Do you get frustrated with the "all or nothing" attitudes of people on both sides of the arguement?
For example:
Those who think just because the government no longer favors imposed public prayer on everyone that it means they are unable to pray PERIOD in school.
vs.
Those who make a big hissy fit over God on our currency or in the Pledge or Christmas decorations etc.
I am so fed up of all the time, money and politics devoted to bantering over private spiritual, sexual and philosphical matters when we have far more pressing issues- healthcare, education, national security, abysmal foreign policy fallout, immigration, taxes and suffering middle and class!
When will people be empowered enough in their own beliefs, spirituality or convictions not to require mass conversion of the opposing side for their own peace of mind?
Especially when it comes to things that are so personal, subjective and really not a matter of our society's survival?
Your thoughts?
2007-09-27 02:24:46 · 14 answers · asked by pixie_pagan 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Way to say it, that is exactlly how I feel the political government is headding. I also agree that we all need to stand on our own two feet instead of being feed with a silver spoon by the govenment and do what it tells us that we should do, but rather we should think for ourselves.
Blessed Be.
2007-09-27 06:40:15 · answer #1 · answered by Zero Cool 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The rights of others to live their lives without having other people's religions forced on them (even in what could be defined as "little" ways) is an important right, and shouldn't be treated dismissively by anyone simply because it's their religion being favored.
That's why people are fighting against things like "In God We Trust" on currency and "Under God" being in the pledge.
Those sayings were not originally there, they were put there after religious people campaigned to have them put there. Money and politics were wasted to have them put on, they should be taken off. It is most certainly not a matter of society's survival to keep them there. It benefits no one to have them there, and only serves to make one group feel and claim superiority over others. That is not how things should be done in the United States of America.
*IF* people are truly empowered enough in their own beliefs, spirituality or convictions, then they shouldn't *need* to have "In God We Trust" written on our legal government currency, or "Under God" being force-fed to people in our pledge of allegiance.
2007-09-27 02:37:33 · answer #2 · answered by Jess H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but your stance is not moderate, and your views on the situation are wrong.
The government never "favored" imposed public prayer. The Constitution says there shall be no religious test for public service. Even so, people have "favored" imposed public prayer and government do its job in opposing it.
Prayer in school is allowed. However, it can't be given to students by teachers. That would be using a government position to impose religion on people. Teachers can pray privately. Students can pray privately. They can even do this in school, as long as they don't disrupt the school function, which is actually to teach. It is not a church, unless you go to one of the many private religious schools. BTW, if it is a private religious school, it should not get government funding, including funding through vouchers. That, again, would be government funding of religion.
You object to restoring currency and the Pledge to what they originally were. That is not a moderate position. The motto "In God We Trust" was made a national motto about the same time as "Under God" was inserted into the Pledge. This was done relatively recently as a result of the paranoia of McCarthyism.
Taking religion back out of government is not requiring "mass conversion of the opposing side". It is leveling the playing field so that all people are treated equally under the government, independent of their religious beliefs. In reality, it is those who are pushing to keep this government promotion of religion who are trying to "convert the masses".
If you think that "In God We Trust" on currency and "Under God" in the Pledge are so personal and subjective, then why would you object to them being removed?
2007-09-27 02:28:43 · answer #3 · answered by nondescript 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Christians are the only ones interested in mass conversion.
Not a matter of society's survival? Did you know that there were times when christians slaughtered EVERY Female in some villages? Hmmmmm.
There will always be controversy- people don't come on here to "chat with friends about the weather."
2007-09-27 02:38:11 · answer #4 · answered by The Grand Inquisitor 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I no longer get frustrated over the governments opposing views, and try to practice acceptance with those who take on the "all or nothing" stance.
I believe that just because a persons spiritual belief is different then my own, that does not make mine or theirs any more or less valid. I believe that there is only one divine entity most commonly referred to as god, and any path you take to get there, is fine with me....
Blessings
)o(
2007-09-27 02:33:47 · answer #5 · answered by trinity 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
(US perspective--sorry, can't speak for other countries)
Sometimes, yes--but I think it's a vital part of what makes America what it is. People on the far ends express their views, and the eventual outcome is hopefully the best compromise available for that situation. Nobody's going to love it 100%, but neither is it going to totally trample on someone's rights.
2007-09-27 02:30:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree with you. Our local schools support See You At The Pole where the students gather to pray at the flag pole during break times.
2007-09-27 02:36:15 · answer #7 · answered by George 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
All i can say is, "DITTO!"
One of the first answers i received in this forum was, "You don't belong here, if that's what You want." (I paraphrase.) But it was basically an admission that the people in this forum are here for the blood and gore.
Well, not ALL of us. Keep the faith, whichever Yours may be.
2007-09-27 02:32:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
couldn't agree more with you . People are looking for their 15 minutes of fame by trying to eliminate God from the pledge or from the money . Makes you wonder where the priorities lie in this world .
2007-09-27 02:30:36 · answer #9 · answered by Suicide642 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Hopefully people that believe in God won't let the government dictate where or when we should pray. Hey, didn't we fight a war for this privilege.
2007-09-27 02:30:32 · answer #10 · answered by fanace 1 · 3⤊ 2⤋