This billboard, erected on Route 1 in St. Augustine, Florida, was the victim of vandalism. It appears that somebody tried to pull it down.
The message on it reads: "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
Why is that message so scary to whomever tried to pull it down? It's okay for them to say they believe in God, but it's not okay for someone to say they don't believe in God? Where are we, the Dark Ages?
I believe in God, but I also understand the Atheist's point of view. I am not threatened by the Atheist perspective. Maybe I take the Agnostic's point of view on this one, "I don't know and neither do you," so we can both think and believe as we will.
I believe what I believe, facts or proof aside, because that's the nature of faith. That said, it doesn't mean I am correct. It doesn't mean I am wrong. It does mean, to me anyway, living in a free country where the freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion is protected, that I have a right to what I believe and so does the Atheist. I don't have the right to threaten, intimidate or silence the free speech of, or exercise of religion, or freedom from religion of my fellow Americans. I don't have to agree with them, but I do have to tolerate their different point of view, just as I expect them to tolerate my point of view.
Back to the billboard, what was that person thinking? Why did they feel so strongly that the message should come down? Did they think God needed their help? Did they feel threatened by the message? Are they so insecure in their own faith, that the mere suggestion that there is no God, makes them re-think their faith? Should those who don't believe in God feel threatened by church signs and professions of faith? Should those messages be eliminated? I am really trying to reason out "why" this was done, but I fear, "reason" doesn't figure in to the mindset of this individual.
5 comments:
My thought process would tell me it's just plain old youngins with nothing better to do than destroy property, not really have any thing to do with the message, most likely because do not think that way my self, maybe it does scare someone, who knows this world we live in is a crazy one.
p
Ok I believe there is a higher being but dont like going to church but you are rightthat sign had no right being vadalized..
HI P how are you??? I hope good.. I have loads of new stuff up when you get a chance even if you cant comment for some reason.. tweets.
I think your last sentence is the true answer. One cannot "reason" it. I agree that everyone should be able to believe what they believe....And for someone to have to tear down a sign---well, I don't know. I find it interesting that someone put this sign up in the first place. And people have every right to do this....Isn't this what our Democracy is all about? Our Constitution? Our Bill Of Rights?
Some people feel they are Bigger than these things. Well, they aren't.
It's the fear that they could 'catch' our skepticism... [grin]
I just have a quick question for you but couldn't find an email so had to resort to this. I am a progressive blogger. Please email me back at barbaraobrien@maacenter.org when you get a chance. Thanks.
Barbara
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