Tuesday, April 06, 1999
Billboards from God arrive in Tristate
BY JULIE IRWIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
God began gracing Tristate billboards during holy week, and he's sounding downright irreverent. To quote:
“Keep using my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer — God”
“What part of "Thou Shalt Not ...' didn't you understand? — God”
“That "Love Thy Neighbor' thing ... I meant that — God”
The God Speaks Campaign, started in South Florida by an anonymous donor, has spread nationwide with messages that urge religious adherence in a tone both humorous and scolding. Norton Outdoor Advertising, based in Kennedy Heights, put up 15 billboards this week and plans to use about 45 more on a rolling basis throughout the year.
“It's just so much fun to do something like this, and of course it's the high season for most religions right now,” said Tom Norton, president of Nor ton Outdoor Advertising.
Locations so far include Madisonville, Fairfield, Northside and East End. Each billboard quotes God in stark white letters against a black background.
A Florida advertising agency created the campaign at the donor's request, and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America made it available to its members. Local companies donate the space. Mr. Norton estimates the space he's using is worth about $3,000 a month. He chose the three messages from among 18 possibilities.
Donald N. Thomas, minister at the South Norwood Church of Christ, liked the sayings so much he reprinted them in his church newsletter. The “rush hour” billboard is up just a few blocks from his church.
“I'm really, really in favor of (the campaign) — the simplicity of it, and the fact that it doesn't advertise any one church, it advertises God,” he said.
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