This was originally a comment on one of my mother (S’Marty’s) old blogs on her MySpace page. She posted the blog last year around Christmas time. Here is the introduction from her blog, so you have the basis for my comment:
“Why are so many atheists angry? More specifically, they seem to be angry at Christians. Did you know that the God Christians worship is the same God Jews worship, and is the same God (Allah) that (normal) Muslims worship? Yet when atheists get angry, it seems to be directly focused on Christians.
There’s a big hue and cry going on up here in the everGREEN state of Washington. The group Freedom from Religion Foundation was allowed to post a large sign on an easel in the rotunda of our capitol building in Olympia. The sign is part of a display that includes a nativity scene and a menorah.
This is what the sign says:
‘At this season of the winter solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.’
Take a gander at the following article - http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/390542_capitoldisplay05.html?source=rss, then kindly scroll down to where it says “Soundoff” to see the comments left by various and sundry people – most of them angry people. Not angry about the display of this offensive sign though. Most of the comments are written by atheists who are angry that Christians are angry about the sign.”
I read all of the comments in the Soundoff section, and chose one in particular to address. Without further ado, here is my response:
- Here’s a quote from one of the comments in the Soundoff section: -
“It is really amazing. Badly behaving Christians for years have forced their observation on others, including Jews, Muslims and non-believers, and now have the nerve to whine when others are allowed to express their views.
Maybe now they can understand what the separation of church and state is about. It protects all views. If only they could see through their own petty, self-centered attitude they would realize the virtues of the separation of church and state.”
First of all, I don’t recall present Christians (badly behaving [whatever that means] or otherwise) forcing their observations on anyone else. It seems to me, we simply enjoy the freedom our country gives us to celebrate the way we choose. The atheists interpret our outward personal beliefs as some sort of religious attack, when in actuality, it’s merely Christians openly observing their own Christian beliefs. Jews and Muslims celebrate in their own open manner as well, and yet are not accused of forcing their beliefs on others. However, putting that sign up directly next to a Nativity scene sounds a lot like forcing something to me. The placement of that sign says everything.
The last paragraph in that quote needs to be turned inward, and the writer needs to read it directed at him- or herself. If anyone is displaying a “petty, self-centered attitude”, it’s the atheists who misinterpret everything religious to be an affront to their own non-belief. The separation of church and state does indeed protect all views – including Christianity, correct? They need to accept that the world is full of diversity, and like it or not, people choose to believe in whatever they please. That’s the freedom we’re given, and we should appreciate it rather than take offense.
It makes perfect sense that Christians would be in an uproar about this display. I wouldn’t say Christians are “whining because others are allowed to express their views”. I would say Christians are upset because a group of fellow human beings took it upon themselves to mock and vilify our beliefs (especially during a celebratory time of year, when people should respect each other more). A Christmas tree, Nativity scene, and menorah are symbols of what we believe; they are not placed there specifically to decry anyone else’s beliefs or lack thereof. The sign, on the other hand, was obviously designed to counter some sort of nonexistent attack on non-believers, and is not there as a symbol of non-belief (for if you have no religion, then what symbols do you have to celebrate a traditionally religious holiday? Even the winter solstice was originally celebrated religiously.) For example, I am not Jewish, but I am not going to take offense at the menorah, write up a poster that makes a mockery of the religion, and then place it strategically next to the menorah. I have the wits to see that they placed a menorah there to represent their beliefs, and I am very grateful they have the freedom to do so.
It’s easy to understand how dominated atheists are by their negative emotions. As you said in your blog, they truly are slaves to this world, believing in no before and no after. They live only here and now, in the material, and therefore seem to be more affected by material matters. (“Material” in this sense means “Earthly”.) I don’t blame them, and though I don’t agree with their their choice to disregard religion, I respect it because it’s their freedom. We all received the disclaimer when we were born. However, I must admit to being upset by this recent event. It’s becoming tiresome to constantly be under fire from all directions. But then again, that’s how warriors are made.
Another of the comments on that website beat the same old dead horse with the overused “if there was a God, such and such wouldn’t happen”. People must think we’re all dead and in Heaven, and that this is supposed to be some sort of paradise. Of course bad things happen. We live in a world of personal choices, a world which straddles the gap between good and bad. People can take either route, because this world has an equal mixture of both. In addition to people being able to make bad or good choices, events can also have good or bad outcomes. Nothing is written in stone… God “allows” these bad things to happen, because this is not our final destination. This world is far from perfect; it has its share of suffering, torment, and grief. But it also has joy, love, and beauty – and God also “allows” those good things to happen.
Additionally, I couldn’t help but notice that the poster was worded in such a way as to present the statements as fact: “There are no gods, no angels, no heaven or hell… Religion is but myth…” I’d like to see where they get their cold-hard solid facts about the universe. I’d also like to reiterate something I have said before: while there is no tangible proof that God exists, there is also no tangible proof that He doesn’t. The word choices in the poster combined with where they decided to place it informs me of what their intentions really are. They don’t merely want their views to be expressed; they want to belittle the views of others in order to empower their own. There are many other, less-truculent ways to go about making your voice heard. If I have to keep hearing about all the bad things Christians supposedly are, then perhaps the atheists need to know that they are bitter, and their bitterness has vitiated their perceptions. I don’t say this as an insult, but as an obvious fact. If proof of this fact is needed, look no further than that poster.
So from one lone Christian to a world of venom-spitters: Do unto others. I’m sure even you know the rest.
