Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Richard1366 · 05-14-2003, 08:07 AM

I would always recommend that in any type of correspondence such as this that we refrain from mentioning any verse of the bible. By citing a bible verse we give some amount of recognition to what is a work of semi-fiction. In addition, remember that most xian's will simply make excuses of some kind about that verse saying that we can't really understand what that meant because we aren't christian. etc. Although I would assume that mose of those there were xian but there might have been a jew or muslim in the crowd and the bible quote is not relevant to them.

Shake · 05-15-2003, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jewel
"Hands that help are far better than lips that pray" -- don't remember the source, but it pretty much sums it up for me.

I agree with you, Shake. Keep voting, keep writing to the folks in office, keep volunteering. There's plenty we can do to make a difference.

Praying may help those 2 dozen people feel better, but that's all it will do.

Great quote! (*note to self, read more Ingersoll*)

Well, on the activism side, I'd like to encourage fellow atheists to not get a pessimistic attitude about the democratic system. Go ahead and exercise your constitutional right to vote! Probably more important to your daily lives is local races where your vote counts more strongly, or at least has a better chance of being influential. I don't think we'll elect an atheist President any time soon, but we can start where things are a bit more personal: on school boards and town councils. Possibly other city/town/county officials would be easier elected, and we can draw more notoriety and influence starting small, methinks. Yeah, it'd be great to have an avowed atheist as a US Senator or Representative, I'm just being realistic when I say I don't see it happening soon. Of course, anything's possible, so don't give up hope!

I also believe in the power of the pen (or typewriter (what's that?) or computer) to get ideas out to people. This is why I think writing letters to the editor, or sending faxes and emails to your representatives can be effective. The ignorant masses will stay that way unless educated by folks who know, for example, that the erosion of C-SS is Bad Thing (TM) for both church and state! This is where I think our greatest responsibility lies in being effectively active.

Thanks for all your words of support. The letter is coming, I promise you that! Things have been a bit hectic of late.

Andy, no it's the Penfield Post-Republican. But I live in the city now. Hoping to move back to suburbia in a few years when we get a house. East side somewhere, preferably.

Shake · 05-18-2003, 10:05 AM

Alright, here's rough first draft. Keep in mind that I'm trying to be succint, but at present I'm still under the 300 word 'limit' which the local paper has declared to be more likely to be printed.

Quote:

To the editor:

I wanted to say a few things about the May 8th article about the National Day of Prayer.

First, it shocks me that government at all levels gets behind something so blatantly un-Constitutional as this day. It is in clear violation of the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment.

In these post-9/11 times, there has been a call for unity in this country. However, we still live under a divisive national motto, �In God we trust,� which is everywhere, even on our money! This motto was adopted during the paranoid times of McCarthy and communist witch hunts of the 1950s over our former, very inclusive motto, �E pluribus unum.� Literally, �One, out of many.� A more accurate and unifying motto for our great nation considering our history.

One attendee said, �By praying together, we add strength to the country. For those of us who aren�t leaders, all we can do is pray.� That�s ALL you can do? Not me. For instance, I�m writing this letter, which many will read. I also plan to continue exercising my right to vote. I can also write or call my governmental leaders, or attend meetings to let my voice be heard. This will do more to strengthen the country than a prayer to deity who apparently has a favorite country.

Another resident said, �Many in our country have turned from God and � toward violence.� I am shocked that she thought that these are the only options. As if believers are not capable of violence (the Crusades, modern day Israel, Northern Ireland, etc).

I prefer a quote by Robert Ingersoll, �Hands that help are far better than lips that pray.�

Thanks for all your advice on this. A bit choppy I know, but I wanted to get Ingersoll's quote in. Comments?

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05-14-2003, 08:07 AM	#11
Richard1366 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,260	I would always recommend that in any type of correspondence such as this that we refrain from mentioning any verse of the bible. By citing a bible verse we give some amount of recognition to what is a work of semi-fiction. In addition, remember that most xian's will simply make excuses of some kind about that verse saying that we can't really understand what that meant because we aren't christian. etc. Although I would assume that mose of those there were xian but there might have been a jew or muslim in the crowd and the bible quote is not relevant to them.

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