Posted on 01/19/2006 3:56:16 AM PST by ComtedeMaistre
Most conservatives are religious. But there is a small minority of non-religious individuals, who were attracted to the conservative movement because they were influenced by secular movements such as Ayn Rand's objectivism.
Should atheists be welcomed into the conservative movement? Do atheists make good conservatives?
"And God's existence doesn't depend on whether you believe in Him or not."
That's true, of course. It's also immaterial to the question at hand.
Like President Bush??
Not in all ways, but unfortunately (Medicare Prescription Drugs, etc) he has exhibited this trait.
You and I are closer than you probably realize.
Since I don't understand what you ar trying to ask or say, all I can do is think of examples for discussion. Here are three:
1. My brother lives with a woman and neither have ever been married. He doesn't expect special treatment from the government and isn't seeking benefits that a married couple might receive. He is an example of someone who is living constitutionally, but not scripturally. While I disagree with his choice, he doesn't seem to have any trouble living or walking in the world.
He is a hypocrite in the eyes of God, but not in the eyes of the Constitution.
2. I have a friend who is separated and doesn't live with anyone else. Hates abortion. Believes in God. Goes to church fequently. Very conservative - tends to think Bush is a little bit too liberal. He is self-employed as a handyman. But he has a drinking problem. Tends to drink to excess after a day of work to the point that his wife couldn't take it anymore and left.
He is both constitutional and scriptural, but does not find living to be easy. He is not a hypocrite, but he does have a problem.
3. My mother is a Christian but is also a union-type democrat. She hates homosexuality - and this is scriptural and is still Constitutional. But she hates guns - she believes that they are against what God wants (I disagree with her on this), and her view is anti-Constitutional. In this regard (anti-gun), she finds it easy to live scripturally, but not constitutionally.
So I still disagree with your assertion. And I still do not know what you are trying to ask.
Very good questions.
If you were quoting Billy Graham, I might be concerned. LOL
I'm not the one who brought up the subject. And I thought the question was whether atheists can be genuine conservatives.
I am curious about what makes one start a vanity thread and not respond to any comments?
Just thought it could be said again
"I'm not the one who brought up the subject. And I thought the question was whether atheists can be genuine conservatives."
Yes. That was the question, which you answered by saying that you did not believe in atheists. I'm afraid I don't see how your answer related to the question.
"I am curious about what makes one start a vanity thread and not respond to any comments?
"
The classic hit and run poster. Not a newbie, but still a trolling post.
Well, if I don't believe in atheists, I can't really say if they can be genuine conservatives or not. And I really don't believe there is such thing as an atheist. I believe humans are all born with a spiritual component that causes us to seek God. Of course we can deny that we believe in God or some higher power, but I believe every human has a spiritual nature.
"You and I are closer than you probably realize"
We, probably, all are but don't realize it.
Which makes Christian complaints about activities of the ACLU strange.
Abortion is murder. That is a fact that requires no faith or religion. Just an understanding that the willful taking of innocent human life is murder.
homosexuality is a sin
Find the word "sin" anywhere in the Republican platform. It isn't there. I don't think homosexuality is a sin, I think it is gross and I don't want homosexuals to have special rights. That is enough to qualify me as conservative.
stealing is wrong
Oh come on, man. That stealing is irrational and immoral does not rely on the existence of a god. It just requires the ability to use reason and logic.
murder is wrong
Again, it is obvious that murder is wrong based on logic. If you found out tomorrow that there is no god, would you suddenly feel free to murder and steal? Is your faith alone all that keeps you from partaking in that behavior? If so, pray on, brother, and don't ever leave the church.
Do Jews make good Conservatives?
They aren't Christians either!
Are there no Christians that are liberals?
My point - religion doesn't equate to political affiliation.
Skin color and gender don't either - fyi - just in case you were planning another silly vanity.
If you require a powerful being to keep you in line and prevent you from running wild, then I fear if you should ever have a crisis of faith.
Personally, I'm insulted that you would think you may have claim to a better seat at the conservative table based upon your belief in a god.
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