Faith

Atheists Threaten Water Park Over ‘Illegal’ & ‘Discriminatory’ Church Group Discount

UPDATE: The owners of Willow Springs Water Park wrote today in an e-mail to TheBlaze that they will not be backing down from their church group discount and that they plan to continue honoring it. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Over the years, atheists activists have targeted nativities, crosses on public property, prayer and other related symbols and expressions of faith. Now, secularist activists are setting their sights on the discounts that private businesses offer to religious people. TheBlaze already told you about a restaurant in Columbia, Pennsylvania, that is facing atheistic wrath over a church bulletin discount. Now, an amusement park in Little Rock, Arkansas, is facing similar threats — and has already buckled under the pressure.

FFRF Sends Letter to Willow Springs Water Park Over Religious Discount

Photo Credit: Willow Springs Water Park

At issue is a discount that the Willow Springs Water Park has been offering to church groups. Following a non-religious organization’s complaint over being declined the same rate that religious groups enjoy, park owner David Ratliff, purportedly feeling pressure, discontinued the faith-based discount. This decision to bend to the demands of a secular organization wasn’t enough, though. Atheists fear that Willow Springs will, once again, begin offering faith-based discounts next season.

So, in a threatening letter sent by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a secular non-profit, the business was discouraged from offering the deal to faith groups next season. In its own words, the FFRF describes how the drama unfolded between the business and the non-faith-related charity — and the fears it has that Willow Springs will begin offering the discount again:

Leifel Jackson, executive director of the charitable Reaching Our Children and Neighborhoods (ROCAN), asked the water park if the discount would extend to his non-profit. Jackson was told that ROCAN could not receive the discount because it is not a church group.

ROCAN Director Jeff Poleet — a new FFRF Lifetime Member — explained to Ratliff that ROCAN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, just like a church and should not be denied the promotion.

Arkansas Matters reported that without the discount, Jackson said he couldn‘t afford the admission and ROCAN’s planned trip was canceled, crushing some kids’ hopes.

As a result of his conversation with Poleet, Ratliff chose to discontinue all discounts for the remainder of this season.

FFRF Sends Letter to Willow Springs Water Park Over Religious Discount

Photo Credit: Willow Springs Water Park

In a charge led by FFRF staff attorney Stephanie Schmitt, the group is claiming that the discount is illegal both at the state and the federal level (read the complaint letter that was sent to the business on August 2). The allegation at the basis of this claim? That religious groups are being charged less than secular groups, a form of discrimination in the minds of the FFRF’s leaders that is simply not to be tolerated.

The letter went on to highlight the organization’s views about the purportedly illegal practice in an effort to dissuade Ratliff from granting religious groups the discount come next season.

“We understand that you are discontinuing these discounts altogether at least for the duration of the year,” the letter reads. “We are concerned that the discriminatory discounts will be continued at a later time or will be covertly offered.”

Schmitt went on to ask the amusement park to respond with a letter outlining the steps the business is taking “to ensure this violation of federal and state law does not occur again.”

While the FFRF complains that the deal was discriminatory against secularists, the Willow Springs Water Park, like many other businesses, offers military discounts, among others. Are these deals equally “illegal” — or does the litmus test only apply to faith groups? That’s certainly a question worth pondering.

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Comments (209)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • DexterMorgan
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:30pm

    Who or what won’t the FFRF brats go after in this day and age?

    Report Post » DexterMorgan  
    • txbigfoot
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:39pm

      So sad.. be a man and stand up for what you believe in. DONT GIVE IN

      Report Post » txbigfoot  
    • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:46pm

      Yeeeeaaahhh…

      I think I’m gonna hafta part ways with the FFRF on this one. I’m all for keeping religion out of government and government out of religion, but these amusement parts are not government, and nobody is being denied the full use of the facilities in question. It’s not like only Catholics get to ride the roller coaster, or only Baptists get to ride the log flume. (They ARE the ones who like to get wet, right? Thought so.)

      If a business wants to offer a discount for everyone arriving in a Ford, they are not being discriminatory toward people arriving in Chevys, beknighted heathens, though they be, so long as Ford owners and beknighted heathens alike are granted equal access to the facilities once admission is secured. These are admission prices to private facilities, not poll taxes.

      Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:29pm

      @LESBIAN PACKING HOLLOW POINTS

      You saved me typing time…thx!!

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • Ron on the Rio Grande
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:49pm

      Just more hate and bullying from the leftedt FFRF.

      Report Post » Ron on the Rio Grande  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:11pm

      Disney has a whole week in the Spring designated as Homosexual Week were Gays get special discounts. Marriott Hotels recently announced that they now have a special discount on hotel rooms just for Homosexuals. My wife and I cannot get similar discounts like this unless we show a AAA card. I am now out of work and this may be the last year I have a AAA card.

      Report Post »  
    • ToddH
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:16pm

      I’m an atheist. Once upon a time, many years back, I used to donate to the FFRF and subscribe to their newsletters. That has ended. Back then, I figured they were trying to help people trapped inside cult-like communities so mired in religions and supersitious dogma that it was wreaking havoc on an individial’s ability to lead a normal independent life and pursue their own happiness.
      That was what they were about when the foundation was started, back when America was a lot more religious than it is now.
      These days, with their constant attempts to remove all instances and hints that the people around them have a religion, it strikes me as like they are trying to turn everyone atheist. That is not a celebration of the religious freedom our forefathers had in mind.
      I don’t personally mind business making their own decision to offer church discounts, just as they do military discounts. If I DID have a problem with it, I just would not give the place my business.
      On the flip side, I hope religious people will keep this in mind if they happen upon any business that offers discounts to atheist groups, LGBT groups, and so on. The business determines who their primary patrons are by who they cater to. I believe The Marriot did something like this recently for gay couples, for example. And then there is Disneyland in October.
      This is not something the FFRF should interfere with.

      Report Post »  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:21pm

      ATHEISM IS NOW THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PROTECTED OFFICIAL RELIGION.

      The Federal Government and Federal Courts have created an official religion of the nation. Atheism cannot hide behind the fact that they do not believe in God because so many other religions do not believe in God either. This is unconstitutional and will be dismantled when WE take over.

      Report Post »  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:27pm

      The Democrat’s Apocalypse is over. The People of God will now take over and prepare the Earth for the coming of God after the November Election. The Democrats are right, their world is about to change.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:32pm

      @ TODDH…That was a very fair comment. I must say, as a former atheist and now born again Christian, I agree with you in regard to businesses making their own decisions and customers voting with their money….Thank you…

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:51pm

      Tod — you are spot on. It’s private enterprise. Movie theatres offer student discounts, and I don’t begrudge the student that takes advantage of it. I have been known to ask abt military discounts and use them when I can and have never heard a gripe abt it fm other patrons.

      Those guys are spoil sport killjoys. The proverbial dog in the manger who declares if I can’t have it, then neither can you! Those kinds of folks really annoy me.

      Report Post » Elena2010  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 4:57am

      Radicalized social activists are becomeing tiresome. I don’t mind someone standing up for themselves but enough of this rediculous crap already.

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 7:08am

      Dear FFRF (a.k.a. Religious Haters with Lawyers)

      Thank you for your concern, in light of your views of how I do business, I have decided to offer FFRF a discount as well to their members, a Regular Fee+1500% every day except Sun where it doubles to 3000% and increases exponentially with every extra member if looking for the group discount. Inclusively, you must also must sing “God Bless the USA” before every ride.

      Please keep “your religious influences” away from my private business. I will run it as I see fit.
      Stick to corrupting the government, that seems what you are best at.

      If you feel this is excessive, then you are getting an idea of what I think of your “threat”

      God Bless and have a Nice Day.

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • LaBelle
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 8:24am

      12 thumbs up to LPHP. :-)

      Report Post » LaBelle  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 9:46am

      Yo Hollow Points:

      I hope you do realize that I in part joke with your name … I often disagree with you, but find you usually respectful. I would agree here because of what scripture says (as it speaks to every situation in life we need to know), and that would be the parable of the business ower who pays everyone the same at the end of the day even though some only worked a short time.( those that worked a full day became angry). Without citing the entire story which has more then one application; it came down to the reasoning that the business owner had the right to do as HE wished and if HE wanted to be generous with HIS money it was/is HIS right.

      So there ya go … I’m 4 truth, some can be found even in “hollow points” (playing with words). Never been againt you … just sayin … HEY ! … over here! (not me)

      Report Post »  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:17am

      How is offering a discount illegal? The water park has the right to do that since its their money.

      It would be illegal if they charged extra for atheists, because that isn’t their money.

      Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
    • barryswhitehalf
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:39pm

      Nice to read that the owners of the park will not back down and allow the tyranny and fascism of the militant,God-haters to win.

      Report Post » barryswhitehalf  
    • black9897
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 5:23pm

      Throw out every case like this. Some people need to get a life.

      Report Post » black9897  
  • RougeFastFingers
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:24pm

    You can charge whatever you want, they ain’t government, they should counter sue on a charge of conspircy to commit blackmail.

    Report Post » RougeFastFingers  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:48pm

      Extortion would be a better avenue.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • republitarian
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:54pm

      “Arkansas Matters reported that without the discount, Jackson said he couldn‘t afford the admission and ROCAN’s planned trip was canceled, crushing some kids’ hopes.”

      They purposely crushed the hopes of kids to make their stupid point. Nice folks.

      Report Post » republitarian  
    • DeltaCharlieCain
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 10:51pm

      @CEMOTO78

      According to Webster’s, extortion means: “to wrest or wring (money, information, etc.) from a person by violence, intimidation, or abuse of authority; obtain by force, torture, threat, or the like.” So unless they’re threatening them with harm or property damage or something else that would be illegal, I don’t think it would count as extortion. Blackmail? Maybe. That’s closer to this than extortion.

      Report Post »  
    • termyt
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 9:05am

      There would certainly be complaints, but the proper response is, “I’m not going to give them my business,” not, “Change your paradigm OR ELSE.”

      They weren’t charging extra or limiting access. They were just not extending a group discount to groups they did not with to attract to their water park. That is in no way discrimination.

      Report Post »  
    • barryswhitehalf
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:50pm

      This is Obama’s vision of America. Where freedom of religion and expression are attacked daily.

      Like the good minions they are, the sycophants at ffrf are only following orders from their tyrant-in-chief.

      Report Post » barryswhitehalf  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:24pm

    If this was a discount for Muslims the blazers would be blazing mad about it.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:32pm

      If it were my business and you don’t like it. Take a hike!

      Report Post »  
    • USA5
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:07pm

      You tell them..NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:24pm

      @ INDIVIDUAL….while some folks might grumble, I think you might be surprised. A month or so ago I remember a story in which a young woman leading a bible study for homeless people in a McDonald’s was asked to stop by management after another customer complained. Others along with myself (Christian people) argued in favor of McDonald’s right to ask her to no longer meet for those purposes in their private establishment. We argued that the rights of the business/property owners superceeded the rights of the religious young woman in that instance. I seem to also remember some nonreligious posters arguing in the same manner. As a matter of consistency I would hope those same nonreligious folks would argue for the rights of this private business owner to court whatever group or groups deemed desirable for the purposes of business and profits. I seem to remeber the expression “if you don‘t like it then don’t go there” if memory serves me. Seems to me that would be appropriate in this instance. Thank you….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • sclinesr
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:01pm

      Give me an example of you’re claim? Just one will do.

      Report Post »  
    • All American American
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 10:26pm

      Not really, it’d just be one more place to check off the list to not visit. Why would I want to swim in water with filthy muslims?

      Report Post » All American American  
    • COFemale
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:28pm

      If they decided to offer Muslims a special discount day I would have no problem, but seeing the owners are Christians I don’t see where that would happen. However, if they went as a church group with 15 to 99 people, then the discount should apply.

      Once again an atheist makes a mountain out of mole hill and even gets discount pricing wrong.

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • Cataclysm
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:13pm

    What happened to “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” As long as it is a private owned company it shouldn’t matter.

    Report Post » Cataclysm  
    • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:34pm

      Exactly! If I take no government money, they have no say in how I run my business!

      Report Post »  
    • McKinley
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:40pm

      So a business owner who claims to believe in the Curse of Ham has the Constitutional right to refuse to serve black customers?

      A Catholic who says “the Jews killed Jesus” can charge them higher prices?

      You believe a Jehovah’s Witness can refuse to let her employees take Christmas off?

      A Scientologist should petition for an ACA waiver against offering his employees and their families any insurance coverage for mental health?

      Report Post »  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:23pm

      @MCKINLEY…where exactly in this story were the atheists not offered admission? You think, just MAYBE, the discount was more about the group rate and less about the religious part? I‘m willing to bet if those FFRF crybabies called and asked for a discount for their group of 50 people that they’d get one…people like you show us truly shallow and pathetic most atheists are. Move on moron.

      Report Post » usedCZARsalesman  
    • mordey
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:24pm

      @ McKinley i am sorry it is a PRIVATE business. if a PRIVATE business chooses to make a promotion they should be able to…it is a PRIVATE business (no matter what obama says). it may not be right BUT…….and if you don‘t agree with a PRIVATE business’ policies don’t go. if enough people don’t go then it closes…problem solved. i see they give military discounts why isn’t a non military person pitching a fit??? they offer pricing according to age…..no one jumping butt for that??? as for the not giving people Christmas of because of religion..i have worked at many places that require you to work on Christmas (nursing home, hospital,convenience stores, a lot of restaurants) so that argument doesn’t work. there are already laws on the books for discrimination. it this PRIVATE business was in violation of the LAW that is a whole different shooting match (discrimination against blacks ect.) they were not telling the atheist they were not welcome or that only church groups could get a discount (they offer the same discounts for large groups as military ). they were just trying to get more business…same as offering a discount for wearing a ku shirt on game day…or wearing green on st pattys days or belonging to aaa or the nra…or aarp.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:25pm

      @ McKinley….While I certainly understand the spirit and intention of your inquiries, I see a few problems. First, many businesses give discounts to different groups of people, black people nor atheists were being turned away or discriminated against. They were all welcome to enter the park. Discounts are simply promotions typically aimed at attracting more business, ie senior citizen discounts. Secondly, these atheists were not being charged “higher” prices for being atheists. Had I, as a christian, gone to the park as an individual and not a part of a church outing I would have paid the exact same price as any atheist or any other individual seeking to gain entrance into the park. Your third example was a fallacious analogy as it involved the employer/employee relationship, not the owner/customer relationship. However, to my knowledge employers do not have to give Christmas off regardless. Your final example errors in the same way the third did as it involves employer/employee relationship not owner/customer relationship. I guess I believe that if a business wants to extend a discount to a group(s) to promote their business then they should have that freedom to decide for themselves. I know some businesses give discounts to military, policemen, firefighters and I am not offended at all. Thank you….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:14pm

      The Supreme Court has already ruled that it does not matter if you don’t take Federal money they still have the right to regulate your business. I bet you didn’t know this and still think you live in a free country.

      Report Post »  
    • bigdaddyt46
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 7:06am

      it’s the same things as bars giving discounts/ free entry. or another example is the dating phone lines that were the precurser to the dating sites letting women use 100% od the service for free, yet men had to pay full cover both to enter a bar, or use the dating phonelines. did i like it? no i did not it made me madder then a hunchback in a limbo contest. did i sue or make a racket about it??? no i did not even though both examples are cases of sex descrimination. it is their business they can run it how they want to.

      Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 9:39am

      Sleazy,

      Many years ago, I used to do the nursing scheduling for a small hospital. When new hires came on, I would ask them what holidays were important to them. Vacations trumped individual holidays, but I tried the best I could to get all those who wanted Christmas and Easter off, with the understanding that they would be working on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Most of the time, I could do it, with everyone’s cooperation. And of course, there were those who want to work the holidays for the pay differential. Since birthdays weren‘t national holidays and didn’t all occur on the same day, I could usually manage those easily. We did have a few staff members who had other less well known holidays that they wanted off, but for the most part it worked. The key was cooperation. When I left that position, the next staff member who took it didn’t care and the staff realized that it was kind of nice having their preferences recognized.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • randy
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:08pm

    Someone should start a “Holy Water Park”
    They could also have a 10 hole putt putt golf course, one hole for each commandment,
    And a parting the red sea slide.
    Any telephone poles in the park, could be in the shape of the cross.
    And the trams from the parking lot could look like Noah’s Ark.
    And every night they could shoot fireworks into the sky over the Jesus in the Manger.
    And have a main street running though the whole park called “Christian Street USA”
    Now wouldn’t that PI$$ off these Godless atheists!

    Report Post » randy  
    • SweetLena
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:27pm

      If I was rich I would create this park you speak of, just for fun, haha

      Report Post »  
    • kalli
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:53pm

      Thanks for providing the best thought for the day! Excellent idea.

      Report Post »  
    • Thewayiseeit
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:06pm

      You know,
      If Atheists were so happy with their choice in belief,
      why do they fight against the alternative so hard,
      In a Nation based on the right to NOT be persecuted for one’s Belief?
      The only answer I can come to is it has nothing to do with their Belief
      but more to do with the denial of others their rights.

      Atheists, your “Agenda” is grinding thin against our Constitution.

      This social theory you learned in Progressive schools that
      actually simply broke you down to a person who does what they are told
      without any forethought, does not excuse you, your piss poor behavior,
      nor will it be allowed to continue!

      Welcome to your own, accepted creation of hell through stupidity!

      You don’t even question the validity of the 100 plus year old social theory
      that failed ever culture that embraced it! Congratulations, you’re next!

      Report Post » Thewayiseeit  
  • tothepoint
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:04pm

    Even though they deny it, the religious godless atheists are a religion and they should fight for their own discount.

    Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:31pm

      The bottom line is that it isn’t about fairness & it isn’t about ticket prices. It never really is. It is a war of worldviews. As is the natural progression for dominance in nature, so in the realm of worldviews domination is as inevitable as two male animals competing for supremacy. Peace peace they say. There is no peace, no co-existence only constant conflict & warring from the insignificant to the profound. All of which is as old as humanity itself. It is the ongoing war spoken of in Genesis 3. While the victory and the outcome has already been decided the battle rages on for now. While the one uses the weapons of this world, the other must remember that their battle is not agianst flesh and blood, but against the powers and principalities that drive the opposition. As our society continues its downward spiral we should expect that the opposition will grow more bold, attempting to seize upon the opportunity of a society without direction and guidance. What was once honored and sacred has become profane and detestable. What was once shameful and despised has become virtuous and enshrined among the populace. Needless to say those who have ears to hear and eyes to see should expect as much as we were taught.

      “Woe to those who call evil good
      and good evil,
      who put darkness for light
      and light for darkness,
      who put bitter for sweet
      and sweet for bitter.
      Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
      and clever in their own sight

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • christhefanatic
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 9:29pm

      Sleezyhippos: Really good post. You are so right. It is very plain that what is going on now is so much more than some difference of opinion between rational groups of people.

      Report Post »  
    • scrudge
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 10:09pm

      Ah Yes…. I see it now aTHEIST park.. come and play in the boiling water

      Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:01pm

    I’m going to get my Chick-Fil-A and go to this Park!!!….TREAT non believers like gays!!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • justangry
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:33pm

      That‘s insulting and you’re making it hard to keep my prejudices in check. I‘m glad there’s so many good Christians on here demonstrating they aren’t all idiots.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • Mr.Fitnah
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:40pm

      And how is that?

      Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • barryswhitehalf
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:52pm

      Eat mor Chikin. Lol!!

      Report Post » barryswhitehalf  
  • HigherRoad
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:57pm

    We either fight these Marxist atheist/Progressives or we will find that all of our civil liberties will be taken away in one form or another. This is outright warfare on Christians and should not be tolerated. I encourage businesses to stand up for their rights to serve whomever they please and offer whatever promotional opportunities they choose. We, as Conservatives and Christians, should support these businesses to show our appreciation for their courage and conviction.

    Report Post »  
  • Aiser
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:54pm

    It’s a private company that should be allowed to give discounts to whom ever it wants.

    Ironically these same secularists are certainly not bitching, and perhaps even support Govt race based affirmative action discounts for minorities within the housing sector via Community Re-investment act. Which had a lot to do with the housing crisis.

    Report Post » Aiser  
  • Riffraffman36
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:49pm

    You atheists,you can’t realy think you are doing a good thing.you now are stoping people from getting a discount at a f##cking water park,when people are hot an don’t have money an want cool down an you put up a stink you realy should be ashamed.i respect your right not to believe in god.when you take your dirt nap you have to answer to your maker so please leave the good god fearing people alone an let them cool off.

    Report Post »  
  • SidneyDave
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:45pm

    Religious groups are not trying to force their beliefs on secularists, why are secularists trying to stop religious people from their beliefs? Last I knew we had free choice,or does that only count in abortion? There is a full scale attack against all people of faith in America regardless of their religion.

    Report Post »  
    • rc30
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:02pm

      When are we the people going to make a stand. I don‘t go to church and don’t know if I will ever go. But come on who cares. Let people be the church does allot of good for people. Who cares if they get a discount so what. Makes you so mad that you don’t. I wish to see one company stand up to this. Every time this happens and a company folds under pressure. That makes me want to not shop there anymore. Companys need to stand up too people like this. If they hate people who be leave so much stay home. Its there country too and they have right to be leave what they want. Just makes me mad as hell. Sorry for spelling mad as hell.

      Report Post » rc30  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:46pm

      These atheist are in all out rebellion against God who they know is going to judge them and their sin.
      It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. It wont be long until they claim to be offended at the presence of the Bible in hotel rooms. They will try to make it illegal to possess a Bible because they know it speaks truth about their sin. They hate truth and anyone who declares the truth….Perfect description of liberal Marxists today in our country. That‘s why it’s so easy for them to lie to themselves and call good things evil, and evil things good. They hate the truth and will do anything to suppress the truth….all in an effort to fight God and hide their sin. Truly pathetic people!

      Report Post »  
    • TrueSoundsOfLiberty
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 4:14am

      Religious groups are not trying to force their beliefs on secularists.

      Really? I mean REALLY?!?
      Let’s see here… Prayer in school, the 10 commandments everywhere. Laws based on Christianity like anti-abortion, anti-gay, no science in school, abstinence only education. Don’t even get me started on the oppression of Muslims and non-Christians in this country. Let’s forget the murders at the recent Sikh temple shooting, be it race based or religion based (I’m guessing both).
      There is no lack of oppression from the religious (mostly) right in this country.

      Report Post » TrueSoundsOfLiberty  
    • MemphisViking
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 8:51am

      @ UntrueSounds – Why don’t you make up a few more things to accuse Christians of? I‘m sure you didn’t hit the character limit with your imaginary post.

      Report Post »  
    • barryswhitehalf
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:54pm

      @ TrueSoundofintolerance.

      http://atheismexposed.tripod.com/atheist_agenda.htm

      Report Post » barryswhitehalf  
  • IslandAtheist
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:41pm

    Charge atheists more…. brilliant. LOL What will Christians come up with next?

    Report Post » IslandAtheist  
    • randy
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:59pm

      Yeah, well I’m tired of ladies nights at bars, but you don’t see me acting childish about it.
      You atheists are a sorry lot!
      I pity the pathetic little empty hateful lives you must lead.

      Report Post » randy  
    • Matrix22
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:05pm

      Where does it say they charge atheists more? Looks to me like they charge everyone the same – except specifically church groups (not individuals mind you). Your group could be completely full of Christians, but if it’s not a church, it probably won’t get the discount either. But under your reasoning, companies like Lowe’s or Auto Zone that give Military discounts should be sued as well? Besides, nothing’s stopping other people from joining a church to go on the trips! It’s a PRIVATE BUSINESS! Do you really want to open up that can of worms!? I just love liberals that always feel personally attacked when something good happens to someone else.

      Report Post »  
    • tothepoint
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:06pm

      If you really are an atheist, then you belong to a religion as atheism meets the description of a religion.
      It is a godless religion, but a religion nontheless.
      So, perhaps atheists should petition for a “Godless Atheist Religion Day” and claim their own discount.
      Now, before you start denying atheism is a religion, do the research. It is.
      Embrace it instead of going into denial.

      Report Post »  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:35pm

      @TOTHEPOINT

      You made a bunch of claims that Atheism is a religion, without supporting evidence.

      Why Atheism isn’t a religion to me.

      1. I don’t go to a building every week to have the way I view the world talked back at me. Instead, I watch debates and discussions from and between Christians/Muslims/Jews/Agnostics/Atheists.

      When was the last time you were at church and had someone with an opposing viewpoint discuss the arguments against your religion?

      2. I don’t have a book that I describe as “infallible” and is divinely inspired. I also don’t immediately run to that book to answer questions on science/morality, etc.

      Instead I read books from a wide variety of authors written by Atheists and religious people(Francis S Collins, C.S. Lewis, Hitchens etc). I don‘t think any of the books are all true and inerrant and don’t try to give them any kind of special weight behind their claims.

      3. I don‘t talk to myself and say that I’m praying to my “atheism.” I don’t have “Atheistic rituals or practices” If something good happens to me I don’t thank my atheism for it.

      4. I don’t claim to have anything revealed to me because of my Atheism. Instead I use observation and experimentation to decide what I think is right.

      5. If the way I think something is viewed is overwhelmingly contradicted by evidence, I don’t reject the evidence.

      Need more reasons why Atheism isn’t a religion?

      Report Post »  
    • NewtonsAmbit
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:52pm

      The religion of Atheism is made up of social anarchists (notice how anarchists have similar logos as athiests) who will argue and compolain about anything because they lust after the argument. It’s an addiction. If it matters so much to you, get a group of Atheists, act civil (hard to do), and ask for a discount too. They don’t want a discount, they just want to complain. Atheists consider themselves gods.” Thier verbal whores who want contention. They live to argue.

      Report Post »  
    • portague
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:45pm

      moderation is best
      1.a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

      “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe” Atheist belief is in science it has the answers. This belief in science is where the moral code governing human affairs comes from.

      2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

      Are you saying atheist do not have “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects”. The fundamental belief is there are no gods and science rules. Fundamental practice is denying god and turning people to science.

      3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

      “the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices” yes you do this by denying the belief of gods or supernatural beings in other religions and turning to science that is an atheist belief and practice.

      Report Post »  
    • portague
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 8:46pm

      continued
      4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

      The atheist created agencies such as FFRF to push this belief and spread it as well as the individual in the system. This very similar to other religions.

      5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

      Atheist religious belief is denying the existence of the supernatural and replacing it with science. An atheist ritually observes their faith every time they deny supernatural existences and deny religions that believe in a non-science oriented belief.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:18pm

      @ MOD….While I can agree there are difficulties in pinning down exactly what accurately constitues a religion, buildings and books really don’t ever figure into that definition. Secondly, praying is not necessarily a basic component of religion either. It seems you made your assertion based on a narrow definition of religion that is based mainly on Christianity, but Christianity is not the sum total of what constitutes a religion. Merriam-Webster defines religion as, “A cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” There is no mention of a deity per se but rather a devotion to a particular set of beliefs typically developed and formed by ones worldview. From this worldview things such as your moral system, your concept of reality, and your philosophy on life’s fundamental questions originate from this same foundation. The American Humanist Association is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 religious organization, holding the same tax rights as a church, and John Dewey in The Common Faith speaks of humanism when he writes, “Here are the elements for a religious faith…Such a faith has always been implicitly the common faith of mankind.” Dr. Michael Ruse, an atheist, wrote: Evolution is promoted by its practitioners as more than mere science. Evolution is promulgated as an ideology, a secular religion—a full-fledged alternative to Christianity, with meaning and morality. . . . Evolution is a religion. CONT…..

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:27pm

      @ MOD….. Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today”. Having said all that, I can’t say that I am that worked about whether atheism does or does not fit some technical definition of religion. The fact is that atheism seeks to answer the same questions that religion does and promote those answers as an alternate approach to life’s fundamental questions. Thus atheism as a functional ideology is no different than any religion of the world and holds no special superiority over any other worldview/religion as all of its premises and assertions are based on their own particular presuppositions. Namely, that the divinde does not exist. Thank you….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:07am

      @PORTAGUE

      No, I don’t describe anyway that I view the world as a “belief.”

      I have evidence that exists that has been observed, tested and is continually getting tested.

      When was the last time a Christian actually really thought whether or not Christ died on the cross and looked at evidence to that claim?

      I don’t “disbelieve” in a God.

      I state that the evidence for a God is insufficient for me to think that those claims are true.

      Not of that is a belief. It is all what I think.

      The only argument that you could make that Atheism is a religion is that both groups have a viewpoint on the world but the viewpoint alone isn’t a religion. Then, any viewpoint on anything could be considered a religion.

      However; when someone says “religion” they not only thinking about that prescribed viewpoint, but rituals, and practices and claiming certainty.

      I don’t have atheist rituals, or atheist practices and I don’t claim to know that I know there is no God.

      @Sleazy
      While evolution was originally coined by Darwin, people don’t hold him up as more then human. They don’t claim that evolution by natural selection was “revealed to him.”

      There are no evolution rituals.

      Evolution is potentially falsifiable, whereas someones religious faith, isn’t.

      That is why i wouldn’t classify evolution as a religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 5:32pm

      Atheists are tied directly to PROGRESSIVES.
      This Progressive Administration allows them to surface from the ratholes and sewers that is their natural habitat.
      The FFRF are Alinskyites. The majority of our current administration are Alinskyites.
      It’s serendipitous. They are emboldened by this ethically challenged Obama Administration.
      It is up to us as a voting nation in November to relegate ALL of these evil jackaninnies back to the odorous underworld that is their home!

      VOX POPULI VOX DEI!

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 8:06pm

      Yo Mod:

      Do you play games in your own mind because it is fun?
      You are a God unto yourself in that you seem to think that whatever you think and determine it to be, then it is.
      Yes … christians understand that Jesus died on the cross … and many are aware of the lies that try to explain that away, and the truth that explains those away. … remember, much of scripture is a historical account of eye witnesses, and just as it is today, if the truth doesn’t suit … then make up a fabrication to decieve or discredit … just watch our president and the liberal news media, their good at it.

      A religion is a belief system … atheists have a belief system … that’s as simple as one can make it, I do believe. Just like you try to explain that away, so you do also with Christ on the cross

      Also, I don’t go to church to hear a debate … I go to a debate to hear a debate … or a car race to see a car race … or a baseball game to see a basketball game (don’t think so) …………………..!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:40pm

    So much for atheists claiming they’re only going after the government sector.

    Report Post »  
  • bdandsl
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:39pm

    I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THESE FREAKS!!!

    Listen up RRFR, any business can offer a discount to any group they want and it is none of your business! They can offer “BOGO free for twins’ if they so chose. That is not discrimanition. Maybe they are a twin and what to encourage ‘like minded’ folks. Besides, people that go to church are overwhelmingly conservative, Atheists overwhelmingly liberal and we know how liberals leave a place (when you can get them to leave) when they’re done. Compare OWS and The Tea Party. I’d encourage the latter, also. And, if I could legally keep out the former, I would!

    Report Post » bdandsl  
  • sWampy
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:38pm

    Illegal my ass, they give them these discounts, because these groups advertise for them. If the atheists have a magazine they print and hand out to thousands of people, I’m pretty sure the water parks would give them a discount also.

    Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:36pm

    obama’s atheist radicals are out of control – - – obama must go!

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:39pm

      Obama the Muslim, Black Liberation Christian, Atheist has radical Atheists working for him?

      You nutsos are so hilarious.

      Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 7:26pm

      Yeah, this isn‘t Obama that’s doing it, although I imagine he’s sympathizes with them. It’s the ACLU and similar orgs. I’m trying to figure out who runs them, but that information seems difficult to find. They certainly aren’t consistent in standing up for our Civil Liberties though.

      Report Post » justangry  
  • Hiswill
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:33pm

    Attacking private business, what’s next?

    Report Post » Hiswill  
  • RANGER1965
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:32pm

    How about this.

    The discount is only on Sunday Mornings between 9:0e0am to 1Pm and can only be recieved by an individual with a church bulletin or a non-religious bulletin that was recieved that morning.

    So if the Atheists get up early, and meet on Sunday Mornings (not gonna happen), then they have every right to get the discount.

    With a little creativity the very legal system that Atheists have been using to beat Christians with, can be used against them.

    Christians are pretty good at being innocent as lambs, but not many take to heart Jesus’ command to be wise as serpents.

    Report Post » RANGER1965  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:32pm

    I would like to know the names of the church groups that have been given the discounts in the past. It would illuminate things. It could be as simple as the park operator does not want problems.

    Report Post »  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:27pm

    They never give up. They must be funded by Soros.

    Report Post » NHwinter  
  • texasken
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:27pm

    What am I missing? Even the separation of church and state is a manufactured distinction, which unfortunately has SCOTUS precedent on its side, but a private business can choose to serve or not serve anyone it chooses. Right? The Boy Scouts do. Churches do. Heck, even my favorite restaurant has a sign on its door that says, “no shirt, no shoes, no service.”

    Report Post »  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:46pm

      Yes, no shirt, no shoes, no service discriminates against nudists. Why should they have to wear clothing when they don’t believe in it?

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:49pm

      No our constitution is null and void, activists judges and communists have run it through.

      Report Post »  
  • Mikev5
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:22pm

    These people are getting power crazy any business that is private can charge what they want to for private groups

    Thats crazy talk

    Report Post » Mikev5  
  • fixer
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:18pm

    This place ought to be able to charge whatever it wants to charge somebody.if you don’t like it,feel free to GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!

    Report Post »  
  • Master_and_Commander
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:17pm

    oh come on, Illegal? the guy should have seen through this empty threat and stood his ground, there‘s no reason why a private business can’t have its own rules and regulations according to how it sees fit. If you don’t like it then find another waterpark or start your own damn waterpark.

    Report Post »  
  • chips1
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 6:15pm

    They get a discount because they don’t leave a ring around the pool.

    Report Post »  
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