Iowa Governor Signs Proclamation Calling For Prayer, Repentance

Posted by | July 15, 2014 00:03 | Filed under: News Behaving Badly Politics Religion Top Stories


Republican Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation calling for prayer and repentance to begin on 7/14. That’s because of Second Chronicles 7:14 that says,  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” And Branstad wants us to set our cell phones for 7:14 AM and PM so we can be reminded of the need to pray.

Is Terry Branstand a the chief executive of a state or its pastor?

 

 

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Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.

270 responses to Iowa Governor Signs Proclamation Calling For Prayer, Repentance

  1. arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 00:17

    Personally, I celebrated Bastille Day.

    Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite

    • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:45

      merci mon cher ami – hier soir nous avons eu les artifices – super!!!! oh, et biere et frites et un bal.

  2. arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 00:17

    Personally, I celebrated Bastille Day.

    Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite

    • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:45

      merci mon cher ami – hier soir nous avons eu les artifices – super!!!! oh, et biere et frites et un bal.

  3. Abigail July 15th, 2014 at 00:37

    He’s not using his official capacity as a governor to force people to do anything. He’s suggesting they set a reminder. Nothing to see here.

    • m2old4bs July 15th, 2014 at 10:56

      Your rationalization misses the point entirely.

      • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:39

        Because you say so, of course, yet you can’t even provide the point you claim is missed.

        Nice try.

  4. Abigail July 15th, 2014 at 00:37

    He’s not using his official capacity as a governor to force people to do anything. He’s suggesting they set a reminder. Nothing to see here.

    • m2old4bs July 15th, 2014 at 10:56

      Your rationalization misses the point entirely.

      • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:39

        Because you say so, of course, yet you can’t even provide the point you claim is missed.

        Nice try.

  5. Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 01:53

    Maybe the unhinged Christian gov should put aside state tax dollars and build a minaret like the Muslims, do and have everyone answer to the call for prayer.

    • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:01

      Nothing unhinged about suggesting people pray.

      • Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 02:03

        Really, what effect does it offer other than wasting people’s time (and tax dollars using gov time) on some fantastic big sky daddy?

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:22

          If you don’t believe in God, then you better hope you’re right. If you’re wrong you’re going to meet Him someday and then it will be too late.

          • arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 02:29

            and if you do not believe in the goddess, you have nothing to worry about. she is a lot more forgiving than her son the god of Abraham.

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:34

              No one is more forgiving than God.

              • arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 02:38

                his mom is.. she told me.

              • Roctuna July 15th, 2014 at 07:40

                Bob, you are such a hoot. First you tell everyone about the punishment they can expect from your vengeful god then practically in the same breath you close with “No one is more forgiving”. No wonder all your thoughts are so confused.

                • Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:17

                  If god is willing to forgive Ted Bundy because he repented but not Gandhi, then who wants him?

              • eaglesfanintn July 15th, 2014 at 09:41

                Then I guess we have nothing to worry about, right?
                Which is it? He’s forgiving or we’ll feel his wrath because we don’t believe in him? Stupid is as stupid does…

                • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 12:14

                  We all sin, whether intentionally or accidentally. Intentionally is knowing something is wrong and choosing to do it anyway. Accidentally could be a slip of the tongue. Either way, God wants us to confess our sins and then try to not repeat them.

                  So, He is a loving and forgiving God who wants a personal relation with His children. Those who reject God are still His creation, but not His children.

                  When a person’s time on earth has ended they will have to account for everything they said and done. Confessed sins are no longer counted against you.

                  Those who have rejected the message of salvation cannot understand what I’ve have just written above, and God knew that would be the case because He made sure it would be in His inspired word in the bible as a help to those who share the Gospel understand why some reject the offer.

                  Here are a few references:

                  2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

                  1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

                  Romans 14: 11-12 ” For it is written, “AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME,
                  AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD.”

                  “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

                  I hope that helps you understand why Christians yell out a warning to all we meet. We believe because we’ve been called. We pray for those who reject God.

                  Back to the original statement. God is a loving and forgiving God, but if someone rejects His offer then he will judge them accordingly.

                  • eaglesfanintn July 16th, 2014 at 14:27

                    Ah, the Bible. Telling idiots for 2,000 years what to believe. Look, I grew up in a religious household, I’ve been baptised, confirmed and sang in the choir. I know all the bullshit you’re spewing. Using a fictional book to prove the existence of something. That’s great. I’m gonna use Lord of the Rings to prove the existence of Hobbits. I mean, I’ve never seen one, but a really good storyteller told me all about them, so I believe – Hallelujah. Frodo has saved me.

                    • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 11:21

                      Sorry to hear about you not being justified. Being in church makes you no more a Christian then being in a garage makes you a car.

                      Were you baptized as an adult? Did you study the bible?

                    • eaglesfanintn July 17th, 2014 at 11:33

                      I have no idea what you mean by “justified”. Must be some christofascist term. I mean, I know the normal meanings of the word, but you obviously mean something else.
                      I studied the bible in Sunday school every week. I studied the bible at summer camps. I studied the bible in college – my school had a religion class requirement.
                      I also studied Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and other great fiction.
                      I’d also add that quoting from your book of fiction doesn’t make you much of a Christian either.

                    • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 12:07

                      It is hard for those who have put up a defense against God to accept His word, but since you asked the question I will try to answer. Read this description on Justification; it would do a better job than me explaining in the limited space here. http://livingtheway.org/justification.html

                      The bible is hardly a book of fiction. Consider the following:

                      The Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially
                      with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background.

                      Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of
                      scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a few.

                      Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds:
                      shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

                      Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of
                      these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

                      Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

                      And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa , Asia , and Europe . Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.

                      Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline – the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme – God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message –
                      salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

                      In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

                  • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 21:52

                    That’s all very well and good, Bob. But what if you’re wrong? What if Allah is the true god? Or Zeus? OrThor? You have no proof to the contrary,. You have only words written by misogynistic bigoted men thousands of years ago. That’s not proof. That sounds more like a lucrative way to keep people in line.

                    Threatening nonbelievers with eternal damnation (“believe what I tell you, or you will burn in the afterlife”) works well on the young and vulnerable. Why do you think parents send their children to bible school when they’re 6-years-old? So they can be indoctrinated before they have a chance to rationalize. Why do preachers and the like target drug addicts and alcoholics? Because they’re pliable, more easily manipulated, and willing to believe anything that they think might save them, no matter how ludicrous.

                    Don’t forget, Bob. Religion is a business – a big business. They make their living selling fear. I’m not saying don’t believe anything. Many things in this world can’t be explained by science, and many people depend on a deity to get them thru the day. But your interpretation of God (if one does, indeed, exist) doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the correct one.

              • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 20:19

                except when he sends everyone to hell for simply THINKING

                • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 21:54

                  God doesn’t send you to hell, He lets you make the choice yourself.

                  • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 23:02

                    how can I choose to believe something that has no evidence?

                    you are asking me to force myself to be stupid. Don’t you see how dishonest and wrong that is?

                    • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 11:47

                      When you’re ready, I will provide enough scientific evidence to make you doubt what you believe right now.

                      Do you believe in evolution as the creation of man? There is no physical evidence of that happening and no evidence that it continues today. Read the book “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST” it covers all the questions you may have about science and God.

                    • Obewon July 16th, 2014 at 12:28

                      Wass is easily debunked by Darwin’s finches beaks evolutionary changes adapting as observed during 150 years as proven since their discovery: The most important differences between species are in the size and shape of their beaks, and the beaks are highly adapted to different food sources. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/6/l_016_02.html

                      3.7 billion years of Earth life evolution fossil proof is peer-reviewed e.g. A) What is evolution and how does it work? Evolution 101 provides the nuts-and-bolts on the patterns and mechanisms of evolution. http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_01

                      1. You can explore the following sections:
                      2. An introduction to evolution: Evolution briefly defined and explained
                      3. The history of life: looking at the patterns: How does evolution lead to the tree of life?
                      4. Mechanisms: the processes of evolution: How does evolution work?
                      5. Microevolution: How does evolution work on a small scale?
                      6. Speciation: What are species anyway, and how do new ones evolve?
                      7. Macroevolution: How does evolution work on a grand scale?
                      8. The big issues: What are some of the big questions that evolutionary biologists are trying to answer?

                    • cecilia July 16th, 2014 at 16:51

                      evolution doesn’t describe the initial chemical development of life..it’s about how life diversified once it began.

                      The fact that you make this one giant mistake right from the start lets me know you have no answers.

                      and, no, I don’t “believe” in evolution. I UNDERSTAND that evolution is a fact because there’s well over 100 years of evidence to prove it.

                      other terms you don’t understand:
                      FAITH is belief Without Evidence.

                      ATHEISM is a conclusion – at least in my case. Having not seen one iota of verifiable evidence for any supernatural entities I have to conclude there probably are none.

                    • cecilia July 16th, 2014 at 16:51

                      evolution doesn’t describe the initial chemical development of life..it’s about how life diversified once it began.

                      The fact that you make this one giant mistake right from the start lets me know you have no answers.

                      and, no, I don’t “believe” in evolution. I UNDERSTAND that evolution is a fact because there’s well over 100 years of evidence to prove it.

                      other terms you don’t understand:
                      FAITH is belief Without Evidence.

                      ATHEISM is a conclusion – at least in my case. Having not seen one iota of verifiable evidence for any supernatural entities I have to conclude there probably are none.

                    • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 18:23

                      Then, read the book “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST” and see if you come to the same conclusion.

                    • cecilia July 16th, 2014 at 20:14

                      you don’t address the facts I brought up (not a surprise).

                      plus, you never really answered one point I made a while ago: I’m a good person and live a good life. WHY is “your god” sending me to hell JUST because I require evidence?

                      After all, YOUR god supposedly gave me this brain and this desire for truth and honesty. he supposedly knows what evidence would convince me…yet he sits around mute.

                      Your so-called god is a creep, playing mind games with his “creations”. He doesn’t deserve my respect.

                    • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:08

                      Those who believe, no proof is needed; those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.
                      Where is your god sending you when you die?

                    • cecilia July 17th, 2014 at 17:47

                      I have no god.
                      don’t you get it? I don’t believe in spooks. woo woo means nothing to any THINKING person.

                      There’s nothing to be proud of in NOT using one’s reason.

                      Because there’s no evidence of any sort of awareness after my body dies I expect to just stop Being.

                      However, I’ve left behind work I am proud of and in that way my creations will live on after I am gone. And I’m just fine with that.

                    • cecilia July 16th, 2014 at 16:51

                      evolution doesn’t describe the initial chemical development of life..it’s about how life diversified once it began.

                      The fact that you make this one giant mistake right from the start lets me know you have no answers.

                      and, no, I don’t “believe” in evolution. I UNDERSTAND that evolution is a fact because there’s well over 100 years of evidence to prove it.

                      other terms you don’t understand:
                      FAITH is belief Without Evidence.

                      ATHEISM is a conclusion – at least in my case. Having not seen one iota of verifiable evidence for any supernatural entities I have to conclude there probably are none.

          • Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 02:30

            I personally wouldn’t want to be with some god who sanctioned mass murder, rape, incest and slavery while becoming petulant if those he gave free will to didn’t grovel at his whims.

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:33

              Well, your not going to have a choice.

              • Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 02:36

                So much for free will.

                • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:47

                  You still have free will. You just can’t choose the consequences for your decisions.
                  God gave us an instruction book with examples. Look what he did with those who were disobedient.

                  • Obewon July 15th, 2014 at 03:01

                    Wass bears false witness against his neighbors every day. “Look what he did with those who were disobedient.”-Wass admits he is an unrepentant hypocrite already in Hell. Dishonest & gullible Bob always sets the poorest example on Earth and perhaps throughout his 6,000 year old fantasy universe.

                  • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:43

                    yeah, turned them into mindless sheep without the balls to be more than sheep.

                  • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:20

                    bob you pray to a mass murderer, how long have you had the fantasy of being a child killer, you know like your god.

                  • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 18:01

                    Boy, you’re really not the brightest bulb on the tree, are you?

              • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:42

                golly, thanks bob for confirming tommy’s perfect description of your evil lord.

              • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:19

                bob, we know you like to get on your knees and swallow the junk juice of your god, but really just go to god now, swallow a bullet instead.

              • Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:20

                “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
                Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
                Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
                Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?” Epicurus

          • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:41

            god’s gonna like all the strong oppositional minds and it’ll get a kick out of eternity being spent with vigorous discours. with the meaniny mushy prayers, not much fun – let em roast with its brother down below below below – oops, thought it was a blues tune for a moment.

          • Budda July 15th, 2014 at 07:42

            Just a tired old ‘threat’ You are the one who better hope you’re right. Wasting all your time ‘hoping’ to your sky daddy.

            • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:18

              “I would rather live my life as if there is a god and die to find out there isn’t, than live my life as if there isn’t and die to find out there is.”

              ― Albert Camus

              • Budda July 17th, 2014 at 06:19

                Stop Bob. You are just showing your limited intellect and bias.

                Camus’ statement is debunked in the first weeks of Philosophy 101 by most college freshman. It goes like this; if god is all knowing (as most xtians claim) than she would know you are ‘hedging’ your bet and therefore aren’t really a true believer.

                Bob, if you wish to believe, fine, good for you, but don’t think you have the right to impose your belief(s) on anyone else. Just as I don’t have the right to tell you you can’t believe. But we do have the right to challenge each others beliefs.

                • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 11:28

                  We all have limited intellect when we try to out think an infinite God.

                  My response in the beginning of the discussion was, “if you want to pray, pray; if you don’t, then don’t.” It was the atheist who got their shorts in a wad and said the governor had no right to suggest the people pray. I said he wasn’t forcing anyone.

                  Christians share the good news of salvation because of what we believe; but we don’t force anyone to join.

          • Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:15

            Right back atcha buddy.

          • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:17

            BOB please go see god RIGHT NOW, i will tell waste management where to find your remains.

            • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:37

              You know, I BE ME, you really are one of America’s biggest schmucks. Why don’t you put your real name on your written feces.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 11:55

            Bob, as a religious person who is not overly observant but deeply believes I endorse your comment fully. These nasty, insulting, supercilious atheists may get a surprise after death. Some faiths believe in actual hell but all the Abrahamic faiths believe that unbelievers who mock God will suffer, rather, the separation from God for eternity. I am somewhat amused by the arrogance of these atheists…something like 90% of people believe in God in some form all over this planet but to the former everybody’s wrong except THEM. And in addition they are so intellectually enfeebled that they cannot understand the distinction between what God wants and what some clergy scream and shriek in their intolerance and dogmatism..they atheists love to smear ALL religion and belief in the Lord because of the evil done in religion’s name by some clergy who are men not angels.

            • Abby Normal July 15th, 2014 at 12:07

              Ever hear of the Pilgrims? They fled England and established a colony in Virginia to escape the Church of England, the official state religion of England. The founders gave us the First Amendment to establish Freedom of Religion. All Americans have the right to practice the religion of the their choice – or no religion at all. The USA is NOT a theocracy.

            • Bunya July 15th, 2014 at 14:27

              Of course we believe in God, Elliot – just not YOUR god.

            • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:57

              What’s that sound??? Oh yeah, it’s wahhhhhhhhhbulance.

          • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 12:56

            Of course Bob, if you happen to believe in the wrong god, your butt is toast too, right?
            Of the over 3000 gods and deities man has created over the millennia, you might be mistaken by believing in one of the false ones.

          • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 20:10

            why is threatening people the go-to action for you people?

            according to you I could be the nicest person in the universe but because I don’t believe a fairy tale I’m going to hell….how does that make ANY sense?

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 20:20

              Heaven is real and so is hell. We don’t threaten, we just warn.

              • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 20:27

                I know a threat when I hear it.

                plus, prove with verifiable evidence that heaven, hell and god exists

      • arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 02:09

        so if some future governor issues a proclamation to join in praise of Allah at the beginning of Ramadan, or pray to Gaia the goddess of the earth on Samhain or invoke Buddha on Asalha Puja, you would have absolutely no problem whatsoever?

        • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:23

          You mean like our presidents recognizing a national day of prayer? Or, when they host a dinner to celebrate the end of Ramadan? No, it doesn’t bother me, it only bothers the atheist.

      • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:38

        time is $ – never waste it on your knees.

        • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:38

          yuch, that’s awful – forget $ but take a walk instead of kneeling.

      • Budda July 15th, 2014 at 07:39

        Yes there is. Who is he, or anyone else for that matter to suggest I should “pray”?

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 17:42

          Unlike forcing you to buy health insurance, he is suggesting that you pray. You don’t want to, don’t. He isn’t endorsing a particular religion either.

          • Budda July 15th, 2014 at 18:06

            Yeah, yeah,…but health Insurance has a useful purpose Bob.

            • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 11:22

              Yes, health insurance has a useful purpose, but prayer is needed to get them to approve a needed procedure.

              • Budda July 16th, 2014 at 17:33

                Prayer isn’t needed at all Bob. Now you’re just making stuff up.

                • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 18:28

                  Really? Not for me it isn’t.

          • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:47

            Zing-o! Score one for Bob Waas against the President of the United States! (That WAS your intention, Bob, right? Right?)

            • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 11:34

              No, it was against the SCOTUS.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:36

            It seems you and I are the only tolerant and sane people commenting in this column amidst this horde of what amounts of atheist storm troopers. But you are entirely wrong in comparing the governor’s suggestion to the ACA. The requirement that the uninsured insure themselves with AFFORDABLE insurance if they don’t get it from another party is to protect them from their own pigheadedness AND protect society from having to pay the sky-high costs when the uninsured eventually do get sick and need medical care. Because EVERYONE SOONER OR LATER IS GOING TO GET SICK..AND EVENTUALLY VERY SICK. Trust me-it happens to all of us and someone else has to pay for you Bob when you get sick if you are uninsured.

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 22:50

              It was an analogy. No one is forcing you to pray, but you are forced to buy insurance and they’re not complaining about that.

              BTW, We’ve been paying for the uninsured who have gotten sick all along, so nothing has changed. Do you really think the homeless are signing up for ACA?

              • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 23:17

                No the homeless many of whom are insane (sorry but it is true here in NYC) won’t sign up but excluding them by signing up all the other uninsured we will get a huge number into the insurance pool. I just read Calif. has something like between half a million and a million formerly uninsured now insured under Obamacare. I think this is a very good thing for them and for our country. When an uninsured person goes or is taken to the ER the cost are sky-high. Did you ever see ER bills? Obamacare has had glitches, sure, but it is working and if we elect Pres. Hillary Clinton by the time of the end of her first term in Jan., 202l it will be as accepted as Medicare.

                • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 14:47

                  Wait, what? Did Elliot just make a rational, intelligent comment?
                  All kidding aside, the uninsured are/were using emergency rooms services for minor problems such as cuts & scrapes and annual checkups for their children, resulting in longer emergency room wait times for people in life and death situations. And since somebody has to pay for these services (nothing is free), the cost is passed onto the working insured, resulting in higher insurance premiums.

                • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:03

                  Who is paying their premiums?

      • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:16

        oh hi bob, is that your name or what you do while on your knees

      • Abby Normal July 15th, 2014 at 09:01

        What would you think of a Muslim governor of a U.S. state recommending that all citizens get on their knees, face Mecca, and pray to Allah twice a day?

        • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 11:49

          Do you have a functioning brain, Abby? Gov. Bransted did NOT call for sectarian prayer.

          • eaglesfanintn July 15th, 2014 at 16:38

            He used a Bible reference as a reason to pray. So, how about actually answering Abby’s question instead of deflecting? How would you feel if he said so and so verse from the Quran said you should pray?

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 17:50

              He didn’t say you had to follow that bible verse and he wasn’t forcing anyone to pray, he referenced it because God said He would hear if His people repented and called on His name, then God would heal our land. Sounds like a good return to me.

              • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:45

                (Pssst! Ain’t gonna happen!)

              • eaglesfanintn July 16th, 2014 at 08:29

                Did God hear Texas governor Perry when he said to pray to end the drought? Nope. And he won’t hear this. Guess why.

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 17:47

          I would say thank you, but no thanks. If he tried forcing me then that would be another issue.

      • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:52

        No, making a proclamation that people need to talk to and beg forgiveness from his invisible friend is TOTALLY sane and not the least bit bat-shit crazy. *sarcasm*

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 18:52

          I understand where you are coming from, you can’t help yourself. 2 Corinthians 4:4

    • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:37

      bowing to an alarm clock has such incredibly deep meaning and resonance – it goes ding dong in the head.

    • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:15

      LOLL you have an agile mind

  6. Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 01:53

    Maybe the unhinged Christian gov should put aside state tax dollars and build a minaret like the Muslims, and have everyone answer to the call for prayer.

    • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:01

      Nothing unhinged about suggesting people pray.

      • Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 02:03

        Really, what effect does it offer other than wasting people’s time (and tax dollars using gov time) on some fantastic big sky daddy?

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:22

          If you don’t believe in God, then you better hope you’re right. If you’re wrong you’re going to meet Him someday and then it will be too late.

          • arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 02:29

            and if you do not believe in the goddess, you have nothing to worry about. she is a lot more forgiving than her son the god of Abraham.

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:34

              No one is more forgiving than God.

              • arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 02:38

                his mom is.. she told me.

              • Roctuna July 15th, 2014 at 07:40

                Bob, you are such a hoot. First you tell everyone about the punishment they can expect from your vengeful god then practically in the same breath you close with “No one is more forgiving”. No wonder all your thoughts are so confused.

                • Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:17

                  If god is willing to forgive Ted Bundy because he repented but not Gandhi, then who wants him?

              • eaglesfanintn July 15th, 2014 at 09:41

                Then I guess we have nothing to worry about, right?
                Which is it? He’s forgiving or we’ll feel his wrath because we don’t believe in him? Stupid is as stupid does…

                • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 12:14

                  We all sin, whether intentionally or accidentally. Intentionally is knowing something is wrong and choosing to do it anyway. Accidentally could be a slip of the tongue. Either way, God wants us to confess our sins and then try to not repeat them.

                  So, He is a loving and forgiving God who wants a personal relation with His children. Those who reject God are still His creation, but not His children.

                  When a person’s time on earth has ended they will have to account for everything they said and done. Confessed sins are no longer counted against you.

                  Those who have rejected the message of salvation cannot understand what I’ve have just written above, and God knew that would be the case because He made sure it would be in His inspired word in the bible as a help to those who share the Gospel understand why some reject the offer.

                  Here are a few references:

                  2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

                  1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

                  Romans 14: 11-12 ” For it is written, “AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME,
                  AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD.”

                  “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

                  I hope that helps you understand why Christians yell out a warning to all we meet. We believe because we’ve been called. We pray for those who reject God.

                  Back to the original statement. God is a loving and forgiving God, but if someone rejects His offer then he will judge them accordingly.

                  • eaglesfanintn July 16th, 2014 at 14:27

                    Ah, the Bible. Telling idiots for 2,000 years what to believe. Look, I grew up in a religious household, I’ve been baptised, confirmed and sang in the choir. I know all the bullshit you’re spewing. Using a fictional book to prove the existence of something. That’s great. I’m gonna use Lord of the Rings to prove the existence of Hobbits. I mean, I’ve never seen one, but a really good storyteller told me all about them, so I believe – Hallelujah. Frodo has saved me.

                    • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 11:21

                      Sorry to hear about you not being justified. Being in church makes you no more a Christian then being in a garage makes you a car.

                      Were you baptized as an adult? Did you study the bible?

                    • eaglesfanintn July 17th, 2014 at 11:33

                      I have no idea what you mean by “justified”. Must be some christofascist term. I mean, I know the normal meanings of the word, but you obviously mean something else.
                      I studied the bible in Sunday school every week. I studied the bible at summer camps. I studied the bible in college – my school had a religion class requirement.
                      I also studied Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and other great fiction.
                      I’d also add that quoting from your book of fiction doesn’t make you much of a Christian either.

                    • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 12:07

                      It is hard for those who have put up a defense against God to accept His word, but since you asked the question I will try to answer. Read this description on Justification; it would do a better job than me explaining in the limited space here. http://livingtheway.org/justification.html

                      The bible is hardly a book of fiction. Consider the following:

                      The Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially
                      with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background.

                      Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of
                      scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a few.

                      Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds:
                      shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

                      Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of
                      these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

                      Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

                      And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa , Asia , and Europe . Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.

                      Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline – the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme – God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message –
                      salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

                      In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

                  • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 21:52

                    That’s all very well and good, Bob. But what if you’re wrong? What if Allah is the true god? Or Zeus? OrThor? You have no proof to the contrary,. You have only words written by misogynistic bigoted men thousands of years ago. That’s not proof. That sounds more like a lucrative way to keep people in line.

                    Threatening nonbelievers with eternal damnation (“believe what I tell you, or you will burn in the afterlife”) works well on the young and vulnerable. Why do you think parents send their children to bible school when they’re 6-years-old? So they can be indoctrinated before they have a chance to rationalize. Why do preachers and the like target drug addicts and alcoholics? Because they’re pliable, more easily manipulated, and willing to believe anything that they think might save them, no matter how ludicrous.

                    Don’t forget, Bob. Religion is a business – a big business. They make their living selling fear. I’m not saying don’t believe anything. Many things in this world can’t be explained by science, and many people depend on a deity to get them thru the day. But your interpretation of God (if one does, indeed, exist) doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the correct one.

              • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 20:19

                except when he sends everyone to hell for simply THINKING

                • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 21:54

                  God doesn’t send you to hell, He lets you make the choice yourself.

                  • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 23:02

                    how can I choose to believe something that has no evidence?

                    you are asking me to force myself to be stupid. Don’t you see how dishonest and wrong that is?

                    • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 11:47

                      When you’re ready, I will provide enough scientific evidence to make you doubt what you believe right now.

                      Do you believe in evolution as the creation of man? There is no physical evidence of that happening and no evidence that it continues today. Read the book “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST” it covers all the questions you may have about science and God.

                    • Obewon July 16th, 2014 at 12:28

                      Wass is easily debunked by Darwin’s finches beaks evolutionary changes adapting as observed during 150 years as proven since their discovery: The most important differences between species are in the size and shape of their beaks, and the beaks are highly adapted to different food sources. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/6/l_016_02.html

                      3.7 billion years of Earth life evolution fossil proof is peer-reviewed e.g. A) What is evolution and how does it work? Evolution 101 provides the nuts-and-bolts on the patterns and mechanisms of evolution. http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_01

                      1. You can explore the following sections:
                      2. An introduction to evolution: Evolution briefly defined and explained
                      3. The history of life: looking at the patterns: How does evolution lead to the tree of life?
                      4. Mechanisms: the processes of evolution: How does evolution work?
                      5. Microevolution: How does evolution work on a small scale?
                      6. Speciation: What are species anyway, and how do new ones evolve?
                      7. Macroevolution: How does evolution work on a grand scale?
                      8. The big issues: What are some of the big questions that evolutionary biologists are trying to answer?

                    • cecilia July 16th, 2014 at 16:51

                      evolution doesn’t describe the initial chemical development of life..it’s about how life diversified once it began.

                      The fact that you make this one giant mistake right from the start lets me know you have no answers.

                      and, no, I don’t “believe” in evolution. I UNDERSTAND that evolution is a fact because there’s well over 100 years of evidence to prove it.

                      other terms you don’t understand:
                      FAITH is belief Without Evidence.

                      ATHEISM is a conclusion – at least in my case. Having not seen one iota of verifiable evidence for any supernatural entities I have to conclude there probably are none.

                    • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 18:23

                      Then, read the book “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST” and see if you come to the same conclusion.

                    • cecilia July 16th, 2014 at 20:14

                      you don’t address the facts I brought up (not a surprise).

                      plus, you never really answered one point I made a while ago: I’m a good person and live a good life. WHY is “your god” sending me to hell JUST because I require evidence?

                      After all, YOUR god supposedly gave me this brain and this desire for truth and honesty. he supposedly knows what evidence would convince me…yet he sits around mute.

                      Your so-called god is a creep, playing mind games with his “creations”. He doesn’t deserve my respect.

                    • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:08

                      Those who believe, no proof is needed; those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.
                      Where is your god sending you when you die?

                    • cecilia July 17th, 2014 at 17:47

                      I have no god.
                      don’t you get it? I don’t believe in spooks. woo woo means nothing to any THINKING person.

                      There’s nothing to be proud of in NOT using one’s reason.

                      Because there’s no evidence of any sort of awareness after my body dies I expect to just stop Being.

                      However, I’ve left behind work I am proud of and in that way my creations will live on after I am gone. And I’m just fine with that.

          • Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 02:30

            I personally wouldn’t want to be with some god who sanctioned mass murder, rape, incest and slavery while becoming petulant if those he gave free will to didn’t grovel at his whims.

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:33

              Well, your not going to have a choice.

              • Tommy6860 July 15th, 2014 at 02:36

                So much for free will.

                • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 02:47

                  You still have free will. You just can’t choose the consequences for your decisions.
                  God gave us an instruction book with examples. Look what he did with those who were disobedient.

                  • Obewon July 15th, 2014 at 03:01

                    Wass bears false witness against his neighbors many times every day. “Look what he did with those who were disobedient.”-Wass admits he is an unrepentant hypocrite already in Hell. Dishonest & gullible Bob always sets the poorest examples on Earth and perhaps throughout his 6,000 year old fantasy aged universe.

                  • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:43

                    yeah, turned them into mindless sheep without the balls to be more than sheep.

                  • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:20

                    bob you pray to a mass murderer, how long have you had the fantasy of being a child killer, you know like your god.

                  • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 18:01

                    Boy, you’re really not the brightest bulb on the tree, are you?

              • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:42

                golly, thanks bob for confirming tommy’s perfect description of your evil lord.

              • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:19

                bob, we know you like to get on your knees and swallow the junk juice of your god, but really just go to god now, swallow a bullet instead.

              • Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:20

                “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
                Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
                Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
                Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?” Epicurus

          • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:41

            god’s gonna like all the strong oppositional minds and it’ll get a kick out of eternity being spent with vigorous discours. with the meaniny mushy prayers, not much fun – let em roast with its brother down below below below – oops, thought it was a blues tune for a moment.

          • Budda July 15th, 2014 at 07:42

            Just a tired old ‘threat’ You are the one who better hope you’re right. Wasting all your time ‘hoping’ to your sky daddy.

            • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:18

              “I would rather live my life as if there is a god and die to find out there isn’t, than live my life as if there isn’t and die to find out there is.”

              ― Albert Camus

              • Budda July 17th, 2014 at 06:19

                Stop Bob. You are just showing your limited intellect and bias.

                Camus’ statement is debunked in the first weeks of Philosophy 101 by most college freshman. It goes like this; if god is all knowing (as most xtians claim) than she would know you are ‘hedging’ your bet and therefore aren’t really a true believer.

                Bob, if you wish to believe, fine, good for you, but don’t think you have the right to impose your belief(s) on anyone else. Just as I don’t have the right to tell you you can’t believe. But we do have the right to challenge each others beliefs.

                • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 11:28

                  We all have limited intellect when we try to out think an infinite God.

                  My response in the beginning of the discussion was, “if you want to pray, pray; if you don’t, then don’t.” It was the atheist who got their shorts in a wad and said the governor had no right to suggest the people pray. I said he wasn’t forcing anyone.

                  Christians share the good news of salvation because of what we believe; but we don’t force anyone to join.

          • Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:15

            Right back atcha buddy.

          • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:17

            BOB please go see god RIGHT NOW, i will tell waste management where to find your remains.

            • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:37

              You know, I BE ME, you really are one of America’s biggest schmucks. Why don’t you put your real name on your written feces.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 11:55

            Bob, as a religious person who is not overly observant but deeply believes I endorse your comment fully. These nasty, insulting, supercilious atheists may get a surprise after death. Some faiths believe in actual hell but all the Abrahamic faiths believe that unbelievers who mock God will suffer, rather, the separation from God for eternity. I am somewhat amused by the arrogance of these atheists…something like 90% of people believe in God in some form all over this planet but to the former everybody’s wrong except THEM. And in addition they are so intellectually enfeebled that they cannot understand the distinction between what God wants and what some clergy scream and shriek in their intolerance and dogmatism..these atheists love to smear ALL religion and belief in the Lord because of the evil done in religion’s name by some clergy who are men not angels.

            • Abby Normal July 15th, 2014 at 12:07

              Ever hear of the Pilgrims? They fled England and established a colony in Virginia to escape the Church of England, the official state religion of England. The founders gave us the First Amendment to establish Freedom of Religion. All Americans have the right to practice the religion of the their choice – or no religion at all. The USA is NOT a theocracy.

            • Bunya July 15th, 2014 at 14:27

              Of course we believe in God, Elliot – just not YOUR god.

            • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:57

              What’s that sound??? Oh yeah, it’s wahhhhhhhhhbulance.

          • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 12:56

            Of course Bob, if you happen to believe in the wrong god, your butt is toast too, right?
            Of the over 3000 gods and deities man has created over the millennia, you might be mistaken by believing in one of the false ones.

          • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 20:10

            why is threatening people the go-to action for you people?

            according to you I could be the nicest person in the universe but because I don’t believe a fairy tale I’m going to hell….how does that make ANY sense?

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 20:20

              Heaven is real and so is hell. We don’t threaten, we just warn.

              • cecilia July 15th, 2014 at 20:27

                I know a threat when I hear it.

                plus, prove with verifiable evidence that heaven, hell and god exists

      • arc99 July 15th, 2014 at 02:09

        so if some future governor issues a proclamation to join in praise of Allah at the beginning of Ramadan, or pray to Gaia the goddess of the earth on Samhain or invoke Buddha on Asalha Puja, you would have absolutely no problem whatsoever?

        • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:23

          You mean like our presidents recognizing a national day of prayer? Or, when they host a dinner to celebrate the end of Ramadan? No, it doesn’t bother me, it only bothers the atheist.

      • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:38

        time is $ – never waste it on your knees.

        • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:38

          yuch, that’s awful – forget $ but take a walk instead of kneeling.

      • Budda July 15th, 2014 at 07:39

        Yes there is. Who is he, or anyone else for that matter to suggest I should “pray”?

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 17:42

          Unlike forcing you to buy health insurance, he is suggesting that you pray. You don’t want to, don’t. He isn’t endorsing a particular religion either.

          • Budda July 15th, 2014 at 18:06

            Yeah, yeah,…but health Insurance has a useful purpose Bob.

            • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 11:22

              Yes, health insurance has a useful purpose, but prayer is needed to get them to approve a needed procedure.

              • Budda July 16th, 2014 at 17:33

                Prayer isn’t needed at all Bob. Now you’re just making stuff up.

                • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 18:28

                  Really? Not for me it isn’t.

          • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:47

            Zing-o! Score one for Bob Waas against the President of the United States! (That WAS your intention, Bob, right? Right?)

            • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 11:34

              No, it was against the SCOTUS.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:36

            It seems you and I are the only tolerant and sane people commenting in this column amidst this horde of what amounts of atheist storm troopers. But you are entirely wrong in comparing the governor’s suggestion to the ACA. The requirement that the uninsured insure themselves with AFFORDABLE insurance if they don’t get it from another party is to protect them from their own pigheadedness AND protect society from having to pay the sky-high costs when the uninsured eventually do get sick and need medical care. Because EVERYONE SOONER OR LATER IS GOING TO GET SICK..AND EVENTUALLY VERY SICK. Trust me-it happens to all of us and someone else has to pay for you Bob when you get sick if you are uninsured.

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 22:50

              It was an analogy. No one is forcing you to pray, but you are forced to buy insurance and they’re not complaining about that.

              BTW, We’ve been paying for the uninsured who have gotten sick all along, so nothing has changed. Do you really think the homeless are signing up for ACA?

              • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 23:17

                No the homeless many of whom are insane (sorry but it is true here in NYC) won’t sign up but excluding them by signing up all the other uninsured we will get a huge number into the insurance pool. I just read Calif. has something like between half a million and a million formerly uninsured now insured under Obamacare. I think this is a very good thing for them and for our country. When an uninsured person goes or is taken to the ER the cost are sky-high. Did you ever see ER bills? Obamacare has had glitches, sure, but it is working and if we elect Pres. Hillary Clinton by the time of the end of her first term in Jan., 202l it will be as accepted as Medicare.

                • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 14:47

                  Wait, what? Did Elliot just make a rational, intelligent comment?
                  All kidding aside, the uninsured are/were using emergency rooms services for minor problems such as cuts & scrapes and annual checkups for their children, resulting in longer emergency room wait times for people in life and death situations. And since somebody has to pay for these services (nothing is free), the cost is passed onto the working insured, resulting in higher insurance premiums.

                • Bob Waas July 17th, 2014 at 00:03

                  Who is paying their premiums?

      • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:16

        oh hi bob, is that your name or what you do while on your knees

      • Abby Normal July 15th, 2014 at 09:01

        What would you think of a Muslim governor of a U.S. state recommending that all citizens get on their knees, face Mecca, and pray to Allah twice a day?

        • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 11:49

          Do you have a functioning brain, Abby? Gov. Bransted did NOT call for sectarian prayer.

          • eaglesfanintn July 15th, 2014 at 16:38

            He used a Bible reference as a reason to pray. So, how about actually answering Abby’s question instead of deflecting? How would you feel if he said so and so verse from the Quran said you should pray?

            • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 17:50

              He didn’t say you had to follow that bible verse and he wasn’t forcing anyone to pray, he referenced it because God said He would hear if His people repented and called on His name, then God would heal our land. Sounds like a good return to me.

              • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:45

                (Pssst! Ain’t gonna happen!)

              • eaglesfanintn July 16th, 2014 at 08:29

                Did God hear Texas governor Perry when he said to pray to end the drought? Nope. And he won’t hear this. Guess why.

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 17:47

          I would say thank you, but no thanks. If he tried forcing me then that would be another issue.

      • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:52

        No, making a proclamation that people need to talk to and beg forgiveness from his invisible friend is TOTALLY sane and not the least bit bat-shit crazy. *sarcasm*

        • Bob Waas July 15th, 2014 at 18:52

          I understand where you are coming from, you can’t help yourself. 2 Corinthians 4:4

    • fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:37

      bowing to an alarm clock has such incredibly deep meaning and resonance – it goes ding dong in the head.

    • I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:15

      LOLL you have an agile mind

  7. fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:36

    7/14 is Bastlle day – le jour contre assholes avec pouvoir sans les sentiments pour les gens du pays. Steal our holiday and we’ll take back miss Liberty and croissants.

    • Hirightnow July 15th, 2014 at 07:07

      Hah!
      Try it, Froggie, and we’ll just erect a statue of St. Ronnie, finger pointing foreigners back the way they came, and start calling those things “Liberty Muffins”!
      (or “Patriot Puffs”…the committee hasn’t decided yet…)

      • m2old4bs July 15th, 2014 at 10:51

        :) thanks for the chuckle

      • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:46

        I vote for Patriot Puffs! There are more than a few of them in the “patriot” movement, they’re just hiding behind their guns and “god” to feel all brave.

  8. fahvel July 15th, 2014 at 03:36

    7/14 is Bastlle day – le jour contre assholes avec pouvoir sans les sentiments pour les gens du pays. Steal our holiday and we’ll take back miss Liberty and croissants.

    • Hirightnow July 15th, 2014 at 07:07

      Hah!
      Try it, Froggie, and we’ll just erect a statue of St. Ronnie, finger pointing foreigners back the way they came, and start calling those things “Liberty Muffins”!
      (or “Patriot Puffs”…the committee hasn’t decided yet…)

      • m2old4bs July 15th, 2014 at 10:51

        :) thanks for the chuckle

      • Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:46

        I vote for Patriot Puffs! There are more than a few of them in the “patriot” movement, they’re just hiding behind their guns and “god” to feel all brave.

  9. Abby Normal July 15th, 2014 at 06:32

    What part of the First Amendment don’t these moronic theocrats understand?

    • tiredoftea July 15th, 2014 at 18:51

      The part that says it’s the christian religion that is the chosen one, silly boy.

  10. Abby Normal July 15th, 2014 at 06:32

    What part of the First Amendment don’t these moronic theocrats understand?

    • tiredoftea July 15th, 2014 at 18:51

      The part that says it’s the christian religion that is the chosen one, silly boy.

  11. I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:15

    Religion,the largest oldest scam EVER

    • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 13:01

      The only thing man has ever worshiped is himself.

      • hard2findu July 15th, 2014 at 13:35

        So true,
        “Man has worshipped power in all its myriad forms, using his reflection as the center of that supposed power source, alas it has always been wrong in that assumption.”
        “Words of Wade”

    • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:42

      Ah, but still, very profitable!

  12. I_B_ME July 15th, 2014 at 08:15

    Religion,the largest oldest scam EVER

    • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 13:01

      The only thing man has ever worshiped is himself.

      • hard2findu July 15th, 2014 at 13:35

        So true,
        “Man has worshipped power in all its myriad forms, using his reflection as the center of that supposed power source, alas it has always been wrong in that assumption.”
        “Words of Wade”

    • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:42

      Ah, but still, very profitable!

  13. Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:19

    And if it doesn’t work, it’s all our fault!

    • dmcrane July 15th, 2014 at 21:20

      Yes, that’s always the easy “out” of these nonsense prayer calls. If everything isn’t fixed it will be because all the people didn’t pray sincerely enough, or the atheists neglected to pray at all.

  14. Shades July 15th, 2014 at 08:19

    And if it doesn’t work, it’s all our fault!

    • dmcrane July 15th, 2014 at 21:20

      Yes, that’s always the easy “out” of these nonsense prayer calls. If everything isn’t fixed it will be because all the people didn’t pray sincerely enough, or the atheists neglected to pray at all.

  15. Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 11:48

    I am no admirer of Gov. Bransted but his proclamation echoes the proclamation/law that establishes Thanksgiving in this country. There’s nothing in his proclamation that abridges the rights of atheists whom I see are again out in force herein insulting and snarking all religious people….and then the former wonder why they are often so intensely disliked.

    • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 12:51

      Atheists are largely disliked because they tell an inconvenient truth.

      • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:29

        You are l million percent wrong. The dislike of atheists is largely because of their appalling rudeness and nastiness as I wrote above. I don’t dislike atheists…I simply DISAGREE with them. Do you not understand that it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable? And furthermore I will add that privately I am sorry for atheists but I would not be so rude as to proclaim that fact…I am NOT a fundamentalist, bible-thumping Southern Baptist.

        • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 23:54

          Totally wrong. Believers insist that by talking louder, or even yelling, they are more correct. When an Atheist does that, he’s being ‘rude’ or ‘nasty’.
          In general, Atheists would be agreeable to a rational reasoned and cordial discussion or even argument. That rarely happens. The religionists refuse to reason, and are offended when asked critical questions-being ‘rude’ again, right?
          If disagreeing with baseless beliefs is somehow ‘disagreeable’ please tell me how.
          ‘Haters’? Well many HATE how religionists try to get government to endorse, support, or even approve of, religion, christianity in particular, not just Atheists.
          Doing so violates the intent of the 1st Amendment, but that doesn’t bother those, like you, that enjoy if not revel in that bias; that violation.
          This country started as a secular nation under a secular Constitution. The law of the land states explicitly that it is NOT based on the christian religion. That FACT and stating it is, by your reasoning, is somehow NASTY.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 17th, 2014 at 10:02

            For your information nowhere have I declared that I wish to violate the words or intent of the First Amendment. I am a member of Americans United For Separation Of Church & State. You use this smear word “religionists” do attack the 90% of your fellow countrymen who to some degree or other are believers in God. The actions of the Radical Religious Right..the so-called evangelical fundamentalist religious right..is NOT the sentiment of the great majority of Americans. I venture to say not more than 22-23% of believers could be thought adherents of the “Religious Right.”
            I most certainly believe America is not a Christian “nation” but it IS a Christian society. As a non-Christian I accept that as a quite unobjectionable fact of life. Our government is secular but time and again the Supreme Court has pointed out that the Religion Clause of the First Amendment does not prevent all governmental RECOGNITION of religion as OPPOSED TO ESTABLISHMENT.
            You and other militant, aggressive, often nasty and insulting and vicious, persistently conflate the two. What you want is what you do not, will not and could not have: an atheist nation as opposed to a secular government. If you are that uncomfortable living in our country as I’ve described it accurately you should seriously consider moving to a country more to your atheistic liking.

            • Dwendt44 July 17th, 2014 at 12:15

              Congratulations to your membership in AUSCS. But either you are misreading me or Atheists in general. Those so called rude, nasty, or angry remarks are, at best a response or reply to ‘christian’ comments or assertions, and at worst retaliation for their actions.
              Few, if any, Atheists, certainly none that I know, start anything. But with the nearly constant god talk, the ‘believe as we do or go to hell’ statements, they tend to fad into the background and only the response is noticeable. Then too, a biting or sharp response is what’s needed to get the attention of those plying their religion on a never ending basis.
              Studies have shown that it takes over a dozen such responses, maybe more when it comes to religious thought, before someone accepts or even considers the alternative to their claims.

        • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 23:59

          Elliot, I thought we were friends? Now you’re dumping on me for being a fundamental bible-thumping Southern Baptist, of which I’m proud.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 17th, 2014 at 09:53

            I’d love to explain, Bob, the problem I have with fundamentalist Bible-thumping Southern Baptists AND anyone else who is a fundamentalist Bible-thumper including those in my own faith. But it is too long and probably inappropriate to do so in this public forum. However if you’d like to give me your e-mail address I’d be glad to reply using it. I will simply say this: here in NY the substantial majority of Baptists are not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention–they are Amer. Baptist Convention members or othe Baptist groups. And they therefore don’t disport themselves the way a very large number of SBC members and pastors do–they adhere to what was once the hallmark of Baptist public policy: of keeping politics and religion strictly separate. Read Jefferson’s famous and magnificent letter to the Danbury Baptist Assn.; his sentiments are now anathema to the SBC and its leadership and from what I can discern the majority of its clergy.

        • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:50

          They’re rude and irrational. You can’t reason with them.

          • Carla Akins July 27th, 2014 at 07:44

            You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, you really should at least attempt an open mind about those things you do not understand. You are the only one acting rude and irrational.

    • Bunya July 15th, 2014 at 14:34

      It seems to me you religious folks harbor this self-pity gene. You love to come here an whine and moan – ad nauseum – about how you’re so vilified, so maligned, so hated because of your religious beliefs. Blah, blah, blah…
      i have an idea! Why not take your never ending sob story someplace else? That way, you won’t have to deal with us “intensely disliked” atheists.

      • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 19:08

        You prove my point.

        • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:41

          Mr. Stamler, don’t you think an edict from a governor calling for prayer and repentance justifies the wrath heaped upon him here? What if the governor declared you should all worship the statue of an Iowa cow and prance among the flower fields? Perhaps that is how the non-religious here feel about being admonished to live by a paragraph in a book some consider as fiction.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:25

            No. I wrote that the proclamation and law making Thanksgiving a national holiday is precisely worded to refer to the Almighty and that the people of the nation are giving prayerful thanks TO HIM. This is a fact. The governor’s proclamation first of all is not an edict and if you do not know the difference it is a sign of your ignorance of English. Second, in no way does the proclamation compel anyone to pray or worship…any more than the national holiday of Thanksgiving compels you or anyone to actually give thanks to the Creator unless you wish to.
            Here’s the bottom line: nobody is infringing on your freedom to be non-religious. And I strongly support that First Amendment right. But you folks as exemplified by the INSULTING, NASTY, SUPERCILIOUS, EVEN VENEMOUS garbage you throw at the overwhelming majority of
            your fellow countrymen who are religious is a disgrace and it is precisely why many of you are utterly reviled. Did you, MerryMarjie, ever hear of good manners? Simple courtesy? Just as I would never tell someone that there’s is the wrong or false religion, I equally would not want to be told that my religion-or all religion-is wrong or false. That is simple tolerance and courtesy which many of you atheists in this and similar columns are devoid of.

            • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 10:16

              Keep the insults coming, bro. You’re now proving MY point.

              • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:48

                That’s a juvenile position… I know you are but what am I??

            • MerryMarjie July 16th, 2014 at 12:48

              You appear to make snap judgments and misinterpret everything that you don’t believe. I believe my post was courteous and the fact that you jumped to many conclusions belongs on you, not me.

            • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:46

              You’re reasoning with rude ppl who define their identity by such behaviors and attitudes.

        • Bunya July 15th, 2014 at 22:31

          What’s your point? That you “intensely dislike” atheists and that you think they’re “nasty”, “insulting”, “supercilious” and “intellectually enfeebled”. Trust me, we already know.

          After all, you’re just acting like a typical “Christian”.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 23:12

            Hey Moron, you not only display your bigotry against ALL religion you display your bigotry specifically against Christianity. You are a poster boy for the atheist haters I refer to. For your information, d–khead, I am not a Christian and have never been one. I am a believing Jew and proud to be one. I am sure you hate us too.

            • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 10:11

              Imagine that! A bigot accusing someone else of bigotry. I can always tell when one is losing an argument. They resort to cheap ad hominem attacks instead of rational discussion. “Moron”? “D*ckhead”? I really thought you possessed the mental capacity to fabricate a more intellectual response. I guess I was wrong.
              BTW, I’m a pro-choice, progressive liberal who doesn’t hate anybody. I’m also somebody who doesn’t rely on a centuries-old book written by a bunch of misogynistic homophobic men to instruct me on who I should despise.

              • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:44

                You’re so conflicted that I’m embarrassed for you.

            • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:43

              You’re assuming he’s rational. Clearly he is not.

      • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:42

        I didn’t notice any whining other than your own.

        • Bunya July 28th, 2014 at 10:13

          Apparently you have a reading comprehension problem.

  16. Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 11:48

    I am no admirer of Gov. Bransted but his proclamation echoes the proclamation/law that establishes Thanksgiving in this country. There’s nothing in his proclamation that abridges the rights of atheists whom I see are again out in force herein insulting and snarking all religious people….and then the former wonder why they are often so intensely disliked.

    • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 12:51

      Atheists are largely disliked because they tell an inconvenient truth.

      • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:29

        You are l million percent wrong. The dislike of atheists is largely because of their appalling rudeness and nastiness as I wrote above. I don’t dislike atheists…I simply DISAGREE with them. Do you not understand that it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable? And furthermore I will add that privately I am sorry for atheists but I would not be so rude as to proclaim that fact…I am NOT a fundamentalist, bible-thumping Southern Baptist.

        • Dwendt44 July 15th, 2014 at 23:54

          Totally wrong. Believers insist that by talking louder, or even yelling, they are more correct. When an Atheist does that, he’s being ‘rude’ or ‘nasty’.
          In general, Atheists would be agreeable to a rational reasoned and cordial discussion or even argument. That rarely happens. The religionists refuse to reason, and are offended when asked critical questions-being ‘rude’ again, right?
          If disagreeing with baseless beliefs is somehow ‘disagreeable’ please tell me how.
          ‘Haters’? Well many HATE how religionists try to get government to endorse, support, or even approve of, religion, christianity in particular, not just Atheists.
          Doing so violates the intent of the 1st Amendment, but that doesn’t bother those, like you, that enjoy if not revel in that bias; that violation.
          This country started as a secular nation under a secular Constitution. The law of the land states explicitly that it is NOT based on the christian religion. That FACT and stating it is, by your reasoning, is somehow NASTY.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 17th, 2014 at 10:02

            For your information nowhere have I declared that I wish to violate the words or intent of the First Amendment. I am a member of Americans United For Separation Of Church & State. You use this smear word “religionists” to attack the 90% of your fellow countrymen who to some degree or other are believers in God. The actions of the Radical Religious Right..the so-called evangelical fundamentalist religious right..is NOT the sentiment of the great majority of religious Americans. I venture to say not more than 22-23% of believers could be thought adherents of the “Religious Right.”
            I most certainly believe America is not a Christian “nation” but it IS predominantly a Christian society. As a non-Christian I accept that as a quite unobjectionable fact of life. Our government is secular but time and again the Supreme Court has pointed out that the Religion Clause of the First Amendment does not prevent all governmental RECOGNITION of religion as OPPOSED TO ESTABLISHMENT.
            You and other militant, aggressive, often nasty and insulting and vicious, persistently conflate the two. What you want is what you do not, will not and could not have: an atheist nation as opposed to a secular government. If you are that uncomfortable living in our country as I’ve described it accurately you should seriously consider moving to a country more to your atheistic liking.

            • Dwendt44 July 17th, 2014 at 12:15

              Congratulations to your membership in AUSCS. But either you are misreading me or Atheists in general. Those so called rude, nasty, or angry remarks are, at best a response or reply to ‘christian’ comments or assertions, and at worst retaliation for their actions.
              Few, if any, Atheists, certainly none that I know, start anything. But with the nearly constant god talk, the ‘believe as we do or go to hell’ statements, they tend to fad into the background and only the response is noticeable. Then too, a biting or sharp response is what’s needed to get the attention of those plying their religion on a never ending basis.
              Studies have shown that it takes over a dozen such responses, maybe more when it comes to religious thought, before someone accepts or even considers the alternative to their claims.

        • Bob Waas July 16th, 2014 at 23:59

          Elliot, I thought we were friends? Now you’re dumping on me for being a fundamental bible-thumping Southern Baptist, of which I’m proud. 😊

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 17th, 2014 at 09:53

            I’d love to explain, Bob, the problem I have with fundamentalist Bible-thumping Southern Baptists AND anyone else who is a fundamentalist Bible-thumper including those in my own faith. But it is too long and probably inappropriate to do so in this public forum. However if you’d like to give me your e-mail address I’d be glad to reply using it. I will simply say this: here in NY the substantial majority of Baptists are not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention–they are Amer. Baptist Convention members or othe Baptist groups. And they therefore don’t disport themselves the way a very large number of SBC members and pastors do–they adhere to what was once the hallmark of Baptist public policy: of keeping politics and religion strictly separate. Read Jefferson’s famous and magnificent letter to the Danbury Baptist Assn.; his sentiments are now anathema to the SBC and its leadership and from what I can discern the majority of its clergy.

        • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:50

          They’re rude and irrational. You can’t reason with them.

          • Carla Akins July 27th, 2014 at 07:44

            You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, you really should at least attempt an open mind about those things you do not understand. You are the only one acting rude and irrational.

    • Bunya July 15th, 2014 at 14:34

      It seems to me you religious folks harbor this self-pity gene. You love to come here an whine and moan – ad nauseum – about how you’re so vilified, so maligned, so hated because of your religious beliefs. Blah, blah, blah…
      i have an idea! Why not take your never ending sob story someplace else? That way, you won’t have to deal with us “intensely disliked” atheists.

      • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 19:08

        You prove my point.

        • MerryMarjie July 15th, 2014 at 20:41

          Mr. Stamler, don’t you think an edict from a governor calling for prayer and repentance justifies the wrath heaped upon him here? What if the governor declared you should all worship the statue of an Iowa cow and prance among the flower fields? Perhaps that is how the non-religious here feel about being admonished to live by a paragraph in a book some consider as fiction.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 22:25

            No. I wrote that the proclamation and law making Thanksgiving a national holiday is precisely worded to refer to the Almighty and that the people of the nation are giving prayerful thanks TO HIM. This is a fact. The governor’s proclamation first of all is not an edict and if you do not know the difference it is a sign of your ignorance of English. Second, in no way does the proclamation compel anyone to pray or worship…any more than the national holiday of Thanksgiving compels you or anyone to actually give thanks to the Creator unless you wish to.
            Here’s the bottom line: nobody is infringing on your freedom to be non-religious. And I strongly support that First Amendment right. But you folks as exemplified by the INSULTING, NASTY, SUPERCILIOUS, EVEN VENEMOUS garbage you throw at the overwhelming majority of
            your fellow countrymen who are religious is a disgrace and it is precisely why many of you are utterly reviled. Did you, MerryMarjie, ever hear of good manners? Simple courtesy? Just as I would never tell someone that there’s is the wrong or false religion, I equally would not want to be told that my religion-or all religion-is wrong or false. That is simple tolerance and courtesy which many of you atheists in this and similar columns are devoid of.

            • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 10:16

              Keep the insults coming, bro. You’re now proving MY point.

              • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:48

                That’s a juvenile position… I know you are but what am I??

            • MerryMarjie July 16th, 2014 at 12:48

              You appear to make snap judgments and misinterpret everything that you don’t believe. I believe my post was courteous and the fact that you jumped to many conclusions belongs on you, not me.

            • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:46

              You’re reasoning with rude ppl who define their identity by such behaviors and attitudes.

        • Bunya July 15th, 2014 at 22:31

          What’s your point? That you “intensely dislike” atheists and that you think they’re “nasty”, “insulting”, “supercilious” and “intellectually enfeebled”. Trust me, we already know.

          After all, you’re just acting like a typical “Christian”.

          • Elliot J. Stamler July 15th, 2014 at 23:12

            Hey Moron, you not only display your bigotry against ALL religion you display your bigotry specifically against Christianity. You are a poster boy for the atheist haters I refer to. For your information, d–khead, I am not a Christian and have never been one. I am a believing Jew and proud to be one. I am sure you hate us too.

            • Bunya July 16th, 2014 at 10:11

              Imagine that! A bigot accusing someone else of bigotry. I can always tell when one is losing an argument. They resort to cheap ad hominem attacks instead of rational discussion. “Moron”? “D*ckhead”? I really thought you possessed the mental capacity to fabricate a more intellectual response. I guess I was wrong.
              BTW, I’m a pro-choice, progressive liberal who doesn’t hate anybody. I’m also somebody who doesn’t rely on a centuries-old book written by a bunch of misogynistic homophobic men to instruct me on who I should despise.

              • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:44

                You’re so conflicted that I’m embarrassed for you.

            • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:43

              You’re assuming he’s rational. Clearly he is not.

      • Abigail July 27th, 2014 at 06:42

        I didn’t notice any whining other than your own.

        • Bunya July 28th, 2014 at 10:13

          Apparently you have a reading comprehension problem.

  17. Robert Johnston July 15th, 2014 at 12:06

    I need neither priest, nor politician, to “suggest” if/when I should pray.
    That’s between myself and God…nobody else!
    –RKJ

  18. Robert Keith Johnston July 15th, 2014 at 12:06

    I need neither priest, nor politician, to “suggest” if/when I should pray.
    That’s between myself and God…nobody else!
    –RKJ

  19. Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:43

    When is this friggin’ “rapture” going to happen already??? I can’t WAIT for these wackjobs to disappear. Oh, just the thought of it makes me so happy!

    • tiredoftea July 15th, 2014 at 18:52

      Careful, you may be edging towards a rapture of your own. Then, you’ll be stuck with them!

  20. Nita Marie July 15th, 2014 at 17:43

    When is this friggin’ “rapture” going to happen already??? I can’t WAIT for these wackjobs to disappear. Oh, just the thought of it makes me so happy!

    • tiredoftea July 15th, 2014 at 18:52

      Careful, you may be edging towards a rapture of your own. Then, you’ll be stuck with them!

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