Atheists in office: Déjà vu all over again

Maryland seems to be confused on the issue. From the state Constitution:

"Article 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God...."

"Article 39. That the manner of administering an oath or affirmation to any person, ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession, or denomination, of which he is a member, generally esteem the most effectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being."

"Article 36: That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him ... [no] person, otherwise competent, [shall] be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the existence of God...."

However, Article 36 goes on to say: "Nothing shall prohibit or require the making reference to belief in, reliance upon, or invoking the aid of God or a Supreme Being in any governmental or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, school, institution, or place" and "Nothing in this article shall constitute an establishment of religion (amended by Chapter 558, Acts of 1970, ratified Nov. 3, 1970). "

America is a strange place. In Africa (where Islamists have forced meaningless wars on people such as in Darfur) people take public office without having to explain or justify their atheism. If a person is not breaking the law as they serve in public office or even in a private organization, their atheism or theism does not come into question. This argument is largely cultural, and cultures that are overly intolerant handle spiritual matters intolerantly. America is troubled by the consistent clamour for public recognition among groups that veer away from time-tested norms and morals which are by nature not debatable. It is the jitters they send that cause the difficulties that atheists are now having to face... strange place indeed.

"Just consider for a moment what their heaven looks like. Endless praise and adoration, limitless abnegation and abjection of self; a celestial North Korea." - Christopher Hitchens

A Huckabee's definition of an atheist is not exclusively limited to a non-belief in God but also includes anyone who doesn't believe what they tell others God is.

Having been witness to Dr. Silverman's run for office, I can attest to all that he has done for freethinkers, atheists, and humanists here in SC. My favorite episode was during a gubernatorial debate (in which Herb was shaming the "real" politicians with his political savvy). The MC asked what it would take for Herb to believe in "the Supreme Being" to which Herb replied "I guess I would believe if I were to win this election." I fell off my chair laughing.

A democracy works best when it's secular and run by grownups.

I know what you mean about atheists always being referred to by the press with some pejorative adjective. E.g. someone is an "unapologetic atheist" - why should he apologize? - or "claims to be an atheist" - it's like they're winking and saying, "we know better". Personally I call myself an uppity atheist.

We atheists vote for christian politicians all the time ... it's not like we have much choice really.

But no christian will vote for an atheist politician.

Seems like we're the ones following their golden rule. And as usual, they dispense with all civility when their delusions are threatened.

One day, we'll be free of this religious nonsense. Hopefully it won't be the day after the religious freaks have destroyed the planet.

Whenever someone uses that "fool" line on me, I always retort with another line from their favorite book: "... but whosoever shall say, Thou FOOL, shall be in danger of hell fire." —Jesus Christ, Matthew 5:22

Selective quotation: A game 2 can play! 8^D

FWIW, in describing myself I skip blithely on past "avowed atheist", "admitted atheist", "openly atheist", etc. and home straight in on "proud atheist". If newspapers need an adjective, I encourage all of my fellow atheists to recommend that one.

I have know both Dr. Silverman and Mr. Bothwell for many years. I have deep respect for them for their selfless humanity. Much more than I have for many "avowed" Christians whose attempts to denigrate Herb and Cecil. My beliefs are not threatened by those who differ with me.

Brett Bursey

It is sad that in these United States of America, the land of "FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY" atheists (non-believers in any religious philosophy) are hiding in or have to come out of the closet. The HYPOCRISY of the overwhelming majority of so-called religious believers is only surpassed by their greed for money, power, and domination/control of others (believers and non-believers alike.)

May GOD have mercy on their pitiful representation of the so-called species Homo Sapiens (which I call: Homo “Stupiens”) and may the DEVIL have a feast when they arrive in hell. (This, of course, is ONLY for the BELIEVERS.)

It amazes me that a good majority of religious people live their lives worrying about how they will live their lives in eternity. If they just lived their lives well here on Earth, there would be no worry, regardless of whether the is or isn't eternity. A lot more time would be spent trying to make our lives and those of our neighbors here on earth better!

Those who maintain climate change is a myth tend to be the same folks who support religious hegemony, unfettered capitalism, and the exclusion of the balance of humans who do not adhere to their interpretation. We only grow as humans when we use our awareness to include new ideas, new technologies, other ways of seeing.

When one sees the evil done in the name of God by fundamentalist Muslims, Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists, Hindus, Mormons and others one might think that society would be better served if these people rather than non-believers were prohibited by law from holding public office. Perhaps the inquisitions, witch burnings, the crusades, and innumerable religious wars might never have happened if this were the case. Abuse of women and child molestation as well is often a product of fanatical religious belief.

Certainly the discoveries of scientists such as Galileo, Copernicus and Darwin would have benefited without the involvement of religion in government. Our delay in stem cell research, the attack on a woman's right to choose, the discrimination against gays and lesbians all persist because of the influence of "avowedly" Christian politicians.

South Carolina. Now North Carolina. Herb, it seems to be migrating north on the east coast, and soon will hit Pennsylvania. And as anyone who lives in Pennsy knows, they call the area between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh "Alabama" for good reason.

Atheists are everywhere ... these days you have to practically beat them away with a stick!

That why they are called "Bloody Heathens"!

"Prior to 1990, I was apathetic about my atheism, feeling I had better things to do than talk about the nonexistence of gods."

Well said. Prior to moving to South Carolina in 2006, I was apathetic about my atheism as well.

Witnessing firsthand the absurdities (I Believe license plates, evolution deniers, etc.) proffered by religious fundamentalists prompted me to "avow" my "so-called" atheism.

day leaders are elected based on their abilities, ambition and courage and not whether they believe in a certain set of fairytales they heard from their parents or who they are sleeping with is going to be a good day for humanity!

I have to wonder how the budget-hawks feel about spending money to fight a battle that they know they have already lost. Is it OK to tax them to wage a prolonged court battle that they know they have to lose? If so, why is it "evil" to tax them to see that their neighbor's kids can get medical care? Which really constitutes a waste?

As to the Psalm 14 "The fool says..." statement, I'm embarrassed that a sitting councilman made that statement. Come on, people. I, personally feel (I can't claim to know,) that there is more to life than this physical world, but all available evidence is that Atheists are just as, if not more, moral, empathetic and ethical than most believers.

We need to respect each other. We need to try to understand each other. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, if your holy writ tells you not to do that, either revise how you interpret that writ, or get a new one.

As a South Carolina resident I have been closely watching Cecil Bothwell's opposition in nearby Asheville, and saddened to see so much energy put into limiting his political influence. I am hearted by the opinion of those in his district who say that he faces no serious threat of being removed from office because the law is clearly on his side. Yet, those from the opposition will use taxpayer money to fight for their own political advantage when their position is based in fear and ignorance.

Dr. Silverman did the State of South Carolina a great service when he challenged, and continues to challenge, those who would question his qualifications. It is heartbreaking, however, that progress is so slow.

I am out of the closet thanks to Richard Dawkins, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Richard Speckhardt, Herb Silverman and many others who have come out before me. The right to believe (or not) is a civil right and a human right and I am proud to call myself a Humanist and Atheist. Don't believe? You are not alone.