LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY kiji_kat)

A preacher in Canton, Ohio, is fighting for his right to display a mural on the side of his building which bears the messages, "Jesus is the only way to Heaven" and "Hell is real".

Religious mural battle in Canton

CANTON, Ohio (AP) -- Zoning officials in the Canton area say the religious mural painted on the side of Raymond Rogers' building is a sign that must go, because it's too big.

The Jackson Township man argues that a sign is on a board, and he also calls his mural a "public service announcement" and not advertising.

It bears the messages "Jesus is the only way to Heaven" and "Hell is real" and depicts flames and burning figures.

Rogers founded a local Baptist church and says using his office building allows him to reach a larger audience. In his fight to keep the mural, he's been offered legal assistance by The Rutherford Institute, which often takes on religious freedom cases.

The zoning board says Rogers may appeal its ruling.

It doesn't look like this is a free speech/free expression battle - the town's main objection seems to be that the mural is too big.

Personally, I'm just puzzled as to why a mural with such a narrow, fear-based and damning message is being used in an attempt to win converts or new church attendees. I just don't get what the appeal would be.