Question for Atheists

[Wheelsie]

Originally Posted by mkingdomlvr
Now, this is just this Christian's opinion, but I would rather politicians NOT use God Bless America unless it really means something to them. If they honestly don't believe-then I would rather they said they didn't believe and didn't use the phrase just to ingratiate themselves with folks like me.

I hate to derail, but I really agree with this, even as an atheist.

Keith Ellison got a lot of flack for swearing in on the Quran and so many people were insistent that he needed to be sworn in with a Bible. I remember wondering why anyone would want him to swear in on a Christian book when he's a Muslim? Shouldn't people swear on something that's meaningful to them?

Now I don't claim to be much of ANYTHING! but I just felt a need to chime in on these 2 posters....

WITH A ROUSING ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND STANDING OVATION!!! bear in mind i'm short so you may not see me

 

[piney]

If Obama hadn't said God bless America, this thread would have a different title reflectin' that he's not a Christian and it would be 188 pages long.

it's reflecting

 

[piney]

It doesn't faze me.
Sorry for the correction, it's just a phase I'm going through!

ford family

another know it all heard from

 

[Shyvioletisme]

I think most of us athiests are pretty used to hearing all the god stuff in government ("god bless America", "in god we trust", "one nation under god", etc.)

Personally, I think it's problematic (particularly for non-Christians), as well as completely unnecessary to the operation of good government.

But I don't get upset about it every time I hear it, no. It doesn't make me feel differently about Obama, either. I think he sort of has to talk that way or people would pitch a fit.

I agree with this 100%. As an atheist, I think all of it is unneccessary, but it's there so I have to put up with it. As long as he doesn't force me to say it, he can say it all he wants.

 

[Uncle Remus]

it's reflecting

 

[Shugardrawers]

Just as I have every right NOT to observe any religion publicly, President Elect Obama has the right TO observe his publicly. I don't really consider saying the phrase "God bless the USA" a violation of church and state. I do think printing it on the money is a conflict of interest and wonder why more people don't realize that. But I'm not one to rock the boat.

I'll more than respect your rights so long as you respect mine. I'll politely but firmly decline door to door evangalism and friend's invitations to church. I will go to a church for a special event such as wedding, funeral, baptism or my nephew being in the christmas play. I'll quietly wait while prayers are said and songs are sung.

My grandfather was a Nazarene minister. He said our personal beliefs were our own but did insist on respect for those of others while in the church ( our mother still made us go ) I guess that's why I rarely take offense to such innocuous remarks.

It's when people say AIDS is god's revenge on gay people or tell my nephew I'm going to burn in hell if I don't accept the lord that I get offended

 

[lisadr]

Just as I have every right NOT to observe any religion publicly, President Elect Obama has the right TO observe his publicly. I don't really consider saying the phrase "God bless the USA" a violation of church and state. I do think printing it on the money is a conflict of interest and wonder why more people don't realize that. But I'm not one to rock the boat.

I'll more than respect your rights so long as you respect mine. I'll politely but firmly decline door to door evangalism and friend's invitations to church. I will go to a church for a special event such as wedding, funeral, baptism or my nephew being in the christmas play. I'll quietly wait while prayers are said and songs are sung.

My grandfather was a Nazarene minister. He said our personal beliefs were our own but did insist on respect for those of others while in the church ( our mother still made us go ) I guess that's why I rarely take offense to such innocuous remarks.

It's when people say AIDS is god's revenge on gay people or tell my nephew I'm going to burn in hell if I don't accept the lord that I get offended

Personally I don't like it when people speak for god about anything . And not just when I'm being threatened with roasting in hell either .

My opinion is god is a big boy/girl and can handle their own business.

Me-agnostic. I never liked a middle man

 

[CobraBubbles]

I'm not sure what Obama's beliefs truly are or are not, but it can't hurt to ask God for a blessing I suppose even if it is a 'figure of speech'.

It would really worry me to have a leader who thought that they had no one higher up to answer to, however, I must add.

 

[LisaMommy]

Lots of things bother me, but something that people are forgetting lately is how to get over these things. I don't mind someone getting upset because this or that is politically incorrect, but we've forgot how to overcome these feelings. When I hear Obama ending his speeches with "God bless America" or someone driving around with that message printed on a bumper sticker, the only thing that irks me is the patriotism, not the religious beliefs.

 

[Laura]

It would really worry me to have a leader who thought that they had no one higher up to answer to, however, I must add.

Every President answers to the American people, regardless of faith.

 

[NMAmy]

It would really worry me to have a leader who thought that they had no one higher up to answer to, however, I must add.

Now THIS is what bothers me. As Laura stated, the President has to answer to the American people.

There are many, many people who lead normal, law abiding, moral lives without feeling that they need to answer to a higher power but simply because it's the right thing to do. I don't need to be threatened with punishment in the afterlife to do the right thing in this one.

 

[Topper]

I don't need to be threatened with punishment in the afterlife to do the right thing in this one.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

Now THIS is what bothers me. As Laura stated, the President has to answer to the American people.

There are many, many people who lead normal, law abiding, moral lives without feeling that they need to answer to a higher power but simply because it's the right thing to do. I don't need to be threatened with punishment in the afterlife to do the right thing in this one.

Agreed - check out my signature for Einstein's opinion on that too......

 

[aprilgail2]

As long he doesn't pass any laws based one what "god wants", I don't care how he ends his speeches.

It doesn't phase me.
I still say "under God" in the pledge.

I don't care that he says it as long as I am not forced to- when I say the pledge I say it hte way it was orginally written, WITHOUT the "under god" in it- not the way it was altered years later

There are many, many people who lead normal, law abiding, moral lives without feeling that they need to answer to a higher power but simply because it's the right thing to do. I don't need to be threatened with punishment in the afterlife to do the right thing in this one.

well said!!!!

 

[Goofyluver]

I don't need to be threatened with punishment in the afterlife to do the right thing in this one.

Applause. Applause.

 

[Kies99]

I want to make it specific here before I post my response that when you see the word "you", I am not referring to any specific person. I'm using it as a generic term to describe anyone.

Here goes:

I'm do not believe in God. I also do not label myself an atheist. What I believe is my concern, nobody else's.

I also think that what "you" believe is your concern not mine so keep it to yourself. It doesn't phase me in the least if someone says "God Bless America" or "God Bless You" or other similar phrases. I would prefer they actually believe it instead of just pandering, however.

Now, you try and shove your belief's down my throat and then we'll have a problem.

And I have a high level of respect for people of any religion who truly believe. It brings comfort and joy to those people so I think it's great.

(Those who take it to extremes, that's another discussion for another day.)

 

[GeorgeG]

Ya know... with few exceptions, we atheists tend to be pretty laid back about our lack of belief in any god. About the only time we're outspoken is when someone is telling us we're no good and will surely burn in hell or that we can't possibly be good Americans. Guess what? We don't believe in hell any more than we believe in heaven so those arrogant statements don't fly with us and there are a lot of very patriotic atheists.

"... one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." That works for me.

 

[piney]

Ya know... with few exceptions, we atheists tend to be pretty laid back about our lack of belief in any god. About the only time we're outspoken is when someone is telling us we're no good and will surely burn in hell or that we can't possibly be good Americans. Guess what? We don't believe in hell any more than we believe in heaven so those arrogant statements don't fly with us and there are a lot of very patriotic atheists.

"... one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." That works for me.

I must say you are right. I find that the answers here, for the most part, were very calm and straight-forward. I find, in my experience, that it is the religious people who want to "change" you. I was raised Catholic and have a hard time letting go of all that early training, but I do appreciate that everyone has a right to believe as they choose.

I want to thank everyone who responded to my question.

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

Ya know... with few exceptions, we atheists tend to be pretty laid back about our lack of belief in any god. About the only time we're outspoken is when someone is telling us we're no good and will surely burn in hell or that we can't possibly be good Americans. Guess what? We don't believe in hell any more than we believe in heaven so those arrogant statements don't fly with us and there are a lot of very patriotic atheists.

"... one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." That works for me.

I personally think because there is nothing to be passionate about with your lack of belief. Most peoople are pretty laid back if they don't believe in something and it's not hurting them. Kind of like, if my neighbor likes gardening and I don't, I wouldn't get all crazy on her for liking it. But, she would probably share her interest in it with me, as she is passionate about it. Now, I am the last person that would try to start a fight about atheism and Christianity. Your comment just made me think.

And, I personally don't know if you will burn in hell anymore than I know if I will. If there is a hell, that is God's decision....And the God that I worship wouldn't send any good, compassionate person to hell. But, I've been told that I am wrong....

 

[bubie2.5]

As long he doesn't pass any laws based one what "god wants", I don't care how he ends his speeches.

Same here.