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Author Topic:   News on Religion in Our Goverments
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 1 of 136 (630844)
08-28-2011 3:10 PM


I didn't see a thread for news stories pertaining to religion and how it is handled by our respective governments. I thought it would be nice to have a place to put news items that may not be worthy of their own thread, as this is an on-going ever changing subject. If it seems like a good topic to discuss in length then a new topic can be started.
1st news item coming soon.
Edited by fearandloathing, : No reason given.
Edited by fearandloathing, : teddible grammar

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by RAZD, posted 08-28-2011 3:25 PM fearandloathing has replied
 Message 4 by Dogmafood, posted 08-28-2011 4:23 PM fearandloathing has replied
 Message 10 by nwr, posted 08-28-2011 8:25 PM fearandloathing has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 2 of 136 (630845)
08-28-2011 3:18 PM


Air Force Suspends Christian Just War Theory Class for Missile Officers
It is hard for me to believe it took 20 years for someone to complain, I guess this slipped by the American Atheist.
quote:
The U.S. Air Force has cancelled a course entitled Christian Just War Theory that was required for all nuclear missile launch officers, reported the Associated Press. The course, which has been taught for the past 20 years by military chaplains at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, is being revised following complaints by some participants that Scripture was used by teachers to show that war can be a moral endeavor, explained David Smith, a spokesman for the Air Force Air Education and Training Command. While the Air Force once felt the Bible-based training was necessary because of the nature of the job missile officers might be called upon to do, Smith said, it is now considered inappropriate in a society that has become increasingly pluralistic.
According to CNN, the Air Force suspended the ethics class after 31 missile launch officers reported the religious nature of the briefing to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a secular watchdog group that targets faith in the armed forces. Mikey Weinstein, a spokesman for the organization, said that there were several things the missile officers found disgusting. The first was the fact that there is actually a slide that makes it clear that they’re trying to teach that, under fundamentalist Christian doctrine, war is a good thing.
Read more...
The most moral thing would be to get rid of all nukes, but since that isn't going to happen any time soon then the air force needs to come up with some type of replacement for this class. Maybe the navy could give them a few tips?..
Edited by fearandloathing, : spelling

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

Replies to this message:
 Message 11 by dwise1, posted 08-28-2011 8:43 PM fearandloathing has replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 5 of 136 (630848)
08-28-2011 4:25 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by RAZD
08-28-2011 3:25 PM


Re: imposing christianity at funerals
Makes you wonder where the politicians come from?
Here is another example of religion and prayer being used as political ammo.
quote:
FRANKFORT A state lawyer's recommendation that the Bell County school district stop allowing prayer over the public-address system at football games has sparked controversy in Kentucky's gubernatorial election.
Republican David Williams, who is challenging Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear in the Nov. 8 election, urged Beshear in a news release Friday "to denounce this attack on prayer at public functions and lead the efforts of state government to defend our citizens' right to voluntarily pray anywhere they choose."
Read more...
I don't think prayer has a place at a public school football game, a moment of silence wouldn't bother me, but not a prayer of any type being played over the PA.
I could be wrong but it seems that the republicans like to use the 'religious indignation card' as much as possible, especially at election time.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by RAZD, posted 08-28-2011 3:25 PM RAZD has seen this message but not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by New Cat's Eye, posted 08-29-2011 11:08 AM fearandloathing has seen this message but not replied
 Message 17 by Taq, posted 08-29-2011 5:48 PM fearandloathing has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 6 of 136 (630849)
08-28-2011 4:27 PM
Reply to: Message 4 by Dogmafood
08-28-2011 4:23 PM


Re: Canadian Charter
Your doomed...
I never knew that, thanks.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by Dogmafood, posted 08-28-2011 4:23 PM Dogmafood has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 13 of 136 (630928)
08-29-2011 11:53 AM
Reply to: Message 11 by dwise1
08-28-2011 8:43 PM


Re: Air Force Suspends Christian Just War Theory Class for Missile Officers
I found a reference stating that all US Army members going through a divorce are required to go through that program
As far as I know they still have daily prayers on some US navy ships, this was going on a year or so ago, not sure what has come of it.
quote:
FFRF leads objections to shipboard prayers
On behalf of military members who strongly object to official prayers on board U.S. Navy ships, FFRF drafted and sent a letter, co-signed by several other groups, to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to stop the unconstitutional prayers.
The First Amendment violation is occurring aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (the aircraft carrier President Bush gave his 2003 Mission Accomplished speech on), the USS Porter, the USNS Comfort and, most likely, other Navy ships, according to complainants. From FFRF’s Sept. 9 letter:
It is our information and understanding that Navy personnel broadcast a prayer every night over the intercom system aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. We understand that these prayers are initiated with the announcement ‘Tattoo, tattoo, stand by for the evening prayer.’ One of the four chaplains or a person designated by the chaplains then delivers a prayer. We understand that the prayers, whether delivered by the chaplains or designees, are nearly always in the Christian tradition. We received information that sometimes the religious officiant even recites passages from the bible, including verses from the New Testament.
Read more...
A previous SECNAV felt this way.
quote:
Navy rule on prayer ignites a debate
By Eric Pfeiffer, The Washington Times, March 23, 2006
A new Navy policy that encourages chaplains to use only "nonsectarian" language outside of divine services has prompted criticism that regulating prayer services violates the chaplains' First Amendment rights.
Under new rules signed by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, chaplains of all faiths in the Navy are asked to consider the views of their audience before invoking specific religious beliefs in prayer
Read more...
Edited by fearandloathing, : Added word 'some' for clarity, not sure it happens on all ships

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 11 by dwise1, posted 08-28-2011 8:43 PM dwise1 has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 14 by Aware Wolf, posted 08-29-2011 1:34 PM fearandloathing has replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 15 of 136 (630941)
08-29-2011 1:52 PM
Reply to: Message 14 by Aware Wolf
08-29-2011 1:34 PM


Re: Air Force Suspends Christian Just War Theory Class for Missile Officers
I couldn't find much of anything about it, seems the complaint focused on the USS Abraham Lincoln, the USS Porter, the USNS Comfort. I would think it probably has a lot to do with who the commanding officer is. He was probably told to tone it down and keep it within navy regs. I don't think it is thing that is done on all navy ships? If was a practice on all navy ships then I would imagine the media would have jumped on it.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by Aware Wolf, posted 08-29-2011 1:34 PM Aware Wolf has not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


(1)
Message 37 of 136 (631708)
09-02-2011 3:25 PM


Clergy prayer ban at 9/11 event faulted
quote:
Clergy prayer ban at 9/11 event faulted
By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer — 25 minutes ago
NEW YORK (AP) Christian conservatives are condemning Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to bar clergy-led prayer at the 10th anniversary commemoration of the terrorist attacks, calling the program an insult. Others wonder whether the mayor is trying to dodge the potentially thorny issue of including a Muslim representative.
The mayor's office says the annual event focuses on relatives of Sept. 11 victims and has never included clergy invocations. Bloomberg has said it would be impossible to include everyone who would like to participate.
Evelyn Erskine, a Bloomberg spokeswoman, said the program was designed in coordination with 9/11 families and included readings that were "spiritual and personal in nature." Six moments of silence were planned for personal reflection and prayer. Police and fire chaplains who work with the 9/11 families will attend.
"Rather than have disagreements over which religious leaders participate, we would like to keep the focus of our commemoration ceremony on the family members of those who died," Erskine said.
Full story...
I think Bloomberg made the right choice.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


(1)
Message 40 of 136 (631715)
09-02-2011 4:07 PM
Reply to: Message 39 by Artemis Entreri
09-02-2011 3:56 PM


Re: Does this count? No, not really.
Why? I think Bloomberg sucks, and NYC would be better without him.
Have you been to ground zero in the last 10 years? I have been twice once in 2005 and once in 2010. Both times the ground zero site has been blocked off and under construction, there really isn’t much to see. If you do want to see something then you had to go to the makeshift memorial and 9/11 museum, across the street (located at 209 broadway). It’s the trinity wall street church (St. Paul’s). I think it’s sad and rude that NYC would accept help from the church in a time of need, and then 10 years later when the time was to commemorate the event, the church is left out. F NYC. Well that’s how the left is I guess.
What does this have to do with Bloomberg not allowing prayers to be made aloud by clergy?
I haven't been to NY in 14 years or so, hope you enjoyed your visits, but what does this have to do with Bloombergs decision? There will be several moments of silence so anyone in attendance can say a SILENT prayer or just remember. How is this bad? Do you just want to argue?

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 39 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-02-2011 3:56 PM Artemis Entreri has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 42 of 136 (631721)
09-02-2011 4:36 PM
Reply to: Message 39 by Artemis Entreri
09-02-2011 3:56 PM


Re: Does this count? No, not really.
I think it’s sad and rude that NYC would accept help from the church in a time of need, and then 10 years later when the time was to commemorate the event, the church is left out. F NYC. Well that’s how the left is I guess.
I think you might be missing the point, in years past there has been no prayers allowed by any religious group, why start now, how do you choose which ones? Can a Muslim or Jewish prayer also be said, how about a statement from an atheist?
Did NYC ask the church for help? Do you know that no Muslim organization offered help or did not help?

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 39 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-02-2011 3:56 PM Artemis Entreri has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 44 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-02-2011 4:49 PM fearandloathing has replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 47 of 136 (631727)
09-02-2011 5:00 PM
Reply to: Message 44 by Artemis Entreri
09-02-2011 4:49 PM


Re: Does this count? No, not really.
"In years past what are you talking about?
quote:
The mayor's office says the annual event focuses on relatives of Sept. 11 victims and has never included clergy invocations
Try reading, it rocks...
Do you even read the post or link? ANNUAL event.
Edited by fearandloathing, : No reason given.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 44 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-02-2011 4:49 PM Artemis Entreri has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 50 of 136 (631732)
09-02-2011 5:23 PM
Reply to: Message 49 by Artemis Entreri
09-02-2011 5:16 PM


Re: Does this count? No, not really.
Yeah I read it. Sorry I didn’t memorize ever single fucking line.
Kick rocks, all you want to do do is argue, not discuss.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 49 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-02-2011 5:16 PM Artemis Entreri has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 54 of 136 (631746)
09-02-2011 6:12 PM
Reply to: Message 52 by Artemis Entreri
09-02-2011 5:51 PM


Re: Does this count? No, not really.
I’ll take that as you giving up.
No, not at all, there just is not anything to discuss, I could be wrong.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 52 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-02-2011 5:51 PM Artemis Entreri has not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


(1)
Message 62 of 136 (632389)
09-07-2011 5:07 PM
Reply to: Message 60 by Granny Magda
09-06-2011 11:04 AM


Re: Does this count? No, not really.
So you decided not to address the argument at all this time, even reducing yourself to taking pot-shots at my signature.
To be fair to AE your signature is different than mine?? Must be a bug? I have never notice it before as your signature has been the same since I joined, at some point it was separate if I remember correct.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 60 by Granny Magda, posted 09-06-2011 11:04 AM Granny Magda has seen this message but not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


Message 71 of 136 (632720)
09-09-2011 3:24 PM
Reply to: Message 69 by Dr Adequate
09-09-2011 2:20 PM


The Catholic church is all over the news, it might be an interesting topic to discuss who all should be punished in a new thread?
I personally think covering up for a guilty priest is as bad as molesting the children, worse if you simply move him to a new parish knowing there is a chance it will happen again.
RAZD is right, this topic has run amuck, I'll try to keep it more focused.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 69 by Dr Adequate, posted 09-09-2011 2:20 PM Dr Adequate has not replied

  
fearandloathing
Member (Idle past 4145 days)
Posts: 990
From: Burlington, NC, USA
Joined: 02-24-2011


(1)
Message 73 of 136 (632724)
09-09-2011 3:49 PM
Reply to: Message 72 by Artemis Entreri
09-09-2011 3:44 PM


Topic Please
Hi AE,
Can we try and keep to topic. No need to get into a poo slinging contest.
Thanks
Edited by fearandloathing, : No reason given.

"No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten."
Hunter S. Thompson
Ad astra per aspera
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 72 by Artemis Entreri, posted 09-09-2011 3:44 PM Artemis Entreri has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 74 by RAZD, posted 09-09-2011 9:05 PM fearandloathing has replied

  
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