Advertisement Both proponents of organized religion and the disillusioned offered their opinions about a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life surveyed that showed 16.1 percent of Americans are not affiliated with any faith.
Here’s a sample:
Sphinctuss wrote: “What pushes people away from religion? Perhaps that isn’t the correct question to ask. Perhaps they see the real light and come to the realization that religion is not the answer.”
Senior Advocate wrote: “The true message of the prophet Jesus was derailed after his death. ... The Kingdom of God is withing each of us, not up there, not down here, not in the churches etc. ...”
HonestAbe wrote: “Religion in my opinion is nothing more than a business. Why else do they knock on my door way too often, same as vacuum salesmen or Amway people?”
Donatello wrote: “Keep yourselves occupied with this time-consuming useless banter while the world crumbles due to politicians hell-bent on greed and destruction and favoritism for the rich and powerful. ...”
buckets wrote: “Too bad such a nice article brought out the religious fanatics.”
Michael Welch wrote: “QUOTING the Bible is NOT the ‘problem’ — explaining it is. ...”
Freedom from freedom from ...
When the Freedom from Religion Foundation asked the Wisconsin Assembly to quit opening its sessions with prayer, several visitors at www.lacrossetribune.com asked that the foundation leave us all alone for a while.
But a few readers sided with Annie Laurie Gaylor’s Madison-based group. Here are a few of the comments site visitors attached to that story:
Seriously Now wrote: “Time to form the ‘The Freedom From the Freedom From Religion Foundation.’ Why aren’t these clowns out helping with flood relief, as many churches are?”
homer wrote: “What the hell good is praying gonna do when starting an Assembly session? Assemble at church, temple, the hall or wherever and pray. I didn’t elect you to pray on my time. ... Quit praying and get to the issues, man.”
zedeq wrote: “Invoking God does not impose church or establish religion any more than using colorful language — no one is obliged to participate or accept the belief system of the praying person. ...”
Vicky wrote: “Hey. This Assembly needs all the prayers it can get!”
You may reach Marc Wehrs at mwehrs@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 781-8218.
