Why would Atheists deny funding to helping homeless veterans, people in rehab, and AIDS patients?

Question

An Atheist group tried to keep charities from getting Federal funding, just because they were faith-based:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070625/ap_on_go_su_co/scotus_faith_based

Now, you guys can try to pursue your agenda, that's OK. But, can't you at least open your black hearts for a second and see that this is helps people????
Just because a charity is faith-based doesn't mean that they don't do good deeds.

And, if you want to say this is unconstitutional, that's fine, but try to do so without using the phrase "Separation of Church and State", as it isn't in the Constitution. In fact, the only part in the first amendment is this:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"

And since they are allowing this funding to ALL charities, secular and ALL religions, I don't see how it is violating the 1st Amendment. If a Wiccan charity would come up, they would get the same funding as a Christian one.

Answer 1

"Now, you guys can try to pursue your agenda, that's OK. But, can't you at least open your black hearts for a second and see that this is helps people????"

Now you're grouping me along with the FEW atheists out there that would protest against Christian charities. I would do nothing of the sort.

I don't care if there was a Christian-based charity that only offered help to fellow Christians--in my book, every little bit helps. I'm certainly not going to protest people helping other people, no matter what their religion is.

Not all atheists have black hearts--keep that in mind before you start saying crap like that.

Answer 2

I don't know about my fellow Atheists, but I'd deny the second two on the theory that such things are best left to private and religious charities, volunteerism and the like. Not the government's business.

In addition, government money often comes with strings attached, and such a program strikes me as a possible way in which the freedom of religion could be abridged. Say the government funds a church's programs for a few years, the church become dependent on the funding, then the government steps in and says "by the way, since you're recieving federal funds you have to allow women to advance in your heirarchy" or "perform wedding services for gay couples" or something along those lines.

And, while I"m an Atheist, myself, and don't practice any religion, I still don't want my government telling my fellow citizens how to practice thiers.

Answer 3

I'm sorry, but since when is a religious group the only means for charity?

They wanted to keep the government from funding religion. It's got nothing to do with them denying charity for those who need it.

There are far more other non-religious charities out there that many atheists donate to.

What do YOU do to help the homeless veterans, people in rehab or AIDS patients?? Instead of criticizing the atheists for keeping the greedy religious groups from getting federal money (If you think 100% of that money is going to charity you are dumber than i had originally thought.) why don't you try to do something useful. Go out and volunteer.... christians like you are all the same. You criticize atheists in everything they do against religion...... you make us all sound like terrible people who want nothing less than the suffering of these people who have less-than-fortunate circumstances in their lives.... Well i'll tell you one thing..... i've know far more atheists in my lifetime who have DONE SOMETHING.... and MADE A DIFFERENCE in people's lives while the self-righteous christians simply tell them they should pray to go to help them, or they deserved what they had because they displeased god or they didn't pray enough.

People like you make me sick!! Your religions lie to you and cheat & i'm sure they garnish whatever charity money they receive and you think their cause is great.... then when an atheist group comes along to make a good change for humanity you say they're evil or immoral or misguided by the devil.

Atheists know good more than most christians know it. The fact that some atheists kept your precious religious groups from getting government funds is so tragic. There is no other hope for the human race, is there? You are truly pathetic.

Answer 4

Funding the charity is the same as funding and supporting the church that is backing the charity. In addition, does the organization expect people who are getting help to be Christians? Do the people getting help have to listen to a sermon before they get help? Then the government is funding religion. Last I check, few Christians want to attend a state funded church.

And, for the record, I support help for those in need. There are hundreds of secular charities out there that do fabulous work.

Answer 5

I can not speak for atheists or "all" of any group but i can say that people who protest providing federal dollars to religious groups are not attempting to deny help to these groups. The dollars are distributed in other ways by groups that do not ask for religious conversion in return.
Federal funds should be equally available to all who meet a means test. Religious groups have always managed to get funds from their members for charity work. If they start using Federal funds the members may stop donationg and this could limit the amount of funds available to help people.

Answer 6

Did you know that the reason so many faith based programs became open to this money was because Bush lifted the 'religious non-discrimination' policies that these programs had to adhere to? That means that I can be denied work at a non-profit and they can keep their 501(c)3 designation and continue to not pay taxes. Is that fair?

And on another note, why do veterans needing housing, people in rehab and AIDS patients need to be converted to get help? Why not just help in a secular way?

Do you also understand that the atheist group in question was fighting for your right to sue as well? Example: The next president only gives out grants to atheist groups. Too bad, you can't challenge it. Maybe you should have looked at the bigger picture!

Answer 7

I understand your point of view on this situation, but I have to side with the non-religious on this one. Although I am a veteran, and want for there to be charitable organizations that help everyone that needs help, I believe that since faith based organizations are not taxed as everyone else is, they should not receive the tax dollars that everyone else chips in. If faith based organizations open up their checkbooks and bank accounts to help fund other charitable organizations (ie. they pay taxes like everyone else) then I would have no problem with them drawing from the pool of money generated by those that do. Put simply, you have to pay to play.

Answer 8

Why should people not of your religion be forced to give money to it, especially when christianity has proved time and again it is nothing but a shelter for pedophile priests and some of the most ignorant, backward people you'll ever find?

Come up with secular charities for decent causes, and atheists will donate.

I love your admission that it's a violation of the separation of church and state too. If you want to cling desperately to your "reasoning" that separation isn't directly mentioned in the Constitution, go for it. Just don't expect anyone who knows how to read and understands how the American legal and legislative systems work to take you seriously.

Answer 9

I think the feds should just get out of the business altogether.

If the feds must be involved, let them distribute to the states, then state to county, county to community.

Most of the organizations for helping I know work on a donation bases, and few push religion while doing their work.

It is a Christian edict to help those in need, conversion of the helpee is not necessary for the helper to earn his reward in heaven.

Answer 10

I am an Atheist and I am not directly opposed to federal funding of faith-based charity work.