Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Rev. Joshua · 07-21-2003, 07:48 AM

I think that "under God" does not belong in the pledge of a secular nation like ours. I couldn't find the Baptist Joint Committee's official position, but you can see their stuff on the 10 Commandments display here.

These days, many baptists have lost site of the traditional baptist stand supporting a strong and high wall of separation. I can't presume to speak for most of them, but the mainstream, urban baptists I hang out with share my view.

Joshua

Godless Dave · 07-21-2003, 07:48 AM

Long time no see, Rev!

Immaculate Deception · 07-21-2003, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by streamline
. Obviously, since science continues to demolish this parochial view of existence, it is forever attacked or aped by all manner of theists and mystics

Self-Righteous Fundy: Aped? APED?! How dare you say we evolved from apes???!!

I can especially relate to your sentiment in regards to religion and patriotism. It's nauseating and has led me to have a somewhat negative reaction to "patriotism" now. I remember several years ago when someone asked which holidays I celebrate if I don't like Christmas or Easter...and I quiped, "4th of July, because it's the one day of the year that every seems to appreciate our freedoms." I haven't attended a parade or fireworks since 2000.

Editted to add: I still feel like I celebrate it, privately, by reading and studying our Founders' words, but choose to stay away from the "bandwagoners."

ID

Rev. Joshua · 07-21-2003, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Godless Dave
Long time no see, Rev!

Hiya Godless D! Hope you're doing well. I've been a bit busy spreading the good news that not all baptists are f'ing idiots.

Joshua

Edited because I couldn't remember the Board policy on that word

JGL53 · 07-21-2003, 07:48 PM

Rev. Joshua - are you a SBC Baptist? I grew up in that demonination and, yes, traditionally, they did understand and support proper separation of church/state. However, it's my understanding that ultraconservatives have taken over the national conventions for the last couple of decades, and that everyone must toe the Jerry Falwellesque type line now, or risk being ousted.

JGL53 · 07-21-2003, 07:51 PM

Wow - I swear on a stack of Korans that 'demonination' was a typo. Is that what's called a Freudian slip?

Godless Dave · 07-22-2003, 04:12 AM

Rev, this board doesn't have a fucking policy on that word.

Charlie · 07-22-2003, 12:32 PM

Rev, Joshua,
Once again, very nice to hear! Thanks!

Charlie · 07-22-2003, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Immaculate Deception
I remember several years ago when someone asked which holidays I celebrate if I don't like Christmas or Easter...and I quiped, "4th of July, because it's the one day of the year that every seems to appreciate our freedoms."

Yes I also like the 4th! But my favorite holiday is a tie between Halloween and Christmas. Although I've been godless all my life, I still love putting up lights, decorating a tree, giving gifts and sipping some spiked eggnog. When believers tell me I should remember the true meaning of Christmas, I tell them the true meaning of Christmas is the spirit of giving, being kind, being with family & freinds... and really has nothing to do with religion.

I guess I could make it a religion and start worshiping Santa Claus

AspenMama · 07-23-2003, 05:25 AM

Most of the xian holidays were borrowed from ancient pagan traditions in order to help conquer the pagan traditions with new xian ones. I have tried to introduce celebrating the change of seasons into these celebrations in my home-- the longest night of the year-- the return of summer, etc. These are all celebrations of nature and have nothing to do with mythical deities.

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07-21-2003, 07:48 AM	#21
Rev. Joshua Junior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 63	I think that "under God" does not belong in the pledge of a secular nation like ours. I couldn't find the Baptist Joint Committee's official position, but you can see their stuff on the 10 Commandments display here. These days, many baptists have lost site of the traditional baptist stand supporting a strong and high wall of separation. I can't presume to speak for most of them, but the mainstream, urban baptists I hang out with share my view. Joshua

07-21-2003, 07:48 AM	#22
Godless Dave Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: With 10,000 lakes who needs a coast? Posts: 10,762	Long time no see, Rev!

07-21-2003, 07:48 PM	#25
JGL53 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Outer Mongolia Posts: 4,091	Rev. Joshua - are you a SBC Baptist? I grew up in that demonination and, yes, traditionally, they did understand and support proper separation of church/state. However, it's my understanding that ultraconservatives have taken over the national conventions for the last couple of decades, and that everyone must toe the Jerry Falwellesque type line now, or risk being ousted.

07-21-2003, 07:51 PM	#26
JGL53 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Outer Mongolia Posts: 4,091	Wow - I swear on a stack of Korans that 'demonination' was a typo. Is that what's called a Freudian slip?

07-22-2003, 04:12 AM	#27
Godless Dave Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: With 10,000 lakes who needs a coast? Posts: 10,762	Rev, this board doesn't have a fucking policy on that word.

07-22-2003, 12:32 PM	#28
Charlie Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 75	Rev, Joshua, Once again, very nice to hear! Thanks!

07-23-2003, 05:25 AM	#30
AspenMama Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,311	Most of the xian holidays were borrowed from ancient pagan traditions in order to help conquer the pagan traditions with new xian ones. I have tried to introduce celebrating the change of seasons into these celebrations in my home-- the longest night of the year-- the return of summer, etc. These are all celebrations of nature and have nothing to do with mythical deities.

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