"Atheists want God stricken from inaugural oath"?

Question

did you read this?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090115/ap_on_go_ot/obama_under_god

I am an atheist and i must say this is a load of crap. If the president believes in god and he says

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. SO HELP ME GOD"

he should be able to... isn't it a voluntary thing? they can add it or leave it i thought. but if the president believes in God saying "so help me god" shouldn't offend anyone.

i understood trying to get "under god" out of the pledge of allegiance because this nation is full of different people and saying "one nation under god" isn't right because there are people with multiple gods, or they have a goddess*s* or they may not have a god there fore it is not one nation under god.

but this is a religious president making an oath and if he wants god to help him keep that oath then he should be able to. its atheists like these that piss me off because they give other atheists a bad name. we want freedom and equality not banishment of others beliefs and rights.

so what do you people thing about this?

and i will say this again for people who missed it: I am an atheist

Answer 1

I'm glad you feel that way! The President can do the oath any way he (and hopefully someday she) wishes.

Answer 2

There are all kinds of atheists just as there are all kinds of Christians. Some Christians think everyone should believe just as they do, or else be punished! Other Christians (most of them actually) are more tolerant of others' beliefs. Same with atheists. I don't want my kids to be taught religion in school, but if someone wants to use God in being sworn in, or Allah, or whatever, I don't have a problem with that.



Things like 'In God We Trust' on the money, and 'One nation under God' in the pledge of allegiance are technical violations of the 1st amendment. No doubt about it. The Supreme Court decided this was true, but decided they were 'de minimis', meaning they don't really step on anyone's rights, so they should be left alone. Still there are atheists fighting to get rid of them. I'm on their side, but I think we have bigger fights to fight first.



People will always pick the most extreme of the opposition and make them the leaders. Just as all Christians are not abortion clinic bombers, all atheists are not against 'So help me God' (so long as it's voluntary). Of course Fox News will see atheists as all against anything Christian, that's their job, to demonize atheists.

Answer 3

keep in mind however that the President of the US represents the country as an entire. The Presidents religious ideals could be completely separate. i think of the Atheists are merely attempting to get their voices heard....and not purely Atheists yet different Religions that are non-theistic. I do think of that if Obama chosen, he ought to declare a private prayer for his very own sake yet extremely no longer comprise it in the classic ceremony. i'm constructive he's expertise of this regardless the effect.

Answer 4

It is uncertain how many Presidents used a Bible or added the words "So help me God" at the end of the oath, as neither is required by law.

Let the atheist waste their money. taking it to court

Answer 5

Every group has crazies, including atheists. Oddly most of them seem to hang out in the Religion and Spirituality section of Yahoo Answers.

Answer 6

The news is desperate for any story that will sell copy and get you to link. Congratulations on being suckered.



Who cares if he wants to say it. He isn't forcing religion into his policy. Big deal.



He can say "under satan" for I care.

Answer 7

yea dude people just need to get over it.whether you like it or not this country was established by christians and on christian beliefs.im neither i guess btw.and yeah like you said he is christian.but y should you take it out of the allegience just say it if you want or dont say it.if we have to change everything for people's accommodations it would be ridiculous.why dont we all just get along and tolerate everyones religion race etc. not try to change everything to suit everyone.isnt that what america's all about?to have the freedom to choose your religion and practice it yourself

Answer 8

I too am an atheist. I see no problem with an individual swearing to whatever creator he claims. So long as no one is being forced to do anything against their religions or lack thereof.



However, laws based on narrow, religion-based values are unconstitutional and unethical under the first amendment.

Answer 9

I'm not big on religion... but it's the least of our problems...



I hope one day this is the biggest thing we need to worry about... currently our economy is going down the toilet...