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I'm an atheist and I think this guy shouldn't care about what he has to say. If you don't believe in god then it's just a meaningless jumble of words so who cares?
It's really no different than stating the Pledge of Allegiance in kindergarten when you have no clue what you are really even saying.
Well, that's a big freaking loophole to avoid the draft.
It's only the Air Force. It appears it has been allowed to slip under the influence of a group of high-placed Evangelicals, who - as could be expected - just love to be able to proselytize to a captive audience.
As an atheist, I find it funny that an atheist would be harmed by swearing to a fictional entity. It could be liberating as it lets you off the hook because you weren't really swearing to anything...LOL
"Do you swear to Nothing that you will (insert anything)? Atheist, "Uh, sure, why not?"
The Constitution, Article VI, paragraph 3, flat out says:
".... no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
Why isn't that just as valid as any other part of the Constitution?
It is still valid, but at this point in time, it depends on which twisted version is accepted.
Like, how was prayer in school such a big threat. If you don't believe in God, who cares. Laugh at those wasting their time praying.
It now seems more like there is a religious test involved with everything in America. If you don't worship the almighty State, you are a terrorist, kook, or anarchist...
I'm an atheist and I think this guy shouldn't care about what he has to say. If you don't believe in god then it's just a meaningless jumble of words so who cares?
It's really no different than stating the Pledge of Allegiance in kindergarten when you have no clue what you are really even saying.
But he's not in kindergarten. He know's what he's saying and his religious convictions, or lack thereof, are Constitutionally protected. Word's have meaning and you should mean what you say.
As an atheist, I find it funny that an atheist would be harmed by swearing to a fictional entity. It could be liberating as it lets you off the hook because you weren't really swearing to anything...LOL
"Do you swear to Nothing that you will (insert anything)? Atheist, "Uh, sure, why not?"
Perhaps this oath was important to him? In that case, it seems wrong to force him to basically mouth off a meaningless platitude during a fairly momentous ceremony. It's not a trivial commitment.
I get your point. And that is why he definitely has a case.
I was just pointing out that as an atheist the actual words mean nothing.
He is still making the commitment by signing the papers, signing his life away, attending the ceremony, serving every day and whatever else you have to do to be in the Air Force. The words are just a small part of the actual commitment.
As an atheist, I find it funny that an atheist would be harmed by swearing to a fictional entity. It could be liberating as it lets you off the hook because you weren't really swearing to anything...LOL
"Do you swear to Nothing that you will (insert anything)? Atheist, "Uh, sure, why not?"
That is one way to look at it. Its as if you're saying "so help me Santa Claus"
However, no one should be made to swear to any fictional entity without their consent. It is a religious right, to be free of religion.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty Avocado
I'm an atheist and I think this guy shouldn't care about what he has to say. If you don't believe in god then it's just a meaningless jumble of words so who cares?
It's really no different than stating the Pledge of Allegiance in kindergarten when you have no clue what you are really even saying.
Because some people actually believe in the principles they put forth.
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