Atheists, religious groups lobby on Day of Prayer

[Nelson Muntz]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100424/ap_on_re_us/us_national_day_of_prayer

To pray or not to pray? That's the issue government leaders across the country are facing after a federal judge ruled that the National Day of Prayer set for May 6 was unconstitutional.

The ruling can't take effect until all appeals are exhausted, but that's not stopping atheists and prayer advocates from firing off letters, e-mails and even planning to put up billboards to convince state and local leaders across the country to see things their way.

Nothing's changing in Topeka, Kan., says Mayor Bill Bunten.

"Some of these judges have lost their way," Bunten said. "Every day is a day of prayer in most Kansas lives, whether they are Christian or Muslim or Jewish or whatever, and to say that a prayer day is illegal is just ridiculous. That judge better go back and read some history about how this country was formed. Next thing you know we won't be able to sing 'God Bless America.'"

The ruling raised a furor among religious advocacy groups, who say the day has become an American tradition. And the announcement this week by President Barack Obama's administration that it would appeal galvanized atheists, who are trying to persuade officials not to attend local events. Their campaigns illustrate the persistent tensions over any combination of religion and government.

Congress established a national prayer day in 1952 and in 1988 set the first Thursday in May as the official day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray. Many state and local officials follow suit on that day.

[hammondjam]

As a person without religion, I say "Let'em pray if they want". Make it an official day or whatever. If offends me not if someone is spiritual.

[Palehorse]

But when they cram it down my throat, I do get offended. . .

[Ra]

That's the problem.  The Great Commission leads to cramming. 

[Whoo]

I wonder why there remains so much confusion as to the interpretation of "separation of church and state" - the words are very clear.  People can pray all they want, when they want.  We don't need a national day for it.

[Palehorse]

I wonder why there remains so much confusion as to the interpretation of "separation of church and state" - the words are very clear.  People can pray all they want, when they want.  We don't need a national day for it.

The religious leadership are afraid their golden goose (read: tax exempt status) is going into the pot. They don't want anyone else to put their grubby little paws into the fruits of their efforts!

[Mara Lynd]

I think this is a non-issue which the religious right is using to create drama where there isn't any. No one is saying they can't pray, but our government shouldn't be involved in mandating a day.

[Palehorse]

I think this is a non-issue which the religious right is using to create drama where there isn't any. No one is saying they can't pray, but our government shouldn't be involved in mandating a day.

Agreed. They are the tea party! 

[Whoo]

 

That's what I think about the teabaggers.

[hammondjam]

How about we let the believers pray on a special day if they want BUT we also let non believers have freedom of speech when they choose NOT to pray and have to explain why? There's enough room for everybody without having to step on any toes. It's the folks that indisputedly know they're right that are the problem!

If Christianity is under siege in America, please explain why there are tax free churches on almost every block, in my hometown, while  restaurants that serve alchohol have to try to find someplace outside the "Holy Perimeters" in which to operate.