My wife, Laurel, is an avid atheist -- even more so in some respects than I am. She started a MeetUp group here in Salem, Oregon: Freethinking Atheists of Salem. Here's the description of the group.
Are you too logical/rational to believe in religions, conspiracy theories, and beliefs not supported by modern science, yet miss the fellowship church-goers enjoy? Let's meet up monthly for coffee to converse with like-minded people who also share minority status as "nonbelievers" in a predominantly religious believing world.
Let's share what we learn about science, the challenges of being atheists, and support each other in what we know to be supported by reality. We ask for about a one dollar donation to cover the MeetUp cost, and that you support the IKE Box's hospitality by purchasing a drink or snack.
Last night Laurel used the public comment period at a Salem City Council meeting to talk about her concern that a minister called for prayer prior to Mayor Chuck Bennett giving the annual "State of the City" address.
(You can see the invocation at about the 1:30 mark in this video.)
Yes, the Mayor's talk wasn't held in a government building, but it was part of his official mayoral duties. As Laurel says in the video below, church and state are supposed to be separated in the United States. Having a Christian minister issue a call for prayer elevates one religion above others.
And also, of course, above the 30% or so of people in Oregon who don't embrace any religion, or God. Yet the minister ends his invocation/prayer with "In Jesus' name."
There's absolutely no reason why people who choose to attend a secular event should have to listen to religious talk.
I'm glad my wife made this point to the Mayor and City Council. Hopefully next year there won't be any religious invocation. Or if there is, that it feature a representative of a different faith than Christianity.
It doesn't bother or offend me if someone calls for prayer. Prayer can mean a lot of things. So, I just sit silently and merge into the Cosmos or think of naked women (old habits die hard).
However, I might be more religious than I like to admit. When I make a mistake in the shop I often find myself saying "Jesus Christ" or "God damn it". If I really screw up I sometimes say "God damn it to Hell". So, obviously I have latent fundamentalist leanings.
Posted by: tucson | January 29, 2019 at 09:42 PM
I reckon that Americans are in for a really uphill struggle to keep religion out of politics when irrational so-called religious thinking is rife in many of its leaders and institutions.
I guess you are aware of Sarah Sanders telling the Christian Broadcasting Network in an interview that God wanted Donald Trump as president, adding that God was the reason Mr Trump was in office. She said that God wanted Donald Trump to become president, and that's why he's there. She believes he has done a great job tremendous job in supporting a lot of the things that people of faith really care about.” ------- Oh dear!!
America can go under in many ways with Mr Trump ignoring realities. Unfortunately it effects the rest of the world.
Posted by: Turan | January 31, 2019 at 01:08 AM
However, I might be more religious than I like to admit. When I make a mistake in the shop I often find myself saying "Jesus Christ" or "God damn it". If I really screw up I sometimes say "God damn it to Hell". So, obviously I have latent fundamentalist leanings.
Reflecting on our current White House occupant, I'm sure many atheists
can at moments be heard saying -yes, even praying- "Oh, God, help us!".
Posted by: Dungeness | January 31, 2019 at 01:44 AM
"Reflecting on our current White House occupant, I'm sure many atheists
can at moments be heard saying -yes, even praying- "Oh, God, help us!"
-- In that regard I often think, "Thank God".
Posted by: tucson | January 31, 2019 at 11:09 AM
-- In that regard I often think, "Thank God".
1) You think "Thank God" for curr. occupant of W.H.
2) You think "Thank God" so many atheists are sayin'
"God, help us" due to curr. occupant of W.H.
Thank God, most opt for door #2. Yes! Let's "Make
America Great Again".
[We now return you to our regularly scheduled
religious vs. non-religious strife.]
Posted by: Dungeness | February 01, 2019 at 07:23 AM
To be clear.. I opt for door #1.
I find him refreshing.
Posted by: tucson | February 01, 2019 at 11:25 AM