# Another Example of Atheists Destroying Christian's Rights **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 30, 2012, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555 "2012-05-30T16:52:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/141 "2012-05-31T02:44:57Z")
> [@Andy\_L](#): > > “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew ch6 v5 I wish all the Christians out there would follow their own Bible. I get so tired of hearing prayers to Jesus before football games etc. You want prayer in school or elsewhere, then just pray. But do it silently, no one else needs to hear. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/142 "2012-05-31T02:45:53Z")
> [@Dangerosa](#): > > And that, in a nutshell, is why religion has no place in a public school. What is the public school doing providing any child with religious choices? Would Christians be happy if Tuesdays was “lets explore the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path” day" as long as Fridays were reserved for the Ten Commandments? (Wednesdays, of course, are Wiccan Rede day) so that all children can make an educated “choice.” Of course they wouldn’t be happy with this arrangement. Wednesday is the most holy, Wotan’s Day. It should by all rights be focused on Ásatrú and reflections upon the Hávamál, not heathen witchery that is doubtlessly Of Satan. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/143 "2012-05-31T02:58:05Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Wouldn’t bother me one bit. As a free thinking human, I would simply exercise my right not to agree with the first statement. I certainly don’t get in a tinsy if I hear a Muslim praying in public. The 1st amendment gives us the right to express our beliefs in public. You have the right to disagree. You don’t have the right to tear down my banner. A banner is not the same thing as forcing a student to practice Christianity. > > Face it, basic belief in a deity is part of American culture and heritage. Our president will say “God bless America”. Are you going to claim he is being unconstitutional and wrong? Simply changing the message to contain the same moral concepys without a reference to religion, thus making it available to everyone , both believers of various religions , and non believers, was a discussed option. It was rejected by those who INSISTED that it remain as is. They weren’t concerned about others or the moral message, but asserting and maintaining their dominant position. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/144 "2012-05-31T03:00:13Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > Simply changing the message to contain the same moral concepys without a reference to religion, thus making it available to everyone , both believers of various religions , and non believers, was a discussed option. It was rejected by those who INSISTED that it remain as is. They weren’t concerned about others or the moral message, but asserting and maintaining their dominant position. Should the US marines change their code of conduct to satisfy atheists? Should the president no longer say “God bless America”? ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/145 "2012-05-31T03:02:07Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > Matthew ch6 v5 > > I wish all the Christians out there would follow their own Bible. I get so tired of hearing prayers to Jesus before football games etc. > > You want prayer in school or elsewhere, then just pray. But do it silently, no one else needs to hear. Prayers before a football game are part of American tradition. Carry some ear plugs if it offends you so much. God, country, loyalty, BBQs, apple pie. If you don’t like it, go move to France. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/146 "2012-05-31T03:05:23Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Excuse me? Is this an issue I’m supposed to be concerned about? I’m supposed to be worried that my tax dollars, my government, isn’t working hard enough to promote Christianity? The poor Christians have to recruit members all by their lonesome, without schools and government funded displays to help? I am more concerned about a future godless generation with no moral compass. It’s no wonder that teen suicide rates have skyrocketed and bullying is become a major problem in schools. There is simply a lack of respect and compassion for one’s neighbor out there that is growing and growing. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/147 "2012-05-31T03:07:15Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > I am more concerned about a future godless generation with no moral compass. It’s no wonder that teen suicide rates have skyrocketed and bullying is become a major problem in schools. There is simply a lack of respect and compassion for one’s neighbor out there that is growing and growing. As exemplified by the good Christians threatening a teenage girl. Seems the banner was pretty useless. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/148 "2012-05-31T03:09:13Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Prayers before a football game are part of American tradition. Carry some ear plugs if it offends you so much. Slavery is also part of the American tradition. Casting away the terrible traditions and ignorant mores of the past instead of insisting they be enforced no matter what because they have always been enforced would make for a \*better \*tradition, don’t you think ? > [@GEEPERS](#): > > God, country, loyalty, BBQs, apple pie. If you don’t like it, go move to France. No luck there. We’re even more into apple pies. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/149 "2012-05-31T03:12:09Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > God, country, loyalty, BBQs, apple pie. If you don’t like it, go move to France. To give an answer utterly worthy of the tone of this post: No U. Adios. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/150 "2012-05-31T03:16:03Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > As exemplified by the good Christians threatening a teenage girl. > > Seems the banner was pretty useless. All I see is evidence of one person making threats on twitter which is certainly not indicative of Christian behavior. I don’t know of any pastor that would condone such behavior and threats, not to mention that it is criminal activity. Your comments merely demonstrate biased against Christians. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/151 "2012-05-31T03:19:50Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > All I see is evidence of one person making threats on twitter which is certainly not indicative of Christian behavior. You do realize you’re engaging in textbook No True Scotsman fallacy here, right ? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/152 "2012-05-31T03:20:54Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > [As disgusting as sending death threats to a high school junior?](http://cranston.patch.com/articles/ahlquist-family-told-to-get-out-of-ri-in-threatening-letter) > [@GEEPERS](#): > > All I see is evidence of one person making threats on twitter which is certainly not indicative of Christian behavior. I don’t know of any pastor that would condone such behavior and threats, not to mention that it is criminal activity. Your comments merely demonstrate biased against Christians. From the linked article. > [@](#): > > The threats are similar to the taunts posted towards Ahlquist in the wake of the U.S. District Court ruling earlier this year ordering the school district to remove the prayer banner, ending a long legal fight that sparked a passionate community-wide debate. > > Those taunts,\*\* some coming from fellow high school students\*\*, threatened violence and rape and\*\* led to a handful of suspensions and disciplinary actions.\*\* ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/153 "2012-05-31T03:21:36Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > Slavery is also part of the American tradition. > Casting away the terrible traditions and ignorant mores of the past instead of insisting they be enforced no matter what because they have always been enforced would make for a \*better \*tradition, don’t you think ? > > No luck there. We’re even more into apple pies. LOL prayer is a terrible tradition? Yes, let’s all subscribe to your godless way of thinking that offers zero hope for the hurting. Do tell, what does an atheist say to their sick friend dying of cancer? “sucks to be you, dude?” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/154 "2012-05-31T03:24:41Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > I am more concerned about a future godless generation with no moral compass. It’s no wonder that teen suicide rates have skyrocketed and bullying is become a major problem in schools. There is simply a lack of respect and compassion for one’s neighbor out there that is growing and growing. Possibly true, but religion won’t help. Many people calling themselves Christians are more than happy to: drop bombs on people for no good reason; kidnap and torture people, then hold them without trial; let poor people die from lack of access to health care if doing something about it will affect their personal income situation; treat others as second-class citizens based on trivialities such as sexual orientation or skin colour; and generally lie, cheat and steal to gain political power. If religious people are nice it’s not because of their religion (I don’t think it helps), but because they’re nice people. ---
**Author:** ![Oldeb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ea666f/32.png) [@Oldeb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oldeb)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/155 "2012-05-31T03:25:37Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > Of course they wouldn’t be happy with this arrangement. Wednesday is the most holy, Wotan’s Day. It should by all rights be focused on Ásatrú and reflections upon the Hávamál, not heathen witchery that is doubtlessly Of Satan. Wotan?! Look, play with your one-eyed little man all you want, but Budha has presided over Wednesday far longer. Plus he has a lion with wings. That automatically makes him cooler. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/156 "2012-05-31T03:29:28Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Should the president no longer say “God bless America”? No, he shouldn’t; “ceremonial deism” is garbage. > [@GEEPERS](#): > > I am more concerned about a future godless generation with no moral compass. Having an effective moral compass _requires_ that religion be rejected or ignored. You can’t behave morally very successfully when you are basing your decisions on fantasies. And religion is [connected with social dysfunction](http://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/religious-belief-and-societal-health/), not the lack of religion. This idea that a lack of religion leads to immoral behavior is simply made up by the believers. > [@GEEPERS](#): > > There is simply a lack of respect and compassion for one’s neighbor out there that is growing and growing. As if the Christianity you love so much doesn’t spend most of its time promoting hatred and contempt towards others. > [@GEEPERS](#): > > All I see is evidence of one person making threats on twitter which is certainly not indicative of Christian behavior. I don’t know of any pastor that would condone such behavior and threats, not to mention that it is criminal activity. Your comments merely demonstrate biased against Christians. Nonsense. It’s Christians issuing the threats, acting in a way typical of the kind of Christians who want to shove their religion down the throat of everyone else. And plenty of preachers push this kind of behavior and worse. > [@GEEPERS](#): > > LOL prayer is a terrible tradition? Yes. It’s a fraud and it’s destructive. People pray rather than doing anything useful, and both they and others suffer for it. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/157 "2012-05-31T03:30:10Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > LOL prayer is a terrible tradition? Yes, let’s all subscribe to your godless way of thinking that offers zero hope for the hurting. It’s terrible regardless of what \*my \*values are (which you have no fucking idea of, I should add) since it necessarily marginalizes every American who isn’t strictly Christian. Would you be as in favour of prayer before the ballgame, if the required prayer was to Allah ? Or Einstein ? > [@](#): > > Do tell, what does an atheist say to their sick friend dying of cancer? “sucks to be you, dude?” Are you under the impression that “God has a plan” helps more ? Or at all ? Everybody dies alone. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/158 "2012-05-31T03:32:01Z")
> [@Oldeb](#): > > Wotan?! Look, play with your one-eyed little man all you want, but Budha has presided over Wednesday far longer. Plus he has a lion with wings. That automatically makes him cooler. That’s it. I raiding your dog. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/159 "2012-05-31T03:33:06Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > It’s terrible regardless of what \*my \*values are (which you have no fucking idea of, I should add) since it necessarily marginalizes every American who isn’t strictly Christian. > Would you be as in favour of prayer before the ballgame, if the required prayer was to Allah ? Or Einstein ? Possibly Newton, unless the pitcher is really, really, really good. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555/160 "2012-05-31T03:35:03Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > The actions of this young lady place her closer to what a Christian should be, than all of the people who call themselves Christians who are condemning her. I applaud her. Beautifully said, and my sentiments exactly. The teaching of religion belongs in the home and in the church, not in a public school system. This young lady has fought unpopular opinion to stand up for her rights, and I would be very proud and supportive of what she has done. You don’t need a banner to be a Christian. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-example-of-atheists-destroying-christians-rights/623555.md?page=9)