So, this sign is now in the Rotunda at the Olympia capitol, stirring up all kinds of trouble, since it is right next to a Nativity scene. Seriously boys and girls, what the hell is this? I roll with diversity, I think everyone has the right to say and believe what they want. I think there SHOULD ABSOLUTELY be an opportunity for Atheists to have a place in any festivity, particularly one as religious as Christmas or Hanukkah can't help but be. This sign however, is just there to insult people. It starts off well, but gets pretty snotty as it goes. In the interest of us all coming together and making the world a better place how about:
"In the coming New Year, the Atheists of Washington ask us to look ahead with logic and reason."
Bam- done. Just like that you're in on hoping next year's better than this one, and it's not hateful. This sign is rude.
But guess what? The Christian reaction is just as stupid. Right now, while intelligent Christians are looking at the sign, shaking their heads sadly, and walking away quietly, there's a very vocal contingent throwing out violent invective insults, and talking about how the people who made the sign will "sizzle like Jimmie Dean sausages in Hell." No really, some jackass really had to say that. So basically, a bunch of ignorant Christians are demonstrating the behavior that made the ignorant atheists put up the sign in the first place.
So, to summarize:
Atheists- your holiday or not, try a little goodwill toward men this solstice and New Year. How about you demonstrate the type of behavior you think not being "superstitious" should engender. Look at the pretty trees and enjoy the egg nog.
Christians- How about extending a hand of forgiveness since, oh I don't know, Jesus' birthday is coming? How about demonstrating the type of behavior your Lord and Savior thought having faith should engender. Little bit of Matthew 10:14, "And if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your message, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or that town." Look at the pretty trees and enjoy the egg nog.
Right now, you're all being assholes, and that's not what we're supposed to be about, regardless of your belief or philosophy.
4 comments:
In my own faith tradition we have a set of basic beliefs we call the "Articles of Faith", 13 brief statements that convey the common doctrines of my church. One of them states: "We claim the privilege of worshipping almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege - let them worship how, where or what they may."
Works for me...
Amen!
As an atheist, I find that insulting...
(the sign, I mean...
...though I'd note to remember your location with respect to this sort of thing -
the #1 state known for paid protesters and such...)
;)
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