South Dakota Christian Billboard Erected as Rebuttal to Atheist Signs
A digital billboard with the words, "The fool hath said in his heart, 'There is no God,'" was erected in Sioux Falls, S.D., yesterday in direct response to the seven signs dispersed throughout the state inviting residents who do not believe in God to "join the club."
The new electronic billboard, which stands in front of one of the signs questioning God's existence, features rotating slides with the Biblical verse, Psalm 14:1 appearing every couple of seconds. According to construction business owner, William Kreider, who personally funded the sign, the message is meant to give South Dakatons a different perspective.
"When I saw the sign I thought of it as a direct attack on my God. I thought that it would be good for people to know that God is alive and that He has something to say," Kreider said to The Christian Post.
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Last week, the South Dakota Coalition for Reason completed the installation of the seven atheist billboards in several cities with the purpose to build a community of like-minded individuals. Amanda Novotny, president of Siouxland Freethinkers, a group that is part of SDCoR, surprisingly said she had no problem with Kreider's rebuttal sign.
"One of the things that's great about America is freedom of speech, so they have every right to put up a billboard," Novotny said, according to Argus Leader, a Sioux Falls news outlet.
Kreider has received similar positive responses from others as well as negative feedback but regardless, his ultimate goal is to reach non-believers.
"I've received hate mail that was very uncouth, I've also gotten good responses…so far it has been a mixed response. I hope to draw people towards looking to God instead of the world. I know that many are hardened to God and will never listen, as several responses have shown, but if one turns to God because of this sign then it will be worth it," Kreider said.
He also told CP erecting the sign was his way "doing nothing less for my God who saved my worthless hide," while emphasizing that now is the time for Christians to stand up for their beliefs despite the U.S. "quickly pulling away from God."
"People ignore the areas of the Bible that says we should fight the good fight of faith and the Old Testament where God had Israel combat the heathen nations and false gods."
Kreider said he would place billboards throughout more locations if he was able to afford the cost but declined to disclose the amount he invested and said the sign will run for 10 days. The atheist billboards, which cost $11,148, were funded by the United Coalition of Reason along with funds from an anonymous local donor and will remain up through Sept. 15.
