NBC Poll

[TeamBud8]

Do you believe in God? NBC this morning had a poll on this question . They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the Percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words, IN God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance 14% against. That is a pretty 'commanding' public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't . Now it is your turn .. It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such A mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why is the world catering to this 14%? AMEN!
In God We Trust

The only easy day,was yesterday -U S Navy Seals

 

[pantherii]

dang athiest's

 

[TJ959]

We are not allowed to disagree with anyone since we my hurt their feelings and then we would be intolerant. Shame on us. This country was based on majority rule and belief in God by our founding fathers but we now have taken another fork in the road. I say keep it in just like the other majority folks. Yes. I do believe in God.

 

[highway star]

It absolutly should stay in. There is no question Christian principles were used in the structure of this country. If someone chooses to recite the Pledge, and no one is being forced, just don't say that line. And just what is the damage here anyway?

 

[cheri1122]

Therefore, I have a very hard time
>understanding why there is such A mess about having "In God
>We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of
>Allegiance. Why is the world catering to this 14%? AMEN!
>In God We Trust
>
>The only easy day,was yesterday -U S Navy Seals

The world is not "catering to this 14%" - the United States Government is following the principles upon which it was founded. Yes, the principles were based upon Christianity, but religion was wisely kept out of government, as the founders knew all too well the danger of permitting the two to become blended. If the government is permitted to sanction religion, then it must choose just one. Who will decide which one?
We have many Christian based laws, such as banning the sale of alcohol on Sundays, and, frankly, if I were a Muslim, or Jew, or any other religion, I'd be offended at that: why are your religious dictates honored, but not mine? Christianity may be the religion of a majority of Americans, but who can say that it is the one true religion?

 

[LDB]

One problem is the 14% as well as others do not understand separation of church and state. There is no conflict in having the motto on legal tender or the phrase in the pledge. Conflict would occur if the government were to give some form of preferential treatment to Catholics or Baptists or any other specific denomination. That is the intent of, and the reason for, the separation clause.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[darkunicorn]

My self not sure I believe in god any more, but hey its what this country is founded on and I for one swore an oath to up hold the constitution and defend my country against aggressors foreign and domestic so help me god! So guess you know what way I vote!

Alvin

 

[cheri1122]

Is not the term "God" preferential?

 

[Dreamer]

> Is not the term "God" preferential?

Yes it is, and I believe it should be. This country was founded on Christian principles, as was stated. "In General" we're known as a Christian nation. Does that mean every one HAS to agree with Christian principles, no.. but I think living here should come with an understanding that we are a Christian nation, that is, most people beleive in the Christian God.

It cracks me up that people get so upset at that. This is America. We worship God. Muslims worship Allah. Asians worship Budda. Etc...

If I went to visit, or live, in their country, I wouldn't be offended at them chanting to Budda or whoever, before a soccer game.. I would understand, I went to a Buddhist country!

Here's a far out example... Let's say a FedEx driver went to Tri-States Driver appreciation days for the food with a friend. They welcome him in as a fellow driver, and a friend. Then they go on talking about Tri-State and how they beleive in Tri-State, and how he should think about joining Tri-State because it's the best! Should the FedEx Driver get mad and complain about how he doesn't beleive in Tri-State? Should he go up to the president of Tri-state and tell him that he's going to sue them for discrimination if they dont' quit talking about Tri-State?

Of course not.. he went to a Tri-State dinner, knowing full well they beleive in Tri-State. If they truely beleived it was the best company, why wouldn't they try to convince others to join them? It doesn't mean they dont' respect him for being a FedEx driver, they just happen to beleive in Tri-State, and feel compelled to share that with the driver who came to THEIR dinner!

Same thing with America... tho of course not everyone believes, our recognized religion, the one we're based on .. is Christianity. Why are people so upset then? They're welcome to their opinion, they don't have to convert, but they can't tell us not to talk about it!



Just my 2 cents.... and maybe change back!



Dreamer
Forums Administrator


--------------

"If you don't have the time to do something right,
where are you going to find the time to fix it?"

-Stephen King

 

[LDB]

Very well put Dale. In this instance I believe God is not preferential as far as the separation clause is concerned. It doesn't force one specific religion on society as the Church of Englad in the time this was drafted. The point was that you won't pay less taxes if you are a member of xyz church compared to any other church and any other preferential treatment of that sort. As stated, this nation was founded as a Christian nation. That should be a take it or leave it situation not something to be continuously compromised for those who don't like it.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[cheri1122]

Leo, I respectfully ask how the basis for the founding of our government changed from "based on Christian principles", with which I would agree, to "founded as a Christian nation" with which I would not. Had the founders meant to create a Christian nation, they would have been clear in establishing Christianity as our official religion, but they did not. They believed in freedom of religion, not just freedom in denominations of Christianity. The Christian principles upon which they based the government, and law, are not exclusive to Christianity: atheists also believe in "the Ten Commandments", they just don't attribute the moral authority to God, but to a human understanding of the difference between right & wrong. A society that permits it's members to kill, injure, steal from, lie to, or cheat each other with impunity is anarchy. Morally correct is not synonomous with religion, and vice versa. Christianity may be a belief of 86% of Americans, but that does not make it truth - there was a time in America when probably even more of the population believed that some of the neighbor women were witches, capable of casting spells. They were so certain in thier beliefs, supported and sanctioned by religion, that they put those women to death. This is just one example of a belief which was almost universally considered correct, but was totally wrong.
I don't claim that what I believe is correct, I acknowledge the possibility that it may be wrong, because there are many things I know not. Can Christianity, or any religion, say the same? Or does religion claim infallibility by substituting "faith" for knowledge?

 

[Dreamer]

Well put, both of you.

Cheri,

Without getting too deep in a theological discussion, I believe Christianity goes beyond denomination, or a particular set of beliefs. It is a "heart knowledge", not a "head knowledge", does that make sense? I "know" certain things because they've happened to me, my life, and others around me. Can I prove it on paper? Maybe not.. but the old analogy says "I can't see the wind, but I can show you where it's been"

"Excellent points!


Dale

 

[cheri1122]

Dale, I believe your "heart knowledge" is simply faith - a belief I don't have, and can't pretend to. Actually, I am envious of the ability of people to find comfort in the really hard times, through faith, as the Amish have so perfectly shown, but I can't manufacture it, or buy it, or beg, borrow, or steal it, either. I'm not offended by religion, just mystified.
And I firmly believe that the government must remain nuetral on the subject, as history demonstrates what happens when it does not.
So, if you don't want to get into a theological discussion, how about philosophy? Just kidding - I'm not in a serious mood anymore, and may not be for months, lol.:+

 

[highway star]

Cheri, Leo was correct with his Christian Nation statement. You agree with him when you agree that the country was founded on Christian principles. The difference is, back then the population was very small and not religiously diverse. It was a Christian Nation. We became diverse as we grew and became the "melting pot".

 

[cheri1122]

The people of the country may be Christian, but the principles were not exclusive to Christianity, and the government was very carefully structured to keep religion, of whatever flavor, out. I believe that was as wise as the rest of the choices the founders made, like the separation of power, and we should stick to it.
You are right in that the diversity has increased exponentially, but the wisdom of the choices made then are still evident today. It's just a mystery that we don't seem to have any such wise leaders anymore.

 

[tavrin]

"It cracks me up that people get so upset at that. This is America. We worship God. Muslims worship Allah. Asians worship Budda. Etc..."


no this is america we have the right ot worship what we want or worship science

 

[nightcreacher]

when you dress up a dead athiest,hes all dressed up and has no where to go

 

[nightcreacher]

what does an athiest say during the heat of making love,OH OH ????

 

[nightcreacher]

This country was founded on God's pricipals,but you don't have to be christian to believe in God,Jews aren't christians,but we believe in God
if the athiests make us take under God out,next,Fl's main language will be spanish

 

[TJ959]

This country was based on religeous freedom and a belief in God. It even says so on our money and we all know how we feel about money. So maybe we should worship Big Bird or Barney or Madonna or Barney Fife. Trouble is many people think religious freedom means if our beliefs offend them we shouldn't be allowed to believe them. They also think that if we voice our beliefs we are being intolerant of their belief or lack of belief.??????? I have to wonder who's being intolerant?
I know a very wealthy man who believes in nothing, indulges his every whim and lacks for nothing. He has a beautiful home and every boy toy anyone could want. Hes'e the unhappiest man I've ever known. I would'nt change places with him at any price.