Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Chad · 05-27-2002, 12:53 PM

Here in Iowa, the lawsuit brought against Woodbine High School by two atheist students is still a hot button issue. Amazingly, many seem to think that not permitting a public school choir to sing "The Lord's Prayer" promotes atheism. A columnist in our local newspaper also seems to believe simply identifying yourself as an atheist forces your viewpoint upon others. I just sent a response to his Sunday column in which he complains about the "deteriorating" state of modern atheism because we are longer inclined to keep quiet when the constitution is violated. He actually wonders why we would object to "The Lord's Prayer" when we do not subscribe to a competing religion. In his words, "atheists, by definition, don't have religious beliefs upon which to infringe."

He further disputes the claim by the two students that their reason for suing was to avoid being "different" and suggests the best way to blend in would be to resist the urge to sue. I'm not certain, but my guess is that he misrepresented their reasons for the suit. Nevertheless, I stunned that he thinks its better to be different and allow others to step on your rights as opposed to being different and defending one's rights. He also argues that they would only feel different for 10 minutes. In my response, I asked why should they have to feel different for any length of time when there is plenty of time before and after the ceremony for Christians to gather and sing amongst themselves.

That said, how have these people convinced themselves that not being permitted to sing a Christian song is equal to promoting atheism? Do they not know what "neutral" means?

Toto · 05-27-2002, 01:05 PM

<a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=59&t=000194" target="_blank">Details in previous thread on this incident</a>

Is that columnist on line?

Chad · 05-27-2002, 01:20 PM

The Cedar Rapids Gazette is located at gazetteonline.com. However, I believe you need an online membership to access any posted columns.

The Other Michael · 05-27-2002, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chad:
<strong>That said, how have these people convinced themselves that not being permitted to sing a Christian song is equal to promoting atheism? Do they not know what "neutral" means?</strong>

Hi Chad,

They probably just figure that anything that goes against Christians having their way must be a plot of godless Atheists. After all, what "right thinking" person could have ANY objection to anything Christian?

cheers,
Michael

Abacus · 05-27-2002, 04:51 PM

These Christians will never understand our viewpoint until the day that they become a minority. When a muslim gets up and leads a prayer during a high school graduation ceremony, then they'll finally get a fucking clue as to why this issue is so important.

Starspun · 05-29-2002, 04:02 PM

Quote:

When a muslim gets up and leads a prayer during a high school graduation ceremony, then they'll finally get a fucking clue as to why this issue is so important.

AMEN!!!

ack! did I just say that...

05-27-2002, 12:53 PM	#1
Chad Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 110	Woodbine High School Here in Iowa, the lawsuit brought against Woodbine High School by two atheist students is still a hot button issue. Amazingly, many seem to think that not permitting a public school choir to sing "The Lord's Prayer" promotes atheism. A columnist in our local newspaper also seems to believe simply identifying yourself as an atheist forces your viewpoint upon others. I just sent a response to his Sunday column in which he complains about the "deteriorating" state of modern atheism because we are longer inclined to keep quiet when the constitution is violated. He actually wonders why we would object to "The Lord's Prayer" when we do not subscribe to a competing religion. In his words, "atheists, by definition, don't have religious beliefs upon which to infringe." He further disputes the claim by the two students that their reason for suing was to avoid being "different" and suggests the best way to blend in would be to resist the urge to sue. I'm not certain, but my guess is that he misrepresented their reasons for the suit. Nevertheless, I stunned that he thinks its better to be different and allow others to step on your rights as opposed to being different and defending one's rights. He also argues that they would only feel different for 10 minutes. In my response, I asked why should they have to feel different for any length of time when there is plenty of time before and after the ceremony for Christians to gather and sing amongst themselves. That said, how have these people convinced themselves that not being permitted to sing a Christian song is equal to promoting atheism? Do they not know what "neutral" means?

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05-27-2002, 01:05 PM	#2
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	<a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=59&t=000194" target="_blank">Details in previous thread on this incident</a> Is that columnist on line?

05-27-2002, 01:20 PM	#3
Chad Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 110	The Cedar Rapids Gazette is located at gazetteonline.com. However, I believe you need an online membership to access any posted columns.

05-27-2002, 04:51 PM	#5
Abacus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: South Dakota Posts: 2,214	These Christians will never understand our viewpoint until the day that they become a minority. When a muslim gets up and leads a prayer during a high school graduation ceremony, then they'll finally get a fucking clue as to why this issue is so important.

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