the Fair Atheist
Ranked #11,736 in Culture & Society, #238,181 overall
No - not another rant about removing God
I am an atheist, but I believe in the right for believers to have their freedom of religion, too. I don't believe in the atheist groups that demand that believers of God not be allowed to express their own religious views publicly while their own interests must be recognized. My lens is about the disappointment I feel in other atheists not open to allowing their neighbors to celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus, or for their co-worker to display a Menorah on their desk, or to ban children the right to pray before the start of a school day.
Just because I don't believe in God, I am not going to tell you that you can't. I believe a fair America demands the freedom of all religions, beliefs and views from all religions, beliefs and views. Join me in practicing being a good human being and respecting the right of others to have a different belief without judging them for that.
Just because I don't believe in God, I am not going to tell you that you can't. I believe a fair America demands the freedom of all religions, beliefs and views from all religions, beliefs and views. Join me in practicing being a good human being and respecting the right of others to have a different belief without judging them for that.
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- Tolerance for all beliefs, pride in beliefs and the public display of beliefs to be fair in America.
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Table of Contents
- My Websites
- What's God got to do with it?
- Nothing New - Still Upset About the Trials and Tribulations
- How do believers keep their faith even in their darkest hours?
- What do you think?
- Firestation in Charleston, SC Being Forced to Remove The Cross That Honors 9 Fallen Firefighters
- SUCCESS - The Supreme Court Decided that the Cross Memorial Stays!
- Learn More About Atheism And God Together
- You should not be ashamed of your beliefs
- Learn More About The History of God In America
- Learning to be a considerate Atheist
- Other Great Lenses From My Visitors!
- Support A Fair America!
- Change Good Friday to "Happy Spring"?
- A National Day of Prayer Found to be Unconstitutional
- I don't know - maybe the path I'm on isn't the right one for me?
- Feedback On Whether Or Not It's The Right Path
- My Squidcasts
- Visit My Other Lenses, too!
- Believing In A Fair America Fans
What's God got to do with it?
Like it or not, this very country was established by the beliefs in God. Our modern laws are based on laws written right in the bible. Just because I don't believe in the bible am I not going to obey modern law? America was the home of the free - and was established by those persecuted for their religious beliefs. America was their freedom to express their belief and love for God and over hundreds of years this belief is being mocked and banned by those feeling righteous that their own beliefs should be held above any other.
That is not right.
I am an atheist My children are not. Most of my friends are not. I believe a good atheist is about being a good human being - and it does not make you a good human being when you demand the suppression of God in today's society. How are people meant to establish their belief systems, be open minded and make their own decisions about their religious views when other religions aren't allowed to publicly display theirs in a proud manner? It angers me. I want my children to explore and develop their own love for their beliefs, whether it be a God or not.
I for one have no problem if the children at our schools here want to say a prayer before they enter the school for 8 hours of education, as long as children are not forced to participate if they don't want to. I don't mind if our principal says a prayer before the football game starts, I simply stay quiet and respect my friends' while they pray. I am not offended by the nativity scene at our village hall that displays the lawn every Christmas and I do not mind that someone blesses me when I sneeze.
What I do mind is the atheist groups that want to completely eliminate God from society, schools, education and virtually re-write our history and everything this country was built on and should still stand for today. I at one time felt that the Humanist organization was for me because I firmly believe in the good of humanity. But over the last few years I've watched too many "organized atheist groups" violate their fellow human's right to freedom of religions, which to me makes the Humanist groups hypocrites. So - as of right now I am without a group and I don't mind it. I can be a good human being, and I can sit right amongst the Christians, the Muslims, the Jewish, the Buddhists and Atheists and feel that we all bleed the same blood. We just drink different kool-aid.
That's my rant and I'm sticking to it. One of these days, when I feel better, I will start my own Atheist group and I hope that you will join me in keeping religion and beliefs - ALL RELIGION AND BELIEFS - free and fair in America.
Nothing New - Still Upset About the Trials and Tribulations
So - nothing really new to gripe about this week - I've been so busy trying to fight off this flair up, deal with the boys and I'm just plain worn out. I am happy to announce that I am finally over my ex husband and 100% healed from his affair. Today was the day that my boys go to their dad's for the week (50/50 custody) but I gotta admit - I'm freaking pissed at him.
So last Friday I finally got me and the boys out of the hole my ex left us in. There was no way to go but up. My ex had given me one of the marital vehicles to drive (the minivan of course even though I wanted the truck). So Monday I get a call that he's totalled his truck. Don't worry - he's fine - he has a broken jaw but they aren't wiring it shut. What pisses me off is he took the van back (it's still in his name until the divorce is final) so he can get back and forth to work leaving me and the boys without a car. So - I had to take my money and hurry up and go find a dependable car for me and the boys - talk about a raw deal.
Believers, let me ask you this - if God was such a caring and loving God, then why would he throw test after test after test at me? What did I do to deserve all of this? I've had to deal with a chronic illness, separations from my husband, an affair from my husband that finally led to divorce, me and my boys being homeless for 3 weeks, my mother's death, the near-end of the relationship with my sister - I could go on and on. Day in and day out I struggle financially, physically and emotionally trying to cope with everything. Yet my Christian friends seem to just take it with a grain of salt and keep their faith - how do they do it?
What is "true faith?"In Rediscovering Faith, Dr. Myles Munroe strips away misconceptions surrounding faith and reveals the nature, character, and power of true faith.True Kingdom faith: * Trusts not in the promises of God, but in the God who promises. * Seeks not the blessings of God, but the God who blesses. This is the triumphant faith that overcomes the world of bad economic times, health problems, fleshly desires, and whatever else satan throws at you.As author and pastor Myles Munroe says, "There are questions in life we can never answer. First you must settle that, because if you don't come to that conclusion you will always be depressed. I decided that over 30 years ago; so that's why I have no depression. i have no problems. I have no frustrations in my life." I am not saying this because I need something now. I have learned to be satisfied in any situation (Philippians 4:11 PEB).Learn from a respected and faithful servant of God how you too can live a life of contentment--no matter what.
How do believers keep their faith even in their darkest hours?
I know in my own life as an atheist, I have higher powers that get me through my day - and this last year has been one of the darkest years of my life. Even just these last few months - in the matter of two weeks I lost my mother, my house, my car, my marriage and just recently who I thought cared about me and had a serious flair up with my disease. I find it so hard to hold on and if it weren't for my boys I probably couldn't. I find it interesting that believers of faith - any faith - still keep their faith even when obstacles are thrown at them. How do they keep their faith?
If there truly was a god, then why would a good god allow so much suffering on one person? Back when I was a believer I would pray, and I lived a Christian life, only to be to be let down time and time again.
I've lost so much in my life that, but I know believers who have lost just as much and they are still faithful to their beliefs. I'd be interested to hear from some believers about how they manage to keep their faith in dark hours.
What do you think?
I would love to hear your views
I know this is a very controversial subject - but I think hearing other views is the only way to open eyes.
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leighbear
May 18, 2012 @ 1:31 pm | delete
- the article i just read about being a fair athiest is wonderful. i feel the same way.
sorry i am computer illiterate so i do not know what a lens is.......are there any meetigns around for athiests? i would be interested as well as one or two of my friends. thank you
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3sonsstudio May 21, 2012 @ 12:40 am | delete
- I know there's no groups here, but if you look online, I have friends that meet with humanism groups.
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bentkiller
Jul 26, 2011 @ 6:44 am | delete
- What a nice lens dude! I mostly like the lens for the Fair Atheist. I'm so surprised to know another rant about removing God.....very initiative compliments. Thanks!
Bent websites for further info Magento Templates and Magento Hosting.
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DinosaurEgg
Sep 14, 2010 @ 1:04 pm | delete
- Interesting lens. I'm an atheist, but that's not especially unusual in the UK and I don't really come across that many people who are properly religious - plenty of what I call 'default Christians' around. There is some proper religion in my extended family and we try and be polite about each others world views. Where I do have a problem is religion is schools - UK schools have to be religious. I do object to my children being taught science by people who also tell them that stuff in the Bible is true (they haven't started school yet so I still have this to come). I need to start making lenses on this topic ...
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- I think it would be great for you to start a lens! And thank you for a different take on it from abroad, too. I know atheism is viewed so differently in different parts of the country, too. Be sure to send me a link to your lens if you start one so I can add it to my links to give my visitors another view. Thanks for posting!!
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kpete54
Apr 18, 2010 @ 1:42 am | delete
- This is so refreshing to see that there are a few like minded people here. I just signed up and have yet to decide on a lens but I will be sure to post some of my views. I have struggled most of my like with my, I don't know how to put it, I have had problems all my life trying to decide whether I believe in god or not. I have no reason to believe in a god as an all powerful entity. There is really no hard evidence. I do lean towards believing in Jesus. Now my question would be, can I believe in one and not the other? My answer is yes I can. I had a few problems a couple decades ago and I actually had a vision of Jesus. I was awake and lucid and clean and sober so yes I feel that I did have that vision. I have never had a "god moment". Ever. So I can not believe in god. There are many more reasons for me not to believe but I won't go into that hear. Thank you for this lens.
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- Thank you fr your comment! I do believe it's possible to believe in one and not the other - as humans we develop our own beliefs based on how we feel about faith and feels right to us, and what works best for us. Welcome to Squidoo and I would love to see your first lens when it's live! Thanks for visiting!
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squidom
Mar 31, 2010 @ 8:11 am | delete
- You make some very good points here 3sonsstudio. Although, I am not an atheist I do appreciate your viewpoints. ★★★★★
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- Thank you for your comment and for visiting!
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garyr_h
Mar 30, 2010 @ 9:25 pm | delete
- Very nice lens. I feel the exact same way. (ps, my How to be a proper atheist lens is humor only, seems a lot of people don't realize that :))
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SnoopyGirl1
Mar 28, 2010 @ 1:45 pm | delete
- What a great and can I say refreshing lens! I love that you don't feel it is a personal mandate to snuff out the religious freedoms of those around you as you express your freedom not to believe. Thanks for showing me that there are those who really do respect that not only their own voice has a right to be heard! Great lens! 5* Come by for a visit sometime!
http://www.squidoo.com/God101
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- Thank you for visiting and for commenting! I just visited your lens and added you t my fav's too!
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Kylyssa
Mar 24, 2010 @ 11:17 pm | delete
- I think that it's important to get along but that religious freedom ends at the rights of others. If your religion requires you to avoid birth control, go ahead and avoid birth control but don't try to force others to do the same. If your religion says the earth is less than ten thousand years old, fine, teach your kids that but don't force mine to be taught that as well.
That's where all the conflict comes from. I couldn't care less if money has "In God We Trust" on it or if churches want to buy nativity scenes to put on the courthouse lawn. The problem is that many wish to impose their religious beliefs as law in America. They wish 6 day creation taught in schools as truth, they wish to deny equal marriage to homosexuals, and they wish to remove science such as evolution from schools. They have re-written school textbooks to leave out Thomas Jefferson as an influence on America's intellectual origins. They have added approving accounts of Senator McCarthy (downplaying the internment camps) and of anti-feminist leaders inserted into textbooks and highlighted "negative" affects of affirmative action.
There's a difference between getting along with religious people and watching your country get turned into a theocracy.
There's also still a real danger in many parts of America to being "out" as an atheist. I'm guessing that's what's behind a lot of the angry atheists. It makes people upset when they can't admit their beliefs (or lack thereof) without endangering their jobs, their children, and their lives.
If a person complains about those abuses, they get seen as an angry atheist or as someone who persecutes Christians.
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- Very well said and thank you for the comment!
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MysticTurtle
Mar 18, 2010 @ 9:36 am | delete
- I agree. It all comes down to respect. As long as no one is getting hurt, people should be able to practice what they want. I do find Christmas quite tiresome after awhile, though it's more the commercialism I object to and constantly being bombarded with it for 3 months. And I get tired of people not respecting the fact that I don't take part in it.
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Firestation in Charleston, SC Being Forced to Remove The Cross That Honors 9 Fallen Firefighters
Group Threatens to sue to have cross removed
A cross that is displayed proudly in front of the firestation honors 9 fallen firefighters that died in a blaze in 2007 - and now the firehouse is being threatened with a lawsuit to remove the cross in "violation of separation of church and state". The freedom from religion foundation wants the city to have the cross removed, and I'm sorry - but in my opinion that's just outrageous. The cross is not there to promote any kind of religious agenda, it is there in memory of 9 firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. For this group to determine that it violates their constitutional rights to have it displayed is disgraceful to the memory of the firefighters it stands for.
The cross itself has stood there for years, without complaint. The Fox News report I watched this morning says the cross probably goes back 15-20 years itself. And the group complaining about the presence of the cross isn't even an individual from the area - it's some guy from out west. What right does he have to complain about ANYTHING to do with an area he's not a citizen of?
We've just had success with the cross in the desert - and you would think that people would start changing their views and not look at crosses as promoting a single religion, but promoting someone's memory or someone's fallen hero. When are we going to open our eyes and allow each other the space to have and hold our beliefs dearly?
So some of us believe in God, some of us don't. Some of us practice spirituality, some of us don't. Some of us display a cross as our belief in Jesus while some of us display a cross to honor someone's memory. Stop judging and assuming the motivation behind anyone's right to display an icon, image or banner that relays what they have to say. As I read the constitution, I read it as saying that the government will NOT promote any one religion - but by removing any and all signs of God, organized Christian religions (or any believer organization for that matter) IS promoting one religion - Atheism. THAT is what is a violation of separation of Church and State - NOT the display of a cross in front of a firehouse, in the desert, on the lawn of the village hall or on a highway.
These groups need to focus more on what they can do within their own communities to help the homeless, feed starving children, educate our youth and other humanity causes and less time on picking on believers. You have countless organized religious groups already doing these things. Atheist groups should put their funding towards theses causes instead of lawsuits.
I back you firefighters 300% - keep fighting for that cross to stay where it is. I may be an Atheist - but I believe in the good of humanity and being a Fair Atheist.
Just another opinion .....
Tam
The article that caught my attention was broadcast on Fox & Friends this morning
The cross itself has stood there for years, without complaint. The Fox News report I watched this morning says the cross probably goes back 15-20 years itself. And the group complaining about the presence of the cross isn't even an individual from the area - it's some guy from out west. What right does he have to complain about ANYTHING to do with an area he's not a citizen of?
We've just had success with the cross in the desert - and you would think that people would start changing their views and not look at crosses as promoting a single religion, but promoting someone's memory or someone's fallen hero. When are we going to open our eyes and allow each other the space to have and hold our beliefs dearly?
So some of us believe in God, some of us don't. Some of us practice spirituality, some of us don't. Some of us display a cross as our belief in Jesus while some of us display a cross to honor someone's memory. Stop judging and assuming the motivation behind anyone's right to display an icon, image or banner that relays what they have to say. As I read the constitution, I read it as saying that the government will NOT promote any one religion - but by removing any and all signs of God, organized Christian religions (or any believer organization for that matter) IS promoting one religion - Atheism. THAT is what is a violation of separation of Church and State - NOT the display of a cross in front of a firehouse, in the desert, on the lawn of the village hall or on a highway.
These groups need to focus more on what they can do within their own communities to help the homeless, feed starving children, educate our youth and other humanity causes and less time on picking on believers. You have countless organized religious groups already doing these things. Atheist groups should put their funding towards theses causes instead of lawsuits.
I back you firefighters 300% - keep fighting for that cross to stay where it is. I may be an Atheist - but I believe in the good of humanity and being a Fair Atheist.
Just another opinion .....
Tam
The article that caught my attention was broadcast on Fox & Friends this morning
SUCCESS - The Supreme Court Decided that the Cross Memorial Stays!
Good news for all! The Supreme Court ruled that the WWI Cross Memorial that is an icon to fallen vets will remain where it is in the Mojave National Preserve desert - uncovered! They ruled that it is NOT a violation of separation of church and state. I think this is a victory to both Believers AND Non-Believers since both have fought and fallen in wartime.The fact that the cross stood for so many years without a single complaint until several years ago should shown you how ridiculous some of these complaints can be. The cross was not intended as a symbol of faith, it was merely to commemorate the men and women who gave their lives for our country. What's next? Will atheists start complaining about the crosses left at the cemetery or at an accident site where lives were lost?
I am proud to be an Atheist and I am so very proud of the decision made by the court to allow the cross to stand as it is. I applaud the groups that fought to keep it there and I back you 100%.
Learn More About Atheism And God Together
You should not be ashamed of your beliefs
We all have the right to be proud
Tolerance. Merriam-Webster defines Tolerance as: Web 2 a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own b : the act of allowing something ( http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance ). Now, in the dictionary it does not define tolerance as allowing only those who believe the same way we do, does it? I've been amazed by the response to my articles from both believers and non-believers and I've made some wonderful new friends through it all. Like me, they have been open to all views and have had productive comments about this topic (keep them coming!). I've read through comments, emails and postings to get a better sense of how others feel about this topic. I see a lot of believers that feel atheists are angry and I see a lot of atheists that feel believers are angry and to be honest - I think BOTH sides have the right to be angry.
Some years back when I lived in Alabama I had my web design studio in a small town - smack in the middle of historic downtown. A wonderful friend and business associate shared the same building as I. Both of us are atheists, but we lived in the middle of the Southern Baptist bible belt. We kept our views to ourselves because it just so happened in our area there was a great intolerance for non-believers and by "coming out" it could greatly impact our businesses.
As it it turned out, I ended up having a conversation at a chamber event with a fellow business owner and the topic of church did come up and I did mention that I do not attend. After some prompting I admitted to being an atheist. At first, the other person seemed rather interested in my views and I felt we had a rather good conversation. I didn't really think about it until weeks later when I received an e-mail from a print-shop in Florida I had used many times that they would no longer take my print projects that they were only interested in "Christian-based" projects from now on. I then began to receive e-mails from other business owners that I had previously spoken to about doing work for who "found other designers to do their sites".
Now - I can't prove this had anything to do with my atheism, but it just seemed funny to me that I never had any problems until that chamber event. My best friend and business associate was very supportive, but I feared he would suffer, too. I guess it just opened my eyes to a lot of differences. I'm originally an Air Force brat that grew up in Illinois where there is such a diversity of religions, and there's not a whole lot of judgment,
Then, I moved to Wisconsin after leaving Alabama and once again, there's more acceptance here for people like me. But watching the news and WOW - the fighting and intolerance for each other just blows my mind. I want to be tolerant, and from the comments I've received, most believers want to be tolerant, too. But atheists do make it hard sometimes for believers to be tolerant when time and time again they want nothing more than to keep Christian pride quiet and private. But in the same sense, there are a minority of Christians that want the atheists to be quiet and private, too. As an atheist that keeps on top of the news regarding these issues, sadly the scales tip unfairly and I see more atheists suppressing Christians than I do Christians suppressing atheists.
It's a sad situation - and what can we do to fix it?
I am starting a new group - Believing in a Fair America. I was going to call it "Atheists for a Fair America" but after the support I received from believers - I would like this group to be open to ALL Americans, not just atheists, who believe that religion should be free no matter what. Together we can stand up for the right of tolerance and fight back to display our Christmas Trees, our Menorahs, our Nativity Scenes, our crosses, anything WE want to do to be proud of how we believe.
I'll be working the next few weeks to get the group started, design a seal, get a facebook page together, get a website together and together I think we CAN make a change.
If you are interested in joining me, helping with the website, helping get the word out - do let me know because I'll be honest when I say I could use the help. I'm dealing with an illness right now, but I've found that keeping busy helps me deal with my illness a lot better than just sitting here! LOL
I'm going to be designing some clothing and goods through Cafe Press to help fund the new group and cover the costs for getting started - so if you have some ideas for those, too - bring them on baby.
Thanks for all of the comments and support from the Squidoo, RedGage, Twitter and Facebook communities - WE WILL MAKE A CHANGE TOGETHER!
Tamra
Some years back when I lived in Alabama I had my web design studio in a small town - smack in the middle of historic downtown. A wonderful friend and business associate shared the same building as I. Both of us are atheists, but we lived in the middle of the Southern Baptist bible belt. We kept our views to ourselves because it just so happened in our area there was a great intolerance for non-believers and by "coming out" it could greatly impact our businesses.
As it it turned out, I ended up having a conversation at a chamber event with a fellow business owner and the topic of church did come up and I did mention that I do not attend. After some prompting I admitted to being an atheist. At first, the other person seemed rather interested in my views and I felt we had a rather good conversation. I didn't really think about it until weeks later when I received an e-mail from a print-shop in Florida I had used many times that they would no longer take my print projects that they were only interested in "Christian-based" projects from now on. I then began to receive e-mails from other business owners that I had previously spoken to about doing work for who "found other designers to do their sites".
Now - I can't prove this had anything to do with my atheism, but it just seemed funny to me that I never had any problems until that chamber event. My best friend and business associate was very supportive, but I feared he would suffer, too. I guess it just opened my eyes to a lot of differences. I'm originally an Air Force brat that grew up in Illinois where there is such a diversity of religions, and there's not a whole lot of judgment,
Then, I moved to Wisconsin after leaving Alabama and once again, there's more acceptance here for people like me. But watching the news and WOW - the fighting and intolerance for each other just blows my mind. I want to be tolerant, and from the comments I've received, most believers want to be tolerant, too. But atheists do make it hard sometimes for believers to be tolerant when time and time again they want nothing more than to keep Christian pride quiet and private. But in the same sense, there are a minority of Christians that want the atheists to be quiet and private, too. As an atheist that keeps on top of the news regarding these issues, sadly the scales tip unfairly and I see more atheists suppressing Christians than I do Christians suppressing atheists.
It's a sad situation - and what can we do to fix it?
I am starting a new group - Believing in a Fair America. I was going to call it "Atheists for a Fair America" but after the support I received from believers - I would like this group to be open to ALL Americans, not just atheists, who believe that religion should be free no matter what. Together we can stand up for the right of tolerance and fight back to display our Christmas Trees, our Menorahs, our Nativity Scenes, our crosses, anything WE want to do to be proud of how we believe.
I'll be working the next few weeks to get the group started, design a seal, get a facebook page together, get a website together and together I think we CAN make a change.
If you are interested in joining me, helping with the website, helping get the word out - do let me know because I'll be honest when I say I could use the help. I'm dealing with an illness right now, but I've found that keeping busy helps me deal with my illness a lot better than just sitting here! LOL
I'm going to be designing some clothing and goods through Cafe Press to help fund the new group and cover the costs for getting started - so if you have some ideas for those, too - bring them on baby.
Thanks for all of the comments and support from the Squidoo, RedGage, Twitter and Facebook communities - WE WILL MAKE A CHANGE TOGETHER!
Tamra
Learn More About The History of God In America
Learning to be a considerate Atheist
Basic considerations to be a better and considerate human being
1) Prayer - I do not pray but I have many friends that do and I have many friends that send me prayers. This is fulfilling for them because praying to God is their comfort and their way of sharing their comfort with me. Rather than asking them not to pray around me or send me prayers I embrace them. When they are taking a moment to pray, I stay silent and I respect their time to talk to their higher power. If they offer a prayer at meal time, I respectfully bow my head and allow the others at the table to partake. When a prayer is sent to my e-mail or my cell phone or social pages, I thank my friend for their thoughtfullness.
2) Religious ceremonies - can't get away from them. Weddings, some birthdays, holiday events, pot lucks, etc. I do attend them (and yes, my friends and I do crack jokes about the church falling in upon my entrance) and I enjoy the time celebrating with my friends and family. I do not look at the event the same way as some of them do - my views turn the event into a social gathering while my friends view the religious aspect of the event. But I respect the event, and I a stay silent through prayers and I listen quietly as they talk about their beliefs. I do not argue with them or try to change their minds and we have a good time.
3) Religious icons - again, can't get away from them. Are they offensive to a considerate atheist? Not in the least! I have to be honest when I say that especially around Christmas time I rather enjoy the variety of scenes from decked-out trees to nativity scenes that could pass for art to menorahs of the most elaborate kind. I compliment my friends for the decorations they work so hard to put up and I support them when they practice Easter and Passover. I even compliment my friends when they buy a new cross to wear or the new rosemary beads. I may not view these pieces as religion, but they do and to me it's just beautiful to look at. The way I feel about it is if you don't like it, you don't have to look.
4) Religious conversation - one of the 3 topics you're not suppose to talk about with your friends. I'm lucky to have a great group of friends and if the topic does turn to religion, we all respect each others' diverse beliefs and openly discuss them. I do not preach or try to change their minds, even when some of them try to change mine LOL I don't bark at them when they are discussing the bible or quoting a scripture. I feel if they need to say it, then who am I to hold them back?
Anyway - these are just what I practice in trying to be fair and considerate to the many, many religions and beliefs that surround me everyday. Being a good human doesn't mean I have to be spiritual or anything, it just means the love of your neighbor and to "do unto others as you would have done to you". I think if more people out there practiced that, then maybe we would all be a little kinder and open-armed, wouldn't we?
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Change Good Friday to "Happy Spring"?
You're kidding me right?
So - once again my favorite show, Fox & Friends, reported that Davenport, Iowa wants to strip the Christian's right to celebrate "Good Friday" and instead, rename it to some "Spring" holiday instead. Must we go through this every single holiday? Is it not enough that our children can't have their Christmas parties anymore, they have to have "winter" parties instead. And now - Christians in Davenport are being told that they can't even celebrate their belief in the resurrection of their Christ, but that they CAN celebrate the flowers and birds of spring.
Give me a break. This is getting out of hand and I'm getting to a point where being "politically correct" can just kiss my you know what. It's being carried too far by too many atheists. Stamping out any and all signs of religions and beliefs is going to do nothing for personal growth or our growth as a country. You forget what this very country was founded on.
If you don't want to practice Good Friday - you don't have to practice Good Friday - that's the benefit of being an American and having the freedom of religion we have. But if you don't want to practice Good Friday - why impede on the personal right of another to? You can practice your Spring Holiday instead, and let Christians practice their Good Friday.
I'm sorry - I'm just completed peeved at this story. It's unbelievable! What are we teaching our children about the diversity of views, opinions, cultures, religions, ethnicity and beliefs if some of these groups demand that we do away with everything but the "neutral" ones they want? How are we to explore, learn and become educated? What's next? Are we going to ban Independence Day because our founding fathers were men of faith, too? Are we going to erase our history and rewrite a new America that doesn't involve any form of religion? Are we going make it illegal to hold a faith in a higher power and imprison those that wish to display their love for their creator?
No - I don't believe in God. But I believe in the good of humanity and love for thy neighbor no matter how they believe. I fully support the Christians in Davenport to stand your ground and stand it firm. Christians have just as much right to be proud of their beliefs and to celebrate their beliefs as the atheists do to not celebrate. No one is forcing atheists to practice Good Friday - last I heard America was still a free country after all. But you atheist groups out there need to just back off and find something better to do with your time. There are homeless people that need shelter that many churches provide for them. There are abuse shelters established by many churches all over this country. Maybe if more atheist groups got involved community-wise instead of nit-picking every little religious day of the year they wouldn't have time for all of this nonsense.
And by the way - Have You Hugged A Christian Today? I did - my children.
Give me a break. This is getting out of hand and I'm getting to a point where being "politically correct" can just kiss my you know what. It's being carried too far by too many atheists. Stamping out any and all signs of religions and beliefs is going to do nothing for personal growth or our growth as a country. You forget what this very country was founded on.
If you don't want to practice Good Friday - you don't have to practice Good Friday - that's the benefit of being an American and having the freedom of religion we have. But if you don't want to practice Good Friday - why impede on the personal right of another to? You can practice your Spring Holiday instead, and let Christians practice their Good Friday.
I'm sorry - I'm just completed peeved at this story. It's unbelievable! What are we teaching our children about the diversity of views, opinions, cultures, religions, ethnicity and beliefs if some of these groups demand that we do away with everything but the "neutral" ones they want? How are we to explore, learn and become educated? What's next? Are we going to ban Independence Day because our founding fathers were men of faith, too? Are we going to erase our history and rewrite a new America that doesn't involve any form of religion? Are we going make it illegal to hold a faith in a higher power and imprison those that wish to display their love for their creator?
No - I don't believe in God. But I believe in the good of humanity and love for thy neighbor no matter how they believe. I fully support the Christians in Davenport to stand your ground and stand it firm. Christians have just as much right to be proud of their beliefs and to celebrate their beliefs as the atheists do to not celebrate. No one is forcing atheists to practice Good Friday - last I heard America was still a free country after all. But you atheist groups out there need to just back off and find something better to do with your time. There are homeless people that need shelter that many churches provide for them. There are abuse shelters established by many churches all over this country. Maybe if more atheist groups got involved community-wise instead of nit-picking every little religious day of the year they wouldn't have time for all of this nonsense.
And by the way - Have You Hugged A Christian Today? I did - my children.
A National Day of Prayer Found to be Unconstitutional
What a sad day for Americans
Once again, Atheist groups have succeeded in preventing believers from expressing their love in a higher power by filing a law suit that eventually made the National Day of Prayer Unconstitutional. I am almost ashamed to admit that I live in the very same state that made it possible.
Once again, why is it so hard for atheists to allow believers to express themselves and have pride in their beliefs? How can it possibly be offensive when every human being has the freedom and the right to take part in or to not take part in any event that is religion-based? You have the choice to look the other way. You have the choice to tune it out and you have the choice to respect the rights of others to believe in what they need to believe in if that's what get's them through life.
Maybe they know something we don't. The majority of believers I know appear to lead somewhat happy lives, and they pray and they attend church every week. By all accounts that I've seen, they have much better coping skills because they find their support in their faith, their church and their fellow believers. How can that be negative?
The majority of non-believers (not all - because I do know atheists who are very happy as they are) that seem to have nothing better to do than file lawsuits, complain that churches are interfering with their lives and offending them, etc. To me - that's where the negativity stems.
In order to teach our children that we are all the same and to be open and accepting of all human beings, we can't shelter them from everything that we as parents don't believe in. What good will that do for future generations? It will do nothing but provide an inaccurate history of our America, bring more war and more sorrow.
Let Christians be Christians, let Jews be Jews, let Muslims be Muslims , and so on and so forth. Just don't be angry at each other for your differences and you will find the peace and happiness that all human beings are capable of having.
Once again, why is it so hard for atheists to allow believers to express themselves and have pride in their beliefs? How can it possibly be offensive when every human being has the freedom and the right to take part in or to not take part in any event that is religion-based? You have the choice to look the other way. You have the choice to tune it out and you have the choice to respect the rights of others to believe in what they need to believe in if that's what get's them through life.
Maybe they know something we don't. The majority of believers I know appear to lead somewhat happy lives, and they pray and they attend church every week. By all accounts that I've seen, they have much better coping skills because they find their support in their faith, their church and their fellow believers. How can that be negative?
The majority of non-believers (not all - because I do know atheists who are very happy as they are) that seem to have nothing better to do than file lawsuits, complain that churches are interfering with their lives and offending them, etc. To me - that's where the negativity stems.
In order to teach our children that we are all the same and to be open and accepting of all human beings, we can't shelter them from everything that we as parents don't believe in. What good will that do for future generations? It will do nothing but provide an inaccurate history of our America, bring more war and more sorrow.
Let Christians be Christians, let Jews be Jews, let Muslims be Muslims , and so on and so forth. Just don't be angry at each other for your differences and you will find the peace and happiness that all human beings are capable of having.
SquiDirectory - A categorized Squidoo directory featuring an interesting variety of different subjects ranging from arts and literature, shopping, and eco friendly tips, to vehicles for sale, travel, and everything in between.
I don't know - maybe the path I'm on isn't the right one for me?
Trying everything else hasn't seemed to help.
Bad today - seems like this latest flair up is never going to end and is jut going to get worse until the doctors figure it out. I just had to fight for a refill just so I can get out of bed and move. The longer this continues the more my Christian friends support the idea of my returning to church and giving God another try. I do talk to a higher power (don't laugh - my dad passed years back so it's him I talk to) and I ask for guidance, direction and help. I practice "the secret" and I try to keep positive energy around me. But maybe I'm missing something?My Christian friends tell me "ask and you shall receive". But logically you could be asking your higher power, God, or the universe and receive, right? Returning to church would give me a congregation, yes. Returning to church would give me support through this tough medical time, yes. But other than that, what benefits would returning to God and faith give me that I don't already have?
I left my belief in God because I felt that if there were a God that he/she wouldn't allow the things to happen to cause pain and misery to so many I love and care about. My faith had been tested over and over again until one day I just left faith completely. Now, after two years of suffering a debilitating with no end in sight - I feel like if there were a God he or she would have stepped in by now to help. Am I suppose to learn something from this?
All I've learned so far is that I am stronger than I thought I could ever be, managing to push through pain I never though I would experience. Making it through each day even though the struggle can be more than I can bare most days. But when I look at my fellow humans that do believe in a God, they have their sufferings, too and I don't see God stepping in to ease their sufferings anymore than mine.
So which is it? I would love to hear your views on it so I'm adding another guestbook just for this article. Any advice, thoughts, anything at all - I would love to hear from both believers and non-believers.
Feedback On Whether Or Not It's The Right Path
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Carl (fourrivers_wi)
Jan 15, 2011 @ 11:48 pm | delete
- every religion uses positive power of the mind to overcome personal obstacles. Zen, Buddha, Shinto, Muslim, Tribal, etc... It is the ability to focus the mind on a singular comfort to push the bounds of the mind and body. Each religious text provides a mantra for creating your personal control, with strictly scheduled and copious practice the mantra becomes the focus in times of stress and pain. If your personal control of this is great you can control the stress and pain to an extremely high degree. Tibetan monks and their intense concentration after years of practice come to mind.
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- Well said Carl!
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kpete54
Apr 22, 2010 @ 11:28 pm | delete
- I posted a rather long article on my blog about how I became a non believer. I would like to invite anyone who reads this to go ahead and read my blog. I do completely understand. Love, Pete
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