Faith

Atheists Threaten to Sue Over TN Police Patch that Says ‘Religion’ on it

Lenoir City TN Fights Atheist Attempts to Change Police PatchOfficials in Lenoir City, Tennessee, are pushing back against an atheist group’s demands that a police uniform patch that includes the word “religion” on it be immediately changed. Rather than bowing to the demands of the atheistic Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), Mayor Tony Aikens told a large crowd at a city council meeting on Monday evening that the city will continue displaying the patch.

The patch currently reads: “Lenoir City Police Department.” There is a triangle in its center with the words, “Industry, Religion, Education” placed around it.

In a back-and-forth spoken through letter form, the FFRF, based in Madison, Wisconsin, has staked the claim that the patch violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution — an argument the organization frequently uses to drive home its extreme separatist views. Already, the FFRF has threatened to sue over the continued display.

“There are 500,000 people in Tennessee who don’t believe in any organized religion, they don’t adhere to any organized religion and this alienates them,” claims Andrew Seidel, a FFRF Constitutional Consultant. “I mean you have a police department who’s charged with enforcing the laws, violating it.”

In a response that was unanimously approved by the city council, City Attorney James Scott said that the city was not engaged in discriminatory behavior, nor was it endorsing a specific faith.

“It doesn’t endorse [religion], that patch does not endorse,” Aikens has echoed.

Here’s a screen shot of the letter that Lenoir City attorneys sent to the FFRF:

Lenoir City TN Fights Atheist Attempts to Change Police Patch

“Our city, our county does not discriminate against folks and we believe the police have a right to wear the patch,” added Lenoir City resident Ron Jordan.

Based on past rhetoric and legal battles, it’s likely that the FFRF will have a response.

Comments (184)

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  • JJBlazeReader
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:45pm

    ..

    These atheists are so full of hate that you don’t even have to mention God or Jesus and they go crazy.

    To harass and threaten people over the word “religion” is further evidence that the FFRF wants a “religious cleansing” but Christians are pushing back.

    God Bless you Lenoir City

    ..

    Report Post » JJBlazeReader  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:58pm

      Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:24pm

      “Yea yea, us godless that just go to work, take care or our families, and dont hurt anyone else are sooo doing satan’s work…..stop being dumb. The judgmental christians doing what they do best, breaking their own #1 rule…. thou shall not judge……what a joke”

      Report Post »  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:59pm

      Soooooooo full of hate….yup yup

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 3:37pm

      So who is judging who Conservative Atheist, which seems like an oxymoron of a name? Every conservative I know believes in God. Maybe I just hang out in the right neighborhoods than you do.

      I would say that FFRF is judging us. They are the ones who are afraid, they are the ones saying we are not being inclusive of other people. Why should we? We are Christians, we want to be around like minded people. If you feel like an outcast, that is your own doing. You need to go see a psychiatrist to find out why you feel such things. I do not control your feelings. You control you.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:19pm

      I know its difficult for you small minded people that cant figure out how a person can possibly be good without god, have conservative values, and still not believe in your invisible friend…

      Report Post »  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:26pm

      No one is scarred or feels like an outcast that I know that is an Atheist. Thats just more dumb **** you sheep like to try to use to rationalize your ridiculous, hypocritical religion…

      Once again ALL of the Atheists I know either feel sorry for you or just think you are a total moron…

      Another misinformed twisted christian who now says you dont have to be inclusive with your religion….sorry hunny but you as a christian are supposed to do everything in your power to convert non believers and be your brothers keeper….which you obviously know nothing about, which means your another dumb sheep that isnt true to your religion, which makes you even MORE of a hypocrite

      Report Post »  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:35pm

      CONSERVATIVE ATHEIST, I’m not being judgmental, just stating my opinion! I don’t appreciate you referring to my God as an invisible friend! Jesus is a historical person who was crucified & who is my God. You do not have to believe in my God but please show that you don’t have a “small mind” by respecting those who believe in God!

      Report Post »  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:40pm

      @mycomet-LoL Im small minded b/c im disrespecting your invisible friend?? K

      And why should I respect your invisible friend? Most of you hypocrites have no respect for anyone that doesnt believe in your garbage religion so why do you as a whole, deserve any better??

       
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 7:46pm

      All is going well in Obamaville neighbor against neighbor, Race against race, Religion against religion, it seems who is not fighting ? Barry he’s sitting back laughing

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 8:05pm

      This group is even against just the sole use of the word? They ignore the fact that the first Amendment says “Establishment of Religion”, NOT “Religion”.

      Maybe they should petition the federal Government to make void and null the Declaration of Independence. It does, after all, have the words Creator, Sumpreme Judge of the World, Nature’s God, and Divine Providence. Man, what a bunch of ignorant folks those founding fathers were. Didn’t they know that our rights are only those given to us by other superior men? We’re not all equal, only the fittest and strongest survive in this world. Damn our Republic. We need Democracy. Next, we’ll make null and void every act that ever mentions God.

      We’ll start by destroying every Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations from 1789-1815: All given by George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison. After all, they knew nothing about Constitutional Law. http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc1789.htm Who did they think they were?

      Next will eradicate and burn all Continental Congress Thanksgiving Proclamations from 1777-1782 http://www.pilgrimhall.org/GivingThanks3c.htm After all, those folks had no idea what Law, Republic, Constitution, Rights, Government, Powers, Citizens, Federal, State, and so forth, meant. How the heck did these small town folks and farmers defeat the British Empire? Who needs them?

      BUT, I say we start by having these atheists burn their US dollars that have the word God.

      Report Post »  
    • PCAReformed-N-OK
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 9:07pm

      To Conservative Atheist –
      I will start taking atheists seriously when they can actually develop a worldview that does not steal from the theistic worldview. Please tell us how you can appeal to a standard of “good” or even truly have any “conservative” identity in your materialistic presuppositions of reality. You do not realize it, but you actually presuppose some higher order and level of reality because the atheistic worldview actually leads to fundamental inconsistency.

      Report Post »  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:38pm

      @ Con Atheist

      Why so much hate on your part? I can’t help but Note the fury you direct at anyone who disagrees with you, your inability regarding reasoned thought, and your bullying tactics online all seem to indicate that you project your own lack of qualifications onto others.
      Why so consumed and angry with something you claim isn’t even there?

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
    • Sh3LLz
      Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:13pm

      This is just ridiculous. The WORD religion cant POSSIBLY be offensive to Atheists! They use it all the time!!! Maybe they should sew their mouths shut so they would have the hear it so much. If you’re a REAL atheist then stop PREACHING about your non belief, leave religious people alone and get on with your life.

      Want to change policy?? Stop whining and run for office!

      Report Post »  
  • Arc
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:27pm

    Suggestion to the victims of the organization FFRF. Should these jerks attempt to move you from your stance on your God, stand strong. There is strength in numbers. They will have to sue to get anything accomplished so simply counter-sue. Don’t weaken.

    Suggestion to the FFRF. You name your foundation Freedom From Religion right? Its abundantly clear to me that NONE of you have REMOVED YOURSELF from RELIGION.

    Is it because you FEAR it so much that you feel you must constantly chastise and ridicule others who have GROWN so very close to someone who gives strength and compassion in a mad world.

    . Are you envious of a Christian. If Christianity and mans personal religion means NOTHING to you and you consider it to be a FARCE, why then do you seek to destroy something you readily admit does not exist?

    Your failed attempts to persecute others with whom you disagree is so childish.

    All of you remind me of the BULLIES in school who humiliated the meek and different for no other reason than INSECURITY in your personal life, therefore you must make other people miserable.

    KNOW THIS……While you may occasionally succeed in your pitiful quest to deny others a right to worship, those you deny are so much more powerful and will never give up.

    What you seek is a communist dictatorship where YOU DESIRE TO RULE. ( We are wise to your attempts to weaken our solidarity in Christ.) Your work is useless.

    Report Post » Arc  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:33pm

      No one is scarred of your invisible friend…..most Atheists either feel sorry for you or just think you are a complete moron for buying into that garbage. Thou shall not judge, right hypocrite???

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 3:43pm

      Again, Conservative WHO IS JUDGING WHO? You can’t even argue your point with intelligence.

      I have no problem with you – it is YOU that has a problem with us. SO AGAIN, TELL ME WHO IS JUDGING WHO. Take a look in the mirror, buddy.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:16pm

      Are you kidding me right now? How about you go back and read everything the guy above wrote and explain to me how is isnt judging?? stop being an idiot, sheeple. And yes of course Im judging you, I never proclaimed myself a christian that doesnt or shouldnt judge…you people have to idea how hypocritical almost everything that comes out of your brainwashed mouth really is……its ok sweety, just go back to church and the guy standing up there in the funny clothes will make you feel all better by telling you w/e fits his agenda for the day…

      Report Post »  
    • Balpit
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 10:07pm

      In other words:
      “Use your opponent’s rules against them.”
      “Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.”

      Alinksy dedicated his book to Lucifer, so why would you take advice from someone “irrational” enough to believe in the devil?

      Report Post »  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:31am

      Conservative Atheist, there is nothing wrong with being a Christian and judging. If it were so then only atheists and buddhists and taoist etc. could be a judge in the courts. What people tend to do is read Matthew 7:1 and stop right there without reading the rest. Jesus tells us to judge a righteous judgment (John 7:24) and in the context of Matthew 7 we are told not to be hypocrites. In other words I can‘t tell you it’s wrong to steal if I myself am still in that habit. First I am to remove that bad habit from my life then I will be more able to tell you not to (Matt. 7:5) Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
      -So judging isn’t necessarily wrong in cases, we do it everyday. What is wrong is hypocritical judging.

      Report Post » scarebear83  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:37am

      @Arc “KNOW THIS……While you may occasionally succeed in your pitiful quest to deny others a right to worship, those you deny are so much more powerful and will never give up.

      What you seek is a communist dictatorship where YOU DESIRE TO RULE. ( We are wise to your attempts to weaken our solidarity in Christ.) Your work is useless.”

      There is no atheist/agnostic who is denying you the right to worship. MAJOR strawman. Where did that come from? Emotional appeal, perhaps? You are absolutely free to worship as you feel you want to.

      Where do you get that “non-religious people want communism”??? Another strawman! O_o

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:12pm

    Wherein has Congress established a religion (like that of the Church of England – spirit of the Constitution) by allowing the word ‘religion’ to be placed on a state/local patch? No where!

    Wherein have Americans been denied the free exercize thereof? In every religious attack that falls short of Congress establishing a religion, which to my knowledge has not occurred once yet. Therefore all opposition to religion violates the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

    Report Post » mcsledge  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:02pm

    I think the atheists must be afraid that it might be catching if they see religion it might be like a vaccine and help them. That or they love to see their “religion” in the news.

    Report Post »  
  • wvernon1981
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:47pm

    Why does the patch have the word “religion” on it anyway?

    Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 3:47pm

      Because whether you like it or not, Religion, which encompasses all faiths, including Islam, is a fundamental part of this country. Contrary to Obama and others saying we are not a Christian nation. That is wishful thinking on their part. If we are NOT a Christian and faith based nation, like he claims, why is he so diligently trying to eliminate something that isn’t?

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:43pm

    Will they also ban the words of George Washington? “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.”

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:01pm

      Well put. Satan has raised his ugly head and the godless are doing his bidding.

      Report Post » mcsledge  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:24pm

      Yea yea, us godless that just go to work, take care or our families, and dont hurt anyone else are sooo doing satan’s work…..stop being dumb. The judgmental christians doing what they do best, breaking their own #1 rule…. thou shall not judge……what a joke

      Report Post »  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:44pm

      #1 Love God and Neighbor/Enemy–atheists included.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 3:50pm

      Conservative Athiest = broken record, broken record, broken record.

      The biggest hypocrite on being judgmental. You have your head so far up your ____, you can’t even see the hypocrite you are. Again, take a LONG LOOK IN THE MIRROR.

      So what you take care of your family, so do I. So what you go to work, so do I. What is freaking point? Other, than being a ______________head.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:34pm

      You are really dumb if you dont understand how what I said applies to MCsledge’s comment about the godless doing satans work…..

      Report Post »  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 8:04pm

      @ Conservative Atheist:

      going about life’s joys and duties is one thing – tearing down our nation’s spiritual heritage is another. This nation was built by God-fearing people upon Christian principles. To deny this is to deny the truth of history itself. To attempt to erase it is offensive to those of us who hold them dear. What makes me curious is the psuedo-political/social arm of Atheism constantly poking its finger into the eye of American Christians.

      Atheists claim to hold no belief in God or any “spiritual” dimension of reality. Many Atheists claim that believing in God is akin to children believing in Santa Claus. Taking that analogy, the current view of the Atheist movement is akin to going to the mall at Christmastime with a megaphone, and shouting “Santa is not real” to the children standing in line to sit on Santa’s lap. To tearing down the decorations and ornaments, and all the while claiming you are doing everyone a big favor.

      It’s dumb, it’s rude, and it’s class-less.

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • Balpit
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 10:09pm

      @ TH30PH1LUS

      Perfect analogy!

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:50am

      @CONSERVATIVEATHEIST

      Better get back to taking care of your family.

      One’s water bowl is empty, and I can smell the other one’s litter box from here.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:48pm

      Under Obama’s anti-Christian America, they would love to ban and censor all words and phrases connected to our religious heritage. The proof is in the pudding.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
  • bigmel754
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:39pm

    Especially all the way from “the FFRF, based in Madison, Wisconsin” to downtown Lenoir City, TN. So are they saying Wisconsin has eradicated the word “religion” in their state and now they will do it for all those that are threatened by the word in TN? If you don’t want to see the patch keep your but!, in Wisconsin!

    Report Post »  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:51pm

      Replace “RELIGION” with “WORSHIP” and change “the scales of justice upheld by a the ….” for the word, Kleptocracy.

      Now that’s progress– a step from mass delusion into reality.

      Report Post »  
  • phillipwgirard
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:38pm

    Wher did all those haters come from, they are like roaches coming out of every crevice,

    Report Post » phillipwgirard  
  • jackmp
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:32pm

    what are the atheists worried about they’re represented on the patch anywhere there is nothing printed their beliefs are represented .

    Report Post »  
    • dj109
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 7:25pm

      Actually, since the Theory of Evolution is a faith based religion, Atheists who believe are represented by the patch. Not good enough? The highest court in the land (SCOTUS) has classified Atheism as a religion. Again, represented by the patch. Atheists are so caught up in their own bigotry that their hypocrisy has blinded them.

      Report Post »  
  • maccow
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:32pm

    Time to go on the offensive.
    I want to start the “Free Exercise Coalition”. Time to raise funds to counter suit the FFRF every time they try and destroy someone’s religious freedom. By their very name they demonstrate their disregard for the constitutional and their fellow citizen’s liberties. They offer nothing positive, but like so many radicle atheists, they seek only to tear down, silence, and destroy.
    I am not looking to silence these nuts, but by counter suing you can make it economically painful for them to be so bold.
    I know Jay Sekulow (American Center for Law and Justice) defends Christian causes in court, but what about an offensive approach against these people for a change?

    Report Post » maccow  
  • BagpipenAZ
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:32pm

    I can see it now, “Athiests wage war against the letter ”t” because of the similarity to the christian cross.”

    Report Post »  
  • auntbee
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:30pm

    War on Christianity/War on America

    Report Post »  
    • greatgrandma
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:38am

      I agree Auntbee,I hate all organizations that are trying to tear this country down. YES, I said the HATE word, seems that’s the only word Atheist understand………………
      Our Constitution, Declaration of Independence was founded over 200 yrs ago. and it has served us well.. But, some people just want their 15 minutes of fame no matter how they go about getting it.
      For all those who do believe. Pick up your Bibles and start reading faithfully. Because it’s idiots like these people who may one day take it away from Us.

      Report Post »  
  • Stupid Windmill
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:27pm

    Grr I am angry because private citizens would dare attempt to establish respect for the separation of church and state.

    Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • Sirfoldallot
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:50pm

      ur stupid remember.

      Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
    • Just_Us
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:19pm

      If you don’t like the patch, simply refrain from using their services. While you are at it, please refrain from using the services of anyone who dares to include religion in their life.

      Report Post »  
    • armandthecorsair
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:26pm

      @ JUST_US

      Refrain from using the services of the police? Does that mean atheists shouldn’t be subject to the law, should be immune from arrest, and should pay no taxes which go to the police?

      Report Post » armandthecorsair  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:25pm

    Religion can be the enemy or be a tool in the hands of an enemy -beautiful outlaw.

    They obviously fear something they don‘t understand and they don’t like what they can’t understand.

    Report Post »  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:39pm

      An issue of civil rights is always deserving of public funding.

      Sociocide paves the way to something always within view of your virtual sight-media…

      Report Post »  
  • dacorvi
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:21pm

    Athiests are a major scourge on America. To Hell with them. That’s where they are going anyway!

    Our country was founded by Christians, all of our laws are based on Christianity, our forefathers were Christians, our schools were created by Christians, etc.. I could go on forever. Only the stupidest of the stupid would want to follow the same path that other nations have followed, resulting in destruction. But then again they are truely the blind leading the blind. Some day, they will see how wrong they are but then it will be too late.

    Report Post » dacorvi  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:52pm

      Hey, the malcontents waited years and years and had their “reason rally” last weekend which was supposed to be the coming out of all the closeted atheists in America. Free concerts, free transportation, and all the anti-Christian hate speech one can handle and they drew less than 10,000 people.
      The “woodstock” for atheists was a massive flop, like most things atheists get involved in.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
  • hi
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:20pm

    Wow! The atheists have good eyes! I can’t even see it without my readers or squinting a bit.

    Report Post » hi  
  • cessna152
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:19pm

    I am beyond fed up with these dopes. I have made my life easier by lumping people into two groups:
    1) Good
    2) evil

    This way you put aside color, race, religion,etc…the little boxes that segregate us are gone. If they are evil then they are much easier to recognize and narrows them down much easier. Plain evil…anyone so vehemently trying to rid of Christianity and morals/values is evil. PERIOD!

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • phillipwgirard
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:34pm

      @CESSNA you know what? I am with you, 2 groups, I agree

      Report Post » phillipwgirard  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:42pm

      Do you muddy or define the 2?

      Report Post »  
    • SoNick
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:30am

      Hey Cessna,… at first I thought you were joking. You do realize that you are advocating (good christians vs evil everything else) is exactly what the Founders wanted to prevent with the establishment cause, right?

      Report Post »  
    • Conservative Atheist
      Posted on March 31, 2012 at 1:02pm

      No cessna is a sheep lapping up the bs she hears in church…….to dumb to get that

      Report Post »  
  • JimL
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:19pm

    Religion= worship. The scales of justice are up-held by….

    Learn to read icons before initiating yet another tax payer funded culture dismantling/ pay day.

    Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:14pm

    I found the word ‘Religion’ in my Webster’s Dictionary…How appalling! I think I’ll sue…

    Report Post » KickinBack  
    • armandthecorsair
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:27pm

      Webster‘s dictionary isn’t the state.

      Report Post » armandthecorsair  
    • colt1860
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 8:43pm

      Webster’s Dictionary is used by students in Government schools. Those dictionaries have the word religion in it. Matter of fact, through most, practical all, of our American history, the Holy Bible was used in all court rooms for sworn oaths. Does that make all statements made null and void? Haven’t congressman since our founding, and before, sworn on a Holy Bible? Does that mean we have never had a legitimate Congress, as they have all ‘endorsed’ the Holy Bible? Oh, oh… Houston, we got a problem…

      Report Post »  
    • armandthecorsair
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 11:31pm

      @ Colt1860

      There’s a big difference between an academic definition of a term, and an endorsement of that to which the term refers by inclusion in a motto. Textbooks and other references don’t necessarily offer an implicit endorsement of the ideas they describe. A motto on the other hand is an explicit endorsement. As to your second point, yes, there’s a big problem with statements sworn upon a religious oath. Oaths in a court of law may bias a jury should the witness being sworn not consent, even if the oath or certain elements of it are voluntary. Oaths for government officials that include a deity stake the official’s faithful upholding of his duties not on public satisfaction with said upholding but on an invisible figure though which no accountability can be delivered. (Implicitly, the the official is accountable to God(s), not the public.) Further, promoting religious ideas in public ceremonies (swearings-in and the like) is fundamentally exclusionary to all who don’t share those ideas.

      Report Post » armandthecorsair  
    • colt1860
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:51am

      @armandthecorsair My State Constitution says the following:

      “That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought by any law to be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion, or profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under the color of religion, he shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or maintain, or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain, any place of worship, or any ministry; nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the existence of God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor either in this world or in the world to come.”

      In colonial and early America just about everyone accepted the concept of God as hard fact, truth, and as the highest authority to appeal to. Everything you describe is a sentiment only begun the last past 50 years, which bears no resembles or support from the founding era. This radical change occurred by the uber liberals who wanted to CHANGE America.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:54am

      The Virginia Bill of Rights from June 12, 1776 states:

      That religion, or the duty which we owe to our CREATOR, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity, towards each other.

      Report Post »  
  • jcldwl
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:13pm

    Thank God someone is taking a stand against this freedom from religion group. Make them prove they are right instead of giving in. There is no way they can prove a police patch on a city police uniform has anything to do with the U.S. Congress attempting to establish a state religion. Fight fight fight and use the U.S. Constitution against the athiests.

    Report Post » jcldwl  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:11pm

    Why don’t they ever sue San Francisco to change its name? It’s named after a “saint” after all.
    Or Los Angeles? It’s named after “angels!”

    They only attack people they don’t like. They cherry pick their lawsuits against conservatives, ignoring all liberals and Democrat cesspools.

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • spirited
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:34pm

      {+[;8^ > San Francisco gets a pass, huh? , —– being called Frisco –eh?

      Report Post » spirited  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:10pm

    The patch does not say “organized religion”. Atheism is a religion so what are they whining about?

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:15pm

      wher is cair on this …..they consider islam a relegion

      Report Post »  
    • armandthecorsair
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:39pm

      Atheism has no deities, no eschatology, no philosophy of life, no ethical system, no institutional reinforcement of social organization, no sacred or profane objects, and no telepathic communication with gods. It’s a negative claim, simply, that god/gods does/do not exist. It’s not a religion.

      Report Post » armandthecorsair  
    • mjmaverick
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:07am

      Yes, atheism does have a deity. The atheists deity is the atheist himself. The atheist believes that what he decides to be right is right and that what he decides is wrong is wrong so indeed he does have a philosophy of life and ethical system. The atheist worships himself and provides himself with his own moral definitions. They can deny it all they want, the atheist bases who he is, what he does and doesn’t do and the conclusions he makes about others on a belief system. He has a defined world view to the extent that any atheist can somehow define the undefinable non absolute whereby they live their lives. It is a religion.

      Report Post » mjmaverick  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:28am

      Nice example of a Strawman, MJ. O_o

      People, . . . don’t assume the above statement to be true on any level. It is erroneous and is nothing more than an emotional outburst based upon no evidence.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:55pm

      In my experience in dealing with atheists, they seem to live in constant fear of life because they will never live long enough to achieve any purpose of their own, so they must attack others and try to bring others down to their level. Their worst fear is their lack of foundation and they can not seem to expand their horizons because of it.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:09pm

    Good. Replace it with JESUS! That’ll work for a CHRISTIAN nation.

    Report Post »  
  • NoContest
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:09pm

    Good for them…stand tall! Don’t back down!

    Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:09pm

    Good for the Lenoir City Attorneys! It is time to stand up for freedom to practice Religion.

    Report Post »  
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