atheists going too far?

[Gregg]

I would also disagree that the entire thread is a non-issue. This is just the sort of thread that helps put valid discussion points, with far-reaching implications, out for the community to examine/discuss/debate, you know, the things that discussion forums are designed to do.

I completely agree Alan and, in fact, this type of discussion is the very reason I joined this community. But we all have different motivations so YMMV.

[iris lily]

... Back when i was still a taxpayer in Colorado it infuriated me to no end that they put a state funded sign on I-25 in Colorado Springs advising people of the Focus on the Family Visitor's Center. The sign referenced in the OP's post is completely different. As an atheist I personally have no problem with it. I may not agree with the predominant sentiment, but understand that there's much more in the overall sentiment than just espousing a particular religious belief, unlike my aforementioned visitor's center sign.

Here in my state, organizations have to pay $$$$$ to get those highway signs. Not true for Colo?

[The Storyteller]

I would also disagree that the entire thread is a non-issue. This is just the sort of thread that helps put valid discussion points, with far-reaching implications, out for the community to examine/discuss/debate, you know, the things that discussion forums are designed to do.

Of course, no one is forced to participate if they don't think it's worthwhile.

What I mean to say, it's a complete joke. I can't believe anyone is even taking it seriously, either the issue or the thread.

Which of course is just my opinion.

[catherine]

So maybe they should call it "Seven Servings of Maggot Food Way?" Sorry for being disrespectful, but Heaven is a reference to a spiritual state, that's all. Do atheists concede that we have a spiritual side? (really, I'm asking). If atheists can have a higher power, as in 12-step programs, maybe atheist heaven simply means a void and release from human suffering. Can't they see it that way at least?

Heaven doesn't have to mean St. Peter standing at the Pearly Gates checking off access to the Big Guy. Geez.

[puglogic]

Here in my state, organizations have to pay $$$$$ to get those highway signs. Not true for Colo?

Definitely true for Colorado. And they did. Not the government's fault.....it used to be a huge tourist attraction, as well. Though I don't agree with their stance on most things, of course.

[puglogic]

You know, here's an experiment. I'll bet everyone posting on this thread could agree if they wanted to.

I'd volunteer Catherine's last post as an example. Do most people agree that
a) because "heaven" is a spiritual term used in many different (positive) ways, and
b) spiritual references are not all equivalent to a some malevolent merging of church and state, and
c) the NY Atheists are just making this into an issue to push their views into the public eye, knowing that the mouthpieces who disagree with them (i.e. Fox) will do a fine job publicizing their cause

....that it's unfortunate this is happening, and even more unfortunate that good people all over the country are choosing to rip at each other over it?

Just a thought. I rarely see people agree here on Public Policy, almost like it's verboten to find common ground on an issue.

[Zigzagman]

This topic reminds me of the recent 9/11 mosque controversy. Of all the things that could use some attention by the public these days, this is just media induced BS. I guess my question is why anyone would really care, one way or the other.

As far as my comments about the snicker-smeared faces of pasty white folks - it was just my perverted thoughts on Faux News - Fair and Balanced!

Peace

[Zigzagman]

You know, here's an experiment. I'll bet everyone posting on this thread could agree if they wanted to.

I'd volunteer Catherine's last post as an example. Do most people agree that
a) because "heaven" is a spiritual term used in many different (positive) ways, and
b) spiritual references are not all equivalent to a some malevolent merging of church and state, and
c) the NY Atheists are just making this into an issue to push their views into the public eye, knowing that the mouthpieces who disagree with them (i.e. Fox) will do a fine job publicizing their cause

....that it's unfortunate this is happening, and even more unfortunate that good people all over the country are choosing to rip at each other over it?

Just a thought. I rarely see people agree here on Public Policy, almost like it's verboten to find common ground on an issue.

Very True! I think that religion like politics is something that will never be a topic that will have a concensus opinion. That is probably why in the "old days" no one ever talked either much. I personally enjoy hearing other people opinions on these topics. It gives me insight into how people diferent than myself think.

Peace

[poetry_writer]

I appreciate all the replys, even the ones I dont agree with. Something as simple as a street sign points out the feelings about anyone expressing anything concerning God.

[peggy]

You know, here's an experiment. I'll bet everyone posting on this thread could agree if they wanted to.

I'd volunteer Catherine's last post as an example. Do most people agree that
a) because "heaven" is a spiritual term used in many different (positive) ways, and
b) spiritual references are not all equivalent to a some malevolent merging of church and state, and
c) the NY Atheists are just making this into an issue to push their views into the public eye, knowing that the mouthpieces who disagree with them (i.e. Fox) will do a fine job publicizing their cause

....that it's unfortunate this is happening, and even more unfortunate that good people all over the country are choosing to rip at each other over it?

Just a thought. I rarely see people agree here on Public Policy, almost like it's verboten to find common ground on an issue.

Agreed. I too think the name is goofy, but harmless (in a non religious way) I do think they should set their sites on 'In God We Trust" or even better, "Under God". Here was a religious stick poked into our secular nation's anthem during the 50's. Totally wrong and should be removed.
I would think, since NY is such a large city with many streets, why couldn't they just name 7 streets after these guys. Give each a street, maybe in a neighborhood they loved.
Of course, there is the problem that I'm sure will arise in that these 7 weren't the only ones to die, so where is the street sign honoring the others, and possibly their religion.

Zig...."snicker-smeared faces of pasty white folk"? I love it! This is how I picture folks who watch all those shopping channels.