My bet is they turn the funeral into a big pep-rally the way they did Wellstone’s. They don’t learn from their mistakes, and, besides, it is too big an ooppertunity not to make the big pitch again, since Obamacare seems headed towards Hillarycare territory right now.

I’m sure to many Non-believers (at least the militant, cranky types), that even a small or brief reference to God or other religious stuff expressed publicly (or even in private, if they’re being honest) is considered to be “religious fanaticism.”

Speaking only for myself, and from a Pagan viewpoint — I’m fine with public display of your religion, and I will be respectful. I’ll also be happy to discuss it, if you want, as long as you don’t try aggressive proselytizing. (I’m even polite to Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormon missionaries who come to my door, as long as I’m not busy and they are polite.)

I must admit I do get annoyed at folk who think I don’t know the Bible because I’m not Christian, and try to argue me into converting on that basis, but we can go into that later, if you care to. It’s a courtesy thing, mostly.

Its not just Mr. Johnson. I have found that this is really the rub between religious people, and anti/non-religious people (for the most part).

Those who do not believe grant lip-service to one’s Right to believe, and have religion. Actually having the belief, acting on it, speaking about it, and living it are acceptable only to the extent that the non-religious person is comfortable with. Since they are non-religious by definition, that usually means that anything other then the lip-service to religion would be considered “extreme” or make the Believer a “religious fanatic.”

For example: you can believe in G-d. But if you voice that you wish to follow what G-d has told you, you are an “extremist” if that following doesn’t jibe with the listeners non-religious tendencies. Now if your belief in G-d manifests itself, in something more than just a belief, you are definately considered crazy, and a “fanatic”.

This is the case of Inhofe (from the comments at 1.0). Ok, the non-religious will allow him to read the Bible, and believe in G-d. But if there is an actual manifestation of the belief -such as believing G-d gave the land to Jews, or actually believing what the Bible/G-d says (ie: Creation) you are a “fanatic”.

Accordingly, this leaves the Believe with a lose/lose situation, or nothing more than lip-service.

They can say you believe fine, but come on now….don’t really believe it!

BTW: This Thread is Just About To Kick Me Out. Let’s Continue On The Up Coming OPEN THREAD!

HERE!!!

/religious, creationist, fundamentalist Christian whacko raising hand!

/not literally.