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A new street sign that reads "Seven in Heaven Way," and that was recently unveiled in Brooklyn, New York, to commemorate seven local firefighters who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks has drawn the ire of some atheists, who say they're prepared to go to court to have the sign taken down.
New York City Atheists, a group that opposes the public use of religious references, is challenging the new sign, which was erected in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.
"We're supposed to be a secular nation - there really should not be any religious symbolism or signage in public places," said Kenneth Bronstein, President of New York City Atheists. "We feel that any and all people who died in 9-11 should be remembered and honored. That's not the problem."
Atheists challenge 'Heaven' on New York City street sign – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com
Article Source: CNN
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I am glad the religious are honoring the firefighters who lost their live trying to saving others. This is far more noble work than condemning sexuality, re-writing if not burning books, changing laws, and waging Holy War. However, no one is worried and rightly so, that if the atheists do not get their way, the will be hijacking planes or placing bombs in clinics.
- 6 votes
#1 - Thu Jul 7, 2011 3:48 PM EDTyet won't honor Fr. Mychal Judge, a gay catholic priest and the first recorded victim of 911 ...
Upon hearing the news that the World Trade Center had been hit by hijacked jetliners, Judge rushed to the site. He was met by the Mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani, who asked Judge to pray for the city and its victims. Judge then rushed to those lying on the streets to administer last rites. Judge then entered the lobby of the World Trade Center north tower, where an emergency services command post was organized. The south tower collapsed and debris filled the north tower lobby, killing many inside, including Judge.
Father Judge's body bag was labeled "Victim 0001," recognized as the first official victim of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Judge was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, New Jersey. He was survived by two sisters, Erin McTernan and Dympna Jessich.
A controversial campaign was begun by several American Catholics for the elevation of Judge to sainthood.His helmet was presented to Pope John Paul II. France awarded him the Légion d'honneur. The U.S. Congress nominated him for a Presidential Medal of Freedom. On July 27, 2002, the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America canonized Judge as St. Mychal the Martyr.
reason why so many balk about him ? all though NYC firefighters loved him ... he was gay.
- 5 votes
#2 - Thu Jul 7, 2011 5:30 PM EDT"We're supposed to be a secular nation - there really should not be any religious symbolism or signage in public places,"
This is why Atheists are hated. Because they're trying to prohibit the free exercise of religion in America. That is their goal, their whole agenda. Nowhere in the constitution does it say that any religion's signage, symbolism or activity is inappropriate in public places.
- 2 votes
#3 - Thu Jul 7, 2011 6:45 PM EDTThis is why Atheists are hated.
Could it be that they have to contend with small-minded, bible thumping, mythology believing ignorant people?
Because they're trying to prohibit the free exercise of religion in America.
It's a PUBLIC sign, put up by the govt. It is not private funds, private property.
Nowhere in the constitution does it say that any religion's signage, symbolism or activity is inappropriate in public places.
Public funds makes it unconstitutional. Also, public property cannot endorse any religion.
- 3 votes
And imagine the out cry of theists if an Atheist sign went up.. Either or would be unconstitutional!! Many theists don't seem to comprehend what a secular government is.
- 4 votes
I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who cares about the street name, in and of itself. The real issue is that most anyone will take a mile, if given an inch. If you've ever spent time around little kids, you'll know how that goes. If you don't put your foot down and send 'em to bed, they'll keep trying to squeeze just a little more out of you. The same thing goes for religion, politics, friends, law, family, business, and just about anything else, because people grow old but they don't grow up. You can't just let people get away with minor infractions, because it encourages them to continue and try to get away with bigger things.
Although the naming of the street sounds harmless, you shouldn't lose sight of the bigger picture. "Seven In Heaven Way" should make your spider-sense tingle just as much as "There-Is-No-God Terrace" , "Allah Avenue", "Buddha Boulevard", or "Reincarnation Road". We can honor our dead without falling into legally- and morally-grey areas.
- 2 votes
This is why Atheists are hated.
Personally, I don't know of any atheist that "hates" Christians. We may detest the negative influence that Christianity and other mainstream religions have over humanity, but it is definitely not in our nature to "hate" people. Just look at the sheer irony of Rank's comment. He is admitting that it is the followers of his religion that are filled with hate.
they're trying to prohibit the free exercise of religion in America. That is their goal, their whole agenda.
The agenda is separation of church and state. No atheist in this country is advocating the elimination of churches or any privately affiliated religious institution. You don't belong in any public space any more than we belong in your private space.
- 5 votes
This is why Atheists are hated.
No one will argue that the religious communities do not have the most ugly hatred of nonbelievers, and a whole host of other groups. On religious hatred, you win the argument, hands down.
Nowhere in the constitution does it say that any religion's signage, symbolism or activity is inappropriate in public places.
Even a Mosque?
- 3 votes
#4 - Thu Jul 7, 2011 7:44 PM EDTNo one will argue that the religious communities do not have the most ugly hatred of nonbelievers...
They do! This seed is proof of that!
Even a Mosque?
Do you understand the difference between public and private property?
- 1 vote
On religious hatred, you win the argument, hands down.
The problem is the "reason" all atheists are hated. It's not because we don't want religion in the public square from our tax dollars. It's because we are apparently tools of the devil looking to damn people to hell with our science.
Even a Mosque?
Maybe they should portray the heaven billboard as having 72 virgins for each firefighter?
- 2 votes
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