Atheists Say Lunchtime Prayers at Naval Academy Are Unconstitutional

CNSNews.com ^ | 9/05/03 | Lawrence Morahan

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Guess they'll need to change the Navy hymn as well as do away with the Chapel which is centrally located on the Academy grounds.

I can remeber the days when the Midshipmen used to march to the various churches in Annapolis to attend services on Sundays.

I always understood that there were no athiests in the foxhole nor onboard ships at sea.

[karen999]

The atheists won't be happy until every last religious symbol has be gouged out of the headstones of Arlington and elsewhere.

[anoldafvet]

Next on the list are the crosses and stars of David on the graves in Arlington and the rest of the national cemetaries, can't be promoting religion doncha know. After that will come the outlawing of graveside service by RELIGIOUS people in the same places, can't be praying on public ground. Then we'll have to get a razor knife and take out all those references to God in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

[goldstategop]

I expect the courts to ban them following the VMI precedent. Atheists mustn't be offended by the mere mention of "God" in public. It could damage their fragile psyches.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

What about the rights of the majority who want prayer?

Issues like this explain why the left can't tolerate judges with common sense and a grounding in the law. The left uses the law to undermine the law. They need "activists" judges to succeed.

[arasina]

"...I think the ideology behind the group is just not acceptable to the American people. It would not be acceptable to the courts."

I wouldn't be so sure about that, Ms. Donnelly. The atheists have multitudes of secular humanist socialists on their side. They're afraid of religion, Christianity and Judaism in particular, because people of faith aren't dependent upon them but upon God.

One thing believers can do, if they really do believe, is pray for the atheists and humanists. They seem to have made progress in U.S. courts using the very freedoms endowed by our Creator in this "one nation, under God." I constantly struggle with the idea that they appear to be winning. That's evident in my statement in the previous paragraph, but I know where to turn when the oppression seems to be a gargantuan power. (Remember David and Goliath?)

[borisbob69]

The solution is simple...separate those who object to prayer as offensive from the majority who appreciate having their activities blessed by God. After prayers...the offended group can enter the facility. Better yet...provide religion free dining in a separate room/facility!

[MAK1179]

OK this is ridiculous. I'm sorry, but if you don't want to pray, then don't. I'm sure those leading these dinnertime prayers are not walking up to each soldier and holding an HK5SD to their backs and making them pray. The way I see it, if you don't want to pray...don't. OR put cotton in your ears, or leave the damn mess hall. But I have just as much right to pray wherever the hell I want just as much as these morons have the right to NOT pray.

Once again, the lack of common sense of some people makes me wonder how we've made it this far as a species.
-MAK

[dagnabbit]

The leftists won't rest until American society is completely destroyed. They'll sue to pry apart the last two pieces of wood nailed together.

[steve in DC]

"In God We Trust" is unconstitutional.

The Ten Commandments on the wall of the Supreme Court is unconstitutional.

The post of "chaplain" in Congress is unconstitutional.

The post of "Chaplain" in the armed forces is unconstitutional.

"...so help me God." in the oaths of office is unconstitutional.

And on and on and on.

Heck, maybe the Constitution is unconstitutional! I wonder if they ever thought of that?

[Dante3]

Aren't there just about 1% atheists in this country? Probably about half of them could care less.

What's next? This reminds me of Soviet Russia where children were required to report their parents if they prayed at home.

It's unfortunate that three judges in Virginia in the VMI case turned supported the ACLU.

[Semper Paratus]

Have one of the Atheists lead a moment of silence for nothing.

[pollywog]

Thank you for the reminder to pray. I agree TOTALLY with you.God's power is GREAT.

[Joe Marine 76]

I don't know about you folks but I sick to my stomach and tired of these panty-waist-girly-men crying about the mere mention of a superior being in public! I wonder who Meltzer gives thanks to for having been graciously granted the gift and privilege to have served in this great country's fine military AS WELL AS reap the benefit of a military retiree's pay. That's right, GIFT AND PRIVILEGE, to have served. Boy, they've gotten my Irish up on this one!

[stainlessbanner]

Let's pray for these people, they are in dire need of direction in their lives.

[familyofman]

"I always understood that there were no athiests in the foxhole nor onboard ships at sea."
Just another unfounded myth. I can state for a fact that my father, D-Day vet (116th, 29th inf) was and still is an atheist (I am too).

What puzzles me is - why do those that pray need to to it verbally & in public so that others hear them? It seems a bit analogous to using a cell phone in public - you can do it either quitely or load enough that everyone around hears you & your business. I don't need to hear your phone calls or your prayers.

[ladtx]

If they are true atheists then the prayers are meaningless to them. So what's the problem?

[rdb3]

I don't need to hear your phone calls or your prayers.

You don't have the right to not be offended.

[f.Christian]

The wall of separation was to keep these whackos out ... who let them in --- takeover ?