Do we need an Athiest for President? (meaning, priests, Christians)

[cpsTN]

Originally Posted by rifleman

How sadly true. I would never vote or such an openly theistic prez candidate like Perry, since it's obvious (to me at least...) that he's of that theistic "bent" where he truly wants to insert theism wherever he, as POTUS, could (via school prayer, the addition of Creationism into high-school science curricula, the mention of God in all his speeches, and so on..).

Such blatant non-secularism is truly irritating to us devout atheists. Imagine if we were to insist on equal-time atheism, as when he might say, at the close of a speech, "...and God Bless America!", he'd also have to say, "or not, since He doesn't exist".

There's absolutely NO ROOM for any type of theism in any form of government for the people, especially given our Constitutional protection from such forced ideas.

So, what you are saying is that is OK for the atheists to remove - by the courts - Christianity from our lives, but it would be wrong for someone to hear the word God everyday? If you don't believe, what difference should it make? As far as forced ideas, the ACLU likes to force the "freedom FROM religion" ideals on all the rest of us. Can't have prayer in schools (although the Constitution doesn't say you can't), can't have Bibles or crosses, many times even on private property...

Charles Sands
37129

[cpsTN]

[quote=HipFlask;21274099]A rational human being who doesn't cling to fairy tales?quote]

I am glad you are so sure of everything about life and your own intelligence and reasoning power that you never need help for any reason at all.

Charles Sands
37129

[nana053]

[quote=cpsTN;21281571]

Originally Posted by HipFlask

A rational human being who doesn't cling to fairy tales?quote]

I am glad you are so sure of everything about life and your own intelligence and reasoning power that you never need help for any reason at all.

Charles Sands
37129

Not relying on fairytales does not preclude needing help. The help we need though is action in the world by human beings. I would rely on my family and friends to help me should I need help.

[HipFlask]

Originally Posted by cpsTN

I am glad you are so sure of everything about life and your own intelligence and reasoning power that you never need help for any reason at all.

Charles Sands
37129

Yeah, who am I to be "so sure"?

Speaking of, how often do you pray to Vishnu and Zeus?

[HipFlask]

Originally Posted by cpsTN

So, what you are saying is that is OK for the atheists to remove - by the courts - Christianity from our lives, but it would be wrong for someone to hear the word God everyday? If you don't believe, what difference should it make? As far as forced ideas, the ACLU likes to force the "freedom FROM religion" ideals on all the rest of us. Can't have prayer in schools (although the Constitution doesn't say you can't), can't have Bibles or crosses, many times even on private property...

Charles Sands
37129

We don't want the courts to force Christianity (or, more accurately, religion) from our lives. Just from our government.

The Constitution does indeed say prayer in schools should be prohibited so long as those schools are publicly funded.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by HipFlask

We don't want the courts to force Christianity (or, more accurately, religion) from our lives. Just from our government.

The Constitution does indeed say prayer in schools should be prohibited so long as those schools are publicly funded.

No, actually, not quite. It says that the admins and teachers cannot lead prayer and that students cannot be coerced. It does not say that kids can't pray at lunch, for example. Nothing says a kid can't say grace over lunch or read the bible in study hall.

[HipFlask]

Originally Posted by nana053

No, actually, not quite. It says that the admins and teachers cannot lead prayer and that students cannot be coerced. It does not say that kids can't pray at lunch, for example. Nothing says a kid can't say grace over lunch or read the bible in study hall.

I was lazy in my response. You are correct.

There is an entertaining mishmash of ignorance among the Christian Right who screech about "prayer in schools". Some demand the right to have teacher-led prayer, and others are under the ridiculous misconception that principals and teachers go around smacking kids who appear to be praying or leading a prayer. Nothing like fear-based stupidity!

[mensaguy]

Originally Posted by catman

He's "a little frightening" partly because of the nature of his devout theism.

An atheist President would be a welcome change, but that will be far in the future if it ever occurs.

Personally, I think it has already happened several times in the history of the Presidency. However, it always has been, and continues to be, political suicide for a candidate to admit that he has no religion.

[Nozzferrahhtoo]

Originally Posted by bluescityleon

would that make a fair President?

In the US?`Some day maybe. For now I think a strongly secular christian president is perfect. One who would keep religion out of our halls of power, education and science... but at the same time is capable of talking the talk of believers on their level with them.

I thought once Obama was that person which he seems now not to be, but at least he was a step in the right direction. He is himself religious, or claims to be (I have doubts) yet when you listen to his 2006 keynote speech he also says everything that I would say.

A Christian president who really stuck by the words spoken in that speech would be, for me, much more valuable than an atheist president. And I say that as a founding member of Atheist Ireland and a very active person for the side of atheism.

[purehuman]

Originally Posted by bluescityleon

would that make a fair President?

We need a president that would put the comforts of the common people first....religion should have nothing to do with it.