dead Billy Graham

[Magere Hein 1,400]

Billy Graham releases his 'final' book:

 

http://www.charismanews.com/culture/52435-billy-graham-warns-of-fire-and-brimstone-in-final-book

 

According to the article, scholars have noted a certain change in attitude in there. My theory: this book was written by his son Franklin Graham, who is a bit of a christian fundamentalist. He or his organization most likely also writes Graham's daily sermons that are published in several newspapers. So basically, when Billy Graham describes this book as his 'final' book, it's actually his son suspecting that Billy doesn't have long to live anymore, certainly not long enough to publish another book in his name.

 

Are we sure Graham is actually alive and not dead and replaced by his son?

[gcreptile 10,963]

 

Billy Graham releases his 'final' book:

 

http://www.charismanews.com/culture/52435-billy-graham-warns-of-fire-and-brimstone-in-final-book

 

According to the article, scholars have noted a certain change in attitude in there. My theory: this book was written by his son Franklin Graham, who is a bit of a christian fundamentalist. He or his organization most likely also writes Graham's daily sermons that are published in several newspapers. So basically, when Billy Graham describes this book as his 'final' book, it's actually his son suspecting that Billy doesn't have long to live anymore, certainly not long enough to publish another book in his name.

 

Are we sure Graham is actually alive and not dead and replaced by his son?

 

I think the probability of that is low, but I actually wouldn't rule it out. There was a first generation of evangelicals, like Graham or Schuller, who were serious about the Christian 'movement', but their descendants and successors also know that it's a damn fine business, see, for example, Pat Robertson.

[Sir Creep 7,070]

 

 

Billy Graham releases his 'final' book:

 

http://www.charismanews.com/culture/52435-billy-graham-warns-of-fire-and-brimstone-in-final-book

 

According to the article, scholars have noted a certain change in attitude in there. My theory: this book was written by his son Franklin Graham, who is a bit of a christian fundamentalist. He or his organization most likely also writes Graham's daily sermons that are published in several newspapers. So basically, when Billy Graham describes this book as his 'final' book, it's actually his son suspecting that Billy doesn't have long to live anymore, certainly not long enough to publish another book in his name.

 

Are we sure Graham is actually alive and not dead and replaced by his son?

I think the probability of that is low, but I actually wouldn't rule it out. There was a first generation of evangelicals, like Graham or Schuller, who were serious about the Christian 'movement', but their descendants and successors also know that it's a damn fine business, see, for example, Pat Robertson.

Exhibit A: Joel Osteen

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

Just come across this and it's priceless http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/Anyone think of really good question we could try and get him to answer?

[Magere Hein 1,400]

Just come across this and it's priceless http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/Anyone think of really good question we could try and get him to answer?

 

Dear God, which celebs will cark it in 2016?

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

 

Just come across this and it's priceless http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/Anyone think of really good question we could try and get him to answer?

 

Dear God, which celebs will cark it in 2016?

 

I was thinking of something slightly less obvious. How about 'I am constantly thinking about death. I look on the Internet every day to see if anyone famous has died. I even discuss death with complete strangers. I am abnormal?

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

I'm assuming our man gets paid this, if so I am in the wrong job http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article40738614.html

Is heaven real - yes. Does god exist - yes; thank you and that will be $5000.

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

The question we are all asking http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/october-web-only/billy-graham-where-i-am-why-linger-land-dying.html

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

[deadsox 894]

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

[Phantom 2,532]

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

[deadsox 894]

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

Praying for the nation and favoring one politician over another for any reason does not violate the 1st amendment. The amendment prohibits any official state religion and guarantees freedom of religion as well as from it. This does not mean that any citizen can't espouse his or her religion or believe that politicians ought to conform to their morality. After all, don't we all do that?

[deadsox 894]

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

 

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

 

I've no problem with Mr Graham espousing his views no matter how abhorrent. But does he receive tax breaks for his 'church' activities? If so he is a hypocrite.

[Davey Jones' Locker 1,324]

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

In once short paragraph, you have succinctly summarised all that is wrong with the path Christianity has taken in the United States.

[The Mad Hatter 1,092]

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.[/size]

 

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

also add the fact that there is no proof he is real

[rockhopper penguin 2,265]

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.[/size]

 

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

also add the fact that there is no proof he is real

I'm pretty sure Billy Graham is real (otherwise we are all wasting our time!).

[Magere Hein 1,400]

 

also add the fact that there is no proof he is real

I'm pretty sure Billy Graham is real (otherwise we are all wasting our time!).

 

He won't be real much longer, though.

[Phantom 2,532]

 

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

 

 

I read the comments that people leave that follow local news articles whenever ever something happens that has a religious theme to it. There are several people on there that don't hold back with their feelings that if you don't belong to their denomination of whichever religion, then obviously you're in the wrong, even if the end result is that you're worshipping the same deity.

If you ever made a comment that you were an athiest on there, about a dozen people will feel that you need to be saved and attempt to convert you.

One that's constantly up for debate is the pledge of allegience, even though you can happily point out to them that the "One Nation Under God" bit was only added in 1954 and "In God We Trust" wasn't added to the currency until the late 50s early 60s.

A couple of years ago when some stores, public schools etc would put up signs wishing people "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" in order to include all the religious holidays that happen around that time of year, suddenly you started seeing people wearing large badges with "I SUPPORT CHRISTMAS!!" on them.

Different people interpret the 1st Amendment in different ways, the freedom of religion bit for me means you won't be persecuted by the government. But at the same time it means freedom from religion, and I take that to mean, "don't force your religious beliefs on me, as I won't force my beliefs on you".

[deadsox 894]

 

 

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

 

 

I read the comments that people leave that follow local news articles whenever ever something happens that has a religious theme to it. There are several people on there that don't hold back with their feelings that if you don't belong to their denomination of whichever religion, then obviously you're in the wrong, even if the end result is that you're worshipping the same deity.

If you ever made a comment that you were an athiest on there, about a dozen people will feel that you need to be saved and attempt to convert you.

One that's constantly up for debate is the pledge of allegience, even though you can happily point out to them that the "One Nation Under God" bit was only added in 1954 and "In God We Trust" wasn't added to the currency until the late 50s early 60s.

A couple of years ago when some stores, public schools etc would put up signs wishing people "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" in order to include all the religious holidays that happen around that time of year, suddenly you started seeing people wearing large badges with "I SUPPORT CHRISTMAS!!" on them.

Different people interpret the 1st Amendment in different ways, the freedom of religion bit for me means you won't be persecuted by the government. But at the same time it means freedom from religion, and I take that to mean, "don't force your religious beliefs on me, as I won't force my beliefs on you".

 

 

I think the problem some people have with the "Happy Holidays" phrase is the pressure they feel (by employers, school systems, etc.) to not mention Christmas as if it was something odious. I have no problem with either phrase but I also don't know why non-Christians would feel abused by "Merry Christmas". The 1st amendment give us freedom of expression as well as religion. If people want to mention God in their public discourse, they certainly can. I don't think it's unconstitutional because the people who wrote the constitution mentioned God often. It doesn't constitute an official state religion.

[Phantom 2,532]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

 

 

I read the comments that people leave that follow local news articles whenever ever something happens that has a religious theme to it. There are several people on there that don't hold back with their feelings that if you don't belong to their denomination of whichever religion, then obviously you're in the wrong, even if the end result is that you're worshipping the same deity.

If you ever made a comment that you were an athiest on there, about a dozen people will feel that you need to be saved and attempt to convert you.

One that's constantly up for debate is the pledge of allegience, even though you can happily point out to them that the "One Nation Under God" bit was only added in 1954 and "In God We Trust" wasn't added to the currency until the late 50s early 60s.

A couple of years ago when some stores, public schools etc would put up signs wishing people "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" in order to include all the religious holidays that happen around that time of year, suddenly you started seeing people wearing large badges with "I SUPPORT CHRISTMAS!!" on them.

Different people interpret the 1st Amendment in different ways, the freedom of religion bit for me means you won't be persecuted by the government. But at the same time it means freedom from religion, and I take that to mean, "don't force your religious beliefs on me, as I won't force my beliefs on you".

 

 

I think the problem some people have with the "Happy Holidays" phrase is the pressure they feel (by employers, school systems, etc.) to not mention Christmas as if it was something odious. I have no problem with either phrase but I also don't know why non-Christians would feel abused by "Merry Christmas". The 1st amendment give us freedom of expression as well as religion. If people want to mention God in their public discourse, they certainly can. I don't think it's unconstitutional because the people who wrote the constitution mentioned God often. It doesn't constitute an official state religion.

 

 

I don't think non-Christians are offended, it appears to be the Christians that are offended when other religions are recognised at the same time of year, even more so when a religion recognises multiple deities.

A few years ago, I was talking to a local radio host complaining about "fabricated" religious holidays that happen in November and December. She started to list of the non-Christian holidays with a tone of disgust to her voice and then loudly said "...and Diwali... I've never heard of this holiday before. It must be something new". Myself and other listeners emailed and called in to inform her that as a religion Hinduism is a much older religion.

And yes ,even though the country's founders did mention "God" at various times, contrary to the opinion that I've heard people state, the U.S. is not a Christian nation, as it has no designated religion.

[deadsox 894]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

 

 

I read the comments that people leave that follow local news articles whenever ever something happens that has a religious theme to it. There are several people on there that don't hold back with their feelings that if you don't belong to their denomination of whichever religion, then obviously you're in the wrong, even if the end result is that you're worshipping the same deity.

If you ever made a comment that you were an athiest on there, about a dozen people will feel that you need to be saved and attempt to convert you.

One that's constantly up for debate is the pledge of allegience, even though you can happily point out to them that the "One Nation Under God" bit was only added in 1954 and "In God We Trust" wasn't added to the currency until the late 50s early 60s.

A couple of years ago when some stores, public schools etc would put up signs wishing people "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" in order to include all the religious holidays that happen around that time of year, suddenly you started seeing people wearing large badges with "I SUPPORT CHRISTMAS!!" on them.

Different people interpret the 1st Amendment in different ways, the freedom of religion bit for me means you won't be persecuted by the government. But at the same time it means freedom from religion, and I take that to mean, "don't force your religious beliefs on me, as I won't force my beliefs on you".

 

 

I think the problem some people have with the "Happy Holidays" phrase is the pressure they feel (by employers, school systems, etc.) to not mention Christmas as if it was something odious. I have no problem with either phrase but I also don't know why non-Christians would feel abused by "Merry Christmas". The 1st amendment give us freedom of expression as well as religion. If people want to mention God in their public discourse, they certainly can. I don't think it's unconstitutional because the people who wrote the constitution mentioned God often. It doesn't constitute an official state religion.

 

 

I don't think non-Christians are offended, it appears to be the Christians that are offended when other religions are recognised at the same time of year, even more so when a religion recognises multiple deities.

A few years ago, I was talking to a local radio host complaining about "fabricated" religious holidays that happen in November and December. She started to list of the non-Christian holidays with a tone of disgust to her voice and then loudly said "...and Diwali... I've never heard of this holiday before. It must be something new". Myself and other listeners emailed and called in to inform her that as a religion Hinduism is a much older religion.

And yes ,even though the country's founders did mention "God" at various times, contrary to the opinion that I've heard people state, the U.S. is not a Christian nation, as it has no designated religion.

 

 

Without a doubt there are insensitive and bigoted Christians who give the religion a bad name. That doesn't mean they can't say "Merry Christmas". And I was not suggesting that the US has a state religion because many of the founders talked about and referred to God. I was saying the exact opposite. Thanks for the discussion Phantom.

[Phantom 2,532]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not good on the 1st amendment our man http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html

 

I read the article but don't see where Billy has anything against the First Amendment Rocky. Can you elucidate?

 

This quote implies to me that he doesn't agree with the separation of church and state Pray for our nation, especially as we look forward to elections a year from now. Pray especially that God will raise up leaders who will stand for justice and morality and will seek God’s will in all they do.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/billy-graham/article41461173.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

The most vocal among the religious lot in the U.S. feel that the 1st amendment which covers freedom of religion means that everyone should choose a religion of some sorts (as long as it's the right one).

They don't understand that it also means freedom from religion and that it's possible to understand what would be immoral based on human rights and not on any religious laws.

 

 

In the 10 Commandments, number 6 is "Thou Shalt Not Kill". It doesn't take a genius or religious command for someone to realize that is immoral. But it's ok if "God" is behind the soldiers fighting in any war. Even if both sides are fighting for religious reasons and they even happen to worship the same deity. They just have a different interpretation of the sciptures.

 

 

To be honest Phantom, I've never heard anyone in the US say that the 1st amendment means that everyone needs to choose a religion. Maybe you've paid more attention to the religious right than I have. Certainly they all espouse their own doctrines, but that's to be expected. Frankly the amendment was put in because even then we were too diverse religiously to be united under any one faith. We're a lot more diverse now. Regarding what's immoral, I think the basic concept of the Golden Rule which is shared by many faiths is always a good start. It's rational as well as founded in many religious traditions. It's a shame we have not lived up to it.

 

 

I read the comments that people leave that follow local news articles whenever ever something happens that has a religious theme to it. There are several people on there that don't hold back with their feelings that if you don't belong to their denomination of whichever religion, then obviously you're in the wrong, even if the end result is that you're worshipping the same deity.

If you ever made a comment that you were an athiest on there, about a dozen people will feel that you need to be saved and attempt to convert you.

One that's constantly up for debate is the pledge of allegience, even though you can happily point out to them that the "One Nation Under God" bit was only added in 1954 and "In God We Trust" wasn't added to the currency until the late 50s early 60s.

A couple of years ago when some stores, public schools etc would put up signs wishing people "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" in order to include all the religious holidays that happen around that time of year, suddenly you started seeing people wearing large badges with "I SUPPORT CHRISTMAS!!" on them.

Different people interpret the 1st Amendment in different ways, the freedom of religion bit for me means you won't be persecuted by the government. But at the same time it means freedom from religion, and I take that to mean, "don't force your religious beliefs on me, as I won't force my beliefs on you".

 

 

I think the problem some people have with the "Happy Holidays" phrase is the pressure they feel (by employers, school systems, etc.) to not mention Christmas as if it was something odious. I have no problem with either phrase but I also don't know why non-Christians would feel abused by "Merry Christmas". The 1st amendment give us freedom of expression as well as religion. If people want to mention God in their public discourse, they certainly can. I don't think it's unconstitutional because the people who wrote the constitution mentioned God often. It doesn't constitute an official state religion.

 

 

I don't think non-Christians are offended, it appears to be the Christians that are offended when other religions are recognised at the same time of year, even more so when a religion recognises multiple deities.

A few years ago, I was talking to a local radio host complaining about "fabricated" religious holidays that happen in November and December. She started to list of the non-Christian holidays with a tone of disgust to her voice and then loudly said "...and Diwali... I've never heard of this holiday before. It must be something new". Myself and other listeners emailed and called in to inform her that as a religion Hinduism is a much older religion.

And yes ,even though the country's founders did mention "God" at various times, contrary to the opinion that I've heard people state, the U.S. is not a Christian nation, as it has no designated religion.

 

 

Without a doubt there are insensitive and bigoted Christians who give the religion a bad name. That doesn't mean they can't say "Merry Christmas". And I was not suggesting that the US has a state religion because many of the founders talked about and referred to God. I was saying the exact opposite. Thanks for the discussion Phantom.

 

 

I wasn't saying that you were saying it has a state religion, the ones that are most vocal about religion in the US tend to be the ones that insist it's a Christian nation. Usually they're the ones most vocal in stating "this finger wasn't made to press 1 for English" depsite the U.S. not having an official national language.

[Cat O'Falk 3,290]

Press 2 for Aramaic.