Sheffield versus the Religous Right

Fish, I totally agree with you.

I do think, however, that having a "special" election tends to only get the 'thou shalt not' croud out more than the average citizen. We saw that result in that the lottery failed. I hope the same dosn't happen to Sheffield. That town needs everything it can get to go for it.

I am a Sheffield resident and alcohol sales on Sunday is not what this city needs. I am also a christian and know for a fact that God is what we need.

Sunday sales would greatly help revenue. I think we also need a Hooters and a casino. But that is just MHO.

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Originally posted by cindyalx:
I am a Sheffield resident and alcohol sales on Sunday is not what this city needs. I am also a christian and know for a fact that God is what we need.

Well Cindy, those that need God on Sunday go to church.
Those that need alcohol on Sunday go to Florence.

lol TSC

I guess Monday thru Saturday no one needs God? That is not what I was taught.

Monday thru Saturday they are stocking up their liquor cabinets!

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Originally posted by cindyalx:
I am a Sheffield resident and alcohol sales on Sunday is not what this city needs. I am also a christian and know for a fact that God is what we need.

What does being a Christian have to do with this issue?

The narrow minded Christians such as Cindy want to impose their belief that alcohol is evil on the people of Sheffield. The other Christians such as me want to be able to have a glass of wine with my meal in Sheffield - if I decide to visit the area. Perhaps Cindy and her fellow Christians would prefer to keep people out of Sheffield. They don't want out-of-towners such as me patronizing their city's businesses. That is fine with me. I can spend my money elsewhere. Let Sheffield die. It makes no difference to me.

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Originally posted by that smart chick:
Well Cindy, those that need God on Sunday go to church. Those that need alcohol on Sunday go to Florence.

To me, this is not an issue of whether or not alcohol is good for business. I live and work in Florence so if I were smart, I'd shut up and let all three Sheffield residents come "across the river" to drink.

But, no, this isn't about alcohol sales or draft beer. This is about freedom to be an adult. This is about the government's stupid implication that something can be wholly legal 6 days a week and illegal on the 7th day. WHAT KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT?

I would actually be more "okay" (from a legal standpoint) with a complete prohibition of alcohol. At least that makes some sense.

Why should I have to abide by fundamentalist Baptist rules? What if I was Catholic and needed wine for communion? What if I was Jewish and believed that SATURDAY, not Sunday, was the day of holiness?

The stupidity of this issue just boggles the mind!

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Originally posted by GoFish:
The stupidity of this issue just boggles the mind!

Amen!

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Originally posted by cindyalx:
I am a Sheffield resident and alcohol sales on Sunday is not what this city needs. I am also a christian and know for a fact that God is what we need.

This is the most rediculas thing i've heard. Is there some verse in the bible that says, "Alcohol shall not be sold sunday, but it can be consumed"?

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Originally posted by cindyalx:
I am a Sheffield resident and alcohol sales on Sunday is not what this city needs. I am also a christian and know for a fact that God is what we need.

I am so sick and tired of people that believe in fairy tales trying to control what other people do!If you want to believe in whatever go ahead,just leave the real world alone.I live in Sheffield and this town needs the added revenue to survive.I don't drink,but I believe in live and let live.

If Sheffield can't make it without Sunday alcohol sales then why do you think that having it will be it's savior?

Sheffield needs alot more than alcohol sales,but that is a step in the right direction.If people don't like alocohol then don't buy it and don't drink it.The real problem here is that the people that make a living lying to people on Sunday morning are afraid that money spent on booze is money they won't get in their collection plates!

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Originally posted by Lorensdad006:
If Sheffield can't make it without Sunday alcohol sales then why do you think that having it will be it's savior?

Nobody said it would be Sheffield's savior. It would definitely increase revenue, which is one small step in the right direction. It makes absolutely no sense to say that it will hurt having Sunday sales. All the bible thumper railed when Colbert county was voted wet. They said it would be our downfall and there would be winos laying in the streets. Actually, I see far fewer winos in the streets now than at that time. Our revenue has increased and the county has not vaporized. Anytime the tax base can be increased and the revenue increased in a town (or any area) it helps stimulate the economy, growth and revitalization.

Ok, I am a Missionary Baptist and although I agree that alcohol isn't a good thing, I would have to say that the approach in the against side isn't working. If you are going to be against Sunday sales of alcohol then you should also be against the sale of anything on Sunday. I mean if others can't buy their alcohol then you can't go buy a coke or candy bar at the local Walmart. I am not trying to help either side here, just stating an obvious point. As for someone trying to tell others what to do, remember everyone has a opinion and has that right to it. That's what the voting process is for. If I was from there, I would state my opinion also and then go vote my conviction. If it goes my way that's great, but if it doesn't go my way it's still great. I may not like the way it went, but it is my duty as a citizen of democracy to support the decision of the majority. But I will give my opinion on the outcome of it, and it is my right to do so. So all this name calling and ranting against either party does nothing but cause more trouble.

Maybe those who are against Sunday alcohol sales are against it being sold during the week too. But removing alcohol sales during the week would be like getting rid of the lottery or a bad redlight, it'll never happen. Once it's in, it's in. And I hardly think that adding Sunday alcohol sales is going to attract alot of nice restaurants to a town like Sheffield. It needs more going for it that just that. And as far as wondering what "the man upstairs" would say about this issue, I have a feeling He'll have alot to say about alot of things, icluding those who claim to know Him and wear His name yet advocate everything His Word teaches against. And whoever said that sending 18-year-olds to another country to kill was right? While God does use governments for His purposes, just because we or our country does something doesn't make it right.

Frankly all of you guys are wrong. Another person's religious beliefs shouldn't influence what I consume. Its my money and my liver.

As for the rest of you who are talking about revenue give me a break. If you think tax on cheap 6 pack is going to make a hill of difference in Sheffield you are crazy!

Everyone thinks God is on their side - get real! You honestly think a deity cares either way?

I'm a Christian and I love beer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking alcohol responsibly.

Jesus' first miracle was going to a party that ran out of wine and making some more. Not only did he make wine, he made really good wine. Look it up yourself. If alcohol is so evil, why did he make it?

Sunday sales is more about control. The hold outs from prohibition still want to keep their grip on their communities, but more and more citizens are realizing that quality dining, nightlife, and entertainment can revitalize a town.

I still don't understand why selling on Sunday as opposed to Saturday is such a bad thing? What does it matter?

Before anyone attacks you, Mommyofthree, let me say that while I respect your views (I, too, am a Christian), this should not be a religious issue. It's a political issue. As you said, alcohol sales are already legal in Sheffield. Maybe if the people in Sheffield felt so strongly against alcohol, they should have voted against it in the first place.

Having said that, having an adult beverage is not a sin in my book. Becoming drunken is. But that's my interpretation of the scripture. Interpret the scripture as you will, but allow me the liberty of doing the same, please.

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Originally posted by GoFish:

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Originally posted by that smart chick:
Well Cindy, those that need God on Sunday go to church. Those that need alcohol on Sunday go to Florence.

To me, this is not an issue of whether or not alcohol is good for business. I live and work in Florence so if I were smart, I'd shut up and let all three Sheffield residents come "across the river" to drink.

But, no, this isn't about alcohol sales or draft beer. This is about freedom to be an adult. This is about the government's stupid implication that something can be wholly legal 6 days a week and illegal on the 7th day. WHAT KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT?

I would actually be more "okay" (from a legal standpoint) with a complete prohibition of alcohol. At least that makes some sense.

Why should I have to abide by fundamentalist Baptist rules? What if I was Catholic and needed wine for communion? What if I was Jewish and believed that SATURDAY, not Sunday, was the day of holiness?

The stupidity of this issue just boggles the mind!

I agree with ya... I am a Christian too, and I don't even drink, (because I do NOT like the taste) but even if I DID drink, it would not make me LESS of a Christian!!!

Jesus made wine...

Anyway, Cindy... what you said above slammed a LOT of Christians right in the face, and it isn't true either... I love God every single DAY, not just on Sunday, and if you think that by NOT selling stuff on Sunday is going to stop ANYONE drinking on Sunday, IF THEY WANT TO, you better get an education!!! Anyone who wants to drink on Sunday, will just buy extra on Saturday night....

NOT selling it is stupid, because people are STILL drinking it, especially now, in the summer time.... and God knows they drink it... I know a LOT of people who have wine with dinner on... ****GASP***** SUNDAY!!!!

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Originally posted by Techno62:
Ok, I am a Missionary Baptist and although I agree that alcohol isn't a good thing, I would have to say that the approach in the against side isn't working. If you are going to be against Sunday sales of alcohol then you should also be against the sale of anything on Sunday.

Agreed, Techno. If the government wants Blue Laws, then enforce ALL the blue laws. How about cigarettes? How 'bout Playboy Magazine? Why aren't those banned (admittedly, Playboy sales on Sunday might be banned for all I know)?

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Originally posted by Mommyofthree:
I hardly think that adding Sunday alcohol sales is going to attract alot of nice restaurants to a town like Sheffield. It needs more going for it that just that.

Agreed. However, one thing they can do is hang a sign on the front door of Sheffield that says, "We are Progressive and open to your ideas."

This vote is not a panacea. It's just a small step in the right direction.

Also, not really on point, but I feel like it needs to be said, I don't think that all believers who aren't a part of my denomination are going to Hell, either. I can't believe that my God would subject the Church of Christ or Catholics to an eternity in Hell because, even though they are faithful followers, they weren't raised in the Baptist Church. I mean, seriously, come on, people. It takes a lot of arrogance and ignorance to believe that only your denomination will reside in Heaven.

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Originally posted by LAWGRL:
Also, not really on point, but I feel like it needs to be said, I don't think that all believers who aren't a part of my denomination are going to Hell, either. I can't believe that my God would subject the Church of Christ or Catholics to an eternity in Hell because, even though they are faithful followers, they weren't raised in the Baptist Church. I mean, seriously, come on, people. It takes a lot of arrogance and ignorance to believe that only your denomination will reside in Heaven.

AMEN to that!!! I agree!!

Sunday sales are a piece of the puzzle Sheffield needs to address their falling revenues, lack of business, and lack of everything.

I don't know about that... every time I am in Sheffield, be it day or night, they LOOK pretty busy... they have a LOT of night spots, much more than other cities around do.

I am a Sheffield resident. I do not believe that Sunday sales is the "end all answer". I do believe Sheffield needs any baby step it can find to get over the hurdles it is facing. I am tired of having to drive across the river to spend my money. I try to buy as much as I can in the few stores Sheffield has...why send even a few dollars to Florence, if we can help it?

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Originally posted by Phoenix Rising:
Frankly all of you guys are wrong. Another person's religious beliefs shouldn't influence what I consume. Its my money and my liver.

As for the rest of you who are talking about revenue give me a break. If you think tax on cheap 6 pack is going to make a hill of difference in Sheffield you are crazy!

Everyone thinks God is on their side - get real! You honestly think a deity cares either way?

HERE HERE

I know that this wasn't directed at me but I have to throw my two cents in....Like I said, I am a Missionary Baptist and I don't think that just the Baptists are going to heaven. At one time back in Bible history, the Jewish Nation was God's chosen people but because of unbelief in Christ and disobedience the Gentiles were grafted in to receive salvation as a part of God's chosen people. Guess who the Gentiles were....US. Everyone other than the Jewish Nation...so it is obvious that there will be people saved out of every denomination. Those who believe and put their faith in Christ will share in the great gift that He gave. He gave his life for you and for me. And he gave it to everyone, but to have it you must first accept it. As for one beliefs (religious or otherwise) affecting others, that has been happening since Adam & Eve. Plus, how does one determine whether their beliefs are religious or just their beliefs. Even people who are not particularly religious have morals or moral beliefs. So just because I believe or have a conviction about something, doesn't mean it's a religious thing. Does the comment about "religious beliefs affecting others" means that if one goes to church or has religious beliefs, they shouldn't take a side on an issue? If so, it's not going to happen. My beliefs, whether religious or otherwise determine who I am. And I for one will continue to voice them. By the way, I love this. It's a great forum....makes one think, really think about their beliefs....lol

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Originally posted by LAWGRL:
Also, not really on point, but I feel like it needs to be said, I don't think that all believers who aren't a part of my denomination are going to Hell, either. I can't believe that my God would subject the Church of Christ or Catholics to an eternity in Hell because, even though they are faithful followers, they weren't raised in the Baptist Church. I mean, seriously, come on, people. It takes a lot of arrogance and ignorance to believe that only your denomination will reside in Heaven.

Amen, that is why my church(church of Christ) and a baptist church is having a joint service sunday night. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

As far as your right to buy acohol on Sunday or anytime? you have none, none unless giving to you by the citizens of the community in which you want to buy it in. Well atleast thats what the surpreme court has ruled and if you want to buy it in sheffield on sundays then get out and vote and don't bad mouth the ones that doesn't want it sold.

I personally think that it doesn't matter if it is sold on sunday's or not. Sheffield is dying a slow and missiable death. They need to fix the roads, promote business and just clean the place up.

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Originally posted by cindyalx:
I am a Sheffield resident and alcohol sales on Sunday is not what this city needs. I am also a christian and know for a fact that God is what we need.

um, i've got an idea then. don't go to the bar.

That's just the same as telling people to turn the channels if they don't want to see sex and violence on TV. Why should they have to be the ones to turn to another channel? Just let them vote on it and see what happens. The question I have is if the vote goes to the "don't have them" side, are the others going to respect the democratic process of voting and be happy...? I don't think so. But we will see.....

Regardless of whether many of you believe it's a religious issue or not, it became one when the very topic up for discussion is titled "Sheffield versus Religious Right." I respect everyone's right to agree or disagree, that's what makes this country great, but please don't post a topic slamming "the religious right" and then when someone responds say it's not about religion.
And LAWGRL, believe it or not, I actually agree with you that having an adult beverage is not a sin, that becoming drunken is. On a personal note however, I don't drink because if the people I know and meet know that I say I am a Christian and yet they see me out drinking in a restaurant, even if it's only one beer, then what is to make me different from anyone else in their book? It's not that I feel like I'm sinning by drinking one beer, but I am sinning if I cause someone else to stumble and so marr the name of Christ. All they see is that I claim one thing and apparently live something else. Isn't that what everyone hates, a hypocrite? It's one of the main reasons I hear for people not going to church!
Also, everyone likes to talk about Jesus turning water into wine, but besides dirty water, there wasn't anything else to drink like there is today. You couldn't just go buy a bunch of cokes. And if you research it further, you would find out that the wine back then was alot weaker than wine today, and you really had to down it to become drunk.

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Originally posted by Techno62:
That's just the same as telling people to turn the channels if they don't want to see sex and violence on TV. Why should they have to be the ones to turn to another channel? Just let them vote on it and see what happens. The question I have is if the vote goes to the "don't have them" side, are the others going to respect the democratic process of voting and be happy...? I don't think so. But we will see.....

I don't like all the bible thumpers on T.V all day on Sunday,but I'm not trying to make anyone take them off the air.I just change the channel and find something I do like.If you don't want to drink on Sunday or any other day for that matter,then just don't.In other words I'll mind my own business and you mind yours.Harm none and do as you will!

I know maybe a lot of you think a lot of Gary Alverson, but ask him why at his church ,when a Great Program at his church or maybe not his , but one he attends ,I had been speaking with this program by the State of Alabama on Drugs & DUI's for over 4 years thru out Lauderdale Co., but i was "not" aloud to speak at the church that nite , yes I was there ! was it because he droped the drug charges of the young man who had drugs on him only 3 months after killing our son by running a red light whike on drugs that killed our son. Is that how the drug problem is handled in Cobert Co., droping the charges & flushing the drugs they said , who know what happened to the drugs, so nothing at all on record , other than I have a copy of the drugs , crack pipe , & Colbert Co. taking it with them . for an indictment that never happened .

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Originally posted by Kindred_Spirit:
I don't know about that... every time I am in Sheffield, be it day or night, they LOOK pretty busy... they have a LOT of night spots, much more than other cities around do.

And yet they are still in the sad shape they are in. Do you really think adding another day of alcohol sales will turn that city around?

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Originally posted by Bamafnatk:
I know maybe a lot of you think a lot of Gary Alverson, but ask him why at his church ,when a Great Program at his church or maybe not his , but one he attends ,I had been speaking with this program by the State of Alabama on Drugs & DUI's for over 4 years thru out Lauderdale Co., but i was "not" aloud to speak at the church that nite , yes I was there ! was it because he droped the drug charges of the young man who had drugs on him only 3 months after killing our son by running a red light whike on drugs that killed our son. Is that how the drug problem is handled in Cobert Co., droping the charges & flushing the drugs they said , who know what happened to the drugs, so nothing at all on record , other than I have a copy of the drugs , crack pipe , & Colbert Co. taking it with them . for an indictment that never happened .

Your message sounds like you're on drugs right now.

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I actually agree with you that having an adult beverage is not a sin, that becoming drunken is. On a personal note however, I don't drink because if the people I know and meet know that I say I am a Christian and yet they see me out drinking in a restaurant, even if it's only one beer, then what is to make me different from anyone else in their book? It's not that I feel like I'm sinning by drinking one beer, but I am sinning if I cause someone else to stumble and so marr the name of Christ. All they see is that I claim one thing and apparently live something else. Isn't that what everyone hates, a hypocrite? It's one of the main reasons I hear for people not going to church!

I'm really not trying to debate over this subject. But can you see the flip side of your argument? What about the person who may not know Christ and doesn't want to get to know Christ because she feels that the confines of Christianity are so small that she will never feel as though she can live up to the expectations? What if she gets to know someone who is a Christian, who can witness to her about salvation, but who is not uptight about religion and can actually discuss salvation with her without turning her off? Those people can help people find Christ, too. I know. I have.