ATHEISTS REJECT COUNTRY'S TURN TOWARD PRAYER

Catholic World News Service ^ | Sep 27, 01 | Catholic World News Service

[Brian Kopp DPM]

ATHEISTS REJECT COUNTRY'S TURN TOWARD PRAYER

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois, Sep 27, 01 (CWNews.com) - The US' largest atheist group has rejected the public expressions of piety in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, especially those by politicians, according to the student newspaper at the University of Illinois.

Ron Barrier of American Atheists told the Daily Illini that nationally televised prayer services, presidential references to God, and calls to prayer leave atheists feeling forgotten as US citizens. "Nonbelievers were touched by the tragedy just as much as believers were," Barrier said. "All we're doing is asking for a little sensitivity. Just because one does not have religious beliefs does not make one less of a citizen."

"People who want to pray are free to do so, but we don't because we don't understand what they are doing," Barrier said. "It is humans who will clear this debris up, rescue other humans and rebuild the section of New York City. There will be no divine interference involved. People may find comfort in it, but we fail to see what purpose prayer serves."

Shane Taylor, director of the university's Christian Campus Fellowship, proffered an explanation. "It's such a core Christian idea that God wants a relationship with us," Taylor said. "It's like a relationship with anyone else. We're going to communicate with God over matters of the world, and we're hoping the president and other leaders are asking God for wisdom. We've been told we'll receive guidance and answers from God, and that is why we still pray."

As for the claim that President George W. Bush is promoting religion, Taylor said: "Our president is a Christian. His faith is a part of who he is. It's hard to ask the president not to have his faith be a part of how he responds to the attacks."

[BrucefromMtVernon]

If G*d did not exist it would be necessary to invent Him. If atheists did not exist it would NOT be necessary to invent them!

[xm177e2]

Ron Barrier of American Atheists told the Daily Illini that nationally televised prayer services, presidential references to God, and calls to prayer leave atheists feeling forgotten as US citizens. "Nonbelievers were touched by the tragedy just as much as believers were," Barrier said. "All we're doing is asking for a little sensitivity. Just because one does not have religious beliefs does not make one less of a citizen."

All of this praying, it offends me! Please stop! </hysteria>

[Anonymous2]

oh, brother.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

(faith was in italics to make the point of irony/sarcasm...I guess I failed at making the point)

[JPR_Boise_ID]

... He's in for a suprise ...

LOL, I hope I'm standing behind him in line on Judgement Day ... I want to see the look on his face.

[Storm Orphan]

I am an atheist and I disavow this group and the insensitive, irrelevant
drek in their publicity seeking statements.

Apologies to all believers of all faiths.

[Standing Wolf]

Speaking strictly as a lifelong atheist, I've got to say I'm tired of listening to atheists' self-important pronouncements. I don't pray. I'm entirely comfortable with the idea that others pray. If others pray publicly, I assume it's my place to respect their right to pray much as I expect them to respect my right not to pray.

[mombonn]

On that day a strange thing happened, he changed his mind. I wonder how often that happens?

Very often, I believe. Where there is life, there is hope. God extends His grace to all until the last breath.

[NebraskaPatriot]

If I go by the logic of these outspoken atheists, then I propose that we now make it a law that all people regardless of their beliefs should be forced to pray for our country. If they can tell us we cannot pray outloud then why can't we tell them they must pray outloud???? hum???

[oyez]

You got to remember that they are seeking converts as well as evangelical Christans. They do have an agenda to be concerned about.

[AmericanCheeseFood]

Jesus believes in athiests .

Those which die find rejection from God a bit harsher than it was to reject Him .

Cheese.

[Texasforever]

It would really help if believers and non-believers could just leave each other alone. Neither side is going to "win" the argument and neither side is ever going to take over the country.

[ThinkDifferent]

I am an atheist and I disavow this group and the insensitive, irrelevant drek in their publicity seeking statements.

Ditto.

[Storm Orphan]

Too true.

[sayfer bullets]

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh!

My thought exactly.

News FLASH!: Streisand criticizes Bush Policy.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Actually believers have been far more accomodating than atheists. An almost universal tendency now is towards "moments of silence." Moments of silence accomodate all, the believers of all types, the agnostic, and the atheist. The believer can take that quiet moment to communicate with their notion of god(s), the agnostic can ruminate whether there is a god(s), and the atheist can contemplate their navel lint.

Sounds democratic, universal, peaceful, downright syncretic.

Come to think of it...

...I hate "moments of silence," anyone else?

If you're gonna pray then have the guts to pray. The Our Father is universal enough that it shouldn't offend. If not, shut up. We can all collect our thoughts without imposed "moments of silence." Who knows what kinds of weird thoughts and weirder prayers are being uttered during these silent moments???

I'd like to propose a national moratorium on "moments of silence." /sarcsam off

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Actually believers have been far more accomodating than atheists.

Well...at least lately...(ouch, I can see the historical references falling off fingertips onto keyboards as I type...I retracted, please lets not go there)

[cricket]

"I see humans. . ." Strange, they can't see feelings either; but we know they believe in them; they have just told how hurt their feelings are. . .

Of course, some athiest are better than others. . .but sounds more like this athiest might be looking for a spiritual home.

"Divine interference" (?) People who want to pray are free to do so; but we don't know what they are doing. (?)

Bad proofing, athiest angst, athiest reality. . . or just 'clueless'. . .

[Brian Kopp DPM]

ping