A question for fellow American Atheists?

Question

Despite all the religious zealotry that exists in this country do you think we (government, citizens, civil liberties organizations) have done a good job at keeping American society as secular as possible?
If not, want more do you think should be done to further this cause?

meerkats: You must not live in America or watch television if you think there's no zealots here.

Answer 1

A view point from across the pond, is one of deep concern for you.

Pat Robertson said 'taking out' Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela, would be cheaper than a war. I find it deeply offensive that you have an Evangelist suggesting Venezuelan president Chavez should be 'taken out' on TV.

Our anti terror laws in 2005 would ban that individual from entering the UK, but that is the kind of folks who are also encouringing Envangeligists to move into politics.

He did not manage to get in himself, so Mr Robertson - a failed Republican presidential candidate, self-described "humanitarian" (sic) is also the outspoken founder of the right-wing Christian Coalition - who are funding political scolarships.

Just look at who you are getting into office, - Florida June this year - you hae an evangelist candidate - Bill Keller- telling followers that a vote for another (Mormon) presidential candidate Mitt Romney "is a vote for Satan."

If your election system was so pure - you would not have needed to establish a watchdog group, Americans United for Separation of Church and State?

These riligious groups rants violate federal tax law, and fly in the face of the supposed nonprofit status of churches. The law prohibits tax-exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State has asked for investigations into the alleged illegal politicking of religious organizations 68 times during the past 12 years.

Only once did a complaint result in the removal of tax-exempt status - settlements have been negotiated in other cases. But that is the tip of the ice berg, as many Evangilists choose stealth methods - across the boarder - Canadian Evangelicals like Manning and Harper know they turn voters off, thus they have a code of silence when it comes to expressing thier religious beliefs. Interestingly, Canadians would rather vote for atheists or Muslims than evangelist fundies...

In the U.S. it is much more organised, evangelist like Jerry Falwell, who helped turn the religious right into a powerful political force - It is the actions of these right wing fundies -whose votes helped send conservative Republicans including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush to the White House.

Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, said Falwell was "instrumental in galvanising millions of American evangelicals into an intolerant, sectarian and authoritarian political movement."

Felwells influence in politics was very real because he helped politicise evangelicals and other religious groups - so much so, that a whole generation of teenage fundies have been fundied to attend the ivy leauge schools with the express desire to enter Washington. They are being mass produced and groomed for political leadership, an army of fundie clones with closed minds and intollerant attitudes, who can hide these behind P>C> facades. God help America, because the fundies are holding the reins - and George W. Stupid is amoungst thier ranks!

Answer 2

As far as the President and his Faith Based Initiatives, if studies show they work, then we can't complain because then at least something is getting done here. However as far as secular goes there is a big difference in "Christmas Vaction" and Winter Vaction. That is over board. Silly things like that and the public display of Christmas trees and symbols thats ok. Because yes religions is a fabric of our society and it helps to have that sense that we are connects by a lack or having of faith. Yet both conflicting views can co-exists. Because public lands is public (albiet controlled by the gov) the public shgould decide what goes there, not an organization that comes in just to make a statement. Let the people decide for themselves. Now the part that needs to be worked on is science and technology. We need to get moe science funding out there and teach kids about science. All kinds not just evolution. People don't know basic Chemistry laws and don't know about the "Theory of Gravity". That is a problem.

Answer 3

All the opposite religions and atheists are living in peace and are best attacked via unhealthy christians which causes all well christians to depression at the damage they do! Up till approximately 40 years once more Christianity was once thriving and there used to be no clash with others nevertheless in simply those few temporary years the contemporary christians have emerge as illiberal, hate stuffed, bigoted and persecuting leading to a developing backlash towards christianity and causing christianity to free over ten percent in slash than a decade with the loss accelerating! The self destruction of Christianity is underway and the only aspect that can quit it's to abandon the horrible human emotions, seek to rediscover the notion of a loving god and act adore it! ‘Moor too’ simply in recent years published - i will don't forget whilst being known as or referring anybody as a christian in Oz, was once a colloquialism for a nice man or woman, without reference to perception approach. Lamentably american evangalism has modified all that.

Answer 4

I think our founding fathers would turn in their graves if they knew what had happened to the nation they had envisioned. Of course were not doing a good job keeping America secular. When an office of faith based initiatives, set up and funded by the federal government has lasted, what? over 4 years now...

I think a proper education in American history is sorely needed these days. Just look at how many people think this country was founded BY Christians FOR Christians (when in actuality it was founded by a conglomeration of different faiths for everyone.) Having an atheist president wouldn't hurt either, someone who can remain neutral in the interaction of faith and government.

Answer 5

I think it used to be better...and has gotten worse in past years.

I'm 28, and through all my school years never once was there any debate or uproar over evolution in school (it was just taught, no one had issue with it...), no one trying to teach creationism which was unheard of, etc.

I live in a pretty open small state, but even here (or rather a couple hours south) people had one of those school issues over Christianity trying to put itself in there as superior to all others. And the ones that were opposing and in the fight against it weren't even non believers, it was a few Jewish families. Supposedly they ended up with death threats, the works and at least one family moved north to just get away from it.

These things didn't use to happen here... but because of what has gone on in other parts of the country, even people here have started doing it.

Answer 6

It could be worse, but it could also be a LOT better.
What we need to make sure of, is that we don't become lazy or complacent about it. You give them an inch, and they'll take a mile. Keeping schools, government, and laws secular is a fight we need to continue every day.

Answer 7

We have been successful ONLY in the Blue states. As for the Red Bible belt states, not so good. But what can you do?
Those people choose to live in the past and there is NOTHING any of us can do about it.
In the end, as always, the progressive minds will prevail. We must be patient.

Answer 8

What is the point of turning people away from religion? There are no religious 'zealots' in America. Our nation has successfully kept Church and State apart. You can't further your silly cause because no one cares. Let our nation stay as it is, obviously our scientific discovery rate and technological advancement rate hasn't been hurt by religion.

Answer 9

I do think that we are making good progress. The only thing I would still like to see accomplished is the repeal of the law that keeps me from buying wine on Sunday morning in Texas! Well, maybe there are a few more....

Answer 10

no i dont-but really dont think that any more should be done-religion is a big part of this country and they should have their say also-the rights of a minority should never by the majority no matter what----this is one of the good parts of america-we have enough problems without adding to them-our society and its diversity is what makes americans what they are----an atheist speaking his opinion only---enjoy the night and thanks this is a good question