Great interview

[5xTippett]

Good for you, Rod.  I also agree with you, Steve.  Don't call me a rube or a right wing nut job because I believe in God.

[bullship]

Good for you, Rod.  I also agree with you, Steve.  Don't call me a rube or a right wing nut job because I believe in God.

Who is doing this? I don't understand the defensive stance. I've heard it my whole life, yet I've only met a couple true athiests....ever....in 35 years....and I've met a lot of people who wouldn't be considered 'religious' per se. Did you know: 92% of Americans believe in god. 78% are Christians. Who are these people who are giving you a hard time? I haven't met them.

[Jfey]

Good stuff Rod, thanks for sharing your story. 

Where is all the rube and right wing stuff coming from in regards to believing in God?  I think those labels are used for other things, but not belief in God?  I've not heard that coming from anywhere before.

Edit, I see Bullship beat me to the thought....

[Trout Maharishi]

I am seeing it more and more. I could make a list of names, but that wouldn't tell the whole story. I see it more as a general trend. Check out this article from the Huffing Post, a fairly liberal organization I'd say. They appear to have a little different take on the 90% plus figure. Right wing Christians are openly portrayed  in a negative light in liberal circles.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/13/religion-america-decline-low-no-affiliation-report_n_2867626.html

"But perhaps the most telling numbers pertained to the breakdown of the respondents' politics: 40 percent of liberals claim they have no religion, compared to just 9 percent of conservatives". Huffington Post

Look at the slide show at the end of the article. See any correlation between most religious states verses least religious states?

[bullship]

Ok? So, you're scared of liberals? Or you think they think that you're crazy because of what you believe? Why do you give any fucks about that? Secularists don't exactly have a history of extremism. Just sayin. I don't think your actually afraid of Prius(or subaru) driving, sandal wearing, gluten free douchebags. But, maybe you're a pussy.

[benben reincarnated]

Steve, that may be how the chips fall but I don't think you can make any assumptions based on that. Americans are good at grouping individuals for better or worse. If the majority of Christians vote red, then that is how the chips fall.  Usually also as you are aware, the most vocal "wings" of a group define the group as a whole.

Nothing worth getting all antsy about though. There are bad apples in every bunch.

[Trout Maharishi]

Ok? So, you're scared of liberals? Or you think they think that you're crazy because of what you believe? Why do you give any fucks about that? Secularists don't exactly have a history of extremism. Just sayin. I don't think your actually afraid of Prius(or subaru) driving, sandal wearing, gluten free douchebags. But, maybe you're a pussy.

Believe me Bullshit, I'm not scared of much, and liberals ain't on the list. Questioning me about being a pussy is a little offensive, but I'll let that slide. Because I realize you don't know me.

[Trout Maharishi]

Steve, that may be how the chips fall but I don't think you can make any assumptions based on that. Americans are good at grouping individuals for better or worse. If the majority of Christians vote red, then that is how the chips fall.  Usually also as you are aware, the most vocal "wings" of a group define the group as a whole.

Nothing worth getting all antsy about though. There are bad apples in every bunch.

Ben I totally agree A question had been ask and I was just adding my 2 cents worth. Certainly nothing personal against anyone here. I'm far from some religious right wing kook anyway. I completely agree that there are extremes on both ends of the spectrum.

[bullship]

Nothing personal. I'm still just trying to increase my poss poor smite count. I'm just in a button pushing mood today. I don't think you're a pussy. I just think the argument is silly and unfounded, which is why I would say you're a pussy if you feel like some anonymous liberals potentially threatened your most closely held beliefs. But I'm not saying you're a pussy.

[Big J]

Ok? So, you're scared of liberals? Or you think they think that you're crazy because of what you believe? Why do you give any fucks about that? Secularists don't exactly have a history of extremism. Just sayin. I don't think your actually afraid of Prius(or subaru) driving, sandal wearing, gluten free douchebags. But, maybe you're a pussy.

Nothing personal. I'm still just trying to increase my poss poor smite count. I'm just in a button pushing mood today. I don't think you're a pussy. I just think the argument is silly and unfounded, which is why I would say you're a pussy if you feel like some anonymous liberals potentially threatened your most closely held beliefs. But I'm not saying you're a pussy.

Hittin the booze early this afternoon?

[Trout Maharishi]

I didn't write the fucking article

[The Dude]

"But perhaps the most telling numbers pertained to the breakdown of the respondents' politics: 40 percent of liberals claim they have no religion, compared to just 9 percent of conservatives". Huffington Post

Look at the slide show at the end of the article. See any correlation between most religious states verses least religious states?

What troubles me most is when religious views justify politics.  Freedom does not exist in that environment and the two should not be mixed.

[Big J]

"But perhaps the most telling numbers pertained to the breakdown of the respondents' politics: 40 percent of liberals claim they have no religion, compared to just 9 percent of conservatives". Huffington Post

Look at the slide show at the end of the article. See any correlation between most religious states verses least religious states?

What troubles me most is when religious views justify politics.  Freedom does not exist in that environment and the two should not be mixed.

Unfortanately for you, one who has a religious worldview usually has to carry it over to all parts of one's life or else he would be considered a hypocrite.

Also here is an interesting article for you to read.

http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/the-wall-of-separation-between-church-and-state#axzz2apheaQZs

[bullship]

No.

[Trout Maharishi]

"But perhaps the most telling numbers pertained to the breakdown of the respondents' politics: 40 percent of liberals claim they have no religion, compared to just 9 percent of conservatives". Huffington Post

Look at the slide show at the end of the article. See any correlation between most religious states verses least religious states?

What troubles me most is when religious views justify politics.  Freedom does not exist in that environment and the two should not be mixed.

Agreed, and as Ben has already pointed out it is all too often the outspoken extreme minority that are setting the agenda.