As Bill Clinton once asked, "Why do Christians hate so much?" I ask the same question about some atheists. Why do some atheists hate so much?
As a UU atheist, I find it distasteful that some atheists show such a disdain for religion that they won't allow themselves to be associated with religious people, nor are they willing to listen to the religious.
While they advocate equality, they seem to want to exclude religious people in all things that they do. In fact, they see themselves as being better and smarter than the religious.
Whereas Christians treat the non-believers with care and a concern of them "going to hell," for not believing, the atheists are just the opposite - they treat their counterparts as second-class, uneducated citizens.
While I don't believe in a higher power - to include Jesus, I recognize the goodness of religions. For all the bad it's done, there is also goodness in Christianity and all religions. Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.
The truth is that America is big enough for both science and religion, and that Christians truly believe in their religion, and only want the best for everyone - including the non-believers.
It's too bad I can't say the same for some atheists. Zealotry is zealotry, whether it's atheism or Christianity. Some atheists are just as good for America as Fred Phelps.
Thoughts?
I am actually pretty saddened but only found time now to write about it.
As many of you in Virginia may or may not know, a bill was sent to the general assembly a few weeks ago regarding the ban of smoking in restaurants.
As a smoker, I am all for this bill -- I believe it to be an issue of workplace safety, public safety and women's rights -- as most waitresses are women, and just because they chose the job does not mean they deserve anything less than a healthy, wholesome workplace.
Of course, Virginia being backed by the tobacco industry, the bill died. But I am getting petitions around campus, starting next week -- we'll reintroduce this to the legislatures of Virginia. We'll start at my school and go to our neighboring school. 20,000 college students at each campus, I'll make sure anyone who votes no against the bill pays for it during the next election.
In fact, I see it as a weapon -- if we can get progressive students to start speaking on this issue, across campuses frin Virginia to Washington state, we can probably get the attention of these tobacco industry people.
Watch out -- Marc is going to make a splash in Virginia politics. My fellow students are my weapons.
I am confident we can do it. All we need to do is believe.
Please remember that Campus Progress' terms of use do not allow promoting or endorsing any particular political party or candidate for office. Posts or comments that do this will be deleted.
Posts
!
