BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Riginslinger
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 03:17 PM

The problem is, with having it in there, when the presidency fails, all the swearee has to say is, "Oh well, god refused to help!"

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: gnu
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:57 PM

Hahahahaa.... I like it, BWL. God is laughing at that one.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:51 PM

Each day, I give thanks to God for having made me an atheist.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:48 PM

(personally, I am not comfortable with the idea of a god who gave one of his creations (us) the ability use logic and to reflect on our very existence, but punishes us for using it to doubt. My 'logic' tells me that if *I* had created a bunch of very fallible beings who couldn't be trusted to follow all the rules, I'd show up a lot more often and in VERY clear ways to remind them)


but...*shrug* since many are ok with the idea of just 'believing', I am not likely to change their minds...and if they intend to recite pleas for help in their duties, I can't prevent them from doing so.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:47 PM

Live and let live. Coexist! Die gendanken sind frei--so think what you will--and they will too!!

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: gnu
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:36 PM

VTam.... well said.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:32 PM

"I can see the Bill day coming...."

funny...I can't. Not even with my bi-focals cleaned.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:21 PM

I see no point in having the phrase "so help me God" in the oath office. If you can't promise to do your utmost best for your country without decorating it with some kind of supernatural legitimacy, then to me your promise is meaningless. Leaving god out shows that the oathmaker is prepared to take full responsibilty for his actions and decisions.

But I don't agree with militant atheism, either. No better than any religious or political organisation that works to ram some kind of tenet down unwilling throats.

The mob is the untruth.

For me - the jury is still out on atheism. Religions can't prove God exists and atheism can't prove God doesn't exist. I tend to think that if God does exist in the religious context, then he is a cold, uninvolved bastard. This thought is based on ages of unchecked suffering (especially the children). And the feeling has only grown as I've aged and been exposed to more horror.

I will probably recant (just like so many others) in late age. When mortality threatens and I am trying to cover all angles. But that is another day.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:17 PM

I can see the day coming, Bill. But it will require a crisis of magnitude, much as the economic blowup spurred Obama's election.

I can see the Bill day coming....



A

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 02:12 PM

Obama is a Christian! I rather expect he'll say it as he pleases.

The problem would be if we ever elected a non-religious president who decided NOT to say it. (Don't hold your breath.)

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:56 PM

They also don't want a prayer or anything by any minister, priest, rabbi, shaman, or medicine man.

I agree with the above.

It's Obama's day -- as long as he's legally sworn in who gives a rat's rectum?

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:39 PM

Took the words right out of my mouth, Jeri. Well, not literally, but I woulda said the same thing....



A

Subject: RE: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:34 PM

It's HIS inauguration. Let the control freaks control their own lives.

Subject: BS: Atheists: No 'so help me God'
From: Ron Davies
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:32 PM

Some atheists and other like-minded groups have filed suit that "so help me God" be deleted from Obama's inauguration oath.

Curious to know Mudcatters' take on this.