You Are So Wrong, Andy Rooney

I just read an article by Andy Rooney, someone I've always enjoyed watching over the years on "60 minutes," but this time I just can't sit idly by and not speak up. One of my facebook friends posted it, someone whose views are vastly different from mine, so I rarely comment on these types of posts because it becomes a huge argument that goes nowhere.

The article in question can be seen right here: http://ireporters.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/christians-need-to-take-a-stand-says-andy-rooney/

First, Mr. Rooney, this country was NOT founded on Christian principles, as I so often hear people say. Our founding fathers had many varied backgrounds, some religious, some non-religious, and others were known as deists who believed that "reason and observation of the natural world, without the need for organized religion, can determine that a supreme being created the universe." Two of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were openly opposed to religion. Though many of our founding fathers were religious, they took special pains to write our constitution so that we all would enjoy religious freedoms to worship, or not worship, how we pleased. It is also noted that when writing the Constitution, they stated that "no religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." (Article 6, section 3). This was to ensure that NO RELIGION COULD CLAIM TO BE THE OFFICIAL OR NATIONAL RELIGION of this country, the very reason why they left England in the first place.

Then there is the Declaration of Independence. Congress, at that time, not only removed the words of Thomas Jefferson condemning slavery (for obvious reasons), they also changed his words of "All men are created equal and independent. From that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable" to "All men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights." Despite this change, The Declaration of Independence is only an historical document, not part of the governing of this country.

One of my favorite quotes is by James Madison, who in 1785 wrote,  

"Experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of religion, have had a contrary operation.  During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial.  What has been its fruits?  More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution."
                            - "A Memorial and Remonstrance", 1785




So let me just clarify  that this country was not founded on Christian principles, Mr. Rooney. Our founding fathers did not want to create a new England with its religious persecution. Our constitution was crafted to be INCLUSIVE, not EXCLUSIONARY. It was meant to represent everyone in this great nation, not just a choice few. And let me ask you this: What if it DID endorse Christianity as the official religion of this country? Do you really believe that would be right? That we Americans would then have to observe and practice those beliefs whether we want to or not? REALLY? We can look back through history and see many injustices done to people in all countries in the name of religion. If I don't believe in your Christian God, I'm just suppose to deal with it? If the tables were turned, I think anyone who calls themselves a Christian would be pretty upset if our Constitution PROHIBITED the observation and worship of a Christian God. So, how is it any different the other way around?


Mr Rooney goes on to say that if we who are not Christians don't want to listen to a 30-second prayer prior to a football game that we should bring a Walkman or go to the bathroom so we don't have to hear it! REALLY? REALLY? How very thoughtful of you, Mr. Rooney, to think of the rest of us...the atheists, the Muslims, the Wiccans...yes, I said Wiccans. Sue me. This is just another example of how the Christian mindset is "We don't want to hear you, but you're damn sure going to hear us!" Mr. Rooney uses the fact that "Christian churches outnumber all others by better than 200-1." So?


Which brings me to another point. I've heard it said many times that those who aren't Christian are being "persecuted" and are losing their religious freedom. REALLY? REALLY? I live in a town of about 5,000 and there are no less than six or seven churches here. I see churches everywhere I go. I don't recall anyone ordering the churches be closed down or raids being conducted on them to stop the people from congregating and practicing their religion. I must have missed that one. The truth is that many Christians feel they should be able to openly express their views in any and all forums, regardless of the fact that not everyone shares their views. They want laws to be made on their views, whether it infringes on the rights of others or not. This is where I have a real problem with that. I've said many times before that I respect everyone's beliefs, but it is blatantly obvious that many Christians do not respect mine. They want to subject me to prayers and even sermons in places that have nothing to do with practicing one's religion...such as a football game. Why is it not good enough just to practice in CHURCH? Why do I have to be subjected to it?

I'm an atheist, that dirty word many Christians don't want to hear and if they do they tell me I'll burn in hell for not believing. Thanks. It's funny that they don't even think about this logically. I can't FORCE myself to believe something, so how can I burn in hell when it's not possible for me to suddenly turn on a switch and become a believer? I would think if God truly existed he'd make darn sure I'm aware of his presence. He's yet to do that, so I continue to be a non-believer. And another thing: So that means no matter what good I do in my life, how great a person I try to be, just the very fact that I don't believe automatically condemns me to hell? Well, I might as well go out and do whatever the heck I want then since my character won't count in the end. Thanks again.


The Christian movement in this country, frankly, is frightening. I don't want laws based on Christian beliefs. I don't want to be subjected to public prayers when all I want to do is watch a football game. I don't want to have to keep my personal views to myself simply because so many Christians find it "offensive." You can tell me all about your views, but you don't want to listen to mine? That's hypocrisy, whether or not you want to admit it.

My sister, by the way, is Muslim. Her husband is a Muslim from Egypt. She knows what it's like to be persecuted for one's religion and how unfair this country is when dealing with Muslim issues. Yes, we've been so quick to condemn a whole religion due to the many fanatics worldwide who are successfully turning people's minds and beliefs against them. They're doing a brilliant job. I completely understand the fear and even admit that it's difficult for me to look at a Muslim man and not wonder if he's a true Muslim or a fanatic hiding among us in plain sight ever since the 9/11 tragedy. I say this because we're all human and subject to human reactions. I'm not perfect. But I continually work on that fear or concern and am determined to judge everyone I meet by the person they present themselves to be. We all know there are many people moving among us who are wolves in sheep's clothing...Muslim, Christian, teacher, police officer, construction worker. It's just a fact of life that we must be aware of no matter who we meet or allow into our lives.

Specifically, though, many Christians in this country abhor the Muslim religion because they believe all the rhetoric out there that the Qur'an is an evil book full of hatred for other people and advocating death to all non-believers. Newsflash: The Qu'ran is very much like the Holy Bible. Yep, it sure is. The differences aren't that stark. I would also like to add that many times throughout the Holy Bible God advocated raiding villages and killing the people there. Christians tend to forget these things are even IN the Bible and then blast Muslims for similar writings. Let's get real here, people. Does anyone who is a Christian reading this dispute that? You can't because it's true. So, before condemning another religion, look deeply into your own. He who casts the first stone...


 So back to Andy Rooney. Mr. Rooney, you are welcome to practice your religion at your church and church functions, no one is stopping you. But you have the ARROGANCE to tell ME to buck up and deal with your need to pray at a public event because, damn it, this is a Christian nation. How dare you. There are Christians IN this nation, lots of them, but this is NOT a Christian nation. I have the RIGHT to not be subjected to your preaching and praying just as you have the right not to be subjected to my views being expressed in a public forum not related to a religious event. Or perhaps a Muslim might like to say a Muslim prayer..don't like that, do you? You are advocating EXACTLY what you and so many Christians in this country are screaming about when it comes to the Muslim religion. You don't want them building their mosques just anywhere or giving a Muslim prayer at the same public event. How can you say this is okay? I just don't get it. Everyone has the right to pray privately or silently, so why is that not good enough? It's because many Christians in this country don't believe in equality or the rights of others. It's an Us vs. Them attitude that has brought our country to this point. I respect your beliefs, Mr. Rooney, but it's very apparent that you, and many others, do not respect mine. Why can't you see the hypocrisy in that?
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