Did you know there is a Web site for atheistic
parents? Yes, you guessed it: www.atheistparents.org. This Web
site was started a few years ago by an individual who did not
have any children. The explanation is given, "I started this
site in anticipation of having kids as a way of compiling resources
that would help me as an atheist parent." Some of the topics
covered on the site include Church and State, Education, Parenting,
Rationally Speaking, and Religious Stupidity.
One of the many articles on this site is entitled
"Intolerance and Freedom by Rayne Moonwalker (http ://www.
atheistparents.org/pages.php?sc=001&pg=0l33). It appears that
this author wants to "point out the hypocritical and closed-minded
of an intolerant country." The complaint is made toward those
who would pick on a person who "did nothing wrong; he did
nothing to invoke such hatred in another person." The writer
affirms, "children are not born with intolerance, it is learned."
Then we have the following statement: "Our
country sends mixed signals. We try to promote acceptance and
tolerance of everyone, celebrate diversity. We try to fool the
world by saying we're a free society. However, until lawmakers
open their minds and close their bibles, this will never be a
free society. They are basing their judgments of morality on a
book, and as we have seen in other countries, religion is harmful
because it blinds and oppresses those who do not believe in it's
dogma and doctrine. I am not a Christian, therefore I am not free.
This may seem like an outrageous and ridiculous statement to some,
but it is the truth and everyone knows it whether they want to
admit it or not. I am looked at with contempt because I do not
conform, I do not care about traditions and standards, I support
homosexual rights. I will not become a version of what is expected
and sacrifice myself in the process."
We often hear such complaints from those on the
left when they hear people quoting Scriptures in regard to the
condemnation of sin. When we use the sword of the Spirit to "convict
the world of sin" (John 16:8), for some reason we are being
intolerant and using "hate speech." Some would say we
are not being loving like Jesus was. Apparently, they have not
read some of His rebukes of sin in Matthew 23 and other passages.
Just how tolerant is the AtheistParents Web site?
Surely, they would never use any "hate speech" against
Christians. This Web site also has merchandise that you can buy.
In fact, they sell a number of imprinted items (T-shirts, coffee
mugs, mouse pads, aprons, etc.) with the expression "I (heart
symbol) Roman Lions." Obviously, we all know that the heart
symbol stands for love. Thus, this merchandise expresses the thought
that the atheists love Roman lions. No doubt, those beasts would
be the Roman lions to which a number of Christians were thrown
during the days of the Caesars. Friends, if that isn't "hate
speech," then I do not know what "hate speech"
is.
As parents, we need to teach our children to be
respectful, to be kind, and to be careful in their choice of words;
but I do not mind any of my children saying the following: "The
fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1).
2004 Little Stream Run, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303-1891. rmilliner@owensboro.kl
2.ky.us.