Friday, January 27, 2012

Atheist Teen Gets Prayer Removed From School

This is causing quite the curfuffle. (and we need to start using the word "curfuffle" more often.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46160046/#.TyLY2WDZiKo

So please read that, read the prayer, and then my response. Not that in no way am I defending those that are threatening her...That is deplorable. Also, in no way am I saying you shouldn't stand up for your constitutional rights...simply saying that we need to start picking our battles and not lose our mind over every tiny thing that's offensive to us...If I had it my way, I'd take all those abused animal commercials off the air. Not because I disagree, but because they make me sad...and being sad sucks...and the constitution says no one can hinder my right to happiness. But I also see that it's not worth getting into, it would never work, and it's just not necessary to make a big stink about...that's all...so here we go.

I really have no understanding for people threatening this girl. She had every right to do what she did and did so, not out of hate for religion, but because it's what she thought was right. Nothing wrong with that so stop saying she's evil.
However, I do see what many in the religious community are saying here. Many atheists (not all, not even the majority) seem to not only "not believe" but are fervent in their disbelief and, in the case of many atheists I've met, shove that in people's faces just as much as the religious shove their beliefs. Not every religious expression is an affront to the constitution, and while this may have technically crossed the line, I don't think it hurt anyone in all reality. That doesn't mean it should have been there or should have stayed there, but it also doesn't mean that we need to create a lawsuit for every time "Father" or "God" is mentioned.
Like many are saying, there are thousands upon thousands of instances where religious ideals and dogma sneak into our government and personal lives and none of it affects any of our freedoms 99% of the time. Settle down, get over your differences and realize that not every remark is meant to attack your contrasting beliefs.
There are times to fight and times to realize that, despite being justified, the fight isn't worth the unrest it would cause...and in terms of a pretty moral-based prayer that abstractly refers to "father," I'm not sure the justification makes up for all the grief it has caused the town or the girl...So...props to the girl for standing up for what she believes...but if you resort to tactics like this for every time religion enters into your everyday life, you're going to have a pretty s#*tty life
btw...not religious here.

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