Freethought & Rationalism Archive

GaryP · 06-07-2002, 04:15 AM

I think I see your point, although I personally don't get offended when I see people praying silently.

It does bother me if gov't. is telling them they should or may pray at a certain time, e.g., National Day of Prayer or MOS.

And if I have just told someone I am an Atheist, it REALLY ticks me off when the first thing they say is "I will pray for You."

Dark Jedi · 06-07-2002, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GaryP:
<strong>
And if I have just told someone I am an Atheist, it REALLY ticks me off when the first thing they say is "I will pray for You."

</strong>

I think it was Blame_the_gods that came up with a reply that really strikes the nerve of this matter:

"And I will masturbate for you."

What harm does it do them? They don't see it, and it won't impact them in the least....

braces_for_impact · 06-07-2002, 07:50 AM

I don't have a problem with moments of silence. Moments of silence are just that. You can use the time to pray, or to reflect, fantasize, even catch a quick nap. However I ceratinly take acception to public prayer, especially when led by government officials. I'm wary of using being offended as a defense though. Someone is always offended by something out there. If we were to ban something every time someone was offended, we wouldn't have anything to do! It's a matter of law and respecting someone's rights. For the goverment to ellicit prayer is against the law, as it sets up the idea that the goverment promotes or sponsors a particular religion, or at the very least being religious in general.

scigirl · 06-07-2002, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Panta Pei:
<strong>No, HR, it's true

When I was commissioned as a law enforcement officer for the State, my cerebellum was fitted with a tiny device that allows me to discern the thoughts of Christians in all courthouses.

I can, thereby, determine the exact difference between when they are fomenting a silent prayer to Jesus or simply dozing off like they do in church.

[ June 04, 2002: Message edited by: Panta Pei ]</strong>

Ha ha Panta Pei,

I thought they made it legal.

Honestly - is this what we pay congressmen thousands of dollars a year to do? To debate whether someone can pray silently?? OF COURSE they can pray silently! No where does it say that it is illegal to tilt your head a certain way, and then think certain thoughts after that.

I will be praying to Joe Pesci however. Ha ha ha they will never know.

scigirl

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

06-07-2002, 04:15 AM	#11
GaryP Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lancaster, OH Posts: 1,792	I think I see your point, although I personally don't get offended when I see people praying silently. It does bother me if gov't. is telling them they should or may pray at a certain time, e.g., National Day of Prayer or MOS. And if I have just told someone I am an Atheist, it REALLY ticks me off when the first thing they say is "I will pray for You."

06-07-2002, 07:50 AM	#13
braces_for_impact Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In a nondescript, black helicopter. Posts: 6,637	I don't have a problem with moments of silence. Moments of silence are just that. You can use the time to pray, or to reflect, fantasize, even catch a quick nap. However I ceratinly take acception to public prayer, especially when led by government officials. I'm wary of using being offended as a defense though. Someone is always offended by something out there. If we were to ban something every time someone was offended, we wouldn't have anything to do! It's a matter of law and respecting someone's rights. For the goverment to ellicit prayer is against the law, as it sets up the idea that the goverment promotes or sponsors a particular religion, or at the very least being religious in general.

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.