Maybe First Baptist Church is not so powerful...

[Jaxson]

I have noticed lately that the Mathews Bridge is closed on Sundays.  These closures tie up traffic on University Boulevard during the time that folks are going to church.  You should see the mess that happens in the afternoon when Atlantic Boulevard is backed up from University Boulevard almost going back to Art Museum Drive. 
If First Baptist and other churches truly ran the city and its workings, would they not have demanded that the Mathews Bridge stay open on Sundays?  With the addition of other congregants from other churches commuting into town from the suburbs, one would think that there is a better way to move traffic for those who really don't need another excuse not to go to Sunday morning worship services.   

[spuwho]

My observation is that many in Jax have a perception of FBC that exceeds actual reality.

Yes, so they have a couple of people in authority in city government, has it abused at times? sure. But there has been other abuses in COJ by people that have nothing to do with FBC.

"Power" is relative in this case and when it comes to most of the comings and goings of greater NE Florida, their role is relatively minor.

Being that they own a significant portion of real estate in central COJ, it would be unusual if they didn't have an opinion on things, but compared to their actions, I would perceive they don't utilize it to the fullest.

More of a bogeyman than an actual threat.

[Jaxson]

True dat.  I am still stewing over Mathews Bridge closures on Sunday...

[jph]

Funny you should point this out. I travel to Arlington both Saturday and Sunday almost every weekend, and 99% of the time the Mathews is open Sunday but not Saturday. I think that the schedule has been switched a little over the past two weeks because of the Monster Truck rally keeping it open last Saturday, but that's just my speculation.

[tufsu1]

actually, yes they are powerful....FBC asked the City to negotiate with FDOT to make sure the bridge was open on most Sundays

[If_I_Loved_you]

actually, yes they are powerful....FBC asked the City to negotiate with FDOT to make sure the bridge was open on most Sundays

So what! Why do so many people pick on the First Baptist Church! Lets not forget about the history that FBC has brought to Jacksonville Florida not all great but "let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." Let's not forget we all have the right to Freedom of Religion.

[ubben]

My aunt's neighbor's are FBC and are moving to Tupelo, Mississippi at the end of this month because Jacksonville is 'getting too big-city liberal.' Gays, Jews, Asians, uppity college kids, Indians, global warming, etc. blah blah blah.

Awesome. Good riddance!

[ronchamblin]

FBC in the urban core is sorta like having a 500 pound nice guy stuck in the back seat of a cab with two 160 pounders on a long trip, so that there is no freedom to move.... you have to scrunch up.  Would be nice if the fellow weighed only 180 pounds, and even better, if he took another cab.  Of course, the two light fellows could take another cab too.  That's probably happened in the past.

"Chuck Norris can speak Braille."

[buckethead]

FBC.... A Chamblin Perspective.

I see a historical novel in there somewhere.

[ronchamblin]

Thanks BH.  Most things I say are from my perspective, and what I say regarding FBC is usually opposite to most other's perspectives.  It still confounds me as to how can so many other people can be wrong?  As we know, the majority in any population must be right. 

But... yes, although a historical novel is possible, I like the idea of writing a contemporary drama... which I'm currently working on.  It is set in downtown Jax. 

"Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door."   

[If_I_Loved_you]

Every great city has churches in them. To say that the reason Downtown Jacksonville Florida isn't working well is because FBC shouldn't be downtown is poppycock! The nonbelievers that hate FBC or God in general are humans without a soul. And I would rather be "wrong" in an atheist/narcissist mind then in God's eye.

[fsujax]

^^If I loved you, I have that said that many times. Given examples, but some just don't care, its all about hating the church or God. I really have just given up on commenting over the nasty comments about the church and/or its members.

[If_I_Loved_you]

^^If I loved you, I have that said that many times. Given examples, but some just don't care, its all about hating the church or God. I really have just given up on commenting over the nasty comments about the church and/or its members.

fsujax remember your faith and pray for the ones without faith because they are the ones that are truly lost.

[ronchamblin]

But of course, the comments about the church or any kind of god is not about hate, it is about independence, honesty, and ultimately the truth of the matter, which should come to light for most humans in a few hundred years.  Some of us are simply ahead of the game, attempting to offer early enlightenment to those in need of it.

Furthermore, it is about our concern for mankind, for those who waste a lifetime preparing for an illusionary afterlife, when they should give good attention to, and enjoy, this life, the only one they will ever have.  It is about our concern for the lives and suffering of the many thousands who become victims in conflicts born of absurd religious beliefs, which are all based on fictions created by men who's minds soar to the heights of a nonexistent heavens and to the depths of a nonexistent hell.   

"Chuck Norris cleans the wax out of his ears with a shotgun."

[Cheshire Cat]

Ron, you are a very smart man but please don't condescend to others with the "Some of us are ahead of the game".  Intellect and ego can be their own God's.