Furor Erupts Over Atheist Display At State Capitol

[Elfear]

Those who believe in fairytales should be treated like fools. There is no shame in the truth. Everyone knows this.

That right there is the problem. Because I believe differently than you it makes me a fool? Do you think there is one person in the world who believes exactly as you? Does that make the rest of the world fools except for you?

Like I said, the world would be a much better place if people respected others beliefs. If you feel strongly about something, go vote. Discuss things as non-offensively as possible. You don't help people see your side of things by calling them idiots. Successful Human Interactions 101. People can disagree but do you have to be such a jerk about it?

 

[Zargon]

Those who believe in fairytales should be treated like fools. There is no shame in the truth. Everyone knows this.

its pretty damn stupid to pigeonhole people based on some random religious belief.

also the sign is obviously meant to attack those who beleive in religion so it shouldnt be allowed to be put up.

Its not like the nativity scene has a sign that says
"FUCK YOU ASSHOLES WHO DONT BELIEVE NOW GO ROT IN HELL!!"

I dont care what they want to put up, as long as its not directly insulting someone like the athiest sign, notice I said directly, not the crybaby shit the athiset dude is crying about how its insulting to him that they allow a nativity display up

That right there is the problem. Because I believe differently than you it makes me a fool? Do you think there is one person in the world who believes exactly as you? Does that make the rest of the world fools except for you?

Like I said, the world would be a much better place if people respected others beliefs. If you feel strongly about something, go vote. Discuss things as non-offensively as possible. You don't help people see your side of things by calling them idiots. Successful Human Interactions 101. People can disagree but do you have to be such a jerk about it?

exactly

 

[JEDIYoda]

The thing is, nobody would care if there was a sign posted that said "Jesus is our savior - will you be saved?" or something to that extent.

You are so very wrong.........

 

[nobodyknows]

Those who believe in fairytales should be treated like fools. There is no shame in the truth. Everyone knows this.

lol. Being called names by the Forums Fool is quite amusing. Everyone knows this.

Indeed, it is amusing.

 

[fskimospy]

I'm very much in support of atheism in the public sphere, but this sign is dickish. Imagine if Christians put up a sign that said 'Islam is a lie and makes you blow yourself up' as part of their holiday decorations, people would be super pissed. You can advocate for atheism without talking shit about others' beliefs, and I think we can give the shit talk a rest at least as far as Christmas displays go.

 

[Modelworks]

I find it funny that we are always seeing atheist posting topics hating religion but you don't see religious people posting trying to convert anyone else to their views.

I'll take the religious people over atheist any day of the week. The atheist seem to have some sort of anger issue.

 

[Ausm]

I would rather put up signs about "Death Panels"

 

[fskimospy]

I find it funny that we are always seeing atheist posting topics hating religion but you don't see religious people posting trying to convert anyone else to their views.

I'll take the religious people over atheist any day of the week. The atheist seem to have some sort of anger issue.

Wait, what? Atheists might post topics on this message board but I can't remember the last time I saw an atheist going door to door trying to convert people, standing on a streetcorner in a sandwich board screaming at people, etc... etc.

Be religious all you want, but to say that atheists somehow trump religious people in their annoying attempts to convert you to their ways of thinking is pretty ridiculous.

 

[Xonoahbin]

I'd like to know if you could "re-write" the message, how would you change it?

You know, I used to consider myself an Atheist, but I've decided that the connotations are so negative that I won't call myself one. Besides, I don't really know for sure so I'm an agnostic. The connotations on Atheism are so negative because many Atheists feel a sense of superiority to those who believe in a God, and it melds with the way they communicate with others. This sign is a perfect example of this destructive mentality on the part of Atheists. Who cares what Christians might put on a sign? If Atheists want to be accepted, how about a positive message? I propose something like:

This season has grown to not simply be about religion, but about compassion and empathy for human existence. Even if you do not believe in a higher power, this is a season to celebrate the joys of human life, which may possibly be the only life we have to live. Have a splendid holiday season.

 

[Infohawk]

Maybe the state capitol should just stay out of religion altogether. The religious nuts get offended if religion is separated from state but they don't like it when atheists share their views. You can't have it both ways.

 

[fskimospy]

You know, I used to consider myself an Atheist, but I've decided that the connotations are so negative that I won't call myself one. Besides, I don't really know for sure so I'm an agnostic. The connotations on Atheism are so negative because many Atheists feel a sense of superiority to those who believe in a God, and it melds with the way they communicate with others. This sign is a perfect example of this destructive mentality on the part of Atheists. Who cares what Christians might put on a sign? If Atheists want to be accepted, how about a positive message? I propose something like:

This season has grown to not simply be about religion, but about compassion and empathy for human existence. Even if you do not believe in a higher power, this is a season to celebrate the joys of human life, which may possibly be the only life we have to live. Have a splendid holiday season.

Negative views towards atheism faaaaar predate any period in which atheism was acceptable enough in society for people to observe it openly, much less castigate others for their inferiority. Throughout much of history the godly have hated the godless.

Maybe 'I think you're dumb' is arrogant and dickish, but it's certainly no more so than the implied 'you will be tormented by my god for all eternity' that a large percentage of religions hold.

 

[Moonbeam]

I find it funny that we are always seeing atheist posting topics hating religion but you don't see religious people posting trying to convert anyone else to their views.

I'll take the religious people over atheist any day of the week. The atheist seem to have some sort of anger issue.

I didn't used to but I got that way after ten of my incarnations were put to death for heresy.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

The world consists of people two types of people. Those who try to be assholes and those who do not. I think some are trying to push the former as a state religion

 

[ericlp]

You know, I used to consider myself an Atheist, but I've decided that the connotations are so negative that I won't call myself one. Besides, I don't really know for sure so I'm an agnostic. The connotations on Atheism are so negative because many Atheists feel a sense of superiority to those who believe in a God, and it melds with the way they communicate with others. This sign is a perfect example of this destructive mentality on the part of Atheists. Who cares what Christians might put on a sign? If Atheists want to be accepted, how about a positive message? I propose something like:

This season has grown to not simply be about religion, but about compassion and empathy for human existence. Even if you do not believe in a higher power, this is a season to celebrate the joys of human life, which may possibly be the only life we have to live. Have a splendid holiday season.

You know I don't really believe or hang out with any group or organization. About the only thing I do believe in is the "sun". I suppose I would be a sun god worshiper if you will. Providing all the life the earth needs.

I don't put labels on people, but it is fun to watch the hupla that all these cults and groups do. I call it some sort of dance if you will. Every religion has a dance or ritual that they perform. I do hope everyone is happy with whatever you believe in. But I'm not going to classify all atheist as negative people. Nor am I going to classify all the religious people a bunch of freaks. So... Take the good and the bad with everything. If you already "THINK" that a group is going to be a bunch of bad apples then your half way there. Remember NOT everyone thinks like that maybe a small percentage and as it seems it's always the bad apples that spoil the bunch.

I once was going to form my own religion. Yep, the pancake god. Every sunday we would all prey to the pancake god and take a trip down to IHOP to enjoy it and experience it. But that didn't work out too well. I didn't get very many takers to enjoy the experience with. Tho... I found it funny.

Anyway... Whatever you believe in. As long as your "HAPPY" that's all that matters. It's all fun to watch people react to each other. I'd probably enjoy church more knowing that it's all a bunch of BS and just watch the dance.... I hope you are all enjoying it...

That's why we come to P&N to express and read what other points and views are. I find it enjoyable and I think we can all learn from it...

The problem with your positive message ... It would never make the news. I find most of the time in general the news to be a bit dark and depressing.

Cheers!

 

[BoberFett]

What's the deal with Christmas and the winter solstice anyway? Did Christianity knock it over and call the winter solstice "the birthday of Jesus"?

I've only heard biased arguments either way.

Pretty much. Christians have done that with many things in the name of spreading the word. One of the more bizarre hostile holiday takeovers I've been hearing lately is that the candy cane is symbolic of Jesus. It's a friggin' piece of candy. Get over your damn selves freaks, not everything points to god.

 

[Moonbeam]

Pretty much. Christians have done that with many things in the name of spreading the word. One of the more bizarre hostile holiday takeovers I've been hearing lately is that the candy cane is symbolic of Jesus. It's a friggin' piece of candy. Get over your damn selves freaks, not everything points to god.

Oh geez, you don't see a shepherd's hook?

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Pretty much. Christians have done that with many things in the name of spreading the word. One of the more bizarre hostile holiday takeovers I've been hearing lately is that the candy cane is symbolic of Jesus. It's a friggin' piece of candy. Get over your damn selves freaks, not everything points to god.

Oh geez, you don't see a shepherd's hook?

It was a common practice to co-opt local traditions when Christianity was introduced into new areas, hence the winter solstice thing. That's all there is to any of that. Of course you are correct M about candy canes. It's a shepards crook, but you knew that

The red and white stripes MAY represent the purity and blood of Christ (shamelessly ripped off information found elsewhere) but I wouldn't bet the farm on that.

 

[bfdd]

Sorry but if atheists want to make a sign for Christmas there are lot less offensive things they could put up. That sign is just begging to pick a fight with religious people as it's basically calling them delusional apathetic nitwits. Fine message for the holiday season.

I have to agree that was a pretty dickish sign.

 

[venkman]

Gotta love the 'I defend freedom of speech only as long as you agree with me' crowd.

 

[Vette73]

Gotta love the 'I defend freedom of speech, and religion, only as long as you agree with me' crowd.

Fixed

 

[heyheybooboo]

You have all disappointed me in ways to numerous to list.

Now, on to the feats of strength.




--

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

That's awesome!

 

[PrinceofWands]

http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/capitol.atheist.display.2.1387754.html


Wow, do you think your capitol would allow you to display such a sign right next to the xmas trees? I feel like moving to Illinois now!

Edit: Happy Holidays everybody!

Mine already did...last year or the one before, I forget.

 

[bfdd]

Gotta love the 'I defend freedom of speech only as long as you agree with me' crowd.

?? I have no problem with them saying things like that, doesn't change the fact it's a dickish move.

 

[IAteYourMother]

People just need to watch the South Park episode about this. With all the PC crap going on, nothing is fun anymore.