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 LifeWay Christian Resources has pulled its “Cancer Awareness Bible” from Wal-Mart and other stores.
December 15th, 2011
08:49 AM ET
Christian publisher pulls 'Cancer Awareness Bible' over abortion concernsEditor’s note: An earlier version of this story erroneously stated that Lifeway Christian Bookstores carried the “Cancer Awareness Bible.” The chain never carried that Bible. By Dan Merica, CNN Washington (CNN) - A Christian publisher is withdrawing copies of the "Breast Cancer Awareness Bible," from stores because the Bible helped raised money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which contributes to Planned Parenthood. Many conservative Christian groups oppose Planned Parenthood because of its role as an abortion provider, though many of the group's services are not abortion-related. The "Breast Cancer Awareness Bible" is described "as a way to place God's Word into the hands of those suffering through breast cancer." It was published by B&H Publishing Group - a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, which is owned by the Southern Baptist Convention - and was sold with the stipulation that $1 from the sale of each book would go to the Komen Foundation to support breast health education, screening and treatment programs. LifeWay Christian Resources also owns LifeWay Christian Bookstores, but the stores never carried the "Cancer Awareness Bible." The book had been distributed to Walmart, K-Mart and other retailers, according to LifeWay Christian Resources. The Komen Foundation says on its website it gives money to Planned Parenthood, stating that funds from the foundation go to "Planned Parenthood-sponsored breast cancer health programs." When LifeWay realized it had partnered with an organization that donates to Planned Parenthood, the publisher released a statement saying that it had "made a mistake." "When our leadership discovered the overwhelming concern that some of Komen's affiliates were giving funds to Planned Parenthood, we began the arduous process of withdrawing this Bible from the market," said Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay, in a release. "Though we have assurances that Komen's funds are used only for breast-cancer screening and awareness, it is not in keeping with LifeWay's core values to have even an indirect relationship with Planned Parenthood," he said. This is not the first time the Komen Foundation has been questioned about its connection with Planned Parenthood. The foundation issued a June 2011 statement that further clarified its association with "19 Planned Parenthood programs." "In all cases, Komen funding is used exclusively to provide breast cancer programs, including clinical breast exams conducted by trained medical personnel," stated the release. "It's important to note that Komen will only make grants to non-profit organizations. As many mammography providers are for-profit entities, we are only to fund mammography services through grants made to local non-profit service providers." As long as there are vulnerable communities in need, said the release, "Komen will fund the facilities that can best meet those needs." The Komen Foundation issued a statement Thursday afternoon contending that there were "no dollars going to Planned Parenthood programs" from sales of the Bibles. "LifeWay is a first-year partner that pledged $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure from sales of the pink-covered 'Here's Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Bible.' LifeWay and Komen for the Cure entered the partnership with the mutual hope that this Bible would have special meaning for women and their families during breast cancer treatment and recovery," the foundation said in its statement. "We are sorry to hear that LifeWay has decided to end sales of the Bible, especially since proceeds from partnership were to support national breast cancer programs." |
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Chritianity is supposed to represent what Jesus would do. Last time i checked, Jesus was all about love, inclusion compassion and serving your fellow humans. Lately, what passes for a Christian message espouses hatered of muslims, gays,mormans and democrats .exclusion of anyone who doesn't agree with whatever the pastor says is so, even when that includes demonstrating at funerals and hating on mormans. Not likely Jesus would have approved of any of that.
Religion really is not the product of stupidity per se but ignorance and cultural pressure. People like their fantasy stories of an afterlife and a big daddy in the sky, so they conform to a feel-good mass delusion. Unfortunately, these beliefs usually lead to intolerance, bigotry and persecution of anyone who does not join the clique.
It's nice to see that you are trying to make Jesus out to what you want Him to be. But that doesn't meet reality.
Your correct to a point. Jesus is about love and compassion and serving others. And I would further concur that your perception of what Christians are doing is understandable (although I disagree that it represents the majority opinion of Christians–including evangelicals). However, Jesus was also about following God's commandments and not sinning. He told the accusers to cast the first stone if they were without sin, BUT then he told the woman to go and sin no more. Jesus (God) is loving and just, but he is also holy and expects us to be the same.
Ya callahab.. don't make jesus out to be how you want him to be.. Christians and George already reserved that right.. He is to be depicted only the way they approve it..
out of curiosity george, which of these do you think callahab got wrong "Jesus was all about love, inclusion compassion and serving your fellow humans"
You're spot on. Jesus, if I read what's in the New Testament, was about inclusion. He was about forgiveness and love and not attacking others. Remember he didn't even resist his arrest. The ones who seem to come closest to what Jesus said are the Quakers. They are Pacifists as was Jesus.
Religion. What a joke. Religion is for the weak minded of our society. If I were a little dumber, I could use religion as my crutch for my stupidity too.
There are plenty of other pro-abortion group that can support Planned Parenthood. Let them.
So, um, if you're not using religion as a crutch for your stupidity, what are you using?
Perfect answer. God is an imaginary friend for weak minded people who are afraid of the dark.
You don't need a crutch, you're plenty dumb just as you are.
Lets hear it from some weak minded people.
1. cholas Copernicus (1473-1543)
2. Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1627)
3. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)
4. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
5. Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
6. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
7. Isaac Newton (1642-1727)
8. Robert Boyle (1791-1867)
9. Michael Faraday (1791-1867)
10. Gregor Mendel (1822-1884)
11. William Thomson Kelvin (1824-1907)
12. Max Planck (1858-1947)
13. Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
"If there were no God there would be no atheists"
G.K Chesterton
The reality of the abortion and STD epidemics:
o The numbers, the calculations and two "bottom liners":
"Facts on Co-ntraceptive Use
http://www.gu-ttmacher.org/pubs/fb_contr_use.html
January 2008
WHO NEEDS CONTRACEPTIVES?
• 62 million U.S. women (and men?) are in their childbearing years (15–44).[1]
• 43 million women (and men) of reproductive age, or 7 in 10, are se-xually active and do not want to become pregnant, but could become pregnant if they or their partners fail to use a contraceptive method.[2]
• The typical U.S. woman (man?) wants only 2 children. To achieve this goal, she (he?) must use contraceptives for roughly 3 decades.[3]
WHO USES CONTRACEPTIVES?
• Virtually all women (98%) aged 15–44 who have ever had inte-rcourse have used at least one contraceptive method.[2](and men?)
• Overall, 62% of the 62 million women aged 15–44 are currently using one.[2] (and men)
• 31% of the 62 million women (and men?) do not need a method because they are infertile; are pregnant, postpartum or trying to become pregnant; have never had inter-course; or are not s-exually active.[2]
• Thus, only 7% of women aged 15–44 are at risk of unwanted pregnancy but are not using contraceptives.[2] (and men?)
• Among the 42 million fertile, s-exually active women who do not want to become pregnant, 89% are practicing contraception.[2] (and men?)
WHICH METHODS DO WOMEN (men?) USE?
• 64% of reproductive-age women who practice contraception use reversible methods, such as oral contraceptives or condoms. The remaining women rely on female or male sterilization.[2]
FIRST-YEAR CONTRACEPTIVE FAILURE RATES
Percentage of women (men?) experiencing an unplanned pregnancy (a few examples)
Method ....... Typical
Pill (combined) 8.7
Tubal sterilization 0.7
Male condom 17.4
Vas-ectomy 0.2
Periodic abstinence 25.3
Calendar 9.0
Ovulation Method 3.0
Sympto-thermal 2.0
Post-ovulation 1.0
No method 85.0"
(Abstinence) 0
(Mas-turbation) 0
More facts about co-ntraceptives from
guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_contr_use.html
"CON-TRACEPTIVE METHOD CHOICE
Con-traceptive method use among U.S. women who practice con-traception, 2002
Method ..... No. of users (in 000s) ...... % of users
Pill 11,661 30.6
Male condom 6,841 18.0
i.e.
The pill fails to protect women 8.7% during the first year of use (from the same reference previously shown).
i.e.
0.087 (failure rate)
x 62 million (# child bearing women)
x 0.62 ( % of these women using contraception )
x 0.306 ( % of these using the pill) =
1,020,000 unplanned pregnancies during the first year of pill use.
For male condoms (failure rate of 17.4 and 18% use level):
1,200,000 unplanned pregnancies during the first year of male condom use.
The Guttmacher Insti-tute (same reference) notes also that the perfect use of the pill should result in a 0.3% failure rate
(35,000 unplanned pregnancies) and for the male condom, a 2% failure rate (138,000 unplanned pregnancies).
o Bottom Line #1: The failures of the widely used birth "control" methods i.e. the pill and male condom have led to the large rate of abortions ( one million/yr) and S-TDs (19 million/yr) in the USA. Men and women must either recognize their responsibilities by using the Pill or condoms properly and/or use other methods in order to reduce the epidemics of abortion and S-TDs.
Bottom line #2-
Currently, a perfect birth control/STD barrier system does not exist. Time to develop one! In the meantime, mono-ma-sturbation or mutual ma-sturbation are highly recommended for hete-rose-xuals who need a contraceptive. Abstinence is another best-solution but obviously the se-x drive typically vitiates this option although being biological would it not be able to develop a drug to temporarily eliminate said drive?
Oh wow, the loons are coming out of the woodwork on this one.
Seems like LifeWay should have done their homework BEFORE agreeing to work with this foundation. I applaud Susan G. Komen Foundation for supporting Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is an an amazing organization and excellent resource for a lot of less fortunate people.
Why do atheists spend so much time trolling religion blogs when there are plenty of science forums to troll?
Because it is funny
It's boring when everyone agrees. Plus it's a lot of fun to confuse people and back them into corners until they can do nothing but either agree with you or get really angry.
This is my question exactly.
@I'm The Best!
If it weren't for atheists, Christians, or indeed religious, could have a discussion. Not all religious people agree on everything. But with atheists, everything degenerates in religious vs. atheists.
@George: You said, "If it weren't for atheists, Christians, or indeed religious, could have a discussion. Not all religious people agree on everything. But with atheists, everything degenerates in religious vs. atheists."
Like...the Crusades...
@ George,
It only degenerates to that when the conversation moves to religious vs. atheists when the subject of religion is being talked about. I have many religious friends and we get along fine, we just don't talk about religion because we know we will disagree. I don't mind sharing my point of view if that's what they want to talk about though.
@I'm the Best
It degenerates because whenever, and I mean whenever, a religious person makes a post, on a belief blog no less, atheists post deleberate comments to incite.
I have another question for all the "loving" christians who are against abortion. What if you could detect that a fetus will turn out to be gay when born, would you consider abortion then? I know how much christians hate gays and are always trying to find a "cure", just wondering if they would allow abortion in that case.
My favorite still are the people who are against abortion and talk about the sancti.ty of life and all that crap are also very much pro death penalty and have no problem with state sponsored murder, and yet do not the see the glaring hypocrisy
No abortion.
Just a life long campaign to instill guilt, shame, self-loathing and fear of divine retribution.
No abortionn ever.
Ho.mo.s.e.xuals can control their behavior even if they cannot control their orientation.
oh so you want to control people's lives.. and you do not see any problem with that? Ever heard of this pesky thing called "Fundamental Rights" ? or do they only apply to Christians in your mind..
@Snow
Fundamental rights? Where did you get that? The only rights you have are spelled out in the cons.t.itution.
Ok.. someone tell me george is not that thick.. fyi, try reading this.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_rights
Thank goodness for religion, politics and those things that never have a resolution. Life would be pretty boring otherwise. We should all encapsulate our arguments for and against and place them where our great,great,great grandkids can get them so they can maybe come up with something new...a new twist to the argument. Then again, I suppose it is like watching each generation learn to walk, has gone on for eternity but it always feels new and fun to watch. Thanks for the chatter. Got to go.
the new definition of delusional – the belief that someone 2000 years ago who was clearly a delusional schizophrenic by all modern understandings of the illiness and has the answers to modern problems while holding the keys to morals and ethics!
whats funny and sad is this isn't even the new definition, its the exact same as the old one, just very direct!
lets take a look at what really makes a person delusional by the true definition shall we...
The delusions definition states that when a person fixates upon a specific thought that is clearly false as being true, then they are in a state of delusion. The vast majority of delusions are found in patients with mental disorders or pathological conditions. The most frequent of these conditions are schizophrenia, paraphrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. There are a number of common manifestations of this condition and certain terms have been coined to identify the various underlying conditions.
To be considered a real delusion, the problem must fit established delusions definition criteria. These were outlined by Karl Jaspers, a noted psychiatrist, in the year of 1917. His delusions definition is still used to this day by most specialists around the globe. In his definition, there are three specific criteria that must be met. The first is that the false beliefs are certain within the mind of the affected patient. The second condition is that the patient's opinion of the matter cannot be changed when giving proof that the belief is untrue. The last condition is that the belief must be false or impossible in nature. These beliefs often are centered around a strange or bizarre subject matter. The one problem with this definition is that it works on the assumption that the beliefs of the majority of people are the correct beliefs while, in fact, there are many examples in history of situations where the majority of the people were clearly wrong.
the truth hurts, but it will only last a lifetime so don't fret! 🙂
The ugly truth, as we are simply able to perceive a very small part of the world we are all delusional. Example, we can all look at the same stop sign and procalim we see red but we do not see the same red. We each see a different color in actuality but we agree it is red. We think we are seeing the same color. Dig down deep enough and we will all find we are all delusional. Those generations that come 200p years after us will know that but we think we are the ones that are not. It is all relative but...just becasue a story was told using knowledge of that time does not mean that what the story is about is not true. It simply means it was told as it was understood. If we cannot accept that, then why will the stories we leave that are fact today not be delusional to believe in 2000 years. Delusional ...interesting word. Oh, remember when being Gqay was abnormal and an illness. Is the group that taught us that ...are they the same ones you quote who are now defining delusional...???Don't mind me...I can't get a grip on reality. 🙂
the ultimate delusion for anyone who wished to dive into the world of delusions is reality! It is different for everone and therefore isn't real to anyone else but themselves! Dwelling on such ideas however will get you nowhere fast – i preferr to focus my time on things that people believe and then force upon others while in our shared delusion of individual reality. I'm a multi-tasker 🙂
All fellow non-believers you should know better not to argue with mythology.
But it's ammusing to see how they react when backed into a corner.
The more I hear George and the likes talk, I stop feeling amused and begin feeling pity. I can see them "wanting" to believe in god and bible desperately so he can help him become better or whatever..
but they keep their faith and defend a book that is bereft of logic and reasoning completely and is full of so many contradictions that it is easy for people to make fun of the whole thing..
And from that "want" to believe comes the "need" to defend it and "denial" of anything wrong or mismatch in the book..
It is just sad!
Christians don't need your pity.
careful george.. god might be reading on internet and might judge you on what you say..
here is another advice from the book you never read..
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom." and
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall"
Since this will jsut be a rant against Christianity, let's just say it was a bog hoax. Jesus was just some guy who changed two thousand years of human life/evolution as a mere man teaching what he did and then allowing himself to be raised on a cross hoping to cause us to believe we will be forgiven. If I go along with that, since he was just a mere man, oh my God, that means we each have the ability to change the world as he did. Well, I guess we all better get crackin because now we have no excuses...ooops...forgot who we are...we only have excuses.
"If I go along with that, since he was just a mere man, oh my God, that means we each have the ability to change the world as he did. Well, I guess we all better get crackin because now we have no excuses..."
What is wrong with this? It sounds fine to me.
"...ooops...forgot who we are...we only have excuses."
What excuses?
Good question. We each have our own. I only know mine.
I don't hear anyone ever claim that Gutenburg was anything but a man, and he certainly changed the world. Also, using your logic, anyone responsible for the creation of a major religion was not actually a man (that would include non-Christian religions, by the way)
Christians are the obnoxious ones. Trying to ram your beliefs down our throats. It isn't gonna work!
LOL... if there was never a sun nobody would ever get skin cancer too. Oh, I forgot, jeudeo/christian teachings are so horrific we would be better off without the ten commandments and teaching of love for one another this religion seeks to teach us. Now, should we, as humans, do a poor job learning and practicing those lessons...well...I guess that would be like blaming the math book for us not knowing math. Hate to think WE, you and I, failed to learn or carry out those lessons. Oh, forgot, it isn;t our fault, it is the fault of those people before us who acted as we now do. OK...got your logic and irresponsibility.
Mark, how's that goat sacrifice going. Wicked Christian god's gonna burn you forever if you don't get on it soon.
Yes, the world would be much better off without the teachings in your bible. Yes, your bible claims the OT rules still apply, so get that knife bloody or god will smite you.
Bob...who said what you state, God or men. You seem to get mans deeds and Gods mixed up. Oh, I forgot, you must be a fundamentalist bvelieveing everything the bible has to say word for word. Too bad. Reading between the lines can be tough.
OK...I suppose only Christians RAM their beliefs down our throats. What about the republicans, corporations, governments, parents...to rail against one segment of society and not others for the same is interesting. This is how the world works...
@ Peter
So what you're saying is that it's okay to cherrypick what you want out of the bible? Or to ignore what it says on the page and make your own interpretation of it to fit your needs?
Wow.... I guess Christians are as bad as a lot of atheists say.
Good for Susan G. Komen for standing their ground and supporting their decision to support programs for those who are less fortunate. They donate strictly for breast cancer screenings and health, and Planned Parenthood is not strictly an abortion clinic; they offer many services. It's unfortunate that some religious affiliated groups cannot come to terms with the fact that abortion is now part of our society. While you may not agree with it, you certainly cannot stop it, even in the more conservative Southern states. Quite frankly, I think this was poorly handled by the B&H Publishing Group. They should have done their research before they launched a product.
The money PP doesn't have to spend on breast cancer awareness is money they can use for abortions. It's not all that hard.
George, where in your bible does it explicitly say that abortion is wrong? Please present the quote.
And no, you may not equate a cell with a human being, unless you can prove that the bible really says that.
@Grace
You don't believe that Christians can read Bible passages and apply those passages to abortion or other immoral behavior unless it is specifically stated? Good luck with that argument.
Also, a human is a human if it is 1 cell or 10 billion.
what about when it explicitly says it? "then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature" .. so till the air got into his nostrils he was not a living creature
Give it a rest! Atheist are obnoxious. You could probably goto a pastors' house and hear less santimonious, self-righteous crap than what you would have to put up with if you accidently sat next to an athiest at a bar for 5 minutes. We get it, you don't like God. Hear's a tip- being a one trick pony makes you a bore.
How is the one "Bible is the only way to salvation" trick treating ya..
@wait..
You tried to make a comeback, but you can't even get that right.
careful George.. you are judging people again.. you know.. the thing your bible tells you not to do.. and you just said you do not actually do..
now go and say 20 hail marys and 50 our lord in heavens..
@George – that clearly went right over your head
Is there anything more "sanctimonious" and "self-righteous" than claiming that you and your congregants alone hold the key to the Eternal and Divine Word of the Lord Almighty and that you and you alone are the Bearers of His Immutable Truth?
No? Oh.
So who are the arrogant, narcissistic pr!cks again? Oh, yeah. Christians.
As opposed to "I am the way" schtick?
@warmesTghosT
The Bible is available for anyone to read and believe.
As to what was wrong with the comeback, Jesus is the only way of salvation, not the Bible.
@George
On the Origin of Species is available for anyone to read and learn.
As to what was wrong with the comeback, science is the only way to truth. Not your imaginary friend.
So the message is, "Oh, you got cancer? I got this cool information that might help you. But, well, tough... I am not giving it to you because the money you give 'might' end up at a place I don't approve of"
Great morality in that.. isn't it? With love like this, who needs cancer..
This article is a bit confusing. I think the "Cancer Awareness Bible" is just a regular Bible with part of the proceeds going to "cancer awareness".
So no one is missing out on any relevant information, it's just a Bible.
This is why you cannot trust secular charities. You give to a foundation that you think is working to fight breast cancer, and they turn around and give it to abortionists. This just sickens me. The publisher was right to pull that Bible. Imagine the Word of God being used for such immoral purposes.
As opposed to other immoral purposes?
"and they turn around and give it to abortionists."
Yeah, and you give your money to the priests in the church who turn around and molest your son. LOL!
You give your money to conservative republicans that turn around and lie to get us in a war that killed 4,000 people, injured 32,000 and cost us billions.
etc...etc...etc...
So now you want to talk about the right of companies to do what they want? when there was discussion about a company's right to make money based on their research, you want govt to interfere and stop them so they can give their money to church..
You sir, are the definition of a Hypocrite. Why don't you just say you want christian theocracy and will not accept anything else..
Let me ask you a question if I may...apparently atheists do not have morals because they do not believe in the bible or jesus and all that nonsense but christians and believers do because they follow the holy book right? Are you a good person because it is written in the bible and because you are afraid of going to hell or because it is common sense? Is the bible the sourse of your morality? Do you even need a "guide" to teach how to be decent to your fellow humans? What if god tells you to hate or kill someone you love? Would you do it in the name of god?
@Snow
"So now you want to talk about the right of companies to do what they want? when there was discussion about a company's right to make money based on their research, you want govt to interfere and stop them so they can give their money to church."
I have no idea what you are talking about. I never posted in any such discussion.
@Rogers
Yes
Because I follow the word of God
God is the source of my morality manifested through his Word
Yes
Ok.
Yes, just as Abraham did
@Snow
"Why don't you just say you want christian theocracy and will not accept anything else."
I do not want a theocracy, but I will not accept liberals or atheists in government. Conservative Christians will take this nation in the direction it needs to go, and I work hard to see that it happens.
@George,
You want this country to tell more lies to start more wars? I don't think that work all that well last time around.
Face it Georgie.. you don't try to be good because the book advices you..
you try to show that you are good because of fear of what might happen after you die and meet him..
you try to show that you are good because of greed to enter heaven for eternity..
you try to show that you are good because you want to impress god and suck up to him.. no altruism there
Selfish
@George
So you don't want a theocracy.... you want Facisim running on christian values? I don't think our forefathers had that in mind when they wrote the consti.tution
George, WOW, you would kill someone who actually exists and who you love if a fictional caracter tells you to? Seriously? What about all those people who actually killed their kids or loved ones claiming god told them to, should they be set free? I think people use religion just to hide behind it when they do something wrong, but then again, I am an atheist and I do not know anything as I have no morals....
@Chuckles
You consider a conservative government Fascism? Man, you are out of touch.
@George
You think the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders are evil groups becuase they're secular?
I'd rather give to either of them than a Christian charity who charge the needy their very souls for help.
No sermon, no help is an all too common refrain amongst religious groups...
In case you do not understand, a govt made only of christian conservatives with no opposition and who push the christian values on all its people is by definition christian theocracy..
@George
Is that so? You do realize you go to the complete end of the conservative spectrum you hit Facism, you go to the complete end of the liberal spectrum and you hit Communism. You're idea about not wanting a theocracy but wanting a governement without liberals in atheists..... yup, sounds facist to me!
@wait...
I know you think that you are a mind reader, but don't put words in my mouth or ascribe motives to me that exist only in your mind.
@Snow
Actually sort of. George doesn't want the full on Theocracy of the Vatican telling him what to do, he'd rather a single party government with overtly christian values, say stamping on your belt buckle something about god being great, and electing a charismatic leader who'll be there for a while to really push the christian agenda along..... If that reminds of nazi's it's because it should.
"I do not want a theocracy, but I will not accept liberals or atheists in government"
Good for you. Are there tall building where you live?
@Doc
I never said that those organizations you named are evil. And what's wrong with trying to save souls?
"was sold with the stipulation that $1 from the sale of each book would go to the Komen Foundation to support breast health education, screening and treatment programs."
So because they contribute to other organizations they are yanking the donations for breast cancer. A foundation can support many causes. And Planned Parenthood also does many things to help pregnant women, not just abortions.
so why do you try to be good George?
is it coz "I want to be good" or is it because "God set rules for me to be good and I follow them"?
if it is "I want to be good" – why do you need bible to tell you morality..
if it is "God set rules and I follow" – you are exactly what I said in earlier post.. trying to suck up to god just to get into heaven..
It can only be one way or the other..
@George
Let's pretend that you and your family are desti.tute and the only group that is offering assistance are your local Scientologists.
In order to get the antibiotics your child needs, the Hubbardites require you to undergo an E-Meter Audit and pledge your devotion to L. Ron Hubbard.
There's nothing wrong with that, right? The Scientologists are only trying to save your essence from Thetan influence.
Would you accept the medicine and undergo the Audit with an open mind?
Take the medicine, but undergo the Audit grudgingly and pay only lip service to L. Ron?
or would you reject their help based on your personal ethics, thus condeming your child to death?
@wait...
So let me get this straight – if I follow the traffic laws, I'm trying to suck up to the state? How about if I believe that those traffic laws are a good idea and it is good to have laws that we all obey? Would you want to drive on the streets if everyone could make up their own laws?
George: Why do you believe you even get the slightest right to judge what a woman should do with her body? Do you realize that it is because of all you christards preaching against s.e.x to the younger generation and prohibiting abortion/morning after pill that the USA has the highest teenage pregnancy rate of any country? How is potentially putting a women's life or even the life of a child at risk in any way good? How about educating people instead of preaching from a 2000 year old book of outdated info?? Secular charities do plenty of good...Doctor's Without Borders; UNICEF...to name a couple-you can't disagree with what they do as being good. You also can't sit there and use your christard thinking to speak out against something that makes perfect sense for all concerned. Planned Parenthood is not only about abortion, it is about educating; it is about prevention-the pill, condoms, the morning after pill; it is about preventing STD's. Before spewing your stupidity, you might wish to educate yourself on what they do.
@Rogers
A woman names Khandi Busby tossed her two young sons off a bridge in Dallas last year because God told her to.
She was deemed insane and insti/tutionalized.
For some reason, other people receiving commands from God are considered normal (and sometimes prophets).
"So let me get this straight – if I follow the traffic laws, I'm trying to suck up to the state?"
No.. you are trying to suck up to your insurance company.. besides, common sense dictates "don't drive into oncoming traffic".. common sense dictates "don't steal from others" .. you need a book to tell you that?
To extend your argument, just because you follow traffic laws does not mean you stand on knees and pray to the state.. you take it as a good idea, and try to follow them. Also, you do not want to be pulled over by cops.. there is your fear factor..
so again.. you might follow some of god's rules from your bible because you think they are good ideas.. but more importantly, you fear what your god might do if you don't..
@Doc.. didn't Abraham get the command to kill his own son.. and now he is considered a great great man and people try to be like him.. so by example, should'nt we now start praising and trying to be like that woman in Dallas too? just saying 🙂
“The president of the United States (GW Bush) has claimed, on more than one occasion, to be in dialogue with God. If he said that he was talking to God through his hairdryer, this would precipitate a national emergency. I fail to see how the addition of a hairdryer makes the claim more ridiculous or offensive.”
― Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation
What astounds me the most, by defunding Planned Parenthood, they have probably forced women into the abortion clinics. I would love to know what has happened with the abortion rate since all the stupid cuts to family planning – skyrocketed! Also, why do Christians think they should be judging people??? I believe many Christians today are becoming completely unhinged! I do not believe Jesus would use fear and hate the way Christians are doing today.
Christians using religion in politics. That's against Christ. They should re-label themselves Decievers. If they choose to follow Christ they must give up all they have and follow Him. That includes politics, money, etc. God will be and is the Judge. Christians do not and should not be equating themselves on Gods level as judge. Lucifer tried that and Christians know what happened with that.
As a Christian, I cannot judge your immortal soul. I cannot make up rules and then judge you for not following them. Only God can do that. However, I can judge your actions as not being in accord with the Holy Word of God.
"As a Christian, I cannot judge your immortal soul. "
you just did moron.
you might recognize this George.. But since you are such a hypocritical person, I doubt if you will.. "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Since you do not recognize the line, let me tell you where it is from.. its from the bible.. you know, the book you love to tout as the ultimate truth, but never actually read it..
George
You can judge actions that go against the holy word....what exactly is that? Your church take on what is right and wrong?
When you read the entire bible and do research then you can make an INFORMED decision.
I judge you on your complete ignorance.
this article is about one thing only-– the christians using there sway in the media to act completely hypocritical to there beliefs while defending them... good stuff1
Hello,
I'm thinking of switching to atheism because it offers me free reign to do whatever I want with no remorse or regret. Could others give me their insights into the benefits of atheims? I'm just tired of worrying about right and wrong, I want to do what I feel like and not worry about the morality of my decisions.
Thanks.
to imply atheists have no morals is laughable at best. Try again, but this time type slower.
yeah, because christians never did anything immoral or wrong....oh wait, the christian way is to actually sin all they want and THEN pray for forgiveness, after all jesus forgives everyone, especially all the priests who molest children!! Anyway you could never become an atheist as you lack one main requirement....a BRAIN!!
"'m thinking of switching to atheism because it offers me free reign to do whatever I want with no remorse or regret. "
Guess what moron, there are many that claim to be christian have done horrible things to people without remorse or regret. It might help if you actually read a real history book and not a work of fiction.
To paraphrase one of my favorite quotes from Steven Weinberg: With or without religion, good people will do good things and evil people will do evil things; but for good people to do evil — that takes religion.
At least atheists don't use a book for our basis for morality. One with the time can easily find parts of the bible that shows stuff an American would consider depraved and backwards. Others can just as easily find good parts. How is it that we can recognize good and bad from a book that has apparently both good and bad? It's obvious that our values are what makes our morality; it's not holy scripture that does this for you.
I've decided to convert to Catholicism becuase I understand that they sell plenary indulgences that offer me free reign to do whatever I want with no remorse or regret.
I'm tired of worrying about right and wrong and would like the shamanic interpreters of an ancient texts to dictate how I should think and act.
Then I suggest you study the writings of Alister Crowley. His teachings a based around the tenent "Do as thou wilt, that is the whole of the law."
This is often misconstrued as Satanism but its not.
You should stick with religion then. "athiems" have to think.
@Patrick
Welcome and cognratulations! Atheism will be glad to have you, but first we need you to cut your hand and make a blood oath on top of the Origin of Species saying that from now on you will reject all other gods in favor of our god science (or evolution or the big bang or gravity, we're polytheists when it comes to the atheist religion here). After you do that and swear to uphold all tenants of science by testing gravity every morning you are in.
Now let me first warn you about the amazing journey ahead of you. Since morals don't exist and I became a full fledged atheist after being inducted by Dawkins and Hawking it's just been one or.gy after another. Occasionally I'll go out and kill some people who tick me off in the name of darwinism. Whenever that old bugaboo "morals" reveals it's ugly head I say 3 hail newtons and then jump off a 6 ft ledge, so I warn you now, if you think you have any morals left, purge them now before becoming an atheist or else you're in for a lot of broken legs..... hey, I don't make the rules, I'm just letting you know all the rituals and stuff you have to do when you become one of us.
I believe what you are actually considering doing is becoming a sociopath. I would strongly advise against this, as it is considered a mental disorder and may result in police action and/or an extended vacation at the funny farm. However, if delusions are your thing I can recommend a nice schizophrenia with a shot of paranoid psychosis...
In other news, theists don't have a monopoly on ethics. Which reminds me, those poor deists! They get left out of everything! I mean, clearly they don't have any sense of moral righteousness (only theists can do that) but they can't be crazy atheists either! And don't even get me started on pagans...:)
What you want Patrick is to be a sociopath, not an atheist. Or a catholic or Christian where you can just repent and feel better.
Well, it looks like you can if you are a Christian! I am not a biblical scholar, but it is obvious the Christians are using the bible to justify their bad behavior!
"3 hail newtons" made me chuckle, Chuckles 😉
@claybigsby
"to imply atheists have no morals is laughable at best. Try again, but this time type slower."
What is the source of your morality?
"What is the source of your morality?"
The same as yours idiot, humanity.
@ George,
Our source of morality stems from society. 100 years ago it was morally okay to own slaves and beat your wife. Many Christians participated in both of these. (they were okay in the bible). But why is it not okay now? Society says it isn't. So that's where our morals come from. If yours are from the bible then you should go out and look for someone to stone
Patrick: Atheists morality is personal. Not like theist morality which is based on fear of retribution from "god". Not doing something due to fear of reprisal is not morality, it is slavery. Of course, that is likely why it is so popular with some folk
@OhPlz
Calling people "idiot" and "moron" shows us EXACTLY what kind of morality you have. I get my morality from God, not humanity.
"Calling people "idiot" and "moron" shows us EXACTLY what kind of morality you have. I get my morality from God, not humanity."
Humanity created your god, DUH!
Georgie: Spend a lot of time on your knees, do you?
"Calling people "idiot" and "moron" shows us EXACTLY what kind of morality you have. "
Kettle meet pot, pot meet kettle.
The log in your eye George is making you blind.
Georgie: You get your morality from bronze age sheep sodomizers.
@ George,
You just ignored my explination for where morals come from? Why is that? Is it because you know I'm right?
Give me a good reason that I'm wrong and that morality comes from the bible and not society. Please!