NationStates Jolt Archive

It's pretty ironic for a place with "separation of church and state".

It appears to me that Christian in America is almost synonymous with Republican.

I'm reading Cornell University's Report on Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim Americans. It says that 44% of religious Christians think that the media should not report criticisms of the government during national crises. Fascism Fascism Fascism!

http://www.comm.cornell.edu/msrg/report1a.pdf

Hell, even 49% of Republicans think that people shouldn't be allowed to criticise the government!

Americans, what has become of you?

It's pretty ironic for a place with "separation of church and state".

It appears to me that Christian in America is almost synonymous with Republican.

I'm reading Cornell University's Report on Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim Americans. It says that 44% of religious Christians think that the media should not report criticisms of the government during national crises. Fascism Fascism Fascism!

http://www.comm.cornell.edu/msrg/report1a.pdf

Hell, even 49% of Republicans think that people shouldn't be allowed to criticise the government!

Americans, what has become of you?

Considering Republicans believe in following family, faith and traditional values... duh.

I mean, I'm a republican, and I'm also from Maine. (I sy that in case someone accuses me of being a red neck ^^)

Of course (most) Republicans are religious, but Republicans also value the separation of church and state. Furthermore, some people feel that criticizing a nation during times of crisis is like "hitting a handicapped person." I think that, when it comes to America, people need to realize that they have one of the greatest rights in the world: THe right to bitch about one's government without fear. Of course, I think one needs to also realize that they have one of the greatest obligations: to do for one's government what is needed.

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

BTW, drop that 49% to 20%, the rest think it should be done "respectfully."
And why is it that cornell is the only source of information for these threats?

I think that's right. There are a lot of evangelical Christians in America, and they are all Republicans, and they win the elections for their redneck republican friends but not all Christions are Republicans, and not all Republicans don't critiscize the government. There is never a good time for generalizations like that. Now let's stop worrying about whether Christianity is too political and focus on stopping the Rebnecks * i mean republicans winning the next election. By hook... :sniper: or by crook... :mp5:

It's pretty ironic for a place with "separation of church and state".

It appears to me that Christian in America is almost synonymous with Republican.

I'm reading Cornell University's Report on Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Views of Islam, & Muslim Americans. It says that 44% of religious Christians think that the media should not report criticisms of the government during national crises. Fascism Fascism Fascism!

http://www.comm.cornell.edu/msrg/report1a.pdf

Hell, even 49% of Republicans think that people shouldn't be allowed to criticise the government!

Americans, what has become of you?
Acutally, I suspect what has become of them is that they finally got sick and tired of being told they were stupid, insane, or both for believing what they believe, tired of having their children indoctrinated in all things anit-Christian in schools for which they must pay taxes, tired of Hollywood telling them it's ok to teach children about porn and foul language and violence but not about Christianity.

I strongly suspect THAT's why they've become politicial.

Acutally, I suspect what has become of them is that they finally got sick and tired of being told they were stupid, insane, or both for believing what they believe, tired of having their children indoctrinated in all things anit-Christian in schools for which they must pay taxes, tired of Hollywood telling them it's ok to teach children about porn and foul language and violence but not about Christianity.

I strongly suspect THAT's why they've become politicial.

So Christians have a tougher time in the US than in the rest of the Western world? :rolleyes:

So Christians have a tougher time in the US than in the rest of the Western world? :rolleyes:
I have no idea. I can only speak to what is happening here and now. I have heard stories of Christians in parts of Africa being persecuted and killed, but don't have much more information than that. Sorry.

So Christians have a tougher time in the US than in the rest of the Western world? :rolleyes:
oh yeah dont you know? poor christians in american can only get homosexual marriage banned but cant send homosexuals to canada. can only get warnings on evolution in textbooks but cant make them teach CHRISTIAN creationism in science class

poor poor oppressed bastards

Acutally, I suspect what has become of them is that they finally got sick and tired of being told they were stupid, insane, or both for believing what they believe, tired of having their children indoctrinated in all things anit-Christian in schools for which they must pay taxes, tired of Hollywood telling them it's ok to teach children about porn and foul language and violence but not about Christianity.

I strongly suspect THAT's why they've become politicial.
None of this is true. Conservative Christians control the US government, and you think they're oppressed?

None of this is true. Conservative Christians control the US government, and you think they're oppressed?
I don't think Christians are oppressed, or any group in the US for that matter, but Conservative Christians don't control all of the government, especially the courts.

I don't think Christians are oppressed, or any group in the US for that matter, but Conservative Christians don't control all of the government, especially the courts.
not yet at any rate

Coming soon...

Once you had to profess a belief in god (however you saw him) to hold office; soon you'll have to disavow any belief in god to hold office.

Separation of Church and State, you know.

You can't pray in school; you can't have a nativity scene in public places, you can't have a religious float in a christmas parade, you can't teach the religious components behind thanksgiving (which has become more about pigging out anyway) or Christmas (which has been lost to those who think those who die with the most stuff actually do win some prize).

We are pushing out the religious background our forefathers founded America on in favor of Secular Humanism. It's a cultural shift which will alter America forever. But I don't know if it's good or bad...

None of this is true. Conservative Christians control the US government, and you think they're oppressed?
No, you're putting words in my mouth. I never even suggested Christians in this Country are oppressed. If you can find where I said that, please point it out to me and I will immediately post a retraction and an apology. :)

Coming soon...

Once you had to profess a belief in god (however you saw him) to hold office; soon you'll have to disavow any belief in god to hold office.

Separation of Church and State, you know.

You can't pray in school; you can't have a nativity scene in public places, you can't have a religious float in a christmas parade, you can't teach the religious components behind thanksgiving (which has become more about pigging out anyway) or Christmas (which has been lost to those who think those who die with the most stuff actually do win some prize).

We are pushing out the religious background our forefathers founded America on in favor of Secular Humanism. It's a cultural shift which will alter America forever. But I don't know if it's good or bad...

and what pray tell "religious background" is that?

i'm republican and i think that christianity is an evil vile brainwashing religion that should be entirely banned

poor christians in american can only get homosexual marriage banned but cant send homosexuals to canada.

poor poor oppressed bastards

Heck, it almosts pains me to admit I agree with them, but I support deportation of american gays to Canada. As a gay Canadian, I encourage every gay American to move up here and be done with the shit they have to put up with everyday from those bastards.


Plus, that makes more potential dates. It's win-win, really :D

because the south and midwest is full of hillbillies. This issue has come up before.

Coming soon...

Once you had to profess a belief in god (however you saw him) to hold office; soon you'll have to disavow any belief in god to hold office.

Separation of Church and State, you know.

THis is a really silly statement, you know.

You can't pray in school;

This is a myth.

you can't have a nativity scene in public places,

You can't have a statue to Muhammed (not that the Muslim religion would allow that, but anyways) or a menora on government property either. There is no reason that our government should espouse any particular religion. If you would like to have a nativity scene on your own property, which you pay for, however, go ahead.

you can't have a religious float in a christmas parade,

Says who? The people running the parade? Well, I guess that is their perogative.

you can't teach the religious components behind thanksgiving (which has become more about pigging out anyway) or Christmas (which has been lost to those who think those who die with the most stuff actually do win some prize).

You can't? *Boggle* WHat was that the preacher was talking about in service Sunday....?

We are pushing out the religious background our forefathers founded America on in favor of Secular Humanism.

Religious background? You mean deism and the belief that everyone is entitled to their own personal religious beliefs? Funny, I haven't seen that going anywhere...

To answer the original question, Christianity has become politicized (or at least part of *secular* politics - as the religion itself has *always* been political) because a bunch of idiots who didn't study history have been trying to inject it into politics. People forget that the separation of church and state is to protect *both* sides, as all mixing does is corrupt both.

There is no "separation of church and state..."

Whay I find incredible is not onlyhow politicized Christianity is in the US, but how commercialized it is. The same fundamentalist who have politicized christianity have created a market for "Jesus Junk" so big that multi-national corps have started to take notice.

"separation of church and state..."

That is correct. What the government will not do is establish a religion and also prevent people of other religions from practicing.

Also, if Republicans are rednecks, then Democrats are ****** drug dealers. Sound good? That way we have a balance.

Christians are getting active in politics again because it's gotten to the point people are attacking their freedom to practice. In Florida, an appeals court had to overturn a lawsuit becase a family was sued for having a nativity scene in their front yard of their own house. In California, a religious event was prevented in the town square, and in another case, Islamic symbols were hanging in neighborhoods but Christmas symbols were not even being allowed. Let's not forget the Holiday parade than kicked out a Christian group because their float read "Merry Christmas" while they had a float that advertised a support group for homosexual indians.

You swear you want tolerance and equal things but then you want to oppress the things you don't like.

None of this is true. Conservative Christians control the US government, and you think they're oppressed?

The Republicruds aren't really "Christians." They call themselves that, but they're not. They're just a bunch of neo-conservative, fascist, brainless zombies.

Religious background? You mean deism and the belief that everyone is entitled to their own personal religious beliefs? Funny, I haven't seen that going anywhere...

Not all the Founding Fathers were deists.

That is correct. What the government will not do is establish a religion and also prevent people of other religions from practicing.

Which is exactly what the fundies in politics want to do.

Also, if Republicans are rednecks, then Democrats are ****** drug dealers. Sound good? That way we have a balance.[/quote

*shrug* I think you're all crazy, so sure - although I wouldn't use the n-word.

[QUOTE=Kulkungrad]Christians are getting active in politics again because it's gotten to the point people are attacking their freedom to practice.

*People* will always attack your freedom to practice your religion - that is the entire purpose of having an amendment to ensure that the *government* does not.

In Florida, an appeals court had to overturn a lawsuit becase a family was sued for having a nativity scene in their front yard of their own house.

Notice the main point here - that the lawsuit was overturned.

In California, a religious event was prevented in the town square,

What part of "government property" do people not understand?

and in another case, Islamic symbols were hanging in neighborhoods but Christmas symbols were not even being allowed.

Source?

Let's not forget the Holiday parade than kicked out a Christian group because their float read "Merry Christmas" while they had a float that advertised a support group for homosexual indians.

Source?

You swear you want tolerance and equal things but then you want to oppress the things you don't like.

Who is this all-encompassing "you"? Is it kind of like "they'?

Not all the Founding Fathers were deists.

True, but the most vocal (and those that did the actual writing) were. Either way, all of th writings we have from them show that they all believed in keeping religion out of the government and vice versa.

True, but the most vocal (and those that did the actual writing) were. Either way, all of th writings we have from them show that they all believed in keeping religion out of the government and vice versa.

Agreed.

Notice the main point here - that the lawsuit was overturned.
The main point is that people had to actually fight to have something on their own property that expressed their own religious beliefs.

What part of "government property" do people not understand?
It's not government property. It's PUBLIC property.

The symbols issue was in the LA times, I believe. The parade issue was explain in detail on the Roger Hitchcock radio talk show.

The main point is that people had to actually fight to have something on their own property that expressed their own religious beliefs.

And the law - the protection of the land - upheld that they have the right to have something on their own property.

It's not government property. It's PUBLIC property.

Oh really? And the difference would be? Do your tax dollars pay for it? If so, it is government property.

Oh really? And the difference would be? Do your tax dollars pay for it? If so, it is government property.
I suppose you're right. So explain why there's so many gay outtings on public property that are allowed here in San Diego? I don't want my tax dollars going for that. Especially not if people the same religion as myself are prohibitted.

I am a republican and a Christian, and guess what? I live in Louisiana, but I don't think that makes me a redneck. So why is that most of the arguments here are about religion? I mean, (correct me if im wrong, as i'm new here) most of the threads I see here are all anti-Christian. What do you have against us? Do people not see that Religion teaches moral values and other good things? Personally, I believe in most of the things you are critisising(sp?) us for, but I'm not trying to force those beliefs on anyone else. I mean, yes, I'll stand up for myself if my rights are infringed upon (which I don't believe they have been, yet), and I'll try to bring a person who needs a religion to mine and give reasons why, but I don't go out saying, "Everyone sould be white, Christian, Republican, straight people." So if I'm not critisising your beliefs, why do you critisise mine?

I suppose you're right. So explain why there's so many gay outtings on public property that are allowed here in San Diego? I don't want my tax dollars going for that. Especially not if people the same religion as myself are prohibitted.

Like parades?

My guess would be that government money doesn't go into that. Those who hold the event have to pay for the place, the security, and the cleanup afterwards.

Oh really? And the difference would be? Do your tax dollars pay for it? If so, it is government property.

Define Government. There are city, state and federal taxes. And it should be the policy of all three to NOT impede upon the public. If Christians can't publicly advocate their religion, then gays and lesbians shouldn't be marching in parades.

I'm not christian, I'm not even gay, but fair is fair. Don't restrict one practice and advocate another.

Like parades?

My guess would be that government money doesn't go into that. Those who hold the event have to pay for the place, the security, and the cleanup afterwards.

And those tax dolars would be paid into any other organization? No, especially religious ones. No Gov't $ goes into religious organizations or activities. Thank you for creating the paradox.

Define Government. There are city, state and federal taxes. And it should be the policy of all three to NOT impede upon the public. If Christians can't publicly advocate their religion, then gays and lesbians shouldn't be marching in parades.

I'm not christian, I'm not even gay, but fair is fair. Don't restrict one practice and advocate another.

Parades pay for access, security, clean-up, etc.

If a Christian group would like to rent out a section of a public place for their religious display, that is fine - as long as they are expected to pay the same fees as any other display and other religious displays are equally allowed.

And those tax dolars would be paid into any other organization? No, especially religious ones. No Gov't $ goes into religious organizations or activities. Thank you for creating the paradox.

What part of "no government money" aka "no tax money" goes into paying for this do you not understand?

What part of "no government money" aka "no tax money" goes into paying for this do you not understand?

That's what I am saying.

No Government money goes into those activities. Therefore, saying that christian displays or activities in the town square are wrong (based on your last post) are now paradoxed.

No I don't mean parades. I mean parks. Gay barbecues a plenty in nice gently sectioned areas they received permits for. Christian group tries to do the same thing, and they're denied the permits or whatever.

That's what I am saying.

No Government money goes into those activities. Therefore, saying that christian displays or activities in the town square are wrong (based on your last post) are now paradoxed.

No, it isn't. If the Christian group is not paying for the use of the space, then government money is maintaining that space. If the group is not paying for security there, then governemtn money is maintaining it.

No I don't mean parades. I mean parks. Gay barbecues a plenty in nice gently sectioned areas they received permits for. Christian group tries to do the same thing, and they're denied the permits or whatever.

Receive permits = pay for.

No one is going to deny a Christian group the right to buy a permit.

They did, that's why it was news.

I am a republican and a Christian, and guess what? I live in Louisiana, but I don't think that makes me a redneck. So why is that most of the arguments here are about religion? I mean, (correct me if im wrong, as i'm new here) most of the threads I see here are all anti-Christian. What do you have against us? Do people not see that Religion teaches moral values and other good things? Personally, I believe in most of the things you are critisising(sp?) us for, but I'm not trying to force those beliefs on anyone else. I mean, yes, I'll stand up for myself if my rights are infringed upon (which I don't believe they have been, yet), and I'll try to bring a person who needs a religion to mine and give reasons why, but I don't go out saying, "Everyone sould be white, Christian, Republican, straight people." So if I'm not critisising your beliefs, why do you critisise mine?


YOU may not, but many others from your religion do. I think the basis of Christianity is great (Love, peace, etc.) but I dont want to be preached about how I am a godless heathen and I will go to hell and I already have others praying for me to convert to the "right" way of life.

People here really should mostly be saying "Conservative close minded Christians who want everyone to convert to their way of life" but it is much easier, and still moderatly accurate to say Christian. *shrugs*

YOU may not, but many others from your religion do. I think the basis of Christianity is great (Love, peace, etc.) but I dont want to be preached about how I am a godless heathen and I will go to hell and I already have others praying for me to convert to the "right" way of life.

People here really should mostly be saying "Conservative close minded Christians who want everyone to convert to their way of life" but it is much easier, and still moderatly accurate to say Christian. *shrugs*

On that same token I don't want to be preached about how I'm stupid, a redneck, and that everything I believe is a lie and I'll die and be all disappointed because there is no God. I recall a thread right here on NS about how a reknowned Aetheist suddenly began to believe in a God and all of a sudden the aetheists here began calling him senile, stupid, pathetic, lazy, and all sorts of things just because he found faith.

I am a republican and a Christian, and guess what? I live in Louisiana, but I don't think that makes me a redneck. So why is that most of the arguments here are about religion? I mean, (correct me if im wrong, as i'm new here) most of the threads I see here are all anti-Christian. What do you have against us? Do people not see that Religion teaches moral values and other good things? Personally, I believe in most of the things you are critisising(sp?) us for, but I'm not trying to force those beliefs on anyone else. I mean, yes, I'll stand up for myself if my rights are infringed upon (which I don't believe they have been, yet), and I'll try to bring a person who needs a religion to mine and give reasons why, but I don't go out saying, "Everyone sould be white, Christian, Republican, straight people." So if I'm not critisising your beliefs, why do you critisise mine?
Hi, Pacinist States! Welcome to the wonderful world of the NationStates General Forum, the place where you don't have to be logical or rational to be heard. :)

The reasons many on here attack Christians and Christianity:

1. They need someone to blame for their own shortcomings and Christian-bashing is currently popular and acceptable with the in-crowd.

2. They resent any belief system which holds up a standard higher than the rather low one to which they would like to aspire.

3. They had parents who called themselves "Christian" but who abused them.

4. They have a limited understanding of Christianity, the Bible, and the Church universal, and have no intention of ending their ignorance since that would necessitate expending considerable effort on behavior change.

5. Someone once offended them by suggesting they might want to consider becoming a Christian.

BTW ... I no longer consider myself to be a Christian, but I love a good argument and have little patience with those who attack anyone else's beliefs because of their own bigotry and lack of comprehension. :)

On that same token I don't want to be preached about how I'm stupid, a redneck, and that everything I believe is a lie and I'll die and be all disappointed because there is no God. I recall a thread right here on NS about how a reknowned Aetheist suddenly began to believe in a God and all of a sudden the aetheists here began calling him senile, stupid, pathetic, lazy, and all sorts of things just because he found faith.

To second that: I've been to catholic masses, I was raised in a catholic family, and I NEVER heard preaching of heathens and blashemers. When will people forget about the Catholic church of the 600s and remember its 2004, going on 5? In fact, even the preaching about homosexuality said NOTHING about it being evil. Oh wait, the actually said that we should accept them? That's not what everyone here is saying....?

People want to feel threatened, I suppose. People don't what true equality, because it gives them nothing to complain about.

Considering Republicans believe in following family, faith and traditional values... duh.

I mean, I'm a republican, and I'm also from Maine. (I sy that in case someone accuses me of being a red neck ^^)

Of course (most) Republicans are religious, but Republicans also value the separation of church and state. Furthermore, some people feel that criticizing a nation during times of crisis is like "hitting a handicapped person." I think that, when it comes to America, people need to realize that they have one of the greatest rights in the world: THe right to bitch about one's government without fear. Of course, I think one needs to also realize that they have one of the greatest obligations: to do for one's government what is needed.

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

BTW, drop that 49% to 20%, the rest think it should be done "respectfully."
And why is it that cornell is the only source of information for these threats?
I know rednecks from maine

Well, here is a good reason to try to accept Religion in general: Would you rather live a moral, religious life, die, and find out there is no God, or live a bad, immoral life, die, and find out that there is?

Well, here is a good reason to try to accept Religion in general: Would you rather live a moral, religious life, die, and find out there is no God, or live a bad, immoral life, die, and find out that there is?

That's not even faith. That's pretending to do something for watching your own ass.

If you find a reason to believe in a deity (or deities) then believe. If you want to believe you live and you die and nothing happens, then go ahead. I have yet to see a buncha Christians on these boards run to everyone saying "Believe in my God or you'll go to hell" yet the vast majority of aetheists can be found saying "You're such a stupid person for believing in something I don't believe in, blah blah blah."

I know rednecks from maine

LOL. So do I. ^^

That's not even faith. That's pretending to do something for watching your own ass.

If you find a reason to believe in a deity (or deities) then believe. If you want to believe you live and you die and nothing happens, then go ahead. I have yet to see a buncha Christians on these boards run to everyone saying "Believe in my God or you'll go to hell" yet the vast majority of aetheists can be found saying "You're such a stupid person for believing in something I don't believe in, blah blah blah."

*snap

To second that: I've been to catholic masses, I was raised in a catholic family, and I NEVER heard preaching of heathens and blashemers. When will people forget about the Catholic church of the 600s and remember its 2004, going on 5? In fact, even the preaching about homosexuality said NOTHING about it being evil. Oh wait, the actually said that we should accept them? That's not what everyone here is saying....?

People want to feel threatened, I suppose. People don't what true equality, because it gives them nothing to complain about.

Wouldn't it be nice if people actually followed the Bible? Sure, it says turn the other cheek, and love thy neighbor, but I know "Christians" and "Catholics" that are homophobic and would love to see all gays locked away.

Wouldn't it be nice if people actually followed the Bible? Sure, it says turn the other cheek, and love thy neighbor, but I know "Christians" and "Catholics" that are homophobic and would love to see all gays locked away.

The bible is a book. Some people don't read it.
I agree, it's like people who say "God Hates Fags." Wow, God hates sticks. Better go get rid of your fireplace.

The problem with catholicism, is that its organized. The Pope has always been a political figure head. let's just hope that the U.S. doesn't get excommunicated. ^^

Wouldn't it be nice if people actually followed the Bible? Sure, it says turn the other cheek, and love thy neighbor, but I know "Christians" and "Catholics" that are homophobic and would love to see all gays locked away.

And those are probably the Christians that Pacific up there was talking about.

I follow the "Hate the sin, love the sinner." I have homosexual and bisexual friends and while I don't condone or talk to them about their preference, I also don't say anything that would hurt them nor do I advocate their destruction.

And those are probably the Christians that Pacific up there was talking about.

I follow the "Hate the sin, love the sinner." I have homosexual and bisexual friends and while I don't condone or talk to them about their preference, I also don't say anything that would hurt them nor do I advocate their destruction.

Good for you. If all Christians followed that faith, I would have a much smaller bone to pick with them. :)

The problem with catholicism, is that its organized. The Pope has always been a political figure head. let's just hope that the U.S. doesn't get excommunicated.

I have no problem with organized religion in general. What I do have a problem with is that some bishops or cardinals in the hierarchy decided it was more important to have good public relations rather than diagnose the problem of pedephiles. Thats a whole other thread, though.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pacinist States
I am a republican and a Christian, and guess what? I live in Louisiana, but I don't think that makes me a redneck. So why is that most of the arguments here are about religion? I mean, (correct me if im wrong, as i'm new here) most of the threads I see here are all anti-Christian. What do you have against us? Do people not see that Religion teaches moral values and other good things? Personally, I believe in most of the things you are critisising(sp?) us for, but I'm not trying to force those beliefs on anyone else. I mean, yes, I'll stand up for myself if my rights are infringed upon (which I don't believe they have been, yet), and I'll try to bring a person who needs a religion to mine and give reasons why, but I don't go out saying, "Everyone sould be white, Christian, Republican, straight people." So if I'm not critisising your beliefs, why do you critisise mine?


Hi, Pacinist States! Welcome to the wonderful world of the NationStates General Forum, the place where you don't have to be logical or rational to be heard.

The reasons many on here attack Christians and Christianity:

1. They need someone to blame for their own shortcomings and Christian-bashing is currently popular and acceptable with the in-crowd.

2. They resent any belief system which holds up a standard higher than the rather low one to which they would like to aspire.

3. They had parents who called themselves "Christian" but who abused them.

4. They have a limited understanding of Christianity, the Bible, and the Church universal, and have no intention of ending their ignorance since that would necessitate expending considerable effort on behavior change.

5. Someone once offended them by suggesting they might want to consider becoming a Christian.

BTW ... I no longer consider myself to be a Christian, but I love a good argument and have little patience with those who attack anyone else's beliefs because of their own bigotry and lack of comprehension.

-snip-
Etru, you're now posting the same bullshit TWICE just to get attention. That's really sad.

I'm not even going to comment on what you said, because it-and you-are beneath me. You should feel proud I'm taking time to respond to your idiotic mutterings as it is.

You're not funny. You know that, right? Really, you arn't. I don't think I chuckled once at your post, and I tend to laugh at a lot of things.

Youre just a sad little man who has nothing left to hold on to other then throwing insults online. Go away.

True, but the most vocal (and those that did the actual writing) were. Either way, all of th writings we have from them show that they all believed in keeping religion out of the government and vice versa.
All of them? Check Washington's farewell address, for one.

I have no problem with organized religion in general. What I do have a problem with is that some bishops or cardinals in the hierarchy decided it was more important to have good public relations rather than diagnose the problem of pedephiles. Thats a whole other thread, though.
Yet again:
Those are not Catholic bishops or priests!

I suppose you're right. So explain why there's so many gay outtings on public property that are allowed here in San Diego? I don't want my tax dollars going for that. Especially not if people the same religion as myself are prohibitted.

There is a difference between a display but up by a government and an event allowed to happen on public property. Christian groups, gay groups, racists groups, groups for peace, etc all are allowed to have events on public property. The government should not set up a display promoting one idealogy.

The difference is outing vs display. If your group is denied right to an outing and permits then sue.

Not all the Founding Fathers were deists.
It's irrelevant what their personal religions were. Hell, I've heard that John Adams was interested in Paganism.

I suppose you're right. So explain why there's so many gay outtings on public property that are allowed here in San Diego? I don't want my tax dollars going for that. Especially not if people the same religion as myself are prohibitted.
If Christians can't publicly advocate their religion, then gays and lesbians shouldn't be marching in parades.
I suppose it's because Christianity is a religion and homosexuality is not.

i'm republican and i think that christianity is an evil vile brainwashing religion that should be entirely banned
Well, you're a different sort of fascist from the usual Republican.

Do people not see that Religion teaches moral values and other good things? Personally, I believe in most of the things you are critisising(sp?) us for, but I'm not trying to force those beliefs on anyone else.
Some Americans don't like Christians because certain Christians are forcing their ideas of "morality" onto other people. Few liberals think that Christianity itself is bad, but they don't like what some Christians are doing.

They did, that's why it was news.

Did they? Do you know all of the details?

The most likely thing was the following:

The town had "traditionally" had Christmas displays put up - funded *by the town*.

Someone complained because government money should not be spent on a religious display.

A bunch of people whined and cried that they wouldn't have their Christmas display this year and never even bothered to even try to buy a permit.

All of them? Check Washington's farewell address, for one.

There is never a single instance in which he advocates a particular religion. At best, he says "People shouldn't give up religion and morality," which is entirely different from "Church and state should be married."