atheism prejudice

[GreenLantern420]

I was watching a video on youtube about atheism(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4fQA9mt-Mg) and it stated that 7 states do not let people who believe in no god(s) to hold office. I decided to check his facts, and I did.

Tennessee Constitution;

Article IX, Section 2;

"No person who denies the being of God, or a future of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state."

Source;
http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache...s&ct=clnk&cd=1

Arkansas Constitution;

Article XIX section 1;

"No person who denies the being of God, shall hold office in the civil departments of this state, nor to be competent to testify in any court"

Source;
http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache...t=clnk&cd=1#20

I would list the other five states but im real lazy right now.


Any thoughts, or comments?

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[runner's high]

It's crazy. America was not founded under God; as the video shows many of its founders were deists\agnostics\athiests and all of its founders agreed the church would be separate from the state.

Good job on your research, GreenLantern, but I think the increasing religiosity of America is even more disturbing than those clauses in the state constitutions, since those have been there from the beginning. It is always scary when faith and "divine guidance" take priority over rational thought, and it is scarier still that, in these modern times, it is actually happening more often.

Just look at America's failed crusade in the Middle East. Corporate motivations have combined with a religious self-righteousness and it's creating a Hell on Earth. I don't think Christ would approve.

[buttsplatuken]

I'm glad I watched that video. I learned a few things. Thanks for sharing.

[AK Infinity]

"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."

~Amendment I~

I'm going to go the common sense route and say that Americans should have the absolute right to believe any way that they choose without fear of being punished. People that force religion onto others are individuals that aren't committed to the ideals and tenants of their respective faiths. If Christians or theists turn their backs on this kind of behavior they aren't worth the parchment their scriptures are written on.

God is a choice, the human condition is not. It behooves people to learn mutual respect and understanding. Those laws are a disgrace and the people that wrote them an embarrassment.

Peace.<O</O

[Bliz-NATI]

This is precicely why i hate religion, and definately am not a huge fan right now of where i live, i wish i could have more pride about this country, but honestly, i wish theyd give us a reason. its not like i hate everything about it, its just it starts shit that doesnt need to be started. Just my oppinion, please dont find me hating religion as an insult to people, becouse tho i may not like it, i must keep an open mind myself, and i also must treat people with the same respect, the respect that people have there own oppinions have a nice day my fellow gcers

[Digit]

unconstitutional.



but then, ever since they changed to "in god we trust"...

[naku06]

so much for seperation of church and state.

[runner's high]

This definitely undermines America's principles but I reread those state constitutions and it's not as bad as I originally thought. They only disqualify people "who deny God." The video implied it banned agnostics too, but it doesn't. So you don't have to believe in God; you just can't disbelieve in him. Sucks for the hardcore athiests out there, but only 10% of American people don't believe and God and, among those, only about 10% of those people passionately disbelieve in it. (The belief that God does not exist is itself a belief.)

[naku06]

Originally Posted by runner's high

(The belief that God does not exist is itself a belief.)

huh? all thoughts we can express is a belief. including what im typing right now. its just one of those crazy paradox.

edit: "i believe in nothing."

[runner's high]

Originally Posted by naku

all thoughts we can express is a belief

Nope. Check the dictionary. This is from Miriam Webster:

Belief - A state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.

Belief cannot exist without trust or confidence. You don't have to belief in anything, and nothing isn't a thing. Think about it:

Nothing - No Thing.

Look at me. I don't know what to believe. I'm agnostic. I don't believe in anything.

Athiests, however, do believe something. They believe God does not exist. They say that's a fact, and they believe that fact.

Understand?

[naku06]

yes, i didnt need the differs of agnostic and aetheist pointed out. i am clear on that.
what i am saying is that to "believe in nothing", is to believe you believe in nothing. its feeds upon itself. i wasnt attacking your statement, but branching from.

[GreenLantern420]

*bump because people are being discriminated against*


I'm going to look up the other 5 state constitutions(tommorrow) to see if they are correct aswell

[Zylark]

Originally Posted by runner's high

Athiests, however, do believe something. They believe God does not exist. They say that's a fact, and they believe that fact.

Understand?

Actually wrong. Atheists do not say there is no such thing as a god. However we absolutely refute the notion of specific gods. Claimed gods. For the simple reason that there is absolutely no evidence to assert any such specific idea/claim.

[senior_ganj]

Wow, glad this thread got bumped. Now that these injustices are becoming more into the spotlight, it just adds to the list of freedoms being removed (however long ago).

I think it's time to take our 1st amendment seriously and stop allowing the government to take our freedoms away. Whether it is something as small as petitioning your senator or actually rallying for a cause, something has to be done. Fuck nationality security. I refuse to give up my freedoms so that I am a little safer from people 2000 miles away. Whatever type of policies the government puts into effect, there will still be people trying to undermine it. Violent or not. It's inevitable.

It's time to start my own island somewhere....

[GreenLantern420]

It's really a sad, sad thing considering what this country was based on(religious freedom).