Faith

Judge Suggests Stripping 10 Commandments Down to 6 to Remove ‘Religious’ Elements in ACLU-Led Lawsuit

The Ten Commandments is at the center of yet another heated debate. This time, the Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is taking a local school district to task over the display of the Commandments inside of Narrows High School in Narrows, Virginia.

ACLU Sues Over 10 Commandments Display at Narrows High School in Virginia

Similar to the case over a prayer mural in Cranston, Rhode Island, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of a student (who, along with his or her family will remain anonymous, as per a judge’s order) who wants to see the display removed. The basis of the complaint is familiar: The presence, those opposed to it contend, illustrates a government endorsement of religion and is, thus, unconstitutional.

The Giles County School District, of which Narrows High School is a part, is being represented by Liberty Counsel, a Christian non-profit law group that is claiming that the presence of the display is, in fact, perfectly legal. The debate over the presence of the Ten Commandments began back in 2010 when the Freedom From Religion Foundation first received complaints about it. Inevitably, the ACLU got involved.

After the initial complaints surrounding the Ten Commandments, the list of moral elements to follow was apparently removed and re-posted a number of times. In the end, it was made part of a larger display of historical documents that have shaped American history, the ACLU claims.

“This action flies in the face of both strong legal precedents and our fundamental notions of what religious equality means in the United States,” the ACLU said in a national statement. ”When the government promotes one faith, whether it is through the Ten Commandments or other religious documents, it automatically diminishes all other faiths.”

But Mathew Staver, who serves as dean of Liberty University School of Law and the chairman of the Liberty Counsel, counters this argument by claiming that the Ten Commandments has every right to be displayed. Staver says that it is perfectly protected as a portion of a grander historical setting alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

ACLU Sues Over 10 Commandments Display at Narrows High School in Virginia

On Monday, federal Judge Michael Urbanski ordered all parties to discuss the future of the Ten Commandments in mediation. If, indeed, a solution cannot be reached, then the case will return to court. The Bluefield Daily Telegraph has more:

A federal court judge ordered mediation Monday for the parties involved in a lawsuit about whether the Ten Commandments can be displayed at a Giles County high school.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael F. Urbanski with the U.S. District Court in Roanoke ordered the Giles County School Board and the unnamed student and parent into mediation to see if a compromise can be reached over the display of the biblical texts.

The Liberty Counsel, which is representing the Giles County School Board, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, which is representing the unidentified student and parents, will meet with a magistrate judge during the mediation period. If no decision is made during mediation, the case will return to court.

But Urbanski also made a curious recommendation to help alleviate tensions and to find a potential middle ground. Rather than keeping all 10 commandments, he suggested removing the first four and simply leaving the remaining six. Why, you ask? Well, the first few codes are religious in nature, whereas the final six are far more secular.

“If indeed this issue is not about God, why wouldn’t it make sense for Giles County to say, ‘Let’s go back and just post the bottom six?’” Urbanski asked during the proceedings. ”But if it’s really about God, then they wouldn’t be willing to do that.”

We’ll have to wait and see what solution the two parties come to in the coming weeks.

(H/T: Wall Street Journal)

Comments (272)

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  • tzion
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:54am

    In that case you might as well replace it with the Seven Noahide Laws. That’s more or less the same thing in the end.

    Report Post »  
    • atechgeek
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:23pm

      God laughed and said .. judge .. why don’t you tell me your plans … “Now that’s funny .. I don’t care who you are.”

      How does one go about removing one of God’s commandments ?? Just curious.

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:40pm

      For such a stupid suggestion Judge Michael Urbanski should either resign his position or procedures taken to remove him should be initiated.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:00pm

      Our national heritage demands we keep all ten.

      “We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.” Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306, 313.

      At the opening of each day’s Session of the Supreme Court the Justices stand, while one of their officials invokes the protection of God. Since the days of John Marshall, the Crier has said, “God save the United States and this Honorable Court.” Both the Senate and the House of Representatives open their daily Sessions with prayer. Every President, from George Washington to Barack Obama, has, upon assuming his Office, asked the protection and help of God, and taken his Constitutional Oath on the Holy Bible.

      All fifty state constitutions mention God in their preamble, thank him for blessings of civil and religious liberty.

      One of the stanzas of our National Anthem reads, “Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land. Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation, Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. And this be our motto ‘In God is our Trust.’”

      Jefferson wrote in a 1802 letter that he didn’t want his administration to be a “government without religion,” but one that would “strengthen… religious freedom.”

      “…we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” Gettysb

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:02pm

      CHRIST replaced with ONE: Do unto others… / Love your neighbor…

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:08pm

      Gee, judge. Why don’t we just defer to you, you tell us what the Laws of God should be, according to Judge dumbs h i t.

      This judge swore an oath on a Bible to obtain and complete the final requirement for his ‘seat.’ He should be impeached for breaking that oath.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:13pm

      Are you surprised? After all, the leadership of the ACLU is reminiscent of a temple board meeting, per Rabbi Lapin.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:26pm

      The 10 commandments conflict with the Constitution.
      Thus they have no business being on government property.
      http://atheism.about.com/od/tencommandments/a/americanlaw.htm (2 pages)

      @lukerw
      [CHRIST replaced with ONE: Do unto others…]
      Confusious already predates that roughly 500 years.
      “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself”

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:09pm

      The ten Commandments do not “conflict” with the Constitution. That is a bunch of BS. What most atheists fail to recognize is that the words they use are not synonymous, e.g state, nation, heritage, country, people, religion, piety, morality, tradition, church, culture, public sentiment, public (people), public (Government) establishment, ecclesiastical, nonsectarian, secular, etc. They lump these words together in some fashion and assume a bunch of made up nonsense. For example, one may say, this is a religious nation, and at no point imply that our Government is religious in nature or governed by some ecclesiastical hierarchy. One may also say, our laws are founded on Christian principles, and at no time intend for that to mean ecclesiastical or religious rituals, ceremonies, services, or appointments. It never crosses their mind, that perhaps, a religious people, taught from a young age Christian principles, were able to one day fight for their liberty and establish a free and independent nation, and a Government whose institution was possible through the courage of certain men who were highly influenced by the precepts and stories taught in the Holy Bible. To prove such an inception, one must only look to the history of other nations, and judge whether the Buddhists, Islamists, Popish states, or Communist states were able to or even capable of conceiving such things as the Declaration of Independence.

      Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:50pm

      I think they must not have read the part in which GOD tells us not to mess with HIS BIBLE and HIS TEACHINGS… woe is insured. WHAT the hell (for real) is wrong with anyone who thinks they can EDIT the precious 10 Commandments? I hope the people who elected or appointed this judge are paying attention.

      BUT IT GETS WORSE. I think we know that we’re in the END TIMES for sure now. NO DOUBT. We have COMMIES in the WH, MUSLIMS thinking they are going to “rule from Jerusalem” and Nazi’s in Greece. Obama is coming unglued, as the Anti Christ would…and hell is ready to break out every where.

      People who do NOT have a firm relationship with GOD need to stop right now, get on their knees and come to JESUS…for real. WE need to gather our families, make sure we have our provisions as safe as possible, our plans made and we need to TRUST GOD. We won’t make it out “alive” but then neither will the enemies of GOD. NO one can tell me now that this has happened before. Not the way it is now.
      ANYONE who is not listening to GLENN BECK daily and staying in the loop of what is going on has a chance. We’ve known it was coming. Here it is. IF we are lucky enough to get Romney in the WH we may buy more time…that is the ONLY way. Look for Obama to be like a monkey caught in a wild fire…they are all crazed with wrath.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:57pm

      [The ten Commandments do not “conflict” with the Constitution.]
      How it does NOT conflict with the constitution? I provided a link, argue against the points made in it.

      “Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Beside Me”, how is this mirror the constitution?
      “Thou Shalt Not Worship Any Graven Images”, violation of free speech.
      “Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord Thy God in Vain.” Again, free speech violation.
      “Remember the Sabbath Day to Rest and Keep it Holy” would this be constitutional or enforceable?
      “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother” How would that be enforceable? Is this suddenly Iran?

      Five conflicts right there.

      The only thing that does not really conflict are Murder, Theft, and False Witness. Though those are not unique to Christianity or America.

      (Look out, I suspect he will start flooding the comments section with copy pasted non-answers when he can’t make a valid argument…)

      Everything should pass a mirror test. If it is offensive for Muslims to post passages from the Koran on government property, or atheist to post denials of gods existence on government property, then it is equally offensive for Christians to post scripture on government property.
      End of discussion.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 5:05pm

      ANYONE who thinks JESUS Changed His Father’s 10 Commandments is totally uniformed. The First and Greatest Commandment “Love God with all our heart” as the First and greatest Commandment and then : “Love our neighbors as ourselves”…. in no way did Jesus negate the other 8 commandments. GOOD GRIEF people!!!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:29pm

      PATTYHENRY………..I completely agree with both of your posts. I watch the world through Biblical eyes now and we are in the last days. The evil spreading across the world is physical, I can feel it.
      If one pays attention they can smell it in the air, it is deadened.
      Many people, many, many people are feeling and understanding the same thing you and I are.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:39pm

      The Constitution has quite a few of other organic laws preceding it, which without, it would be impossible for our Constitution to even exist. The Constitution is based on these previous declarations and proclamations made by our Representatives. Some of these are the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation; including a few others. In both of these, our Representatives make references to ONE Great Governor of the World and ONE Supreme Judge of the World. In all instances, our founding fathers would sign their names preceding the statement “…In the Year of Our Lord…”. To suggest that such a statement was written in vain, without meaning or significance is pure distortion, revisionism, and a lie. Not only did they mean it, but as some would become President, they also made public declarations acknowledging and thanking him, and hoping that such acts would encourage we the people to do the same.( http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc1789.htm and http://www.pilgrimhall.org/GivingThanks3c.htm ) Every President during our founding era would make a reference in their inaugural and farewell addresses to God, and ask for his blessings or guidance on our nation. At no time did they ever believe the Constitution prohibited such actions. At no time have our Representatives ever ordained a graven image to be the Supreme Judge or Governor of the World. They all acknowledged the invincible hand which guided us during the War.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:57pm

      Pontiac provides jokes as arguments. His claims are baseless and desperate. Most of non-essential Government work shuts down on Sunday. There is a common day of rest, here in the US, since the days of our founding, regardless of its meaning behind it. At no time does the Constitution prohibit anything stated in the Ten Commandments. There is no conflict. The Constitution states, “…and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…”. This most definitely invokes families, and the upbringing of children in a free State, and of posterity or our children being able to preserve that which our forefathers bled for. In just about every instance of war, the people unite, to honor, remember and commemorate the courageous acts of our fathers, mothers, and brothers, and to honor their acts of valor, recognize the duties entrusted in their hands, or hold as sacred other acts performed while in the service of this nation. Also, in this nation, parental authority is almost paramount and absolute, unlike many, if not all, communist or socialist nations. Here, the child must respect his father and mother. And that is, every child has an obligation, expectation to follow whatever such lawful orders may be commanded by his parents. The Constitution also upholds and guards property. Property has always been identified with families, inheritance and private business, whether it be the family farm or small shop down the street.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:01am

      A cover letter, dated in Philadelphia, July 6, 1776, was attached to the Declaration of Independence, as it was sent to the British authorities, wherein John Hancock states:

      “Gentlemen, Altho it is not possible to forsee the consequences of human actions, yet it is nevertheless a duty we owe ourselves and posterity in all our public councils to decide in the best manner we are able and to trust the event to That Being who governs both causes and events, so as to bring about his own determinations. Impressed with this sentiment, and at the same time fully convinced that our affairs will take a more favorable turn, The Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve all connection between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you.”

      Report Post »  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:39am

      @MOMRULES

      I’m sure people felt we were in the end times when Hitler came to power.

      Someone told me their mother thought Jesus was returning when JFK was shot because he had a “head wound” and that the anti Christ had a head wound, or some mindless garbage.

      Remember your false prophecies right now and then in a few decades I hope you can look back and remember how silly you come across as right now.

      Stop focusing on the end of the world and focus on the beauty that is your life.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:54am

      Moderationisbest……….I am no prophet Mod but I do have my eyes open and I see the real prophecies being fulfilled at a rapid pace. You could and would see the same things that I and many others see if you will only open your eyes to what is happening across the world and your heart to Jesus Christ.

      Report Post »  
    • dblaess
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:01am

      @Pontiac
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:26pm
      The 10 commandments conflict with the Constitution.
      Thus they have no business being on government property.
      http://atheism.about.com/od/tencommandments/a/americanlaw.htm (2 pages)

      @lukerw
      [CHRIST replaced with ONE: Do unto others…]
      Confusious already predates that roughly 500 years.
      “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself”
      —————————————————————————————————————————
      What reglion does the 10 commandments establish? and how is this a violation of the state endorsing a state religion? As your post shows by linking to a saying by Confusious, who has a similiar saying to one commandment, Christianity is a philosophy. Again what relgion, Morman, Bapist, Methodist,Confusious,etc. does the 10 commandments establish as a state religion?

      Report Post »  
    • RailRoadCar9
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 4:49pm

      i would say to tell these idiots to f#$% off, strong language yes but when you get all these anti god idiots who do nothing but spend their time attacking anything related to God its just pathetic ,you dont want to believe then dont but when you promote the state attacking any reference you show your no better then those you assert are pushing on you

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 6:33pm

      Flood the comments section with non-replies to every point I made, get ignored. Simple as that. You know who you are.

      @dblaess
      It establishes every religion that branched off that middle eastern cult thus alienating everyone that’s not in your “good ol’ boys club”. It is no less than a violation of the Supremacy Clause, the 14th Amendment, and the Civil Rights of everyone else. Religion is not a legitimate function of government nor a legitimate use of tax payer dollars.

      @RailRoadCar9
      It’s ridiculous to think “pushing atheism down peoples’ throats” means stopping belligerent fundamentalists from doing exactly that. I don’t ask government to deny the existence of god, just to stop using it to placate you ignorant sheep.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
  • jungle J
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:49am

    haters hate religions….sane don’t like religios actions by some…why do we listen to haters when hate is now against the law…..only the sane understand.

    Report Post »  
  • Razlord
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:49am

    JFK – ASSASSINATED BY THE CIA BECAUSE HE STOPPED OPERATION NORTHWOODS!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCVaYxOvcMs&feature=related

    operation northwoods..,.?
    Operation Northwoods, 1967 – False Flags A Brief History –
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hkPlLxnCic

    we are from the govt, we are here to help…
    must love playing the game…we keep doing it over and over.

    Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:45pm

      JFK was a assassinated by a radical communist who had previously voiced support for Cuba, tried to become a citizen of the Soviet Union, and had even failed to assassinate another official prior to Kennedy. He got an opportunity by sheer chance and took it.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:00pm

      TZ: Thanks for a rational summary . Think the JFK assassination was the beginning of all of the tin foil hat conspiracy theories that plague the air waves these days !

      Report Post »  
  • Bearfoot
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:44am

    The Ten Commandments is from our Almighty God Jehovah and they were given to Moses and the ancient nation of Israel. They are written down for all mankind to freely and accurately read in Exodus chapter 20.

    So what is the problem?
    People want to get all worked up over what a “judge” says? phffttt!

    Report Post » Bearfoot  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:52am

      This case should be decided in an Ecclesiastical Court. A Federal Court does not have jurisdiction in religious issues.

      Report Post »  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:53am

      That picture is why Hollywood hated Charles Heston.

      Report Post »  
    • Razlord
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:55am

      what ? i thought charlston heston brought them down…??

      sorry , just playin’…loved the 10 commandments movie

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:13pm

      How about the part in the 10 Commandments tale where Moses, after coming down from the mountain, gets pissed and orders thousands to be slaughtered. Moses breaks one of the commandments right out of the gate. Great moral story.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:28pm

      Moses didn’t order the slaughter, God did. Know the Bible if you’re going to comment on it infidel. Oh BTW, God had just delivered from 400 years of slavery and performed multiple miracles in doing so. Probably not to much to ask that they go more than a month without worshipping pagan gods.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:45pm

      @SQUIDVETOHIO

      Ah so murder, theft, and rape are okay as long as God orders it. Got it.

      Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:46pm

      Squid, . . have YOU read the story? That’s not how it went down.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:10pm

      Thomas Jefferson said, in his second Inaugural Address (1805), “I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.”

      “The older I grow and the more I read the Holy Scriptures, the more reverence I have for them and the more I am convinced that they are not only the people’s guide for the conduct of this life, but the foundation of our hope respecting the future state.” – Thomas Jefferson (Upper Room Bulletin, Vol. 3, 1916, p. 8.)

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:33pm

      @ Squidvetohio – I knew someone would say that God ordered the murders. Well, that makes it much better doesn’t it? God just finished commanding thou shalt not murder, and turns around and murders thousands. As a matter of fact, God’s track record for murdering innocent women and children make Charles Manson look like an alter boy. Admit it, you know it’s all BS.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • noleftturn
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:39am

    …. isn’t atheism and religion the oppposite ends of the same stick? Doesn’t the Constitution protect the entire stick? My right to believe in God is no more or less protected than someone elses right to not believe.

    Report Post » noleftturn  
    • whatever1858
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:46pm

      I agree, we are having our rights taken away daily. If you are Christian, your rights are being taken away. Why is it that “one or a few” are able to take the rights away of many?
      Satan at work, trying to destroy God’s work and turn the people away from God. Christians need to remember the prophesy about Satan working harder and faster at the end. Satan is winning by taking “In God We Trust” out of everything as well as greed and secret agendas in our presidency and some members of congress. Look at the signs of the times and you will see all of it is happening.

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:50pm

      Your rights are not being taken away, the problem is that a school is a government building, and placing a religious figure, cross, ten commandments in a government bldg. insinuates that the government backs said religion. So, actually the constitution is where your so called freedom was taken away. No one wants another ones religion pushed on them by government.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:24pm

      The ten commandments are in front of the Supreme Court, on the front doors, and inside the courtroom.

      At every inauguration, the President has always taken his oath with his hand on the Holy Bible.

      The Capitol displays a painting of Pocahontas being Christened.

      Our common law was greatly influenced by the Magna Carta which makes references to God, “…Know that, having regard to God and for the salvation of our soul, and those of all our ancestors and heirs, and unto the honor of God and the advancement of his holy Church and for the rectifying of our realm, we have granted as underwritten by advice of our venerable fathers…”. The Magna Carta is on display in the National Archives.

      The Mayflower Compact, which is part of our national heritage, states, “Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”

      Report Post »  
    • Calm Voice of Reason
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:38pm

      @Colt: Muhammad is featured prominently on the face of the Supreme Court building as well. This, however, is not taken by many as evidence that the U.S. is an Islamic nation.

      Report Post » Calm Voice of Reason  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:02pm

      @CalmVoiceofReason The Washington Monument is an Obelisk, representative of the Egyptian culture and religion, and signified worshiping the Sun. The Columns which are so prominent in many Government buildings were those same ones used in Greek and Roman culture to uphold their Temples honoring their sky gods. The word Capitol has its origin in Roman religion and mythology wherein the planet Jupiter was honored and worshiped as the King of the gods, thus the main central point of a State. The District of Columbia’s streets and certain buildings are aligned with the stars in heaven to represent certain astrological signs. The statute on top of the Capitol building, and others in front of Government buildings, represent ancient deities honored by the ancient cultures. These liberals are a bunch of hypocrites and ARE OUT TO MOSTLY DESTROY CHRISTIANITY, plain and simple.

      THE FIRST AMENDMENT SAYS “ESTABLISHMENT”.

      ESTAB’LISHMENT, n. 1) The act of establishing, founding, ratifying or ordaining; a constituted order or system. 2) Settled regulation; form; ordinance; system of laws; constitution of government. 3) The episcopal form of religion, so called in England.

      Exactly what Establishment of Religion did the State or School ordain, institute, or organize here? There is no exclusive State mandated Congregation, Denomination, appointed Priest, or Catechism anywhere.

      Report Post »  
  • littlefish
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:39am

    Some real judge . .. somewhere . . .MUST . .. .in as few as word possible . . . .
    Settle this Church / State . . . phony lawsuit factory once and for all . . .
    Posting quotes . . . carrying bibles . . .wearing crosses . . .in a “Government related” space or
    bulding . .. . .IS NOT UN-Constitutional . . . .And it is NOT the Government endorsing or creating
    a State Religion ! The Atheists argument holds absolutely NO water and lawsuits or threats of Lawsuits
    should be illegal because there IS NO Basis to keep the “easily offended” from being offfended . . .
    and impossible to do.
    The people bringing these ridiculous actions are simply rabble rousers and looking for personal power
    if not financial gains.
    Until the government Declares a State Religion and mandates all declare their loyalty, displays
    of religious content should NOT be attacked under the false argument of “separation of Church and State”
    If any one wants to fear forced religious endocrination, they should be looking to The Muslim Brotherhood
    and Hussien Obama’s affinity with his Muslim roots and what the Farrakhan Monster is saying.

    Report Post » littlefish  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:57pm

      Because you say it is not so, hardly means that it is not so. The laws are as they are because our founding fathers left a nation where the state church was the only church and anyone not believing so was likely to be burned at a stake or left to rot in Tower of London. Put your cross on private land, place your ten commandments in your church. How about you Christians quite pushing your beliefs on everyone else by doing these things.
      I’ll bet a big ole cross next to a big ten commandment statue sure makes any Jew or other religion feel real good as go into a courthouse to litigate.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:42pm

      Unlike a few on here, I actually understand and respect liberty, our constitutional republic, our federal union, and our several free and independent states. The Constitution prohibits an arbitrary or tyrannical enforcement of organized religion, it does NOT prohibit Representatives or the public to act in the best interest of the citizenry, or the public in general, through Religious reference, content or conduct, including those acts which constitute piety, sobriety, or moral character. Our founding fathers did that quite often.

      Patrick Henry said it best, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, NOT BY RELIGIONISTS, but by Christians; NOT ON RELIGIONS, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. FOR THIS VERY REASON peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”

      Virginia’s 1776 Declaration of Rights says, “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.”

      It is Christian principles, as practiced here in historically majority protestant America, which has allowed our society to embrace tolerance, respect and equal rights.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:46pm

      I’m against mandated diversity or forced multiculturalism, which is what most liberals or Marxists advocate today. If the city, which is suppose to represent the residents there, voted to put up Buddha as some memorial, that’s fine. As a Christian, I wouldn’t like it, but that’s THEIR power to do so. I might have a march, petition or go out in the street, peacefully, and cause some public outcry over it, BUT I would not sue them or take them to court. If I lose the battle to convince them, or change their mind, so be it. I’ll let it go, or wait until the next elections, or next session. As long as no one is forced to pray to it, or ordered to become a Buddhist. Who cares? I don’t. As a voter, I don’t vote for satnists or former criminals, because there might be a chance they won’t represent me as I see best. Wherefore, I vote for decent, virtuous people, and also for those who hold some beliefs in common with me. In that manner, I KNOW what to expect from them, as elected officials having legislative powers. Now, if the city voted to put a memorial with a cross, and just to be politically correct or not offend anyone else, they begrudgingly, against their judgement or representative authority, had to put up also a Buddha statue, and a statue of Zeus, THAT would be absolutely ridiculous and destructive to our society or common identity. We’re a federal Government consisting of states, counties, cities and towns, NOT some absolutist centralized nation.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:47pm

      @littlefish @colt1860 While I appreciate your passion and Colt ur writing ability you both have veered far from the issue and the point. In all situation you must ignore the zealots on both sides as they will both promote radical stances and commit any number of misrepresentations to move the discussion in their direction. The reason behind the lawsuits is to offset the promotion of religious (Christian) positions within the government. While our founding fathers reference inalienable rights from their CREATOR they valued LIBERTY over their own faith. That is they would have agreed that Roe v. Wade was the best the government or the law could do relative to reproductive FREEDOM. The self serving interpretation of the balance between LIBERTY and religion as it relates to the founding fathers represents a great insult to them and a great disservice to the country. And spare me the fertilized egg has rights argument, as it is a similarly a self serving proposition that merely supports the promoted and inaccurate representation of the referenced balance. It is clear that individual LIBERTY takes precedence as it should be.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:13pm

      @JRook Unfortunately, you have no historical support for your claims. At the time of our founding, all states banned the practice of abortion as we know it today. Our common law prohibited ANYONE from arbitrarily killing, injuring, destroying, or hurting any child in the womb. Such practices were not only immoral, detestable, and frowned upon, but they were also absolutely unlawful.

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:39am

    A “JUDGE” suggests? WHAT???????????????????????????

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:21pm

      This judge puts himself above God … wow .. insanity is running rampent in the government!

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:32pm

      a judge’s responsibility is not to God, it is to upholding the law. plenty of very Christian judges have ruled against their faith, because their duty is to interpret laws based on their merit. judges don’t rule based on “what would jesus do”.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • tzion
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:49pm

      @phillyatheist
      And what law prohibits the ten commandments from appearing on public land? And before you answer, remember that the same Ten Commandments appear on a Federal building in DC itself.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:05pm

      @SILLYATHEIST

      Have you figured out where you went wrong with your Global warming stance?

      This was off topic, so you can dwell on it for a while and we’ll pick it back up in the next GW story.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:11pm

      BILLY – i read your linked articles. i’m sorry, but an article written by some non-climate scientist from the Heartland Institute will not sway me. they are master purveyors of mis-information, and are funded largely by Big Oil. the Heartland Institute is subjective on the matter. the other article i had already seen, and it was de-bunked by several well known climate scientists.

      again, it appears as though our differences stem from what sources we trust. i don‘t think we’ll get past this anytime soon. thanks for the continued discussion – i’m more than happy to look at any information you have. keep in mind that there‘s a good chance that i’ve seen them before since my step-father is a climate-denier and we have done a lot of back and forth on the issue.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:13pm

      TZION – i appreciate your attempt to bait me into this, but i’ve had enough discussions about the 1st amendment and the establishment clause on the Blaze to last a lifetime. our interpretations differ, obviously. fortunately, the Courts have more often than not supported my interpretation. that’s all i really have to say on the matter.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:26pm

      @PHILLY,

      Ahh, so I see you did not take my suggestion to google the topic and find for yourself the actual data from NASA.

      Debunked? Lets see it. Then I bet I can show you a debunking of the debunked.

      You are cherry picking data PHILLY. Can you tell me why I say that? Do you know what part of story you are failing to acknowledge?

      I bet not.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:03pm

      @CatB
      You obviously have not been to court in the USA have you? Of course a Judge is over God. Here is how I know. Every single person that stands before a Judge prays to God for the Judge not to send them to jail, yet our jails are full.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:07pm

      BILLY – here’s a link about your Cycle 24 article:

      http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevezwick/2012/01/30/another-day-another-intentionally-distortive-effort-to-discredit-climate-change/

      your thoughts?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:37pm

      @PHILLY

      Here ya go.

      http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2012/04/25/global-warming-alarmist-steve-zwicks-science-is-more-troubling-than-his-vitriol/

      And you still have not answered my question.

      Don’t just post another link to another story, we can all do that, all day long.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:48pm

      @phillyatheist Our Nation declared its freedom and Independence stating all the following, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness… We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare… And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

      These judge is a traitor, rebel, and radical. Plain and simple.

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:55pm

      BILLY – i only posted the link as requested. it is a direct rebuttal of the article you sited.

      i’m sorry, what question did i miss? please clarify. thanks.

      i’ll check out your link now.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:01pm

      BILLY – “I am senior fellow for environment policy at the Heartland Institute…” – James Taylor

      he is a lawyer, not a scientist. yet he takes on scientists as though he has credentials in their field. that‘s akin to me telling a doctor that they have an incorrect diagnosis because i’ve watched the TV show ‘House’.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:11pm

      @phillyatheist This judge and any judge like that, is a traitor and radical. Plain and Simple.

      Let’s have a history lesson. This might be too advanced for you though. Try not to take things out of context:

      “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness… We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare… And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:18pm

      COLT – all you do is quote the founders. enough already. i suggest you check out this link for a better understanding of your misguided idea that America was founded as a Christian Nation:

      http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/05/08/debunking-dsouza-part-3-christianity-and-the-founding/

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:36pm

      @phillyatheist LMAO! That article doesn’t state jack squat. Just like most atheists, you defer to other subjects and topics, never disqualifying, disproving or answering any of the previous questions, statements or comments. According to the absolutely ridiculous and false logic of today’s very liberal, radical judges, I guess the founding fathers were trying to enact some organized religion by stating God in the Declaration of Independence… What a bunch of morons.

      Up until the 1950′s the Supreme Court NEVER used the phrase “separation of church and state” to get rid of religious references or content. They understood, as written in the Northwest Ordinance in 1787 that “Religion, morality and knowledge“ were ”necessary for good government”. The phrase was used way out of context by liberal judges about 60 years ago. In their famous decision using that phrase, they never said anything else of the letter, nor quoted anything else by the founding fathers. They had NO historical support, by merely bias opinions. This was a radical and activist decision made by corrupt judges. In 1883, the Illinois Supreme Court stated, in Richmond v. Moore, “Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise. In this sense and to this extent, our civilizations and our institutions are emphatically Christian”.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:19pm

      @PHILLY

      The original question was, why are you cherry picking only the one data set that backs up your argument, while completely ignoring the more extensive and pertinent data?

      I’m not going to answer it for you, but this might make you think a bit.

      http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/tx-wind-farm.html

      And even though you guys are discussing a different topic, COLT has you figured pretty well.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:27pm

      @PHILLY

      What’s the problem?

      Do the words of our founders annoy thee?

      Do they burn your eyes when you cast a glance upon them?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:38am

    if America ceases to be good ceases to be great. You can strip them from public but not from our hearts.

    Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:07pm

      If everyone thought like that we would not be having this problem now would we.

      Report Post » macpappy  
  • barber2
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:34am

    Atheists do not believe in God, the Ten Commandments, nor the Golden Rule. Their political buddies believe in themselves, and the State. They believe that they and the State are the “ saviors ” of mankind. It is this very arrogance which is so dangerous because it is based on a code which is like shifting sands . There are no absolute rules . All is uncertain . Constantly changing. Becomes a combination of narcissism and anarchy. No trust. Every man for himself. A jungle. Hell on earth.

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:41am

      Let’s get real there is nothing more religious in nature than the 10 commandments.

      Report Post »  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:42am

      What the hell is going on in my state. Time to remove this Judge and his attempt at attacking a religious doctrine.

      Report Post »  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:49am

      We Will Not Mediate Or Will We Surrender

      The Federal Judge knows that when he sides with the Atheists, his decision will be overturned on appeal. When the left cannot win, they try to negotiate or mediate. Lets just fight it out to the end. We will destroy them or they will destroy us making us matyrs. Good and Evil cannot endure together.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:07pm

      Hey Rook,

      So why all the references to them plastered all over the Supreme Court building?

      Were the good folks that designed and constructed it delusional?

      You don’t really need to answer that question Rook. We already know your stance.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • JRook
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:44pm

      @Therightsofbilly As usual you miss the forest from the trees and the trees from the leaves. Didn’t say anything about where they might appear, I merely said they were clearly religious in nature. If you are proposing they are not then I guess Moses wrote them himself with no inspiration from God. Your gonna need to pick one Sir.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:12pm

      @ROOK

      Oh, OK, I see…….you just felt the overwhelming urge to stop in and let us know that the Ten Commandments are religious?

      Thanks

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:54pm

      The problem with Socialists, Communists, Fascists, and Tyrants is that they assume all power resides with the State first, and the State then benevolently grants us our freedom. Liberals believe that they must petition the government for their rights, while conservatives believe that our rights are God-given, and that the State’s job is to safeguard those rights in the individual, not exploit them. Our Founding Fathers understood that God grants our freedom and liberty to each of us as individuals, and we then voluntarily surrender or delegate some of those freedoms to a government so that we may have an orderly society, but the power is ours first, not the government’s.

      “When we view the blessings with which our country has been favored, those which we now enjoy, and the means which we possess of handing them down unimpaired to our latest posterity, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the source from whence they flow. Let us then, unite in offering our most grateful acknowledgments for these blessings to the Divine Author of All Good.” – James Monroe

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:33pm

      @Therightsofbilly You really do have a problem with the truth or facts that don‘t fit you ideology don’t ya. You really have to start reading real books.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 4:47pm

      Gosh Rook,

      You sound an awful lot like JZS.

      He told me to read “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair.

      I had already read it, and I don’t much care for it.

      Have any suggestions?

      The books one recommends to others is often a “tell” as to where their allegiances lie, and how they think.

      I recommend this book highly.

      http://www.libertymind.com/index.php?page_id=273

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:32am

    I don‘t think that’s gonna fly. just because you’re peaving off all sides of a debate does not make your proposal middle of the road.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
  • Razlord
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:28am

    the 10 steps…the manifesto…?hello…mcfly.
    10 Planks of the Communist Manifesto in America
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvxsIPavaRI

    George Carlin the illusion of freedom
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKQs-jDI7j8&feature=related

    Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:28am

    Well, if they removed “Thou Shalt Not Lie, ” I think the Democrats would be saved a mess of punishment in the hereafter, and political prosecution in the present.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:43am

      “Well, if they removed “Thou Shalt Not Lie…””

      … you mean “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”? There is no prohibition against blanket lying in the 10 Commandments.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:03pm

      LOCKED: Sorry . I was interpreting the meaning of the commandment which would include considering “ false witness ” to be lying. And most theologians would say this would cover all situations of “ false ” comments – in and out of court . The issue is ” false.“ Lies are ” false” statements – in this case against another person. Spit hairs enough ?

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:12pm

      @BARBER2

      Locked is a highly trained, professional “hair splitter”.

      Do not attempt this at home.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:21pm

      I’m not the one rewriting the Commandment, Barber; you are. I don’t find it splitting hairs; lying is mentioned explicitly throughout the Bible, and it’s not the wording used in the Ninth Commandment (or Eighth, if you’re Catholic). False Witness is: in Biblical times, this referred to disputes; ie, you don’t lie in an argument between parties when it could cause harm to the other party.

      Lying is general is not forbidden in the Commandments; it is frowned upon in other places, but the Commandment is specifically about false witness, not lying in general.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:24pm

      @Billy

      Does the Commandment forbid all lying, as Barber said, or does it forbid false witness specifically? Two choices here: not hard to pick one and back it up :-)

      Report Post »  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:39pm

      “And most theologians would say this would cover all situations of “ false ” comments – in and out of court . ”

      Most theologians……..why would there be a need for theologians if this were the true word of God, meant as a guiding light on how to live life and come to know God? Isn‘t that saying that I need an intermediary to be able to understand God’s word?

      Surely you aren’t saying that millions of people and thousands of denominations can get completely different viewpoints from the same words? I mean, come on now, this book is infallible. There is nothing that is illogical, there are no errors, and there are no contradictions.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:18pm

      @BARBER2

      In addition to being a pro hair splitter, Locked also has no sense of humor, and takes himself way too seriously.

      Common traits of the left.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:29pm

      @Billy

      “Oh hey guys, it was totally a joke! Haha, get it? Where’s your sense of humor… guys? Where are you going?”

      Proverbs 26:18-19, bud :-)

      18 Like a maniac shooting
      flaming arrows of death
      19 is one who deceives their neighbor
      and says, “I was only joking!”

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:35pm

      Hey MOD,

      Is it your innate desire to better mankind that keeps you coming back here and spreading the word of………….what is it you are trying to spread again?……..Oh yea……..nothing.

      When you leave this place, will you feel a sense of accomplishment if all your efforts managed to pry a few from their beliefs?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Wow Locked,

      Did I strike a nerve?

      I guess you did not see the line that said “Do not attempt this at home” ?

      Or that you are a “Highly trained hair splitter”?

      Yes, you are correct, there was absolutely no humor or sarcasm intended in that post.

      You win.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:42pm

      @Locked

      No no no, you don’t seem to understand. The Bible is their book and is only useful and a valid point when it’s being used against the non religious.

      It is not to be used by the non religious to show the religious that not only do they ignore a lot of what the Bible says, but that a lot of them don’t even read it.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:55pm

      @Billy

      “Did I strike a nerve?”

      Nope, but it’s charming to see you thought you had :-)

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:16pm

      @Moderation

      “The Bible is their book and is only useful and a valid point when it’s being used against the non religious.”

      Your problem here is that I’m a Christian. More upsetting than seeing non-Christians misquoting Scripture is to see Christians doing the same; it‘s even worse as you’d think “we” would know our religion better than “you.” Sometimes our members fall short; hence in this case when we have people who change the Commandments, some of the most basic and agreed-upon foundations of our religion. When “false witness” becomes “lying,” the Word of God is distorted.

      There are plenty of cases where lying can be “good” and the Hebrews were not ignorant of this; it was lying to cause harm to their own people that was forbidden.

      So please don‘t mistake my correcting of Barber or sparring with Billy’s trolling to mean I don’t love God and his Commandments. I‘m happy to call people out when they change Christianity’s teachings to suit their needs on an internet comments’ section!

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:19pm

      Charming ????????

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:25pm

      @Billy

      I’m sorry that you view

      Discussion
      Debate
      Reason
      Logic
      Rationality
      Common sense

      as “nothing.” I really do.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:45pm

      Hey MOD,

      I see you spent you recent time away from here at atheist school, learning a bunch of new and clever retorts.

      Once again Mod…..How much evil must one allow in to his life before he reaches the level of Moderation That Is Best?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 8:02pm

      @THERIGHTSOFBILLY

      You’re hilarious. First you accuse of me of recycling the same talking points over and over, now you jokingly accuse me of going to “atheist” school and getting “new retorts”

      Unlike most religious people, I don’t go to a “school(Sunday school anyone?l)”, or any big gathering of atheists and get things preached at me and then don’t think critically about what is said. I already know what I think, why would I only want to surround myself with people who think the same way as me? Talk about boring. Also, maybe what I think could be wrong? How will I know if I‘m possibly wrong if I don’t honestly listen to the other side and think critically about it? I guess my main problem is that I’m not forced to look at every other book, the same way religious people want their book looked at(either everything is true, or everything is false, and since we know not everything is false, everything must therefore be true).

      A lot of religious people(especially fundamentalist) view science the same way they do their Bible. It’s either all true or all false. That’s just not how science works.

      I enjoy watching people from all angles of the argument and see what they think, why they think that and how it interacts with their daily life. I don’t watch any show of any political or religious affiliation trying to get “ammo” to use against those people. I don’t think like that.

      Who decides what is evil?

      God?
      People as a majority?
      You?

      Report Post »  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 8:15pm

      @Billy

      Do you view murder as evil?

      Your book is filled with numerous accounts of murder and not just murder in the sense that a flawed human being murdered another flawed human being. We’re talking about God ordained theft, rape and murder here. Will you then say theft, rape and murder were okay then because God ordered it?

      Do you view homosexuality as evil? I am disturbed by people who are disturbed by genuine heart felt loved between consenting adults.

      Do you view genital mutilation as evil? Are you one of those people who are disgusted when little girls have their clitoris removed at a young age but then are okay that millions of baby boys are having knives and sharp objects taken to their penis?

      Do you view abortion as evil? Do you want to stand up and make abortion illegal to make sure not one unborn baby is killed, and then scream “RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!” when a Christian Scientist let‘s their kid die because they don’t “believe” in medicine?

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:08pm

      Oh my Mod,

      You must have had all that pent up for quite some time.

      Yes, you did used to recycle the same points over and over again. Then you disappeared for a while, and now you’re back with a whole new bag of tricks. I made the logical conclusion that you went and got some continuing education. Either that, or you sat and watched all 32 episodes of the “A NEWS” on youtube.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCoLgqmG6a4&feature=autoplay&list=ULAqY6-SqJITw&playnext=1

      As for your earlier post, you offer none of the following:
      Reason
      Logic
      Rationality
      Common sense

      As for discussion and debate?
      Not much there either.

      Mostly, you just like to mock, denigrate, filibuster, and generally annoy the people that you don’t understand.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:41am

      @Billy

      Again, not surprised that you don’t recognize reason, logic, rationality, common sense

      Or discussion….which is what happens on message boards.

      Again, you have this mindset of who I am and nothing will change that.

      Then again, I know you hate to have the way you view the world questioned. Everything has to be a certain way, and if it‘s isn’t, you will reject it and say it’s a ploy of the left.

      As for why I was gone. I have recently started a new job and was getting use to the new schedule.

      I hope you saw my questions as to how you gauge evil. I really want to know your answers and thoughts to those questions.

      Report Post »  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:59am

      As to “A” News, I’ve never seen an episode. In fact, the only exposure I’ve had to it is from you and other people posting it on here. From about the 1 minute I’ve watched from videos linked on here, the guys look like idiots.

      See, it’s possible that we just may approach things differently. Do you listen to any speeches/debates or read any books from any well known Atheists, Muslims, Democrats?(I’m just comprising a list of viewpoints I assume you disagree with. Again these are just assumptions, I could be wrong). Or do you automatically go to the bottom feeders of your “opponents” and assume they are all like that?

      As far as Christianity goes, I could easily go to people like Ted Haggard, Pat Robertson, Ray Comfort, Holy rollers, Benny Hinn and look at their hysterical babbling and say “wow, all Christians are mindless idiots.”

      Instead, I choose to laugh at those people, realize that they are out there and then turn to smarter Christians like Francis S Collins and read his book or go through and read Mere Christianity and find it a very thought provoking book with many interesting view points. I can then read through a Hitchens book and find it interesting as well. I can then read Common Sense by Beck, and then read Drift by Rachel Maddow and enjoy them both.

      The people I can’t stand, regardless of their political or religious affiliations(or any other for that matter) are those who turn off the brain and don’t seek to gain more knowledge.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:02am

      Mod,

      I was thinking about answering your questions, until I saw this one……….

      “Do you view genital mutilation as evil? Are you one of those people who are disgusted when little girls have their clitoris removed at a young age but then are okay that millions of baby boys are having knives and sharp objects taken to their penis?”

      Do you honestly believe that’s an accurate comparison?

      Are you from San Francisco by any chance?

      Your post gave me flashbacks to the story about Pelosi and the left wing comic book called “FORESKIN MAN” or something very similar to that.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • SREGN
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:27am

    The further we drift from God, the more destruction (societal, economic, and physical) destruction we will heap on ourselves.

    Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:04pm

      Our founding fathers sure thought so: Here’s one of them:

      “The General is sorry to be informed —, that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice heretofore little known in an American army, is growing into a fashion; — he hopes the officers will, by example as well as influence, endeavor to check it, and that both they and the men will reflect that we can have little hope of the blessing of Heaven on our arms, if we insult it by impiety and folly; added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it.” Extract from the Orderly Book of the army under command of Washington, dated at Head Quarters, in the city of New York (3 August 1770)

      “The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.” General Order, (9 July 1776) George Washington

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:24am

    The FFRF along with the federal government will not be content until any mention of God or any display that mentions Him is removed from public viewing. Believers will be hiding in secret to worship Him before too long.

    I don’t care how much people want to pretty it up by saying public displays of God are unconstitutional this is religeous persecution. Period.

    I am about sick of the *anonymous* student, resident, etc. making these complaints to the FFRF. With few exception, the 16y/o for example, I am to the point that I do not believe there are complaints, just the FFRF going about their business of the war on God.

    Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:28am

      Amen!

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:30am

      There is a difference between a public display on a person’s private property or on the front of a church and putting a “life altering” ideology within a publically FUNDED system where young eyes are faced with it everyday . . . without the permission of parents who may be muslim, hindu, wiccan, etc.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • Razlord
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:34am

      nailed it.

      Report Post »  
    • Sirfoldallot
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:35am

      What happens 2 the term “ Written in stone ” ? WTH

      Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:43am

      Hi there DEVONREYE……….I’m still praying for you.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:55am

      Hey DEAVO_o

      Simple fix.

      No more publicly FUNDED government schools.

      All schools go private. No more property taxes to pay for schools. You pay your own tuition. The poor get vouchers. We all pick and choose what we want our children “exposed” to.

      Life altering? Are you serious? God forbid those kids might ever see a movie, read a book, or an article somewhere that mentions those unthinkable principles for living a good life.

      You are funny.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:56am

      The sentiment is appreciated, momrules.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • INTHEBROTHERHOOD
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:04pm

      momrules…finally some one who sees it right. I love the underage student thing. IDENTITY EXCLUSION. but what is so great here is the judges recomendation. You can bet that was a bleak moment for the ACLU. Hey, 6 is better than 0. If the defense says ok, that leaves the plaintiffs at a lose, lose situation. No future precidence, and no money if they also agree. If they say no, we want it completly down, then their true objective would be exposed, and thats bad for business. Smart judge

      Report Post » INTHEBROTHERHOOD  
  • donedunn
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:21am

    The reason that the Ten Commandments are so compelling, so convicting is that they are words of truth, directly from God. Truth cannot be divided or cherry picked. Perhaps it is the white hot heat of truth and light that drives so many such as the ACLU to attempt to expunge any mention of the God of Abraham from society (although they don’t seem to mind the Islamic interpretation). If they do not have to be confronted with God publicly, they believe that they can live out their life without conviction. They can rationalize that “still, small voice” that speaks to all of us when we are alone and our minds are quiet.

    Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:26am

      And you know they are “the words of a god” . . . how? Because a book says so?

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:04pm

      and you know they are not because you lack faith

      Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:20pm

      Which is more likely? Especially considering all the points of that particular story. Actually read it and contemplate the timeline and the nearly paradoxical actions. It’s right there for you to discover, so you don’t need me to point it out.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:21pm

      I have faith in many things, just not your god.

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:23pm

      “You shall have no other gods before me.”

      that’s number 1. so are there still other Gods to worship, or did they die out? either way, what a jealous SOB.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:28pm

      Hey PHILLY

      You got that “Jealous” line from MOD.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:00pm

      BILLY – actually, i got it from the 2nd commandment. he admits to being jealous.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 7:45pm

      Compelling? What’s so compelling about, don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t kill, honor your parents, etc. Seems like common sense to me. I especially like the thought crime in don‘t covet your neighbor’s property. Yes, brilliantly profound concepts from the allmighty god.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • raderby
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:20am

    Keep poking the Bear.
    [ capitalized to refer to deity]

    Report Post » raderby  
  • wordweaver
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:19am

    Bold move, Dude, editing God like that. Wouldn’t want to be you on Judgment Day. I think He might tell you that you removed the four most important ones.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
    • DarthMims
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:54am

      Actually, it wouldn’t be the first time God has been edited. When you go back and read translations of the Bible from before the King James Version, you realize how much was added and taken away for the KJV to make sense in what we call Old English.

      Report Post » DarthMims  
  • STEEEEVE53
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:16am

    It would seem that the judge fancies himself as some sort of modern day King Solomon.

    Acttually, if someone wishes to put inspiring words inside a school, and is not simply looking to push their own religious beliefs upon children, then I would suggest borrowing words from all religions that contain messages of love and peace and combine them into an inclusive display that encourages tolerance while showing that all religions are in some way designed for man’s well being. There is one thing that virtually every religion relies upon……faith.

    Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:21pm

      OK, how about NO!!!!
      How about you leave out all religious material, and comply with the spirit of the law. there are plenty of poets and troubadours to quote instead of using a bible, koran, or chicken bones.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 2:58pm

      Steeeeve, you bring up an extremely good point about “religions all requiring faith”. That fact alone should be enough to make a person stop and think as to WHY that is.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
  • rickbob
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:16am

    Sucks to be this judge at the pearly gates. . .

    Report Post » rickbob  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:34pm

      why? because he’s doing his job? he hasn’t even made a ruling yet, he was attempting to offer a compromise, something that Christians are not particularly keen on. this is why you lose, time and time again.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:14am

    And yet another unnamed student based lawsuit…. I think this fraud, the ACLU and FFRF are making up people just to sue for the hell of it. I thought atheists were brave enough to be loud and be proud. I guess not.

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
  • Hiswill
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:10am

    It was Michele Obama that said her husband knows we need to change our history, our traditions and our conversation. This must be part of the history change she is talking about.
    Leave the Word alone!

    Report Post » Hiswill  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:10am

    If you break (remove, destroy, be selective, etc) any of the commandments then your life will not worth as much as if this complete list had been followed. We would not have the hateful, sinful world that we have today had all been followed.

    Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:25am

      Um. . . . . so Christian never do anything hateful or “sinful”? What planet are you living on?

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • IMCHRISTIAN
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:46am

      I did not say any such thing, Devon,. We have all sinned and when I have I did regret and had to ask forgiveness and didn’t repeat.

      Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:51am

      If I do something wrong, I make a point of not doing it. If I find it is detrimental to my health, I cut out the practice. Not because of any religious reasons, but for my own sake.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
  • IDONTTHINKSO
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:09am

    So, here is the next step! Let’s remove all mention of GOD from our society! If you didn’t think there was a war on religion, you are very wrong! Christians, be prepared for the lions. It is absolutely amazing at how far down and how quick this administration has brought what once was a great nation down to just another communist wasteland!

    Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:23am

      Lions??? You think you’re being persecuted when a plaque is taken down from a publically funded school? Would you be fine with a plaque next to it stating that “Allah is god and Mohommed his prophet”? How about a Wiccan blessing? Remember, if YOUR kids went to a school with these fictiscious plaques, would YOU be comfortable with knowing that your kids would see them every day?

      Why is this an issue? Because it should be the PARENTS that choose what their kids are exposed to, . . . not a school system. Their job is to teach fundamentals required for college enrollment. That’s it!

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • uncleeddie
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 12:57pm

      DEAVONREYE, I would have no problem having other religious references posted at my Childs school; that is the essence of freedom of speech, all speech is protected. We as Christians have no more right to limit other religions’ speech than they do to limit ours. Limiting religious speech will only weaken or nation.

      Report Post » uncleeddie  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:09am

    …
    Only two anonymous people complained about the ten commandments.
    Once again, the nameless, faceless, MINORITY rules.
    America has gone to H*LL.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:02am

    The folly of man. You can destroy every copy of the Ten Commandments on Earth and it still doesn’t invalidate them.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • 65Mustang
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:14am

      What you posted is totally correct…there will be a day of Judgment.

      Report Post »  
    • DeavonReye
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:26am

      No. . . . . there won’t be.

      Report Post » DeavonReye  
    • JonSigMan
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:32am

      @Gonzo
      So true.

      @65Mustang
      Yes indeed, the sooner the better!

      Report Post » JonSigMan  
    • FromSeaToSea
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:32pm

      Judgement is here. Not the fiery kind. Why do we have tyranny and not freedom? God’s Judgement. Judgement is just starting in America. When most are dead or cry out from their cave those alive will know judgement is in full swing. My opinion.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:16pm

      We are no longer living in a Constitutional Republic, nor are we any longer Citizens of a federal Union of several free and independent States, as intended and instituted by our forefathers. We are, at this minute, hanging by a thread to the very Republic our fathers died and bled for. No longer can we claim to be brave and free, especially in a land wherein evil and all form of wickedness presides without correction.

      The forgotten verses of OUR national anthem proclaim:

      “Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation. THEN conquer we must, WHEN our cause IS JUST, And THIS BE our motto: IN GOD IS OUR TRUST; And the star-spangled banner IN TRIUMPH shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

      Report Post »  
    • rssllbll55
      Posted on May 13, 2012 at 8:41pm

      Well let’s take thou shall not kill I bet you I can invalidate that postulation?

      Report Post » rssllbll55  
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