does Atheism become a religion itself?
Sunday School for Atheists
I think for many it has become just that. Many Atheists are so rabid in their disdain for the various established faiths that they embark on campaigns to prohibit the public expression of anything related to "God". My question is if you simply don't believe, why should there be such "religious" fervor to fight those that do? It sounds a bit like the radical fundamentalism of the established faiths that I often express my disapproval of. While an Atheist can not technically be a "fundamentalist" they can have the same passion. These passions are based largely in fear, and they create the zero tolerance attitude projected at those who don't share the same beliefs.
I must say, despite being raised Catholic I consider myself amongst the "14%" non-religious population. While I understand the separation of church and state and often even support some initiatives related to this, many of these "Atheists" step far beyond their disbelief and try instead to prohibit the beliefs of the faithful, even if they are expressed in an individual way separate from government support.
I'd be interested in listening to the content of the course being taught to the children. It teaches that it is OK not to believe.... fine, but does it teach that is OK for others to believe? It is funny how religious tolerance only seems to be supported when it is self serving.
I hope everyone had a good Turkey day... and for those abroad, I hope you had a nice weekend.
I will continue with the NYC posts shortly.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
At what point...
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4 comments:
Many Atheists are so rabid in their disdain for the various established faiths that they embark on campaigns to prohibit the public expression of anything related to "God".
if you don't believe in separation of church and state, then just say so.
if you do believe in the Constitution, however, then join the fight.
Peter, if that is your name, (Your name btw... REALLY ironic... kind of sucks for you I mean... hating God and all...) I believe in the Constitution... and to turn the table, IF YOU believed, or perhaps a better word would be "understood" the Constitution you would see the difference between the individual's right to express their faith... and government sponsorship of the expression of faith. In otherwords, if I were a student at a public University... it would be legal for me to pray between classes, but illegal for the University or its employees to lead/initiate prayer. The separation of church and state traditionally is thought of as preventing govt. sponsorship of religion...... not outlawing it.
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Technically THIS.... is as close as the Constitution gets to defining the separation of church and state. A literal understanding of the written law is more along the lines of no laws can be written to create or favor a religion..... the flip side, is the same amendment also serves to prevent the oppression of the or silencing of religious expression. It's called free speech... Get it?
So to make your vision of America a reality you would have to have another amendment to prohibit public expression of faith. Have fun with that.
So Peter... go forth, and gleefully continue to spread your joy!
Oh yeah... not to mention, you would probably have to repeal the first amendment... that would be REALLY popular!!
My sentiments exactly, George. Well put...
Hope you're well.
-John
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