GEORGIA'S WATER CRISIS: Putting faith in call for rain (Atheists are protesting)

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | Nov 13, 2007 | Bo Emerson

[RDTF]

Service today gathers religious, political leaders to pray for precipitation, but not everyone buys into it.

-snip-

"This is a ridiculous, illogical exercise even for people who are deeply religious," said Ed Buckner, treasurer for the Atlanta Freethought Society. "I would think they'd be offended."

Buckner, an atheist, is helping plan a "polite and peaceful protest" on the Capitol grounds today, and expects members of both the Council on Secular Humanism and Freedom From Religion Foundation to attend. He objects to the governor, in his official capacity as an elected representative, endorsing a belief system.

He also thinks God, if there is one, already knows we want rain.

"Does the God that Sonny Perdue believes in have to be informed about the drought?" Buckner asked. "Doesn't he know? Or have the important people not appealed to him yet?"

Perdue has invited representatives from a variety of faiths —- Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu —- to participate in today's vigil.

[AU72]

The polytheists usually have better luck at that sort of thing. Rain-dances and such.

[KJC1]

Atlanta Freethought Society

Unless your "freethought" is believing in God.

[festus]

If I recall Patton summonsed the local Christian padre and had him pray for rain before one of his troop movements. At least in the movie.......

[festus]

“Atlanta Freethought Society” — Thats a codeword meaning Unitarians.

[Vor Lady]

I’m sure if the atheists have a better idea (than prayer) the Governor would be all ears....

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

"This is a ridiculous, illogical exercise even for people who are deeply religious," said Ed Buckner, treasurer for the Atlanta Freethought Society. "I would think they'd be offended."

Actually, ATHEISM is illogical. Or rather, atheism is a remarkable piece of cognitive dissonance.

[Shery]

Good for the governor. Of course God knows the situation, but He likes us to ask Him personally sometimes. Not only that, but an exercise in faith, publically, takes character and humility. Both are good for the soul.

[AU72]

If I recall Patton summonsed the local Christian padre and had him pray for rain before one of his troop movements.

Actually it was clearing from a winter storm so air superiority could be put to use. Patton had the chaplain up for a medal for his connections 'upstairs'.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

Atlanta Freethought Society

That's what's ironic about "freethought". It is usually not "free", and it is almost always not "thought".

[fatnotlazy]

This is usually what happens. Someone comes up with a possible solution and there is someone else in the crowd who just whines and moans — offers no alternative whatsoever.

The atheists don’t have to pray. No one is forcing them to do so.

[Ozone34]

“I’ve got a head full of ideas that are driving me insane!”

[John Leland 1789]

. . . “God knows the situation, but He likes us to ask Him personally sometimes. Not only that, but an exercise in faith, publically, takes character and humility. Both are good for the soul.”

---

Yes, that’s right. Thank you.

God uses prayer. God teaches prayer in his Word. He had his prophets pray both ways — to stop the rain, and then call for rain. Jehovah God can do anything He wills, with or without prayer, but he has ordained prayer as the way for His people in every age to approach Him, as a father wants his children to approach him with their needs, desires, hurts, cares, disappointments, joys — with Thanksgiving and praise — and with intercession for the needs of others.

[kimmie7]

A town in Texas called for a season of prayer for their drought. Weeks of rain followed. ;-)

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

Thta’s like holding a protest against Leprechauns. If you really don’t believe they exist, then what is the sense in protesting.

[meyer]

Buckner, an atheist, is helping plan a "polite and peaceful protest" on the Capitol grounds today, and expects members of both the Council on Secular Humanism and Freedom From Religion Foundation to attend. He objects to the governor, in his official capacity as an elected representative, endorsing a belief system.

I hope that they brought in their own water. I wouldn't even let them use a public toilet.

[pepsionice]

Based on weather reports...I’d guess that the Feds will be forced to step in within three weeks. Somebody...is going to have to lay alot of pipe in a hurry...probably from several different rivers throughout the southeast...and fill up a couple of reservoirs. The cost? I’m betting on $10 billion easily...and we ought to be looking at pipe laying companies and pipe manufacturers to make huge cash over this...and invest now into these.

[fatnotlazy]

I hope that they brought in their own water. I wouldn’t even let them use a public toilet.

***

And look at all the water that would be saved! :)

[fatnotlazy]

Alas, that is usually what happens. Someone’s misfortune is someone else’s fortune. But when there is a disaster, you’re pretty much stuck. Not much that can be done.

The atheists can whine and moan. I’ll pray for relief for my suffering friends in the drought.

[Southerngl]

OH NOOOOO PRAYERSSSSS

Sheesh, what is it hurting. As the religious leaders pointed out, noone is being forced to pray.

I wish I could drive to Atlanta (not too far, but too far and I will miss my route this afternoon) to go up and hold blankets up in front of these nimrods who can’t stand to hear prayer.