HUNTINGTON BEACH – A group of self-professed atheists who denounce all religions, particularly Christianity, and condemn Bible passages they say are immoral and illegal, affirmed their beliefs with a show of symbolism Saturday at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier near Pacific Coast Highway.

About 15 members of the group Backyard Skeptics participated in the demonstration, some displaying posters with phrases such as: “Smile. You’re not alone. Millions are good without God” and “Worship me or I’ll send you to eternal hell … Have a nice day … (signed) God.”

The group’s leader, Bruce Gleason, along with a fellow member, tore up sheets of paper printed with verses from the Bible to make their point.

One paper that was torn to pieces was printed with the verse, Matthew 5:29, which states: “So if your eye – even your good eye – causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away.” Another, which was torn, Corinthians 14:34, states “The women are to keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak.”

“We condemn all religious superstations, no matter what religion,” Gleason said. “I just want to tear out pages of the Bible that are illegal.”

While there was not any specific group of counter protesters, several people who saw the demonstration and disagreed with the group engaged in debates with its members.

Isabel Moore of Huntington Beach, a self-professed “born-again Christian,” said the group is taking specific verses out of context.

“Most would have a different meaning if taken in proper context,” Moore said. “We have to read the whole passage and not just one verse.”

Perhaps the most vocal of those disagreeing with the Backyard Skeptics was Greg Allen of Santa Ana.

Allen, a Christian, said he spends most Saturdays preaching at the pier.

“There is a level of frustration when you deal with the type of argument that they bring,” Allen said. “They misrepresent the Christian view and what the Bible is actually presenting.”

Gleason said the Backyard Skeptics are airing their beliefs publicly for other atheists who may be unaware of the group.

The group has been specifically targeting Christianity because it is the prevalent religion in the U.S., Gleason said.

Other billboards are planned, which Gleason has said will be controversial.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3730 or lponsi@ocregister.com

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