2007-04-02 09:53:38 · 38 answers · asked by jinxmchue001 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because Christians won't stand up and be counted...
2007-04-02 10:00:13 · answer #1 · answered by † PRAY † 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
It's about the beliefs, not who has them. It's okay to make beliefs the law of the land, morally, if they attempt to help everyone equally. That's the difference between atheist and Christian ideas...Christian ideas don't. Christian ideas count on some people being tortured forever because "they've always deserved it" for not agreeing.
2007-04-02 10:00:17 · answer #2 · answered by vehement_chemical 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ok this is totally bogus! I live in the "bible belt" if you will... there are so many dumb freakin laws here that make absolutely no sense! But when I moved here that's what I was told... oh we are a very faith based state and in the bible belt. These laws are ridicules and were brought on by christians! I don't believe in them but I have no choice to live by them. So don't give me that crap, atheists make the laws of the land. If they did I would be able to do a lot of things I want or need to do that are illegal. Like buy a car on Sunday!
2007-04-02 10:08:29 · answer #3 · answered by mac_attack_51 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What belief are atheists making the law of the land?
2007-04-02 10:00:06 · answer #4 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The problem is that you are confusing Atheism with secularism. They are not the same. Secularism is the view that our laws should not be controlled by any religion or influenced by any religious belief, it is an indifference to religion. Our system of laws are dictated by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. constitution is a secular document, therefore our laws must be secular as well. Why? Because that is the way our founding fathers set the system up. If you don't like it then you are welcome to try to change it, but the founders certainly did not make that an easy process.
2007-04-02 10:08:19 · answer #5 · answered by Wisdom in Faith 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To Sheree,
As a law student, your interpretation of the Constitution is frankly frightening.
Read the First Amendment a little more closely.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
NO LAW respecting AN establishment OF RELIGION.
Not "no law respecting the establishment of Christianity."
The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that no state shall "deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."
Due process requires actions in conformity with the Bill of Rights. States cannot take away freedom of religion - WHETHER OR NOT THAT IS CHRISTIANITY.
The Barnette case REQUIRES free speech and free expression of religion.
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Still not convinced? Want secondary material? Look what the US state department says:
"Early in their history, Americans rejected the concept of the established or government-favored religion that had dominated -- and divided -- so many European countries. Separation of church and state was ordained by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provides in part that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...." ( http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/factover/ch8.htm )
The message is pretty clear from the start of our country on - everyone is free to practice his own religion as long as (per Barnette) it doesn't infringe on other Constitutional rights.
Your interpretation of our laws is frightening, misguided, intolerant, and hateful. As an American citizen, in the Constitution, you have the freedom to practice ANY religion. Practice it. Leave other people alone. If you still don't think the Constitution guarantees freedom of ANY religion (even though it says so right in the First Amendment), take the words of Jesus to heart:
"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21)
You are in a secular society, and it's one which was secular from the start. Conduct yourself well and by the laws of that society, and you'll be doing as Christ commands.
2007-04-02 10:18:30 · answer #6 · answered by Kate S 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It isn't okay to make any 'belief' system a law of the land.
However, atheists do have a natural advantage in a country that prides itself on freedom of religion -- if the government is entirely secular, then it can remain neutral to all religions.
2007-04-02 10:02:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Christians are the ones that make their beliefs the law of the land. What type of drugs are you on??
2007-04-02 09:58:47 · answer #8 · answered by Lynnemarie 6 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Because atheists' beliefs are generally formed using logic, reason, and rational thought. While Christians' beliefs come from a book of fairy tales.
2007-04-02 10:16:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have fossils that show that my belief actually happened. You have emotions and special feelings that tell you it is real.
I know of a person who believes in Leprechauns, he uses the same form of proof that you do for your belief in God.
I am not sure what atheist law you are referring to? Was there a law passed that states "there is no God". Last time I checked most laws include the assumption that God exists.
2007-04-02 09:59:23 · answer #10 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Let me point out the problem with your question: The term 'atheist' denotes *only* a lack of belief in any gods. It does not define one's morality and their beliefs of what is right and wrong, and hence, what laws we would vote for or against. Religion, however, will impose almost endless strictures on people who do not agree with its beliefs.
2007-04-02 10:01:53 · answer #11 · answered by NOT GODZY 1 · 4⤊ 2⤋