FFRF Opposes National Day Of Prayer [Have Barf Bags Wide Open and Handy]

Freedom From Religion Foundation ^ | 9/13/01 | Jerkweed

[careyb]

More FFRF News FFRF Action Alerts Back to FFRF's Home Page	P.O. Box 750, MADISON, WI 53701 Contact: Annie Laurie Gaylor Phone: (608) 256-5800 Email: fttoday@mailbag.com Statement on September 11 Terrorism Acts of Terrorism the Ultimate "Faith-Based Initiative"? September 13, 2001 This statement was released by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Madison, Wis.-based national association of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics) working to protect the constitutional separation of church and state since 1978. Representing our national membership of freethinkers, as well as the 18.5% of U.S. citizens who are not religious, we join in the national mourning over the events on September 11, a horrible and senseless human tragedy. However, Bush's proclamation of Friday, September 14 as a "National Day of Prayer and Remembrance" shows the pitfalls of the "God is on our side" mentality, and the dangers of religious patriotism. While it may be natural for religious persons to turn to religion or prayer for solace, it is not the role of the President of the United States, or his spokespersons, to urge citizens to pray, to go to church, to turn to faith, or to observe a National Day of Prayer with worship. In fact, it appears that the terrorist disasters of September 11 may well have been the ultimate "faith-based initiative." These terrorists apparently expected to find a reward "in heaven" and were bent on starting a "holy war" with our nation. Our country should not fall into the trap of religious terrorists: Holy wars don't have solutions, they just have body counts. Religion is not the answer, it is probably the problem. As Pascal put it: "Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction." Prayer had its chance on September 11, and it failed. Imagine the unanswered prayers of hundreds or thousands of the victims of these terrorists. Official prayer will not solve any problems. We believe it is appropriate for President Bush to call for a Day of Remembrance, but leave prayer up to individuals. Civil War Col. Robert G. Ingersoll reminds us: "The hands that help are better far than lips that pray." The nonreligious are among the victims and their families, and are represented in the ranks of the heroes, the firefighters and police officers risking or giving their lives to save others. It is offensive that the President of all Americans disregards the convictions, even the existence, of the more than 10% of the population that is not religious. The "God is on our side" mentality was responsible for these tragic acts of terrorism. We must not compound the dangers by a "One Nation Under God" response. # # For media members: If you are a member of the media and would like to receive periodic news releases from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, click here. For others: If you are not a member of the media and would like information on joining the Freedom From Religion Foundation, click here.
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[July 4th]

Let me remind this organization that we have freedom of religion, not from. It pains me to see that this group is from Madison. They're probably bashing the University for cancelling classes this afternoon so people can attend church. I am a regular churchgoer, but today, it felt more important to me to stay home and watch the National service.

These FFRF people can go to hell. Figuratively, literally...

[Texas_Jarhead]

Asking is one thing, expecting is another. Through faith, are prayers answered. Faith. Not expectation. And when things don't go the way you want habor no resentment. But know that it was not His will. God hears faithful prayers for the Bible tells us so. The human mind cannot even fathom the power of God. A discussions of the interactions of prayer in faith and God and their results is over before it's even begun. You may not understand my point but truely God is Almighty.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Seems to be alot of that going around. My simple thread on the UN's reaction to the attacks was pulled after just one response.

[dely2]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. I don't see anything that prohibits the President from asking for a day of prayer in the First Ammendment. I fact, these FFRF folks seem to want to violate it by attempting to prohibit the President and the people of the US from exercising our right to practice our religion. That's odd - there's nothing in there that makes it unconstitutional for him to encourage us all to masturbate as we watch gay porn. Does that mean he should ask us to do this? Does that mean we would support him if he did suggest it?

[VA40]

Thanks for the e-mail link. I have informed them they can feel free to leave this Nation Under God at any time.

[Texas_Jarhead]

What a moronic, inane comment.

Equating asking for a Day of Prayer with masturbating to porn.

You disgusting pile of filth.

[dely2]

By the way, when the founding fathers created this nation, it was not "Under God." Those words were added to the Pldege of Allegiance in 1954.

[dely2]

No, I'm just saying that there are certain rights we have under the constitution that are best exercised in private, and certain activities that we're probably better off if we don't try to convince other people to do our way.

[moneyrunner]

I am frequently amazed at the sophomoric comments made on the subject of religion. How old are you?

Love and peace.

[Texas_Jarhead]

I really get tired of people who are either ignorant of history or attempt to revise it. The founding fathers themselves called for Days of Prayer. Washington and Adams are just two examples. So don't go invoking the Constitution while ignoring the obvious treatment it was afforded by the founders themselves.

[dely2]

"I am frequently amazed at the sophomoric comments made on the subject of religion. How old are you? Love and peace." Which sophomoric comments? None of your business. Peace and love.

[dely2]

There were social difference at the time, and the compositon of the U.S. population was different. Remember that the founding fathers grew up under a government that would drive a dagger through your tongue for blasphemy. I'm concerned that this message that "All true Americans should pray" sends a message that there are many of us who are not "True Americans" - like somehow we're second class citizens or something in our own country. The government should govern. Leave all else to the people.

[fone]

"grew up under a government that would drive a dagger through your tongue for blasphemy."

Well that's a new one on me, and I've read quite a bit about American history and a good portion of the Bible.

We should take comfort in knowing this action can now be done at the local malls.

[dely2]

The dagger-through the tongue thing was from the original constitution of the colony of Virginia. It is reprinted under the name "For the colonie in Virginae Brittannia, matters, moral, legal and military" (or something like that.) I don't know the exact dates that this law was in effect, so I may have been wrong to say that they "grew up" under it. But certainly Christianity was officially sponsored in the Colonies, and the Founding Fathers took a huge step away from that system.

[TheRealLobo]

They said:"...President of all Americans disregards the convictions, even the existence, of the more than 10% of the population that is not religious..."

Ah yes, they would MUCH rather have the minority 90% of the population bow to their will. Yep, too bad that the fringe 90% should have so much say in what happens in this country. (/sarcasm)

God bless them too.

September 11, 2001 -- NEVER again, NEVER forget

[Soylent-Green-modernitymonster]

Well, well. Ironically, the U.S. Constitution offer no "freedom from religion." It was interesting to see that Peter Jennings,Dan Rather, and the rest of the mediaoids would have to be exposed to all that religiosity. As far as crusades go,the presence of slick Willie added some comic relief. I noticed that he positioned himself in front of the cameras to do some glad-handing at the end of the prayer service. Is this guy shameless? Has anyone heard whether Dershowitz plans to file a suit against a "national" day of prayer? Or did this one pass some unwritten PC code?

[SamAdams76]

Representing our national membership of freethinkers, as well as the 18.5% of U.S. citizens who are not religious, we join in the national mourning over the events on September 11, a horrible and senseless human tragedy.

Well as one of the 18.5% of those who are not religious (where did THAT number come from), let me say that this moron does not represent or speak for me. Who the hell appointed him (or her) to speak for anybody other than himself and his stupid organization?

I encourage all those who are religious to pray and I have no problem with a National Day of Prayer. Especially in times like these.

[Ward Smythe]

as well as the 18.5% of U.S. citizens who are not religious

Guess that about explains the 80% approval rating.

Tongue planted firmly in cheek. Noted apologies to OWK and company.</font size>

[Texas_Jarhead]

I'm concerned that this message that "All true Americans should pray" sends a message that there are many of us who are not "True Americans" - like somehow we're second class citizens or something in our own country.

Ah yes the good ole victim excuse. So all the 85% of America that believes in God should be restricted in their religious expression as called for by a religious President because you are "concerned that this message... that there are many of us who are not 'True Americans'...". If you feel that way don't blame us. Nobody has called you that. That feeling comes from your own self. I mean when I'm around rich people I don't feel second class even when they act like snobs. I don't buy secular victumology. You're not being forced to do anything you don't want to. You simply want others to restrict their behavior to make you feel more comfortable.

You said, "The government should govern. Leave all else to the people."

True but leaders should lead. And if the peoples and the leader(s) are Christian then that doesn't have to be restricted.

Again you said, "But certainly Christianity was officially sponsored in the Colonies, and the Founding Fathers took a huge step away from that system."

Wrong. Numerous states had State religions up until the late 19th century perhaps even early 20th (I can't recall exactly). Even Jefferson, that great secular leader, attended church services in the Treasury building. How about the Thanksgiving holiday? That was a result of Christianity in American culture. Secularization is a 20th century phenomenon so don't try to push it back to the founders.

[moneyrunner]

"Which sophomoric comments?"

Yours.

"None of your business."

Thanks, that gives me the answer I need. Now get away from that computer and go play outside.

Peace and love