OH, NOTHING

I’ve written several posts and articles over the past few years about atheist movement in America, usually in response to campaigns they sponsor during the Christmas season. There are currently nine billboards in the Phoenix area featuring quotes and pictures of local atheists/agnostics. This “Out of the Closet” campaign is sponsored by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, the nation’s largest such group with 17 thousand U.S. members. Four hundred of those members are here in Arizona, which has a higher number of “free thinkers” than the national average.

The founder of the Freedom from Religion Foundation formed the organization based on her pro-abortion principles and her feelings of being threatened by those who believe to choose life. I found it quite interesting that this anti-religion group was founded on the basis of death, versus religion based on life.

Although a 17,000-member organization doesn’t seem like anything to really be concerned about, there is definitely a growing trend away from people identifying with religion. An American Religious Identification Survey taken three years ago found that responders claiming to adhere to “no religion” have more than doubled in the last two decades. (Source: “The Arizona Republic,” 12.10.2011) 

One of the Phoenix billboards featured the quote, “Love + critical thinking = open minds.” So, this group is “lovingly” suing over any sign of religion that they can, any chance they can? If they are so “open minded,” why do they lash out as often as they can against those who have different beliefs? Maybe I’m misunderstanding their definition of “critical thinking.” Instead of rational problem solving thinking, maybe it’s irrational criticism thinking. They say they don’t want the beliefs of others imposed on them. They’re offended by Christian symbols, words, music, etc., yet think we shouldn’t be offended by their actions.

They like to say that they believe in “nothing” – “no gods required” (another billboard quote), but, as I’ve said before, it takes just as much faith to believe in “nothing” as it does to believe in “something.” The fact that these few people wanted to “come out of the closet” about their beliefs isn’t such a big deal. It’s irritating that they choose this time of the year; “We don’t need your god. We believe in nothing!” But, rather than pointing out how “free” they are, I think it points out how sad and drab their lives must be. What do they celebrate? They might say they celebrate the winter solstice, but that’s a religious holiday, too. But, of course, they would reject our sympathy because the whole point of their timing was intended to be irritating.

Most of all, I think it points out two truths found in that Book that they reject:

“…God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

I Timothy 2:3 & 4 (NIV),

and,

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!

They are ripe for harvest.”

John 4:35 (NIV)

P.S.: The above-mentioned Freedom From Religion Foundation had filed a lawsuit against Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer over a state Day of Prayer. They wanted the commemoration ruled unconstitutional and wanted an injunction to prevent the governor from issuing future such proclamations. Thankfully, the judge dismissed the case yesterday, saying that the plaintiffs couldn’t “show how the governor’s actions caused them injury or harm.” Just another case of them having “nothing” to stand on.  (Source: “The Arizona Republic,” 12.13.2011.)

P.S. #2: The Freedom from Religion Foundation wants a small town in southern New Jersey to take down a banner that spans a public roadway proclaiming, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” The sign was put up by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s organization and is anchored on private property. The only response from the town has been a statement from the mayor expressing that a minority wants the majority to “kowtow” to them. The foundation is looking for private property in the town to place their sign – which they have put up elsewhere across the country adjacent to public Christmas displays – which states: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” They are entitled to their opinion, but so are we. (Source: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com, 12.13.11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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