1. BeanQueen, July 4, 2010:

   True-so very true! Only he was the one with enough “chutzpah” to actually say it!!!! Everyone is so sensitive these days! Look at your coins-In God We Trust! There is only separation of church and state when it is convenient for the government!

2. Nicole B, July 4, 2010:

   Wow, this is extremely compelling and thought provoking. It is not too often when someone posts something relevant and meaningful that makes you reflect on the world and your life.

   It certainly brings the point home that the truest testimony of ones faith is how they treat others. I love the fact that he is a humble man who is not self righteous or self imposing about his beliefs. His acceptance and tolerance of others is what we need more of. If more people shared the same philosophy on life and religion, we would have less wars, destruction, and devastation in the “name of religion”.

   Very interesting! Thanks for posting this. I really enjoyed reading this post this morning.

   Definitely a star question!

   Have a Great Day! :0)

3. kathy_is_a_nurse, July 4, 2010:

   That was excellent. It’s rare when something worthwhile is posted on Y/A

   Thank you.

4. gnarly guy, July 4, 2010:

   He scares me.
   He is creepy.

5. wdx2bb, July 4, 2010:

   Ben is a smart guy, and presents his viewpoint well. I go back and forth on his essay, depending on the point. I was raised a Christian and married a Jew, and I don’t really care what people celebrate and who they pray to — if anything/anyone. I don’t take it lightly, but I don’t tell people what their spiritual beliefs are for the most part.

   But …

   I’d worry a bit about anyone who thinks Katrina smashed into New Orleans because we don’t allow prayer in the schools. Stuff like this happens all the time, and there’s no reason to think there were greater forces at work than chance. You build a city below sea level on the Gulf of Mexico, you are going to have hurricane problems every once in a while.

6. Niel J, July 4, 2010:

   Yes, I think he’s a smart guy. And I like his dry sense of humor. But parts of this essay I disagree with vehemently. I was raised without religion. But my parents instilled in me a core set of values that complimented my innate sense of right and wrong. I didn’t need to read thou shalt not kill to know it is wrong. If parents choose to use religion as a tool, fine. But parents must teach their children certain ethics.

   Regarding Katrina and other disasters. God lets that happen now because he’s pissed? With that attitude, you might as well join Fred Phelps church and protest at soldiers funerals. Absolutely ridiculous!

   I too like Menorahs and Christmas trees. But you will have to excuse me if I have an adverse reaction to a comment that natural disasters happen because I haven’t prayed enough to God. Natural disasters have been happening since humanity has been on the Earth. I guess God just can’t get enough prayer. Or perhaps, and I don’t mean to be radical here, they happen because mother nature is more powerful than humanity.

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