Your thoughts on Satanism and the petition for a Satanic statue.

[Catholic_Lady]

I think Catholic Lady is one of the fairer theists I've seen in a long time.

Atheists, not believing in any doctrine, don't really have a symbol to represent their 'lack of faith'.  However there are laws that make Atheists feel like they don't belong.  Seven states bar Atheists from holding public office for example.  George H.W. Bush allegedly said that Atheists aren't Americans.  48% of people surveyed said they wouldn't want their child to marry an atheist, and 50% said they wouldn't vote for one.  People said they would less likely donate a kidney to an Atheist or even Agnostic than they would other groups such as Muslims and Christians.

When I was a Catholic, I was offended by the signs that said "Tis the Season for Reason.  You know it's a myth."  I felt they were attacking my religion, as I'm sure some feel their religion is being attacked by the statue.  However, that's not what is happening.  It's about inclusion, and acceptance.  The symbol, I think, was mainly chosen to draw objection in hopes that Christians would understand their objections to their ten commandments monuments and similar monuments.  Now as an Atheist I understand those signs aren't about telling people "You're a fool for believing,"  It's telling people "You aren't alone."  Which is a good and important message to send.

The way religious people and irreligious people think seems to be fundamentally different.  These "Satanists" are using symbols that will draw attention, and open discussion.  They could have chosen a less 'offensive' symbol to Christians, but it would also be one people probably didn't talk about.

This sounds reasonable.