Posted on Aug 5, 2014
Atheists Want Guard to Stop Bible Handouts. What is your opinion?
67.7K
1.08K
565
44
44
0
If you do not believe in the BIBLE GOD JESUS etc do not take the BIBLE. Easy answer
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/08/05/atheists-want-guard-to-stop-bible-handouts.html?ESRC=eb.nl
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/08/05/atheists-want-guard-to-stop-bible-handouts.html?ESRC=eb.nl
Posted in these groups: 
Atheism
Atheism
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 186
1
1
0
1
1
0
I still have my bible that was handed to me during reception in Ft. Benning and I used it to help me get through a lot. As the Captain above said, they brought a Tora for her to read. The tolerance we hear so much about does not mean we have to destroy others believes and faiths in order to obtained true tolerance. A Christain should be offered a Christian bible. The Jews should be offered a Torah and the Muslims should be offered the Koran. For those who choose not to believe the offer is there not forced upon you. It isn't right to take away the rights to practice ones fath just because it bothers someone else. It's offensive to me that they considered taking away the books from the new recruits!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I am religious but I respect others beliefs. I have several friends who are atheists and many other religions. I do not force my beliefs on them and the only time we talk about religion is when someone has a question about it. We keep the discussion brief so no drama arises. If you don't believe in it or have a different religion just politely decline it. You have a right to not take it no one should force it upon you. If they are forcing you to take the bible despite saying no thank you then that's an entirely different matter.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I think we should stop caring what atheists think... If they don't want a Bible, don't take it. Simply offering it to them should not be offensive.
Should we outlaw meat in the dining facility because some people are vegetarians (or vegans, now, I guess)? If you don't want it, don't take it, but your preferences are no more important than those who do want meat.
Allowing the minority views to disproportionately impact the majority views is a load of BS.
Should we outlaw meat in the dining facility because some people are vegetarians (or vegans, now, I guess)? If you don't want it, don't take it, but your preferences are no more important than those who do want meat.
Allowing the minority views to disproportionately impact the majority views is a load of BS.
(1)
(0)
COL Jean (John) F. B.
LT (Join to see)
You are correct. Poor choice of words. I really did not mean that we should stop caring; what I meant was that we should stop allowing a small minority to dictate to the majority. Everybody gets a voice and a vote. One person's is no more important than another person's, however, 1,000 persons' opinions should carry more weight than a differing opinion of 10.
You are correct. Poor choice of words. I really did not mean that we should stop caring; what I meant was that we should stop allowing a small minority to dictate to the majority. Everybody gets a voice and a vote. One person's is no more important than another person's, however, 1,000 persons' opinions should carry more weight than a differing opinion of 10.
(3)
(0)
COL Jean (John) F. B.
TSgt J.D. Hall
You are reading more into what I said that what I meant. My comments were meant to convey that I think it a load of BS that a small minority can dictate to the majority. Case in point, handing out Bibles to those who want them. If there are some who do not want them, simply don't take them. Nobody is advocating what you describe.
Frankly, I am sick of snail darters and woodpeckers preventing things that are good for the economy, our people and the country. I am sick of atheists impacting people of faith from being able to practice their religion, just as they are free not to. I am tired of tree huggers preventing a pipeline that would create thousands of jobs and lower the price of fuel for millions. I am tired of race-baiters, sexual-morality bankrupt people, fem-Nazis, Gaystopo, and other minority special-interest groups impacting the rights of the majority who think differently than they do. I believe in civil rights, equality, and all the other words you want to put on doing what is right. What I don't believe in is that things I disagree with are being pushed down my throat (no pun intended) and/or my rights and beliefs impacted by a few people with an agenda that does not comport with the majority's views.
You are reading more into what I said that what I meant. My comments were meant to convey that I think it a load of BS that a small minority can dictate to the majority. Case in point, handing out Bibles to those who want them. If there are some who do not want them, simply don't take them. Nobody is advocating what you describe.
Frankly, I am sick of snail darters and woodpeckers preventing things that are good for the economy, our people and the country. I am sick of atheists impacting people of faith from being able to practice their religion, just as they are free not to. I am tired of tree huggers preventing a pipeline that would create thousands of jobs and lower the price of fuel for millions. I am tired of race-baiters, sexual-morality bankrupt people, fem-Nazis, Gaystopo, and other minority special-interest groups impacting the rights of the majority who think differently than they do. I believe in civil rights, equality, and all the other words you want to put on doing what is right. What I don't believe in is that things I disagree with are being pushed down my throat (no pun intended) and/or my rights and beliefs impacted by a few people with an agenda that does not comport with the majority's views.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Mr. Hall,
I believe you are making the mistake that is so often made in today's society of taking a statement concerning one topic and applying it to another. My understanding of Col Burleson's comments are quite understandable as long as you keep it in context of the topic of "should the minority interests take precedence over the majority and deny the majority their rights". I agree with the Colonel on this in that the minority voice should count no more than the majority when considering the denying access of religious material to the entire population of soldiers. You are trying to change the question and keep the answer which casts the Colonel comment in extremely volatile waters. This discussion is not about the majority restricting the minority and it is especially not about race, it is about choosing what material, if any,is available and offered to soldiers. What is your opinion on this topic? Should any religious group be able to say that another religious group shouldn't be provided access to religious material. If you do believe it is okay, then how would you justify allowing the minority to restrict the majority but not allow the majority to restrict the minority. This would be a double standard. Restricting freedoms is something to be handled very carefully. Just because one group doesn't practice or participate in an allowed freedom doesn't give them the right to dictate to and deny another group the same freedom as long as it does not directly impact or restrict the first group.
I believe you are making the mistake that is so often made in today's society of taking a statement concerning one topic and applying it to another. My understanding of Col Burleson's comments are quite understandable as long as you keep it in context of the topic of "should the minority interests take precedence over the majority and deny the majority their rights". I agree with the Colonel on this in that the minority voice should count no more than the majority when considering the denying access of religious material to the entire population of soldiers. You are trying to change the question and keep the answer which casts the Colonel comment in extremely volatile waters. This discussion is not about the majority restricting the minority and it is especially not about race, it is about choosing what material, if any,is available and offered to soldiers. What is your opinion on this topic? Should any religious group be able to say that another religious group shouldn't be provided access to religious material. If you do believe it is okay, then how would you justify allowing the minority to restrict the majority but not allow the majority to restrict the minority. This would be a double standard. Restricting freedoms is something to be handled very carefully. Just because one group doesn't practice or participate in an allowed freedom doesn't give them the right to dictate to and deny another group the same freedom as long as it does not directly impact or restrict the first group.
(2)
(0)
COL Jean (John) F. B.
SFC (Join to see) TSgt J.D. Hall
Good discussion... SFC Haner, you captured exactly what I was trying to say.
TSgt Hall, to answer your questions, yes, I consider it wrong for someone to continue to push one's views on another after being asked to stop. Commanders should not allow, condone or participate in such activity.
Just remember, we are guaranteed "freedom of religion", not "freedom from religion". People have the right to have no religion, but they do not have the right to stop those who do have a religion from practicing it. Counter to what many anti-religion zealots think, the mere fact that someone practices religion is not an infringement on their rights. In addition, the whole "separation of church and state" argument by the anti-religion crowd is baseless when it comes to practicing one's religion, handing out Bibles, having nativity scenes, etc. Those do not "establish a national religion"; they are simply acts of practicing one's religion.
You are free to believe or not believe whatever you want to. So am I and everyone else. You have no greater right than I do and vice-versa.
Good discussion... SFC Haner, you captured exactly what I was trying to say.
TSgt Hall, to answer your questions, yes, I consider it wrong for someone to continue to push one's views on another after being asked to stop. Commanders should not allow, condone or participate in such activity.
Just remember, we are guaranteed "freedom of religion", not "freedom from religion". People have the right to have no religion, but they do not have the right to stop those who do have a religion from practicing it. Counter to what many anti-religion zealots think, the mere fact that someone practices religion is not an infringement on their rights. In addition, the whole "separation of church and state" argument by the anti-religion crowd is baseless when it comes to practicing one's religion, handing out Bibles, having nativity scenes, etc. Those do not "establish a national religion"; they are simply acts of practicing one's religion.
You are free to believe or not believe whatever you want to. So am I and everyone else. You have no greater right than I do and vice-versa.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Freedom of Religion, not freedom from religion.
One of the same principles our great Republic was founded upon.
The freedom to choose or not, to freely worship and serve God with out interference from the
Government, or anyone else. Isn't ensuring we protect all our freedoms one of the reasons we joined?
Whether you currently exercise all of your freedoms now, doesn't mean you won't later.
Here is a minuscule group who are offended, because someone cares enough about them to offer everyone the same comfort of the written Word.
Simple, don't want it, don't take it. Be professional, be courteous, be respectful.
One of the same principles our great Republic was founded upon.
The freedom to choose or not, to freely worship and serve God with out interference from the
Government, or anyone else. Isn't ensuring we protect all our freedoms one of the reasons we joined?
Whether you currently exercise all of your freedoms now, doesn't mean you won't later.
Here is a minuscule group who are offended, because someone cares enough about them to offer everyone the same comfort of the written Word.
Simple, don't want it, don't take it. Be professional, be courteous, be respectful.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Is it the Guard that is handing them out or the Chaplain Corps? Just as they should have a right to offer holy denominational books, Soldiers have every right to decline them. Freedom OF religion is NOT freedom FROM religion.
(1)
(0)
Cpl Christopher Bishop
I disagree. Some of us do not need a Bible to figure out how we should conduct ourselves...nor did any of those books ever stop the Clergy Pedophiles out there. So I do include my Freedom FROM religion in my idea of rights.
(1)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
Your rights come from the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
As I said, you have a right to decline a bible if offered. Your right to decline it however does not supercede my right to accept one, or a Chaplain's right to offer one.
As I said, you have a right to decline a bible if offered. Your right to decline it however does not supercede my right to accept one, or a Chaplain's right to offer one.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
Why can't they just not take one? That's what did at the chow hall when they served liver.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Bottom line...if an Athiest doesn't want a bible when offered, don't take it, however, the person stainding behind him has the same right to either accept or decline the same offer.
Our nation has allowed itself to be so overcome by religious political correctness and at the same time, has bega to tug at the religious rights of the Christian Faith. Some schools now allow time for childrenof the Islamic Faith to pray in school, while at the same time, will not allow clothing, bibles, references to God/Jesus, etc., that represent Christianity to be allowed. The rant of the day is "we don't want to offend the Muslims, Atheists, etc. If you can practice your faith, then I can practice mine....a principle our country founded on....Freedom of Religion.
Atheists want a Cross removed in CA! Why, because it offends them....well, take a different road next time. That cross has a special meaning to many others. Your choosing to be offended, does not take away their right to pay respect to it and the reason it was errected there.
Now how do these things cause offense? Beats the hell out me. I don't believe in what ever an Atheist believes, but I am not offended by it, as it's their choice to believe what ever they want. They do not believe in God/Christianity, but what offense does it cause them....in reality NONE! I have asked several that I have known over the years....none spoke of how they "or" their "faith, non-faith, belief, non-belief" was offended. I've asked many times, " How are you offended by something you do not believe in? To you, it doesn't exist, it's not real, so what is so offensive?" Now if it's my belief that offends you....that's just tough S#%^, as it's my right to believe the same as it's their's to believe other wise.
So just say "no thanks to the offer of the bible", and oh by the way, the same group that is passing out the bible, has provided the coffee, sodas, donuts and sandwiches that your ass is chowing down on! They didn't deny you of any of it, even with your beliefs..... So shut up and move out!
Our nation has allowed itself to be so overcome by religious political correctness and at the same time, has bega to tug at the religious rights of the Christian Faith. Some schools now allow time for childrenof the Islamic Faith to pray in school, while at the same time, will not allow clothing, bibles, references to God/Jesus, etc., that represent Christianity to be allowed. The rant of the day is "we don't want to offend the Muslims, Atheists, etc. If you can practice your faith, then I can practice mine....a principle our country founded on....Freedom of Religion.
Atheists want a Cross removed in CA! Why, because it offends them....well, take a different road next time. That cross has a special meaning to many others. Your choosing to be offended, does not take away their right to pay respect to it and the reason it was errected there.
Now how do these things cause offense? Beats the hell out me. I don't believe in what ever an Atheist believes, but I am not offended by it, as it's their choice to believe what ever they want. They do not believe in God/Christianity, but what offense does it cause them....in reality NONE! I have asked several that I have known over the years....none spoke of how they "or" their "faith, non-faith, belief, non-belief" was offended. I've asked many times, " How are you offended by something you do not believe in? To you, it doesn't exist, it's not real, so what is so offensive?" Now if it's my belief that offends you....that's just tough S#%^, as it's my right to believe the same as it's their's to believe other wise.
So just say "no thanks to the offer of the bible", and oh by the way, the same group that is passing out the bible, has provided the coffee, sodas, donuts and sandwiches that your ass is chowing down on! They didn't deny you of any of it, even with your beliefs..... So shut up and move out!
(1)
(0)
SGT Robert Hawks
If they don't want one they don't have to take one. I for one still have the one I got in basic training at Fort Dix back in 1984 and have read from it on numerous occasions.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
The Armed services of the United States of America is here to defend the country not pass out bibles and should stay out of it, because not everybody is christain. The person they are handing the bible to my be of another faith and feel offend and that the army is taking sides in religion and should not.
(1)
(0)
SSG Philip Evans
SSG Gordon Hill - The Armed Services are indeed here to defend the country but you forget that the first line of the oath that you swore was to "Uphold and Defend the Constitution of the United States". That's your first duty!
The First Amendment to the Constitution asserts that we were endowed with a God given right (not a man-made law) to freedom of religion and religious expression. This was the very reason that many (if not most) of the original colonists came to this land. They were seeking freedom from the religious oppression and persecution in their home countries.
As for people feeling that the Army or any other branch is taking sides in this issue, the issue only exists if you make it so! Chaplains do a pretty good job of dealing with a lot of different things. They don't just deal with religious matters. Their concern is also for the morale and well-being of the troops. The Chaplain's roles have changed somewhat over the years, but the hard jobs are still there. They can have many different jobs roles, some you never want! A good friend of mine was a Chaplain in the Air Force during the VietNam War. His Job was to personally notify families of deceased airmen. Would you want that job? Most materials that Chaplains hand out are donated by various organizations. The Government does not print these materials and they contain disclosures as to their origin. I have seen everything from Bibles, Book of Mormon, books of the Jewish faith, the Koran, Teaching of Buddha, the Bhagavad Gita, etc... So it's not just Christian books that are available.
But, remember first and above all... this country was founded on the principle of "Freedom of Religion", not "Freedom from Religion"!
The First Amendment to the Constitution asserts that we were endowed with a God given right (not a man-made law) to freedom of religion and religious expression. This was the very reason that many (if not most) of the original colonists came to this land. They were seeking freedom from the religious oppression and persecution in their home countries.
As for people feeling that the Army or any other branch is taking sides in this issue, the issue only exists if you make it so! Chaplains do a pretty good job of dealing with a lot of different things. They don't just deal with religious matters. Their concern is also for the morale and well-being of the troops. The Chaplain's roles have changed somewhat over the years, but the hard jobs are still there. They can have many different jobs roles, some you never want! A good friend of mine was a Chaplain in the Air Force during the VietNam War. His Job was to personally notify families of deceased airmen. Would you want that job? Most materials that Chaplains hand out are donated by various organizations. The Government does not print these materials and they contain disclosures as to their origin. I have seen everything from Bibles, Book of Mormon, books of the Jewish faith, the Koran, Teaching of Buddha, the Bhagavad Gita, etc... So it's not just Christian books that are available.
But, remember first and above all... this country was founded on the principle of "Freedom of Religion", not "Freedom from Religion"!
(0)
(0)
CPO William Hughes
The first Amendment says "we are endowed by our Creator", not "God", and "freedom of religion is also considered "freedom from religion".
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I think the money can be spent on important items and issues. The Military is not a publishing house nor should they contract for books for entertainment.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google