In its zeal to denounce Fred Phelps’ funeral picketing, the Kansas Senate made a declaration on behalf of Kansans this week that might rub a few atheists — we know you’re out there — the wrong way. As the resolution, which passed 39-0, “condemns in the strongest manner possible the hateful activities of Mr. Phelps and his followers,” it declares that “the people of Kansas largely embrace a true religious message of love for one’s neighbors.” An attempt by Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, to delete the word “religious” failed, and she ended up abstaining.
By the way, the Westboro Baptist Church released a statement Tuesday explaining that the storm deaths in Missouri were God’s punishment for that state’s new law aimed at restricting church members’ funeral picketing.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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15 Comments
According to dictionary.com, one definition of religious is:
Extremely scrupulous or conscientious: religious devotion to duty.
I like that definition when considering the state resolution. Besides…it throws it in pharisee phred’s face.
I’m an atheist and this wording does not bother me.
Being also of a liberal bent, I am all about loving and helping my neighbors. You might even say I practice it religiously.
Aww, but legislation is always over worded. Sometimes I think those folks get paid by the word.
A better declaration could have stated simply: “KANSANS HATE Fred Phelps!”
The main point of why such legislative declarations are unwise is not the language – religious or not. It advances the cause of Phelps by giving him what he wants:
http://theflyoverzone.blogspot.com/2006/03/fred-phelps-lets-good-times-role.html
Can we please ignore them. If we ignore them, they will never have the spotlight and get media attention.
Whether you use the word “religious” or not, the message is the same. Most Kansans are known for their kindness and for showing love towards their fellow man. Fred Phelps’ group is known for hatred and narrow-mindedness. They judge everyone — but God will ultimately judge them. Maybe a tornado will wipe him out.
I wish the media would stop giving him attention, he needs to be treated like a 2 yr old. As long as he has an audiance, he’ll continue to act out. Just ignore him, PLEASE.
For lack of a better thread for this:
THE GOLDEN RULE
I like the way all the traditions agree on this …
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Christian, Jesus, Matthew 7:12One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct….loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Confucius,This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Hinduism Mahabharata 5:1517Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. – Islam The Prophet Muhammad,One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Jainism, Mahavira, SutrakritangaWhat is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it. Judaism ,Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31aI am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all. Sikhism Guru Granth Sahib, pg. 1299Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss. Taoism, Lao Tzu, T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien,We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Unitarian principleDo not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself. Zoroastrianism, Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Native Spirituality Chief Dan GeorgeLay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. Baha’i Faith, Baha’u'llah, GleaningsTreat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. Buddhism , The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.1
Ben what a great post. You are on a roll dude!
Ben, I’m saving that note, definitely!
Religion must be abolished from society completely! Religions fuel nothing but competition and makes people vie for supremacy with one another.
I am a Christian, but I have always hated the word “religious.” Religious people are not necessarily people of faith. Religious people can be people like Fred Phelps, the Pharisees in the Bible, and the religious fanatics that blew up the Twin Towers.My faith in Christ should be evident by the way I behave and conduct myself around others. I can tell you why my faith is important to me without the need to act superior or smug. There is a huge difference between being “religious” and having true faith in God.
Just like the Christians of northern Ireland kept blowing each other up? I guess that is what you meant by your christianity being evident through your actions… Was their christianity evident through theirs?
Gertie, you hit the nail on the head. It seems to me the true Christians are the ones who live the values of Jesus Christ and emmulate Him. A lot of self professed “Christians” talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. They seek control and power and use religion as weapon or a way to manipulate others.
“The people of Kansas largely embrace a true religious message of love for one’s neighbors.”
I’m an atheist, but I don’t particularly object to the language (though I might question its overall veracity ;-).”Largely” leaves open the possibility of others living here. There is no dispute that most Kansans are Christians, and that’s definitely how I’d like them to behave!
I suppose there’s an implied “and we know non-Christians don’t,” but there’s such a prevalent Christian supremacist attitude in this country these days, I’m not going to pick fights over what wasn’t said.
That said, I would have voted for Senator Francisco’s motion.