As millions of Christians attend church every Sunday without attracting much attention in the New York Times, it’s a little surprising to see it defined as front-page news when an "overflow audience of more than 100" showed up at an atheist event in South Carolina. "More Atheists Are Shouting It From the Rooftops" read the headline on Monday’s front page from religion reporter Laurie Goodstein. Whenever the godless gather in a Southern state, it’s apparently time to wake the neighbors:
More than ever, America’s atheists are linking up and speaking out — even here in South Carolina, home to Bob Jones University, blue laws and a legislature that last year unanimously approved a Christian license plate embossed with a cross, a stained glass window and the words "I Believe" (a move blocked by a judge and now headed for trial).
They are connecting on the Internet, holding meet-ups in bars, advertising on billboards and buses, volunteering at food pantries and picking up roadside trash, earning atheist groups recognition on adopt-a-highway signs.
They liken their strategy to that of the gay-rights movement, which lifted off when closeted members of a scorned minority decided to go public.
Goodstein explains that these groups are growing in reaction to the "religious right," but that doesn’t mean the New York Times is going to place them on the ideological left, except by contrast:
Local and national atheist organizations have flourished in recent years, fed by outrage over the Bush administration’s embrace of the religious right. A spate of best-selling books on atheism also popularized the notion that nonbelief is not just an argument but a cause, like environmentalism or muscular dystrophy.
The story actually presented President Obama as someone who’s too religious for the secular fundamentalists:
The group has had mixed reactions to President Obama, who acknowledged nonbelievers in his inauguration speech. "I sent him a thank-you note," Ms. [Laura] Kasman said. But Sharon Fratepietro, who is married to Mr. [Herb] Silverman, said, "It seemed like one long religious ceremony, with a moment of lip service."
The other discordant note in Goodstein’s piece is that as she portrays them as unpopular and even demonized, she doesn’t really note that one reason they may be unpopular is that they’re quite good at anti-religious trash talking and demonization:
At the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, 19 students showed up for a recent evening meeting of the "Pastafarians," named for the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster — a popular spoof on religion dreamed up by an opponent of intelligent design, the idea that living organisms are so complex that the best explanation is that a higher intelligence designed them.
The story concluded that despite their stereotyping of religious people as ridiculous, they’re aiming to change public stereotypes about snarky atheists:
In keeping with the new generation of atheist evangelists, the Pastafarian leaders say that their goal is not confrontation, or even winning converts, but changing the public’s stereotype of atheists. A favorite Pastafarian activity is to gather at a busy crossroads on campus with a sign offering "Free Hugs" from "Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist."
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
"overflow audience of more
April 27, 2009 - 16:32 ET by Chris Norman"overflow audience of more than 100"
As long as an "overflow audience" is the criteria for NYT front page coverage, I suppose they would have covered four atheists packed into an outhouse - as long as it gave them an excuse to tout their pre-written, made-up "trend".
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
It's just like the tea party
April 27, 2009 - 16:31 ET by mattmIt's just like the tea party coverage. My local media gave equal time to the 20 or 30 counter-protesters who were outnumbered over 100 to 1.
Please
April 27, 2009 - 18:56 ET by DoktorFrankenLet's not talk about equal or "fair" coverage. We're talking about the New York Times at the moment.
Stay focused.
;-)
Nothing like the continuing
April 27, 2009 - 16:36 ET by bigtimerNothing like the continuing agenda of the evil in this country...and the devils that do the dirty work with the reporting of such.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
not surprising - I remember
April 27, 2009 - 17:02 ET by jwm45not surprising - I remember seeing an "anti-Cheney" rally make the CBS evening news - there had to be at least 8 or 9 people there - no kidding.
Goodstein? Religion
April 27, 2009 - 17:18 ET by mostlymoderateGoodstein? Religion Reporter? Nice. How can you report objectively on any religion other than your own?
Left-wing idiots soon-to-be standing in the bread line
April 27, 2009 - 17:15 ET by JABI guess these idiots will never learn as long as they have a stage to peddle their collective minusha, even after their ratings are in the toilet and getting collectively worse:
"The Audit Bureau of Circulations said Monday that average daily circulation declined 7.1 percent in the October-March period from the same six-month span in 2007-2008. The latest figure represents data from 395 daily U.S. newspapers that reported in both the current and year-ago periods."
Read the entire article here.
Yea, I copied it for an AP article, so sue me AP.
"Too bad Ignorance isn't painful..."
Hey JAB...great seeing you
April 27, 2009 - 17:41 ET by bigtimerHey JAB...great seeing you here, where the heck have ya been?
Miss you and your posts around here friend.
...and no the "idiots will never learn" is right.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
BT, check your P.M.
April 27, 2009 - 19:48 ET by JABComing at ya with a personal response. Thanks & good to hear from you too.
"Too bad Ignorance isn't painful..."
Yeah, atheists are speaking
April 27, 2009 - 17:26 ET by GrannyGrump42Yeah, atheists are speaking out. They're not shy. They've hounded Myah (the mother of a baby with anencephaly) to the point where she's had to shut down her email and her Facebook account. Here are some of the wise and rational things they've posted on a blog, to give you an idea of the emails this poor woman has had to cope with:
"On a personal level though? It reminds me of a twitching corpse. It's making movements, but there just isn't any life there."
"I'm glad the nature will take it's course, and that this poor child will eventually succumb to her illness."
"If nature had taken its course the child would have either been stillborn or died very shortly after delivery. Keeping an anencephalic infant alive requires constant medical attention." (Actually, the baby in question gets supplemental feeding through a nasal tube, and uses an inhaler for some lung congestion. Other than that and dressing changes every other day, she has no special medical care. But don't confuse them with facts!)
"If god exists Christians are stupid if they think he is a micromanaging compulsive obsessive. God is like a director of a firm, he is the ideas man, puts in and order to procurment, they get some project managers and sub contractors and the cheapest bidder fulfills the vision. God shows up every couple of thousand years, has a hissyfit, Apocalyspes the whole burdello and hires new contractors to redo the shit. This is why shit like this happens. "
"Some mammals also ditch deformed offspring to avoid wasting time and resource on it. And considering how these babies look, it's very obviously deformed."
"To return the "child" to the hospital for medical care is irresponsible and places an unnecessary burden on the health care provider and the insurance company - that vent, those doctors & nurses, and whatever else is used are more useful to patients who have the potential to LIVE." (The only reason she returned to the hospital is that the doctors thought that there must have been a misdiagnosis, since she was doing so well, so they ordered a scan.)
"Maybe they're waiting for the organs to ripen for harvesting. .... Now I'm going to go scrub my brain with some hardcore pornography. "
"what other purpose could my baby's life possibly serve? She is harboring valuable baby organs, and let's face it... she's as good as dead anyway. Her organs could be used to save a baby who actually has a brain."
"Keeping a child like this alive requires heroic efforts on the part of both prenatal and postnatal medical providers. Its prolonged life - which will require constant medical support - is nothing more than a drain on medical resources. More than that, however, it's an affront to human dignity. .... This child is nothing more than a living doll to the mother - in a sense, it is nothing more than her property. And that is truly fucked up. Unfortunately in many states hospitals are required to provide care to anencephalic infants. I'm not talking about simple warmth, fluids, and nutritions, but heroic measures including resuscitation and artificial ventilation. .... The only truly human thing to do is to terminate the pregnancy, and if that is not an option (I do feel the mother definitely has the right to refuse an abortion) then the infant should be allowed to die humanely after delivery." (Again lies -- anencephalic babies typically are offered only comfort care. There is only one case on record where there were "heroic measures" -- Baby K.)
"As a licensed physician, my prognosis is this will be a shit and piss machine for at most six months"
"Mothers who refuse to terminate anencephalic pregnancies are bad enough, but those who insist the child be kept alive as long as possible are sick. In most documented cases where the child is kept alive due to the parent's wishes, the parents are typically religious fanatics. .... If the doctors did their job and explained clearly the situation and she still made the decision she did, she is deserving of disapproval."
"I'm sure Jesus would appreciate a follower who is literally brainless instead of merely figuratively so."
"So, now we know how to make zombies."
"She should get a pet because it could show affection back."
"But in terms of medicine, watching that video...holy moly. Its so eerie watching that. The mother has no clue she's basically poking and cooing at a human vegetable that only has enough gray matter to periodically send nerve impulses throughout the body. And she thinks its cute. That would freak the freak out of me."
"It's happened and the child should have been aborted or left to die. I know it sounds mean but the organs can be used in other children who need them. This is worse than brain dead. There is no hope here. Adopt another child."
"She's even got a campaign slogan ready to go. 'Faith Hope for President 2056 - It's a no-brainer!'"
"FREE. ONE BABY. GOOD FOR PARTS ONLY. DIAL 555-9292."
"That's what I'm seeing: a support system for future donated organs."
"Now we can study human behavior after a full lobotomy, without any of the ethical complications of carving someone's functioning brain out while they're still alive. In fact, we can use the child's empty skull as a place to house experimental AI hardware to create human-machine hybrid. This is excellent news."
"I don't even think the word baby is apt. That's not a living creature, it's a sack of flesh."
"if she can keep it alive and wants to, so be it, but frankly she's just playing with a really realistic doll at this point."
"Having no brain you are technically "dead" in a lot of senses, or just a body. Keeping a body around the house and dressing it and showing it to people is really quite disgusting."
"Lots of stuff is alive. Including tapeworms and blood flukes. This poor child is less alive than those. .... With the care it receives you could give a good life to tens of non-braindead children from developing countries."
These were addressed directly to the mother, who protested the ugly things people were saying:
"You will find that most people around here are really ticked off by unreason, and you are engaging in exactly that. Now I don't share the opinions of the trolls that wrote to you, but you really ought to sit down and reason this one out instead of just running on an empty tank of hope."
"As a mother I find it despicable a self-proclaimed Christian could claim to be acting in the best interest of a child by giving birth out of wedlock."
"Your baby is not OK. It has no response to touch, hearing or sight other than reflexes, which are mediated by the reptilian brain and spinal cord that we all have and share with reptilians (and is somewhat present in anencephaly). But what makes you a human being like you and me -- in fact, what distinguishes us from other animals at all -- is your cerebral cortex, and she lacks that."
And this classic:
"As she gets older you can sell her ass to pedo's and she'll never tell. When she's too old for that, organ farming is the way to go."
Really compassionate people, those atheists. Isn't it refreshing that they're becoming so courageously outspoken?
Funny stuff. Activist
April 27, 2009 - 17:28 ET by MidAmericaFunny stuff. Activist atheism is a religion, plain and simple. It's a non-deist religion but a religion nonetheless. They get meaning and a sense of community from fellowship with their fellow atheists. They have a shared set of beliefs and a shared sense of morality just like any normally recognized religion. The only danger with these people is that their 'religion' will get official sanction from the government by not being held to the same separation of church and state as those religions that are recognized as religions.
Well...
April 28, 2009 - 13:55 ET by Legacy76As an atheist, it has been my experience that we are like cats. We can't be herded. When I inquired about the lack of larger athiest organizations, that was the response I was given, and it rings true in my experience.
I respectfully disagree with your position that atheists have a shared set of beliefs and a shared sense of morality. That would be like saying that Catholics and Muslims have the same set of beliefs, values, etc. Or Southern Baptists and Lutherans, or Lutherans and Church of Christers, or Jehovah's Witnesses and Jewish Orthodox.
There is no "danger" that we will get official sanction, whatever that means. What is the "danger"? What would "official sanction" mean? I'm not officially an atheist until the government tells me so? Is a Baptist only a Baptist after the government tells him so?
→ Avowed AntePastafarian
April 27, 2009 - 17:30 ET by Cool ArrowI question the existence of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
It's hard to talk when you're teabagging - Anderson Cooper
Now, atheists receive cover
April 27, 2009 - 17:59 ET by ThisnThatNow, atheists receive cover from Obama. If Obama can demand that religious symbols be covered during a speach at a religious school, atheists can begin to demand acceptance in the same manner. It's obvious that the MSM has adopted them as a favorite; what's to lose? They can demand anything; do anything; say anything and they will be hailed as heros.
___________________________________
The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
"Pastafarian" IS snarky
April 27, 2009 - 18:42 ET by freecitizenDubbing yourself Pastafarian is in itself confrontational and insulting to religion since it implies that the god others believe in is no more than a mere imaginary friend for adults. Do they not think it condescending to liken others beliefs to a flying spaghetti monster? If they are trying to change their perception, they are off to a bad start.
Liberal: remove all that's Right, and this is what's Left.
Just watch-lefty atheists will be the next protected minority
April 27, 2009 - 18:49 ET by R D Helm-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
It's one thing
April 27, 2009 - 20:17 ET by Lord-come-soon-pleaseto be an atheist or an agnostic and keep it to yourself and your close circle of friends, but it it quite another to stand on a soap box and mock God. These people need prayer first and foremost. If they don't eventually see the light, they will see it when it's too late. What a pity.
Lord-come-soon-please, Yea
April 27, 2009 - 20:28 ET by hydrodynDMLord-come-soon-please,
Yea, you're right. As an agnostic, I understand that even though I have a right to express my views in this country, I really shouldn't.
That's why when I do feel the need to talk about the topic of religion, it's usually in locked house, in a dark room, under a blanket with a close circle of friends who won't rat me out.
Good evening Hydro and Rex
April 27, 2009 - 23:27 ET by cocodrieThis country may have been founded as a christian nation but many of the founding fathers and patriots were not christian. Our religious freedom is precious and almost unique in this world. I will not insult you by answering your specific questions I believe my posts will tell you my answers.
All true christians are necessarily conservative but all conservatives are not necessarily christian. Atheists, agnostics, and people of other religions sometimes have better morals than some "christians" I know. When we no longer respect one anothers beliefs we will have descended to the level of the left-wing extremist radicals.
It is imperative that we stick together to eject these immoral radicals from power and regain our national sanity.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
cocodrie
April 27, 2009 - 23:32 ET by BlondeYou, sir....are the finest gentleman here.
Thank you for your lovely words.
I hope he fails, too.
Good evening Blonde
April 28, 2009 - 00:09 ET by cocodrieJust common sense, reality and a little history.
I pray everything is well with you.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
coco... Amen!!! Marching
April 28, 2009 - 00:31 ET by Clear thinkercoco...
Amen!!!
Marching On Washington D.C.
27 04 2009
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Good Morning Cocodrie
April 28, 2009 - 10:40 ET by rexdraconimYour words are welcome to me, and much appreciated.
I am heartened by all the fine responses to my post and on this subject in general.
As I expected, the fine Christian folks out there are the good neighbors they have always been for me.
Have a great day, cocodrie. You are a gentleman, sir.
"You can have Peace or you can have Freedom; just don't count on having both at the same time." - R.A.H
"I'll take the harsh reality of liberty over the illusion of security...everytime!" -me<
Hey brother...
April 28, 2009 - 13:58 ET by Legacy76And this atheist would be here for you, too if you needed it.
This is NOT a Flame or Snark
April 27, 2009 - 21:39 ET by rexdraconimI really mean that. But I have to ask a few questions, mostly for myself, but perhaps for others.
I would like to offer a little disclosure first in the hopes that people will read my entire comment and not just skim or cherry-pick.
Disclosure: I am not a Christian. I am a man of deep and abiding Faith, I live in my religion and by my religion daily. I understand that this is a Christian nation and was founded as such. I think it speaks well of Christians that I can live here, generally peacefully, as far as religion goes. I think Christians make fantastic neighbors.
Further Disclosure: I am a Conservative and usually vote Republican, even if it is no more than the lesser of two evils. I am both socially and fiscally conservative.
But I am not a Christian. I am not an atheist nor am I an agnostic. To be called either, when it happens, is a gross and tasteless mis-characterization of who I am.
I would ask these questions in response to your post:
I have more questions, but they are very similar. A person can easily extrapolate them for themselves if they wish.
But they are serious questions, nevertheless. I do not say that your post claims the non-inclusion put forth in these questions, but at the same time, the implication that I should, in your words, perhaps "keep it to yourself and your close circle of friends" seems unpleasant at best.
While not an agnostic or atheist myself, and while not totally understanding the why of people having beliefs or lack of beliefs along those lines is, admittedly, beyond me, I do have very good friends, conservative friends who so label themselves. They are folks of good character and standing. How are my questions answered regarding them?
The Left has made the assertion that the Right is made up of feelings and people who would hold that statement as true. I would like to believe it is not, but in my time here at NB, I have found several posts such as this and I wonder. The bulk of the posts have been more in line with my experience with Good Neighbors.
Will I stop being Conservative? No....I am a Conservative because I believe in the things that Conservatism espouses. Comments like these will not change what I believe. Comments like these will not change my deep Faith or my Patriotism. I can understand the anger and disgust felt towards the immorality of Leftist Secularism, but are we going to become as our opponests on the Left? Are we going to live up to the stereotypes of the Left?
I would like to know, to have these questions answered. We will see what happens.
Will I get a bunch of grief for this post? Perhaps, perhaps not.
I would still bet that my experience with Christians making for good neighbors will hold true.
"You can have Peace or you can have Freedom; just don't count on having both at the same time." - R.A.H
"I'll take the harsh reality of liberty over the illusion of security...every time!" -me
No Flame
April 27, 2009 - 23:36 ET by kilrodWell Rex:
I am not an authority on much of anything, but reading your post around here you seem to be a good, decent, reasonable, and intelligent man. I can't fully answer in depth all your concerns because i aint that smart, but hear is what i believe about what's on your list;
Christians, being mere mortals in flesh and blood, here on Earth, are not perfect, and often fall short of the tenants of Christianity. But for the most part they are tolerant of any faith that is represented by good, decent, moral, honest, hardworking peoples. On the other hand no Christian has a duty to tolerate what is held as evil and immoral, nor do they have a duty to tolerate a philosophy that seeks to eliminate the Godly principals this nation was founded on, as in, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and they are endowed by their "Creator" these certain un aleiniable rights" etc.. And the Constitution and Bill of Rights goes further in enumerating those truths and rights, and it is a beautifull document that as a nation we have sometimes failed to live up to. Yet i think it is a sacred idea to strive for, a solid foundation, that if we can uphold and preserve, that will serve the people well.
Someone else can answer you better and explain the principals of the Constitution and the law better than i, but from what i've read in your post you are probably a better American Patriot than me.
kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Kilrod
April 28, 2009 - 10:34 ET by rexdraconimWhat you have written parallels my own experience and knowledge. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.
Thank you for your fine words and have a great day.
"You can have Peace or you can have Freedom; just don't count on having both at the same time." - R.A.H
"I'll take the harsh reality of liberty over the illusion of security...everytime!" -me<
Rex... This is easy. For
April 28, 2009 - 00:41 ET by Clear thinkerRex...
This is easy. For the record. I am a Christian, and vote Conservative or as close to Conservative as possible. This means I am ususally pulling the lever for Republicans, but I am NOT a party animal. On to your questions, and I really mean it when I say this is easy. Hopefully you will get a better picture of Conservatives in general...
Should I keep my religion secret? Should I have to? NO and NO!
Is my non-Christian money welcome by the GOP and Conservative causes? My time and effort as a volunteer? YES and Yes!
Does my non-Christian vote offend conservatives when I cast it in favor of the things they believe in? NO!
Should I, as a non-Christian be allowed to vote or even dwell in this Nation? ABSOLUTELY!
Is my spilled blood and my family's spilled blood on behalf of this Nation of no importance because I, or they are Christians? BLOOD IS NON-PARTISAN!
Is there a "non-Christian approved to be Conservatives or even American" list? If so, what religions are acceptable? NO LIST! ALL RELIGIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE, BUT WITH THIS ONE CAVEAT... THE MUSLIM RELIGION HAS IMAGE PROBLEMS AND PAGAN RELIGIONS ARE NOT EXACTLY POPULAR.
THAT HAS BEEN THE TRUTH AS I KNOW IT.
Marching On Washington D.C.
27 04 2009
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Clear Thinker
April 28, 2009 - 10:38 ET by rexdraconimThank you for taking the time to respond. I do appreciate it.
The questions I asked are key and your response is very much like the response I would have given and what I have come to expect from my Good Neighbors.
Lately, here at NB, I have seen far to many posts like LCSP wrote, enough that I wondered what had happened to the Good Neighbors, if maybe I had missed something.
I didn't. People are just people.
Thanks for your time on this and best wishes to all who replied.
"You can have Peace or you can have Freedom; just don't count on having both at the same time." - R.A.H
"I'll take the harsh reality of liberty over the illusion of security...everytime!" -me<
Yes, I must agree
April 27, 2009 - 21:54 ET by BlondeReligious bigotry and intolerance like you've posted here has no place on these boards.
Those here who do not share your beliefs have every right to say so....that you call it "mocking God" is your problem, not theirs.
So I would thank you sir, to reconsider how you post your thoughts. I find your sentiments offensive, and I know others do as well.
I hope he fails, too.
it has nothing to do with religion
April 27, 2009 - 22:18 ET by Lord-come-soon-pleaseYou think I'm intolerant, wait til those atheists in SC stand before God.
Really?
April 27, 2009 - 22:30 ET by BlondeSo why do you feel it is up to you to judge?
I find your position in this to be offensive.
I hope he fails, too.
Perhaps I should have worded it differently
April 27, 2009 - 22:34 ET by Lord-come-soon-pleaseI apologize if my post caused anyone to think being an agnostic is mocking God. I was referring to those people in SC who feel the need to stand up and announce to the world that they reject the existence of God. That's mocking God, isn't it? They have a perfect right to do that, but I wouldn't want to be in their shoes when judgement day comes. I love all you guys, and I love your posts. Please accept my sincerest apologies if I offended you.
Fair enough
April 27, 2009 - 22:40 ET by BlondeMy post to you concerned only your words, and your tone.
I'm glad to see you understand how what you said may have been hurtful, or at least disrespectful, to those of us here who may have other beliefs (or none).
So....let's leave it there, and I thank you for acknowledging what you have, here. It makes you, in my eyes, a kind person and a good one, too.
Best regards.
I hope he fails, too.
L-C-S-P
April 27, 2009 - 22:43 ET by rexdraconimDid you read my entire post? I had some rather pointed questions and I am genuinely interested.
I don't know if I require an apology, nor was I offended. I am, however curious as to whether your views are directed at all non-Christians, Conservative or otherwise.
I am also wondering if your views do in fact represent a significant portion of Conservatisim.
As for it being "mocking" I think it would be more accurately "denying" and I do not think it has as much to do with religion as it does with pushing an agenda for the Left.
But my questions still stand.
"You can have Peace or you can have Freedom; just don't count on having both at the same time." - R.A.H
"I'll take the harsh reality of liberty over the illusion of security...every time!" -me
reply
April 27, 2009 - 23:23 ET by Lord-come-soon-pleaseWhen I say mocking, that comes straight from the Bible, and since I don't want to offend anyone who doesn't hold the belief that the Bible is the final authority, as I do, I won't quibble on semantics. I really think my biggest mistake was getting off topic, and I apologize for that. The real problem is the way the media elite celebrates any small group that comes together to bash conservatism and or christianity. The way this NYT person reported this story as opposed to the way the MSM reported the Tea Parties is a perfect example. Thanks for understanding.
LCSP
April 28, 2009 - 10:56 ET by rexdraconimAs a person with scholarly leanings and a person appreciative of the fineness of Christians I spend and have spent, a great deal of time reading Bibles, in particular the King James and the Septuagint. For myself, I find the Septuagint Bible more germane to my own Faith. The translation I have of the Septuagint Bible was done by a Founder, on behalf of the Continental Congress.
So, I understand your use of "mocking" to a certain extent. But I won't argue the semantics with you as it is not really the semantics anyway, it is an agenda.
As for your biggest mistake, I did not say you made one. I was wanting to find out if your views were commonly held by Conservatives. Since I am a Conservative, this is of the utmost importance to me to see who I am sitting with.
Others have answered my questions, much as I would expect, given my own long and happy experience living in this country. I see that there are still many Good Neighbors out there and the type of post you presented, and others that have been presented here at NB lately, are not totally representative of a change in Conservatism or Christians. Which is good. I am heartened to find the views in your post in the minority. I hope that is and remains true.
I would still be interested in how you, LCSP, would answer my questions. I cannot and do not require that you do so, but I am interested, nevertheless. I wonder if your answers would look anything at all like the other answers presented.
The media is biased Left, granted. That doesn't mean we, as Conservatives, should ever become as bigoted and suppressive as the Leftists. How are we different if we become as the Left?
"You can have Peace or you can have Freedom; just don't count on having both at the same time." - R.A.H
"I'll take the harsh reality of liberty over the illusion of security...everytime!" -me<
It's one thing
April 27, 2009 - 20:18 ET by Lord-come-soon-pleaseto be an atheist or an agnostic and keep it to yourself and your close circle of friends, but it it quite another to stand on a soap box and mock God. These people need prayer first and foremost. If they don't eventually see the light, they will see it when it's too late. What a pity.
**Lord-come-soon-please
April 28, 2009 - 23:41 ET by pelicanmarsh..
Who exactly are they
April 27, 2009 - 20:51 ET by RR GOPWho exactly are they writing for?
A co-worker of mine gets the New York Times (because he used to live there) but I never hear him commenting about the Leftist ideological stuff they print, and when I ask him about what I had learned the NYT printed about something political he's clueless.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
What Is With The NYT's Obsession With SC Lately?
April 27, 2009 - 21:18 ET by DutchA few weeks ago, I posted a response to a NYT article about Governor Mark Sanford, and now here they are talking about a ridiculously small group of jerky college kids here in Columbia. BTW, estimated population of the Columbia metro area (includes counties that lay outside the city limits, but for all intents and purposes are part of the greater Columbia area, referred to as the "Midlands") is right around 730,000. And nineteen (!) little a-holes sustained in life by their mommies and daddies get NYT coverage? I live in Columbia, and this is the first I've heard of this group.
If the license plate in
April 27, 2009 - 23:17 ET by Trix RabbitIf the license plate in question had had a UFO - instead of a cross - and the words: "I believe" in the style of Fox Mulder, then no one at this utterly massive turn out would have had a reason to complain about said license plate.
For the MSM: In your pomp and all your glory, you're a poorer man than me. As you lick the boots of death born out of fear.
Ian Anderson "Wind up"
I'm a lifelong New Hampshire
April 28, 2009 - 07:56 ET by TheConservativeChemistI'm a lifelong New Hampshire boy who lived South Carolina for 2 years (2006-2008). I'm a devout Christian who attends church weekly. I love New England...but my wife and I absolutely loved South Carolina. Everyone down there is very religious, patriotic, owns guns, is friendly, and PROUD TO BE AMERICAN (at least in the area of SC we were in). It was a bit of a culture adjustment when we first moved down there but once we got settled my wife and I absolutely loved it. We moved back up to New England this past autumn to be closer to our families and for my new job, but we miss it down there (plus it's cheaper to live!). The MSM should STFU when it comes to 100 atheists in SC...they are VASTLY outnumbered by the Christians down there, where there is a church every half mile on any road you drive on. It beats the miserable existence and demeanor of so many of the "enlightened" atheists up here, I'll tell you that!
Conservative Chemist...
April 28, 2009 - 14:10 ET by Legacy76I live far away, but in a place that has churches everywhere, too. I am an atheist, and to say that I am vastly outnumbered is an understatement.
I can't speak to the existence and demeanor of "enlightened" atheists in New England. I can't say if it is miserable or not. I can only speak to the people that I know. Not all atheists are alike, you know.
I am not religious. Like you, I am patriotic, own firearms, am friendly, and very thankful and proud to be an American and live in the United States. However, the fact that I am outnumbered should not mean that the MSM should ignore me. Front page of the Times? No. Just ignore? No. To ignore us would be a tyranny of the majority against the minority, which is what we Conservatives, ALL OF US, are right now, are up against! This applies to all Conservatives whether we be black, white, yellow, red, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Confucian, atheist, male, female, gay, straight, etc. (Yes, I happen to know some Conservative homosexuals. I suspect they are more common than you think, being in the closet about their political beliefs but not their sexual orientation.)
Kudos
April 28, 2009 - 13:45 ET by Legacy76I don't know if the story merited attention or not on the front page of the New York Times, but I am tending towards "no."
However...
I am a member of the Federalist Society, proud life-time member of the NRA, and a McCain-voting, Palin-loving, Newsbusters- reading highly-educated and voting Republican. - - - I am also an atheist.
Its hard being an atheist in a red state, a red state that I love. Friends try to convert me. I have to keep my beliefs from others. Last night, my daughter threatened to hit me in the "nuts" for not believing in god, and threatened to tell my mother (my mother already knows, its my father that doesn't.)
I used to be a Bible-thumping born-againer, I used to witness, etc., but I grew out of that and will never return. No, there is no drama, nothing happened to me, no "moment" that started my atheism, it was gradual over a course of 10 years or so. I am happier now.
Kudos to the poster above who said that most Christians are Conservative, but not all Conservatives are Christian. I am an example, and my hero George Will is another.
More Atheists Are Shouting
April 28, 2009 - 23:45 ET by fastfoodWe're not really "shouting." All we want is a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T. in return.
Many stereotypes or stigmas attached to Atheists could not be further from the truth. Just like our counter-parts, we keep our countries at the ready and like others even fight to protect our countries and the innocent and helpless. And like many folks, we help man soup kitchens and hospitals, work on your cars, pick-up your trash, sew the close on your back and repair your computers. Just as with many people, we look out for ALL of our neighbors and offer a hand up to someone who is down on their luck regardless what they may or may not believe. Just because we do not “believe” does not mean we do not respect and defend everyone’s right to practice (or not practice) as you may choose. Many Atheists are firmly pro-life as many of us believe that capitol punishment, abortion and embryonic stem-cell research is not only wrong but is rooted in a broad disrespect for Human life that plagues our world more than anything.
BTW, have you ever heard of a KKK member who claimrd to be strictly Christian, but his actions show the exact opposite? How many folks claim to be Christian and in fact go to church every Sunday and profess to be Christian only to go home and deliberately do the opposite? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to “bash” ANYONE for their belief in a god, far from it. What I AM saying is that we are all in the big leaky boat together and if we do not learn to get along with and respect one another we are ALL likely to sink.
I figure if anything is likely to bring down the Human race that it will be religious (or non-religious) indifference. And right now it seems such a front is well on under way weather we like it or not. Yes, I realize you may well believe something else will bring down the Human race, and that’s fine by me.
Spoken like a common bible thumper.
May 15, 2009 - 23:09 ET by fastfoodSpoken like a common bible thumper. Loud in the mouth and shourt on vocabulary.