Maybe they should try a Rain Dance instead?

[Nucklesack]

Really how is this any less nutty?

Link

Georgians Pray for Rain ... Literally
Governor Leads a Prayer Vigil for a Rain Storm on Capitol Steps

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue joined other state leaders and ministers at the state Captiol this afternoon to pray to the heavens for rain and relief from a historic drought that has hit the Southeast.

"We've come together here simply for one reason and one reason only: To very reverently and respectfully pray up a storm," Perdue said to a crowd of about 100 people.

The efforts might pay off. The National Weather Service says there is a 40 to 50 percent chance for rain across much of north Georgia tomorrow.

Perdue has tried several ways to ease the crisis caused by the region's drought, from lawsuits to new laws restricting water use — but the water is still running out, and it just won't rain.

Now he is calling on a higher power.

"It's time to appeal to Him who can and will make a difference," Perdue said

But some Georgians, such as atheist Ed Buckner, are not impressed. He and about 20 other members of the Atlanta Freethought Society protested the vigil.

"We've got a real problem. Let's try to do something real about it instead of grandstanding," said Buckner.

"It is also an absurd, foolish thing to do, and it makes the state of Georgia and Georgians like myself look dumb," Buckner added.

If there’s a God that can control everything, how do they know that he didn’t send this drought to smite them? Isn’t it time our government moved past this nuttery?

Seriously? They’re going to pray for rain? How about a rain dance? Why not pull in all the mythologies?

I think they go old school and perform a series of human sacrifices on a stone altar.

Either way he's (Georgia Governor) is safe, if it rains that proves God exists. If it dosen’t rain it just shows God works in mysterious ways.

[red_explorer]

Originally Posted by Nucklesack

Really how is this any less nutty?

Link


If there’s a God that can control everything, how do they know that he didn’t send this drought to smite them? Isn’t it time our government moved past this nuttery?

Seriously? They’re going to pray for rain? How about a rain dance? Why not pull in all the mythologies?

I think they go old school and perform a series of human sacrifices on a stone altar.

Either way he's (Georgia Governor) is safe, if it rains that proves God exists. If it dosen’t rain it just shows God works in mysterious ways.

Actually, my brother lives in Gainesville, right near Lake Lanier, and supposedly it is going to rain today, the day after Day of Prayer! God works in mysterious ways!

[migtig (Premo)]

I know you don't understand, but that area isn't called the Bible Belt because they wear haute coutre belts. It's a very different world there. One where people truly believe in God, Country and Mom's apple pie.

In the simplest of terms, if all else has failed - water rations, lawsuits, etc. - then why would you want to deny the one comfort left - prayer. If you don't pray then no harm no foul. If you do pray, then maybe you are comforted by the thought that your neighbors as well as your fellow countrymen/women are praying with you.

[Xaquin44]

edit: that was kind of crass of me .... they didn't ask for a drought. Still though, instead of prayer (or in addition to it) they should look into better funding to get the water they need.

[MMDad (Premo)]

Originally Posted by migtig

then why would you want to deny the one comfort left - prayer. If you don't pray then no harm no foul.

Because he sees prayer as being a collosal waste of time because he believes there is no god. He's not denying them prayer, he's trying to point out how silly they are because they don't believe the same things he does.

[This_person]

Originally Posted by Nucklesack

Really how is this any less nutty?

Link


If there’s a God that can control everything, how do they know that he didn’t send this drought to smite them? Isn’t it time our government moved past this nuttery?

Seriously? They’re going to pray for rain? How about a rain dance? Why not pull in all the mythologies?

I think they go old school and perform a series of human sacrifices on a stone altar.

Either way he's (Georgia Governor) is safe, if it rains that proves God exists. If it dosen’t rain it just shows God works in mysterious ways.

Intolerance and disrespect of other people's beliefs are sad and ugly things.

[Nucklesack]

Originally Posted by This_person

Intolerance and disrespect of other people's beliefs are sad and ugly things.

The issue here is that this was done as a government function. That shouldn’t happen

When he was praying to his God, did he equally represent the other Gods of the Citizens of Georgia?

Because Ed Buckner doesnt feel he is representing his religious views.

[This_person]

Originally Posted by Nucklesack

The issue here is that this was done as a government function. That shouldn’t happen

When he was praying to his God, did he equally represent the other Gods of the Citizens of Georgia?

Because Ed Buckner doesnt feel he is representing his religious views.

Maybe it shouldn't happen, in some people's views, but that doesn't make it wrong legally nor morally. The First Amendment allows each citizen the right to practice their religion - regardless of their job. It did not, in any way, establish this as a religion for the state of Georgia, nor did anyone of any other religion get denied their rights to practice their religion (or lack of it).

The governor did many things within the powers of his office to attempt to help the situation, and also did this.

Now, if ol' Ed feels that he's being made look foolish, we must ask foolish to whom? Because, NOT doing this would make others look foolish to people with those beliefs. Feeling your representative makes you look foolish is not a reason to do, or not do, anything.

If Ed feels his religious rights are being trounced on, then he must feel atheism is a religion. If it is a religion, then he has no right to push it on anyone else. If it's NOT a religion, then how could his religious rights be trounced on (if he has no religion)?

[Nucklesack]

Originally Posted by This_person

Maybe it shouldn't happen, in some people's views, but that doesn't make it wrong legally nor morally. The First Amendment allows each citizen the right to practice their religion - regardless of their job. It did not, in any way, establish this as a religion for the state of Georgia, nor did anyone of any other religion get denied their rights to practice their religion (or lack of it).

The governor did many things within the powers of his office to attempt to help the situation, and also did this.

Now, if ol' Ed feels that he's being made look foolish, we must ask foolish to whom? Because, NOT doing this would make others look foolish to people with those beliefs. Feeling your representative makes you look foolish is not a reason to do, or not do, anything.

If Ed feels his religious rights are being trounced on, then he must feel atheism is a religion. If it is a religion, then he has no right to push it on anyone else. If it's NOT a religion, then how could his religious rights be trounced on (if he has no religion)?

And i'm expressing my First Amendment right about the practice (nice how that works).

But then if the Governor wanted to sacrifice a goat for rain you'd be equally supportive?

[This_person]

Originally Posted by Nucklesack

And i'm expressing my First Amendment right about the practice (nice how that works).

It is, I agree.

But then if the Governor wanted to sacrifice a goat for rain you'd be equally supportive?

On a personal leve, probably not. But, on a legal/moral level, yes. I know of no law against killing a goat properly (within health codes, etc.).

But, I missed the answer to these questions:

If Ed feels his religious rights are being trounced on, then he must feel atheism is a religion. If it is a religion, then he has no right to push it on anyone else. If it's NOT a religion, then how could his religious rights be trounced on (if he has no religion)?