I love to speak to you in person about this (or maybe we could take it offline – email?). however, the hour is growing late, and I think I’ve been able to identify what’s been bugging me about this particular podcast, with the help of your post above.

I now know that the catalyst for my post was the arrogance and velocity with which you dismissed an idea that is held rightly or wrongly by millions of people around the world.

You cannot discount the possibility that we are wrong in our atheism. It is highly unlikely, and I am pretty sure we are right. But, I am more certain of one thing, and one thing only, that neither of us is omniscient.

I enjoy the podcast and your irreverent sense of humor, but not the lack of respect for your fellow man. You don’t have to agree with the opinion, but you do have to respect the person. What are we made of, if not of our beliefs? Those people got to their current state of mind by a set of circumstances you cannot possibly know.

We, you and I both, are here by either the grace of a god, or the grace of blind chance, but GRACE nonetheless.

I am scared that you are fulfilling the temptation of simply being a polar opposite to your Mr. Donahue; a counterpoint to the religious extreme.

But then I’m just spit-ballin’

Cb

Thanks for your comments. I think if you go back and re-listen to the podcast, you’ll see we clearly state no one should disrupt church services and that Mr. Cook was wrong to do so. Whether or not he should be removed from student government is debatable.

Also, if you re-listen to what we discussed, you’ll see we are NOT “confusing the debate over their specific religious beliefs with their right to freedom of religion” - in fact, I explicitly stated that while I respect Catholics’ right to hold their opinions, I do not recognize their right (or anyone’s, for that matter) for their opinions be respected. We do believe in freedom of religion, so long as it is not imposed on others against their will. But that does not mean that we are not free, as individuals, openly to debate the merits or insanity of specific religious beliefs.

John

it is for these reasons i think this student is a poor representative of the student body and should be removed from student government. he exercised extremely poor judgment in his “protest” and should be held to a rigorous standard. we look to our leaders to show empathy and sensitivity and not simply dismiss those who hold on to antiquated notions.

you may be correct in your beliefs in as far as i agree with them, however if your goal is to offend i think you will do little to further our cause. it is far better to win over religious zealots with the strength of our arguments than by making fun of their beliefs.

finally, please don’t be dismissive, you’re adding credence to the religious right’s sentiment that you (we) consider yourself (ourselves) superior.

“i’ve got an open mind why don’t you all get inside.” ~ the beastie boys

That’s a good suggestion. I’ll start doing that with show #23.

John

…oops.

Thanks in advance….

I left some feedback on the episode at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.

Pax vobiscum,

NH Baritone