Atheist billboard stirs God debate

It is the Central Florida billboard condemned by Christians. Now it is pulling people into a big debate over God in Lakeland. Atheists invited people to join them, and Christians are pushing back firmly.

It was supposed to be a meeting for the Atheists of Florida to recruit more members, but it turned into a debate with Christians about whether or not God exists.

"When I realize there are some people who think that God does not exist, this is just unbelievable to me," said Dr. Byron George, a local pastor.

The Atheists of Florida hosted a forum at the Lakeland Public Library. Pastor Byron George told atheists to be open to a revelation. Ellen Bath Wachs says, "Christians are disrespectful when they cannot accept the belief of atheists, that there is no God."

She says, "We didn't come here to get preached at, that's our whole point. He's absolutely preaching."

The debate started after the atheist group put up a bill board in Lakeland, inviting people to join them. Some Christians got offended. Others went to the meeting because of the bill board. Christians ask questions like, Who created the world if God did not?

After the meeting, we talked to a Baptist who turned atheist. Christopher Byrd believes Christians and atheists need to listen to each other to solve problems.

"We need to understand were all human. We do live on one planet, and we believe we only have one life to live. I think if we recognize that, well get a long much better."

In response to the atheist bill board, another group has put up a billboard in Lakeland. It says, "Believe in God. You're never alone."

Clearly, the great God debate is not settled in Lakeland.