In Coronado, Awaken Church sparks a citywide debate over faith, freedom and hate

[Zorro]

One afternoon in late January, a crowd gathered with a purpose outside the Hotel del Coronado. The conservative evangelical Awaken Church was holding its first service in the city as part of a long effort to establish a church there, and some residents were protesting. “No place for hate,” they chanted, waving Pride flags and pointing to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from church leaders.

In the 11 months since that most public display of opposition, a small but vocal group of residents has steadfastly tried to keep Awaken out of Coronado, and Awaken has just as steadfastly advanced its plans. It expects to begin holding regular services there next month.

Calling itself “fresh, real and powerful,” Awaken is known for charismatic pastors delivering commanding sermons that connect their personal experiences to Scripture.

It’s also known for its unabashed political advocacy. Its leaders have hosted prominent allies of Donald Trump, protested against transgender rights, and likened elected Democrats to evil biblical figures and the LGBTQ+ community to the devil. It partners with a right-wing organization that says it is building an “army” to “save” America.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/12/15/in-coronado-awaken-church-sparks-a-citywide-debate-over-faith-freedom-and-hate/

Another group of militant religious assholes/nutjobs wanting to forcibly infect a peaceful community with their hatemongering. What ever happened to "love thy neighbor"? That scriptural directive must be too woke for them.

[Biophilic]

1. They are sure that "love thy neighbor" was a miss translation.

I truly fear and loath these so called Christians. A very long time ago, around 50 years, I almost joined one of them. I am still both appalled that I needed that kind of support at one time and I am truly thankful that I realized I was stronger and could stand on my own two feet and my morals and ethics were plenty strong enough. It still scares me to think about how close I came.

[J_William_Ryan]

2. "It's also known for its unabashed political advocacy."

The Christo-fascist right is becoming even more powerful and dangerous, a true threat to democracy and our protected liberties.

[Nigrum Cattus]

3. The very theme of Project 2025

The first freedom we have is freedom FROM religion.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"
1st line of the 1st Amendment. The RWRE's are the people
who got the repubs elected, the Eisenhower repubs are not allowed a voice.

[LogDog75]

4. I live in Coronado

I retired in Coronado and I've lived here for the past 20 years. Concerning the Awaken Church, I have some conflicting opinions.

First, I'm an atheist and from my point of view churches and religions is all about controlling people. Yes, they can do some good things for people and the community but what I don't like about them is they, especially Christians, try to force their views on others.

Second, I think if someone wants to have a church then that's okay as long as it operates within the law. If a church wants to compete with other churches then let them do that in that niche marketplace.

Third, the Awaken Church reminds me of the prosperity churches which really enriches the church leaders and whomever they want to prosper. The fact the Awaken Church gets too involved in local politics. During our recent election, the candidates were asked about whether they were associated with the church and all said no. The mayor, at that time, is in my opinion, either deeply in with them or using them to build himself a political machine within the city. His handpicked choice for mayor and one council member were elected in November.

Fourth, it could be hard for the Awaken Church to find a building for their church here. About the only empty buildings here are on Orange Ave, the main drag, and they're don't have enough room to hold more than 30 people. Also, rent for a building is very expensive and unless the church members have deep pockets, they won't be able to afford the rent.

[Demovictory9]

5. Their stayement on government

We believe that the civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society (Romans 13:1); and the guarantee of liberty of conscience. This guarantee consists of absolute constraint of the government to the civil realm, not interfering or influencing in the spiritual realm of the church. For the believer to see that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed (Matthew 22:21); except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29; 4:19-20; Psalms 103:1-5) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the Kings of the earth.

[canuckledragger]

6. So they don't want any kind of authority in the way.

...as the commit their hate crimes.