at 18th st and Victoria Ave.  
 
Regardless if you agree with their message or not, they have the right to be there along as they are not physically stopping traffic or pedestrian traffic. One can't cherry pick who is allowed to gather at an intersection of who can 'protest' or shout out their cause.

You didn't see the high visibility vest or hear the bullhorn preaching until you were right at the intersection? Do you make a habit of yelling and dashing into flowing traffic?

You can add picketers to that list, as they are usually a much larger group than street preachers and panhandlers.

I don’t live in Brandon but when I went to go visit family I seen them . that was like 2 weeks ago how long are they gonna keep it up for lol..

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

That its hard to understand the situation fully with only the context of one side of the story, but currently its all we have, so my feelings on this are only within the frame of guesswork.  
While they mean no actual harm, they need to consider the ramifications of the actions. This is clearly not helping anyone to engage or join in in their congregation and through their actions, which are largely becoming a little more aggressive, they are more than likely causing others who attend churches to also come under attack in society and challenge their faith. It's one thing to love and believe strongly in something, regardless of whether it's science or religion (Im a man of science, myself, but I also dabble in a dash of existential hope) , but it's another thing entirely when that outward representation causes conflicts, and actually unintentionally affects others that are within the same fold. Personally, I'm fine with whatever others choose to believe in if it gives them some peace in a world full of madness, but there are fine lines in that aspect that shouldn't be crossed if it affects others in the same faith negatively. If they are indeed stepping outside of the congregation and it's leadership to preach, they need to reconsider their position within it, because this tends to go far out from what the teachings and theology typically call for. Leadership is there for a reason, and straying from the flock and taking things upon themselves outside the directive of a congregation body isn't what people are typically called to do. Division doesn't stand well on its own, no matter how you look at it.  
 
Edited by Mr Eman, 2025-02-10 09:44:57

They've been out there in the same area doing this since the pandemic. How are you all only starting to notice them and only now becoming distracted? They've been there for so long now. I'm not religious but I'm also not going to stop someone from having their say. They aren't hurting anyone, no one seems to have gotten in an accident or hurt due to them over the years they've been doing it and it seems the city and police aren't bothered by it.  
 
I hope you all hold the same energy you are for these people when it comes to protesters and other people moituring on the sidewalks. They can cause just as much distraction as these people. It's a reason we have a freedom of expression law here. Just because you don't like them preaching doesn't mean they aren't allowed to do it especially if no one is being hurt.

We need a GOOD NEWS message in todays world. Why not take it to the streets. Its a positive distraction.  
 
George: I think it's positive. You don't hear much about God anymore.  
Jerry: I hear stuff.

I believe this to mean if the only reason you are doing something is to be seen then you will not be rewarded by God.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

The driving, pedestrians, and roads here are so simple…. I fear any of you complaining should NOT travel outside of your comfy little environment. There is a big and scary world out there…. This is why some people look at us who live here like we have 2 heads… complaining about someone on a corner…. Ridiculous.. live and let live.

heads on a swivel. If someone gets distracted by anything like a bullhorn in their ear, I don’t want you to get hurt.

I find it more amusing than distracting. Mostly I could care less what others want to believe but what I do find annoying is the need to blast it in my face.

It's so distracting, those people, yelling with the signs!  
I couldn't finish the text message I was trying to thumb-type on my phone and I missed a good part of the Netflix show I was trying to watch! Plus, trying to watch the traffic lights! Too much!

Good call.  
 
Because you're* at the helm of several thousand pounds of potentially deadly inertia.  
There are probably more of them, but such as it is. It's not like criticism of our grammer added any new observations or solutions to the thread.  
 
Congratulations. You are a top tier communicator. Have a cookie.  
 
Edited by Simonwalcal, 2025-02-15 11:43:24

Heh all you critics out there. Open your Bibles. Drinking a coffee in your car is a bigger distraction than someone standing on the corner preaching the word. Salvation is only a decision away. Looks like your the ones that need the reminder. God bless

They should go door to door like JW’s LOL

Truth, brother!