( I couldn't find a good clear shot of BJ with his hand on a Bible)
Posted on 01/14/2005 3:32:57 PM PST by kattracks
(CNSNews.com) - An atheist group is criticizing President Bush for saying he can't see how one can be president without a relationship with the Lord. Bush's comments were "divisive," they say, and an insult to those who don't believe in religious creeds or a deity.
Bush's interview with the Washington Times "demonstrates clearly that he does not respect the diversity of the country, and the fact that nonbelievers and so-called 'seculars' are one of the fastest growing segments of American society," said Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists.
"He just doesn't get it," said Johnson, "and he seems to ignore the fact that in our Constitution we do not have a religious test for those seeking public office."
When Washington Times' editor-in-chief Wesley Pruden asked him about the role of prayer in next week's inauguration and what he thinks is the proper role of his personal faith in the public arena, Bush said: "First of all, I will have my hand on the Bible. I read the article today, and I don't - it's interesting, I don't think faith is under attack.
"I think there are some who worry about a president who is faith-based, a person who openly admits that I accept the prayers of the people, trying to impose my will on others. I fully understand that the job of the president is and must always be protecting the great right of people to worship or not worship as they see fit," Bush said.
"That's what distinguishes us from the Taliban. The greatest freedom we have - or one of the greatest freedoms - is the right to worship the way you see fit. And on the other hand, I don't see how you can be president - at least from my perspective, how you can be president, without a - without a relationship with the Lord," he added.
Johnson was also offended by Bush's claim that the difference between America and the former Taliban regime in Afghanistan was simply "the right to worship the way you see fit."
"The real distinction between American and governments like the Taliban is that at least on paper, we have a Constitutional commitment to separation of government and religion," she said. "We have freedom of and freedom from religion."
Policies like the president's faith-based initiative or efforts to keep the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance show that Bush is dedicated to using the power of the state to advance religion, argued Dave Silverman, communications director for American Atheists.
"He wants all Americans, including over 30 million non-religious citizens, to subsidize religion-based social programs, and he wants to protect ceremonial religious rituals like the post-1954 Pledge of Allegiance," said Silverman.
Silverman accused Bush of trying to turn the government into a "religion bully."
"President Bush goes far beyond keeping his faith to himself. He's trying to turn our government into a 'religion bully' where the state enforces religious belief and religious correctness. That's un-American," he concluded.
I believe LBJ --or perhaps that unusually good Liar Mr.Bill
were perhaps the closest I can recall to atheists have
ever held the office of the Presidency -but even those
two Jacki professed to be Christian. If any wishes to see
divisivness all they need do is listen to Michael Newdow--
or what Soviet Communists of the ACLU (anti-Christian Liars Union)are saying.
These people aren't really offended by what President Bush SAID, but just the fact that he exists and was reelected. Well, I'm truly sorry that they're offended, but I thank God in Heaven that George W. Bush is President of the United States of Ameirca, and I'm grateful that the President is a believer in Jesus Christ.
Some 'atheists' undoubtedly do. But what motivates them is not their atheism, it is what underlies and motivates their atheism....socialism/communism...and its inherent anti-Americanism. This atheist is not at all offended by what the President said...in fact I fully understand it...even 'agree' with it, at least the idea if not the wording and structure.
I think what the President was saying was that the job of President requires a firm grounding in right and wrong in terms of decision making. He has to understand why what is right is right and why what is wrong is wrong. The decisions he faces are complex and difficult and he needs to understand how to make the right call. Responding based on his 'feelings' is a recipe for disaster...see his predecessor. And his conception of the roots of morality is religious. I think that is what he was really saying when talked about needing a relationship with the Lord. Now, I understand that he might disagree with that idea...that the relationship itself is what is important as opposed to what he gets out of that relationship, that is his morality and the motivation and courage to do the right thing.
That is the idea that so many 'atheists' find so abhorrent...that there is a right and wrong. Many people arrive at atheism for disgusting reasons...they are running from morality and the concepts of right and wrong and personal responsibility. That is fundamentally why marxism is atheistic...it is absurdly wrong, a massive violation of rights, and so its followers cannot have any proper grounding in morality, which includes most religions.
That is why those 'atheists' who do object to the President's statement object....they despise morality, the responsibility of judgment of right and wrong. It is not about their atheism nor is their sentiment intrinsic to atheism.
Yeah, well the whining hysteria of atheists offends me and I'm not born again or devoutly religious.
Since everything is a popularity contest with the loony left, I hope it concerns them that they are offending almost all their fellow citizens.
They should get a life. Simple as that. Get a life. Do something constructive for a change. Be productive. If they are offended...well, guess they'll just have to get over it now wont' they? They OFFEND ME only I don't care about them so I move on. They should too.
Being offended is a part of life.
The leftist Theophobes lacking in self esteem, can't help but being offended when they leave their ivory towers.
( I couldn't find a good clear shot of BJ with his hand on a Bible)
No, it's atheists' lack of faith that's divisive. They are the cause, not the victims.
Atheists and Homosexuals are basically very unhappy people. And they dont want anyone else to be happy.
If they dont wish to believe there is a God thats fine, just leave other people alone.
I AGREE!!!!!
OFFEND THEM SOME MORE GW!
well liberal atheists offend ME so we're even.
You know it's okay if those brown people need religion. White people are supposed to be enlightened enough to know better. (/liberalthink)
I'm not offended by President Bush's statements. I am offended by the idea that Johnson and Silverman are trying to represent me.
Reagan once said that he didn't see how anyone could be President without having been an actor first. He was kidding, obviously, but I see this as similar. Bush was merely giving his opinion, based upon his experience in office.
Very true.
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