2007-02-18 00:53:18 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
http://atheism.about.com/b/a/258698.htm
2007-02-18 00:53:41 · update #1
It took me a while to answer as I read the whole story first. I am Christian. I believe that ignorant intolerant fundamentalism is the enemy of belief, not atheism. Atheists simply do not believe. Fundamentalists through their zealous application of ignorance actively promote disbelief by making religious folks appear to be like nazis. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors. My neighbors are not all Christians. Some are Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and who knows what other religion. Some are atheists or agnostics. Some are homosexuals. Jesus asked us treat them all the same, with love and respect the exact same way we want to be treated. It is funny that fundamentalists can quote whole books of the Bible but miss the whole point of Christ's teachings. Actually it really is not very funny as it promotes hatred and conflict. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Which Prince leads the fundamentalists then?
2007-02-18 01:29:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I think an assignment like "what do you want for Christmas" is an elementary school assignment...therefore I think her parents helped her write that paper.
Second of all Christmas is VERY SECULAR now and many people who have no belief at all celebrate it...so I think a teacher asking that question is in no way making any kind of faith statement.
Thirdly...the posts by the Baptist minister etc.are sad responses....but bigotry is a human trait and can be found in Christians, Atheists, Jews, Muslims, educated and uneducated...so what is your point? That Christians can be bigots? That's not going to surprise anyone, because Christians are human beings too...they sin, make mistakes so on and so on... God will sort it all out in the end.
2007-02-18 09:12:22 · answer #2 · answered by Misty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have time to read all of the article, but I did read through the teacher's response to the young ladies essay. Certainly the student has some valid points. In our multicultural society teachers have an impossible task trying to please every student and every parent; therefore, there are bound to be offenses. I have never contended that an atheist or an agnostic could not be a decent, moral and productive member of society. I have never contended that a person had to be a Christian in order to be a valued member of society. As a prison pastor I can tell you that America's prisons are filled with men and women who profess to be practicing Christians. I have a commandment from Jesus Christ to preach the gospel, and it is part of my oath of ordination to preach the gospel and teach that Jesus Christ is the only way. I cannot and will not force anyone to accept Christ----no one can be forced to do anything against their will. Acceptance of Christ is a choice----it is always a choice. I have my beliefs and you have yours. I respect your right to hold your beliefs and all I ask is the same respect.
2007-02-18 09:23:16 · answer #3 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there are the vast majority of Christians and a minority of fundies. Just as there are the vast majority of Muslims and a minority of fundies.
I think that "christians" like William should make things easier for the rest of us. We need to know if William is a Christian or one of these fundies. Perhaps a different symbol. The normal Christians keep the cross, William and the like adopt the Swastika: that should clear up any confusion.
2007-02-18 09:05:35 · answer #4 · answered by anthonypaullloyd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor atheists!
It makes me sad to think about the millions of poor atheists who were subject to such harsh, intolerant treatment over the last 100 years. It must have been especially difficult for atheists living under Christian dictatorships in Russia, Eastern Europe, China, Vietnam, Korea, Cambodia, Cuba, Tibet, and Mongolia. I know a woman who used to be a poor atheist girl in China. The Christians arrested and killed her father, and sent her and her mother to a concentration camp. Her mother died there, but fortunately, the girl met a lawyer from Kansas who married her and brought her to America. Now she is a criminal defense attorney and teaches Kung Fu.
2007-02-18 09:10:43 · answer #5 · answered by NONAME 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Those traits are Biblical, They just don't realize it. I don't agree about the "trait" part. It has to do with our upbring, beliefs, society. These all have a bearing on how we behave!
2007-02-18 09:12:03 · answer #6 · answered by michael m 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should sign up for the newsletter. It looks like it's just your speed.
2007-02-18 09:09:56 · answer #7 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What story? I am lost, I don't see any story in your question. Please rephrase your question or paraphrase it.
2007-02-18 09:17:34 · answer #8 · answered by RealArsenalFan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋