Did You Catch This in the New York Times?

A few days ago, an article appeared in The New York Times which included this remark:

“This is a deeply religious nation by many standards,” said Mark Rozell, a professor of public policy at George Mason University. “They want their leaders to be believers. They want them to believe in something higher, to have a moral framework as they lead the country.”

Lori Lipman Brown, the lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America, had a letter-to-the-editor regarding that comment in today’s NYT:

To the Editor:

“God ’08: Whose, and How Much, Will Voters Accept?” (Week in Review, July 22):

Your coverage of the prejudice against nontheists in the voting booth did not examine the misinformation that leads to this discrimination.

It specifies how Americans care “more generally about whether the candidate believes in God and how that lends itself to a moral framework.” But in fact those of us who live without any belief in a god or gods can also follow highly ethical moral frameworks.

Until Americans start voting based on issues rather than theologies of candidates, they will not elect representatives who truly share both their values and policy goals.

Lori Lipman Brown
Director, Secular Coalition for America

Nicely put.

[tags]atheist, atheism, The New York Times, Mark Rozell, George Mason University, Lori Lipman Brown, Secular Coalition for America, God[/tags]

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Steve Sutton

I agree completely. Until they start voting based on the issues and not theologies, this country will continue riding the whirlpool of the flushing toilet which is our now-faith-based government.
Loren Petrich

One does have to wonder how many Americans who consider themselves believers in some religion continue to evaluate candidates on secular criteria; many people may continue to believe that religion ought to be a purely personal affair, best kept out of politics. But the Religious Right has been trying to destroy that long-time “don’t ask, don’t tell” consensus, hoping that they will be perceived as having a monopoly on religion and morality.

But I’m not sure if those who want more religion in politics would enjoy it if rival candidates each claimed that they hold their positions because they are only following God’s orders. Would they enjoy the sight of rival politicians angrily waving the Bible at each other?

It’s disappointing that there is not a loud and assertive Religious Left; if there was, then I wonder how many right-wingers will become born-again secularists.
brent hodge

I have a question regarding something Lori wrote.

“But in fact those of us who live without any belief in a god or gods can also follow highly ethical moral frameworks.”

I would consider myself a Christ-follower. I am not hear to fight. I would love to hear an atheist’s view on morality. I know where I choose to get my moral standards from, based on my lifestyle choice as a Christ-follower. How are atheist’s setting that standard. Does it come from a mix of religious practices, social standards or none of the above? Just really wanting to know and learn.

Thanks.
Richard Wade

Hi brent hodge,
I’m sure others here can refer you to scholarly works about atheists’ morals and ethics, but for a quick sampling of some of the people who frequent this site you could look over this recent posting. http://friendlyatheist.com/2007/07/20/keep-them-short-and-sweet/ Just scan down the page for the word “morals” to sort that issue out from the others. Most of the comments are short and respectful, and might give you a starting place. Then you can come back if you have more questions.
brent hodge

I will take time to read through that link.

Thanks!