Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (Full Version)

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thornhappy -> Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 8:58:41 PM)


Can't serve if you don't believe in God?  Some folks in NC are using an old law to contest an election:
In North Carolina, Lawsuit Is Threatened Over Councilman’s Lack of Belief in God
By Associated Press Published: December 12, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — City Councilman Cecil Bothwell of Ashville believes in ending the death penalty, conserving water and reforming government, but he does not believe in God. His political opponents say that is a sin that makes him unworthy of office, and they have the North Carolina Constitution on their side.

Detractors of Mr. Bothwell, who was elected in November, are threatening to take the city to court for swearing him in last week, even though the state’s antiquated requirement that officeholders believe in God is unenforceable because it violates the United States Constitution.

“The question of whether or not God exists is not particularly interesting to me,” said Mr. Bothwell, 59, “and it’s certainly not relevant to public office.” Raised a Presbyterian, Mr. Bothwell began questioning Christian beliefs at a young age, he said, and considered himself an atheist by the time he was 20. However, He is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville and celebrates Christmas.



DarkSteven -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:01:09 PM)

Dang, when you said "serve", I thought you were saying that atheists were barred from being subs or slaves...



Musicmystery -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:12:04 PM)

It's a shame so many want to see a theocracy. We're too far removed from what theocracies were like.

Let's hope the Constitution is strong enough to withstand the onslaught.

And let's be glad others are happy to be free to practice their religion as they see fit.



tazzygirl -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:15:17 PM)

Many states have strange our outdated laws still on their books. This is just another example of such.



ThatDamnedPanda -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:16:24 PM)

Well, they're in (relatively) lofty company. George H.W. Bush himself said he didn't think atheists should even be considered citizens. A former president. 



Musicmystery -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:17:26 PM)

I've always wanted to take a cow to Boston Commons, and point out to the officers that it's my right...



ThatDamnedPanda -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:27:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Musicmystery

I've always wanted to take a cow to Boston Commons, and point out to the officers that it's my right...


You may get away with that in Boston, but if you're ever in Alabama, just don't leave your alligator tied to the fire hydrant. They'll sure as hell run you in for that.



tazzygirl -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 9:33:51 PM)

South Carolina allows a man to beat his wife on the court house steps on sundays

~waits to hear who is moving

[:D]



ThatDamnedPanda -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/13/2009 10:52:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

South Carolina allows a man to beat his wife on the court house steps on sundays



Which man? What's that fucker's name? I'm going to send him a really nasty letter.



rulemylife -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 1:51:53 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

Many states have strange our outdated laws still on their books. This is just another example of such.


While this thread has taken a humorous turn I don't really think it is about antiquated laws, it's about people who are so intolerant and uncompromising in their belief systems that they have made this an issue based on those laws.



cpK69 -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 3:55:35 AM)

 

I think I would be more concerned over the fact that he does not seem to know if he does or doesn't believe in God, then whether or not he does; I mean, where else might he get confused over what he does or doesn't believe?


Kim

quote:

City Councilman Cecil Bothwell of Ashville believes in ending the death penalty, conserving water and reforming government, but he does not believe in God.



quote:

He is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville and celebrates Christmas.



rulemylife -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 4:19:40 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: cpK69



I think I would be more concerned over the fact that he does not seem to know if he does or doesn't believe in God, then whether or not he does; I mean, where else might he get confused over what he does or doesn't believe?


Kim

quote:

City Councilman Cecil Bothwell of Ashville believes in ending the death penalty, conserving water and reforming government, but he does not believe in God.



quote:

He is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville and celebrates Christmas.



Because you can belong to a church and view it as a way to socialize and interact with the community in a positive way without believing.



tazzygirl -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 5:48:33 AM)

Its about those who would take an antiquated law and twist it for their own purposes because they lost an election. Sounds like sour grapes to me.



rulemylife -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 5:54:36 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

Its about those who would take an antiquated law and twist it for their own purposes because they lost an election. Sounds like sour grapes to me.


Tazzy, I know how you feel about religious issues and you know how I feel.

So you know I believe it is far more than sour grapes.

Just think back to Falwell and the Moral Majority.







tazzygirl -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 6:00:42 AM)

Ok. Lets set this straight.

I dont believe you have to be a faithful follower to lead. Just because i lean towards a religious life doesnt mean i am a blind follower. If the man was elected fair and square, he should hold office. This suit will get air time, and thats about it. I truly dont see the SC Justices taking up this issue, unless its to strike down the NC law itself.

quote:

“The question of whether or not God exists is not particularly interesting to me,” said Mr. Bothwell, 59, “and it’s certainly not relevant to public office.”


I completely agree.



Musicmystery -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 6:19:40 AM)

quote:

I think I would be more concerned over the fact that he does not seem to know if he does or doesn't believe in God, then whether or not he does; I mean, where else might he get confused over what he does or doesn't believe?


This is nonsense. The bulk of the faithful have doubts and uncertainties from time to time.

I suppose in a world where sports figures tell us which nonsports products to buy, pointing out that religious beliefs should have no bearing on political acumen is doomed to go in circles.

I'm much more concerned about those convinced god is telling them what to do. That's potentially delusional and dangerous.



cpK69 -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 6:25:35 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rulemylife
Because you can belong to a church and view it as a way to socialize and interact with the community in a positive way without believing.



Seems similar to the idea of going to munches, while saying I don't beleive there is balance in D/s/ M/s relationships.

Just seems odd to me.

Kim



DarkSteven -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 6:30:24 AM)

And meanwhile, in SOUTH Carolina, they have a God-fearing governor.  One who interprets his infidelity and misuse of state funds for his trysting in terms of scripture.

quote:

ORIGINAL: rulemylife
you can belong to a church and view it as a way to socialize and interact with the community in a positive way without believing.



Kim, I once went to a UU service.  That's ALL they offer - socialization, community, and discussion of moral issues.  They actually do not take a stance on the existence of G_d!



cpK69 -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 6:36:36 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Musicmystery
This is nonsense. The bulk of the faithful have doubts and uncertainties from time to time.



I thought atheist don't believe at all... not sometimes... not just a little bit...


quote:

I suppose in a world where sports figures tell us which nonsports products to buy, pointing out that religious beliefs should have no bearing on political acumen is doomed to go in circles.


Not with me.

Saying you do or don't believe in something, while your actions show something else, might though.


quote:

I'm much more concerned about those convinced god is telling them what to do. That's potentially delusional and dangerous.



I agree, but no more then those who do things just because another said to.

Kim



RacerJim -> RE: Can't serve if you don't believe in God? (12/14/2009 6:43:41 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rulemylife

Because you can belong to a church and view it as a way to socialize and interact with the community in a positive way without believing.



So that's how liberals can give Obama a free pass on belonging to a Black Idiology church with a pastor who preached "God Damn America" and considered 9-11 as "America's chickens coming home to roost" for 20+ years without believing any of it, huh?

Well, if that's true then it means that liberals believe there's nothing wrong with using whatever and whomever to serve their own purposes whenever, then throw same under the bus when same is no longer of any use to them.

Nice people, liberals.  



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