Muffinstuffer

I was going to say the same thing. Whether or not I'm happy about it, I agree with RBAC....the majority of Americans claim belief in God and such, but FUNDAMENTALISTS such as myself are definitely not a majority.

Pyrrho

The problem with what you are saying is that fundamentalists have had a profound affect on American politics. For one example, consider the abortion issue. There are many politicians who work to restrict abortions, just like most fundamentalist Christians want. And they are meeting with increasing success, though it is much slower than what many fundamentalists would like. Many fundamentalist Christians are good about getting their people out to vote, and this impacts all of us.

(I do NOT mean to imply that only fundamentalist Christians want to restrict abortions, but merely to mention something that fits their agenda and impacts others.)

And, there are many other issues as well. Consider the controversy over the recent court ruling regarding the "under God" part of the pledge. And think about what is printed on your money. No, the "OVERWHELMING majority of mainstream Christians" are not stopping them very well at all.

MrKnowItAll

The problem with the fundamentalists is that they have bibles stuck up their a$$es and then they stick their heads up their to read it. Thus their lack of vision.

Muffinstuffer

Yeah, that's it. Always wondered why I was having a problem reading my Bible.

wildernesse

lol, muffinstuffer. MrKnowItAll, welcome to infidels--despite your name, I am sure that you have plenty to learn. As do we all.

--tibac

MrKnowItAll

[lol, muffinstuffer. MrKnowItAll, welcome to infidels--despite your name, I am sure that you have plenty to learn. As do we all.

--tibac




True, if I really knew it all, I could have some real fun (insert maniacal laughter here). BTW the name comes from the old Bullwinkle cartoons.

BioBeing

Right, and by their quiet aquiescence, they give support to the fundies.

You have said in another thread, R'BAC that you see the current status quo OK, and that we (atheists) should not rock the boat. You (and other "mianstream" christians) may say you are for the separation of church and state in principle, but everything is basically OK, so just leave it alone. But then the fundies stand up, point to a census survey, and say "This is a Christian country. Look, we have statistics to prove it". THEY count you as being on their side. And, unless you actually stand up and say "Enough", you are.

If you are not for us, you against us...

Calzaer

That's the exact crux of the issue, right there. The existence of another belief is inherently threatening to them. They're not nearly as sure of themselves as they put forth; the idea that someone could have the same evidence and come to a different conclusion is a scary thing. It means they could be wrong, and they've put their entire life into the basket of "being right".

They won't feel secure until, like a roman arch, they're buttressed on both sides by every other arch in the world to infinity.

Calzaer

To elaborate a bit about that:

Some Christians do stand up on their own. Many others could if they tried, but are scared to (again, they've invested a whole lot into being right). It's the ones that are the LEAST secure in their own faith that want to many everyone stand up shoulder to shoulder and prop him up.

Then there are a depressing number of people who are Christian just because everyone else is. My dad, for one.

Sabine Grant

Bonsoir Zora.....
Are you assuming that education is the sole demonstration of intelligence ? possibly that non educated individuals cannot be intelligent?
My life experience has proven otherwise. As a matter of fact I can think of quite a few people who fit in the " better education " category and showed poor common sense and poor analytic abilities. In fact unable to come up with creative and resourceful ideas to solve daily life problems.
I can honestly state that the most intelligent person I ever met was a simple man from Uganda who never had access to any education.

Also... this habit to use " they" as a general term to define all the individuals who happen to be christians in this country or other nations is becoming so stereotyping that it demeans the potential objectivity of your statements. At least IMO. As a theist in this forum, I encourage the more moderate use of " some " applied to the word " christian " or " atheist" or " whatever". It shows some awareness that not all individuals abide to what is described.

The US may rank poorly in terms of academic education but in several countries of Europe where attending college does not necessitate an outpoor of funds, most high school students will pursue further education. The University system in the US makes it difficult for economicaly poor students to access the best colleges.

As Widerness expressed it, I too am weary with having to explain over and over again that other individuals' spiritual choices are not a threat to my personal faith. Especialy non theists. What I consider a threat is the imposition by cohersion of any ideology by any government. Mass manipulation thru mass media is a threat. Prejudicial thinking against any group is a threat. The non respect of individuality is a threat. I am sure you could all add to the list.

I do not think I have ever experienced " hating" someone. Certainly resentful or angry but with fast recovery.

IMO quoting George Bush's outragious statement cannot be attributed to every living christian in the US.... we have a right wing fundamentalist group of politicians who saw an opportunity to give the illusion to american people that they represent the majority. They do not. Christians supporting the Separation of Church and State are not uncommon. Most of my african american christian friends cannot suffer the present administration and consider Bush to be a deciever. ( in the christian sense of the word).