I’m Not That Kind Of Atheist
In my view of the world, religion should be a deeply personal and intensely private matter. The relationship between an individual and the god of their choosing is simply none of my business. Likewise, the fact that I do not believe shouldn’t offend those of you who do. The wonderful thing about this country is the fact that we are each free to believe as we see fit.
Unfortunately, there are far too many zealots who feel it is their obligation to force their private beliefs on the rest of us in the most public manner possible. This religious intolerance takes many forms, and it is not always the most fervent believers who are guilty of imposing their views. Militant atheists are often the worst offenders.
In a mean-spirited protest over a Christmas display in the state capitol in Washington, the Freedom From Religion Foundation erected their own sign which summarized their beliefs.
“At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
While I happen to agree with what the sign says, the fact that the group felt it was necessary to ruin a celebration of Christmas for the majority of people visiting the capitol demonstrates the magnitude of their own intolerance. As much as I would like to see religion banished from the public realm, I recognize that the overwhelming majority of the population does not share my view. While the militant atheists like to claim that they have a constitutionally guaranteed freedom from religion, the reality is that no such guarantee exists.
From my point of view, those of us who are interested in preserving the separation of Church and State need to pick our battles carefully. There are those worth fighting and others that only serve to harden the opposition. I frankly don’t give a damn about religious references on our money or in the Pledge of Allegiance, and I find efforts to remove Christ from Christmas to be nothing but pure silliness. On the other hand, I believe that public prayer is entirely inappropriate, whether it takes place in our schools, at sporting events, or in our legislatures. I believe that teaching creationism under the guise of science is an affront to the fundamental premise of education. Most of all, I believe that public policy should not be based on the individual religious beliefs of our elected leaders.
Public prayer at schools and legislator is one thing.
At sporting events? I have a tough time saying no to that one simply because (talking pro) it is no affiliated with government. Now middle school, high school, college the argument could be made for the separation since most are government backed but where do we draw the line?
I have a tough time balancing the lessons religion teaches our next generation (the simple ‘don’t murder’) from the ‘pray to me only concept’.
All Hail Odin!
I was thinking primarily about school sponsored sporting events where there is a definite Church and State issue to consider, but in truth I find prayer at any public gathering to be bothersome.
You said, “The wonderful thing about this country is the fact that we are each free to believe as we see fit. ” And while I agree with this statement, it is still an undeniable fact that this country was founded and formed on a Christian belief and foundation. You know, the whole one nation under God thing. Though I’m not a religious person and rarely take offense to those who are, I too am often more offended by the “militant atheists”. They seem to go out of their way to prove their point. When I was growing up, first thing we did each morning at public school was say the pledge of allegiance and do the morning prayer. Did this impact my views or beliefs as I got older? Absolutely not. I’m actually more offended now that kids today do not practice the same morning routine as we did as kids. Hell, it may even prompt some of them to actually do some thinking on their own instead of being told what they can and can’t do because the adults can’t make up their minds about what’s best for them. At sporting events, when they have their prayer for the safety of the players, I bow my head. Not to conform, but to support. Who in their right mind could ever say that’s wrong? I’m more offended by those who can’t sit still for a few moments while the national anthem plays.
It seems to me that over the past 15 years or so, its become in vogue to “go against the grain”. I’m not talking about the way it was back in the 60’s. Back then, those people knew what they were doing and knew exactly the kind of change they were wanting to accomplish. Today, people go against the grain just because it’s cool. Something different to do. I always say that there are 3 things I don’t like to converse about. Sports, Politics and Religion. I’ve never been in one single conversation where one of these subjects became the main topic and all parties involved could agree upon.
I think we’d all benefit if everybody just kept their own views and opionions to themselves unless asked. Does that mean I think that Christmas and Easter should be abolished? Absolutely not. I celebrate Christmas and Easter for exactly the same reasons I did as a kid. They’re holidays and we get some great candy and great new toys!
Ok, I’m rambling now…nuff said.
John,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think the notion that our nation was founded on a Christian foundation is a popular misconception. Historical evidence indicates that the majority of our Founding Fathers were probably Deists. While they believed in a god, they were not necessarily Christians. As for the “One Nation Under God” thing, that was added to the Pledge of Allegiance during the Eisenhower administration.
My husband and I were just talking about this because of what’s happening in Roanoke–they are saying Christian prayers at the beginning of city council meetings. Rev. Harold Sumner, who is aware that one of the tax-paying citizens objected, said, “I’m a Christian and the Bible teaches prayer in Jesus’ name. I believe that’s the way it should be.” HE believes that’s the way it should be. He could care less about citizens who have a different religion or no religion. It’s a lot of nerve and it’s rude. What if there’s a Jew sitting there? Or a Muslim? And even though I think it’s silly, what if Christian prayer makes them uncomfortable? It’s not right because city hall belongs to all the citizens, not just the Christians. That’s the problem. And if it offends one person, why do it?
Personally, I could care less if people pray. And when I’m in a situation where folks are praying, I bow my head right along with them. I wouldn’t dream of hurting their feelings and being rude. I think the religious people who don’t care about others’ feelings should reread the Bible.
And you’re right. This country was not founded on Christianity.
http://www.GreenerPastures–ACityGirlGoesCountry.blogspot.com
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