Originally posted by Chairboy
Actually the number of evangelicals in this country has dropped to about 9% (So I'm in the minority, a few more "bad" years, and even atheist will out number us.) The number of "Born Again" believers is about 33%. (Of which evangelicals are a sub-set)
But, on to the more important stuff.
What so many people fail to see in the church, and outside of the church is something I believe we can agree on Chairboy.
When a country begins to strip away the rights of its citizens. The majority often stands and cheers, without the understanding, that a day may come when they find themselves in the minority. I don't want to strip away your rights, for the same reason you don't want to strip away mine. Because some day, we may find our positions reversed.
If you live in a state where you cannot hold office because you don't believe in God, then I would oppose that law. (I might not vote for you, but I would not deny your right to run) If you wish to raise your children as atheist, then that is your right, and I would defend it. At the same time I want to exercise my right to raise my children as Christians.
Whether our money says "In God We Trust" or not, makes no never mind to me. I don't have an issue with it being there, and won't lose much sleep if they remove. Would I like to live in a country that was "more" Christian, sure I would. However, I would like to see that happen by choice, and NEVER by legislation.
"Religious" people do some valid concerns . They don't want to loose the right to teach their children. (Nor have their teaching undermined by public schools.) Churches don't want to be forced to hire people that do not hold the same moral standards, and beliefs.
In the end, I want liberty, not just for me, but for you also. I do not want to be oppressed, nor do I seek to oppress. I am convinced without the slightest doubt I right and your wrong about what we hold to be true, but that's beside the point. (At least for the purpose of this discussion.) As far as "Rights" go, I do not want to be denied, and don't want yours denied either.
I don't expect special rights, and I don't expect you to receive any either.
I refuse to have my right to free speech taken away, and I would refuse to stand idly by while your's was.
I think we can also agree on this next point, and it is a sad one. Both sides have those that are rigorously attacking the other. Sadly, it is not enough that some have the "right" to be an atheist, they openly attack religion, and often specifically target Christianity. They blame the ills of the world on religion, and it seems if they were to have their way, they would end it all. The same is true of the other side. They believe "you" are the problem, and we need to get rid of you. It's too bad, things will most likely never change. (Well not until we are all dead, and sun grows cold, and the earth freezes in utter darkness. "If you're right" Or Christ returns and restores His creation to its original glory and perfection. "If I'm right")
Best regards,
--Tachus