“SPACE MISSIONARY” MEMENTO IS INAPPROPRIATE CARGO ON LATEST SPACE SHUTTLE FLIGHT, SAY ATHEISTS
An Atheist-First Amendment public policy group charged today that NASA is violating the separation of church and state by permitting a “space missionary” memento on the latest Discovery Space Shuttle Mission.
On board the shuttle is a piece of an airplane that crashed in Ecuador in 1956 that carried members of the Missionary Aviation Fellowship. One of the shuttle astronaut contacted the Idaho-based group proposing that the item be taken into space as part of a government-funded exploration project. The event has re-ignited enthusiasm by religious groups for “space missionary” proselytizing.
“This is an inappropriate and unconstitutional use of resources,” charged Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists. NASA is a scientific and exploratory agency that is funded by taxpayers. Its mission should not include religious grandstanding, or efforts to use outer space as a pulpit for religion.”
Coincidentally, Dr. Buckner’s late father, Rev. James C. Buckner of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in League City, Texas, collaborated with Apollo 8 astronaut Cdr. Frank Borman to insert religion on the first lunar orbital mission in 1968. That mission included a Christmas Eve religious service as the spacecraft circled the Moon — and prompted an unsuccessful lawsuit by American Atheists founder Madalyn Murray O’Hair. Ed Buckner stressed that “I loved my father, though I disagreed with him then and of course now. I did not reject my father when I rejected theism nor became an Atheist out of rebellion. I became an Atheist because theism ceased to make any sense to me.”
Dave Silverman, Vice President and Communications Director for American Atheists said that in addition to being inappropriate and illegal, using NASA to promote sectarian religion “could fuel international tensions and resurrect images of American-sponsored proselytizing in the Middle East and elsewhere.”
“This is supposed to be a ‘new era’ for international respect and cooperation,” said Mr. Silverman. How do you think the non-Christian peoples of the world react when they see Americans pushing Christianity even in outer space?”
AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First
I honestly have trouble getting excited about this. Call me when they paint a big ol’ cross on the shuttle or send the Pope into space to give a sermon.
3 – 2 – 1 – JESUS = -JESUS
Can I try another?
In the movie Madalyn, she discusses “Experiment P,” which was NASA’s secretly planned spontaneous Bible recitation in space. She told a lot of people about that over the years, and for this audience, it was very entertaining.
Let’s watch!
)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5j07d_C87M
So when we finally make open contact with aliens are the god botherers going to try to convert them to xianity? do xians think that jesus is the saviour of all intelligent beings everywhere or just humanity? how will they react when the aliens reject their religion as a primitive and dangerous delusion? I hope we can refrain from exporting religious lunacy off world when the time comes.
The aliens won’t care what we believe in, they’ll just care how we taste.
The religious nuts are so dangerous and without any questions this should have never happened at all.
NASA should be closed down immediately and forced to respond to serious question’s concerning political sabotage because that is exactly what is happening here.
I do not want my government supporting this!
-Not in any form. -And not for any reason.!
Has anybody heard of KEO?
Christian’s have.
KEO is a satellite time capsule that will go in to space 2010/2011 and KEO is offering anyone to post four pages of personal information to the future. 50,000 years into the future. Here is their site. http://www.keo.org/uk/pages/message.php
What really surprised me is when I visited a site called SentForever.com to send a personal message to outer-space, the first transmission is free, and for a completely different reasons I had received a personal email from a guy at SentForever.com and his email was like Christ@sentforever. I couldn’t believe it. The world is going to hell.
If you want to send your free message to space, and you can find it with the Jesus freak people at http://www.sentforever.com/
It’s fun because you can watch your message travel forever.
I hope we find aliens soon.
Thanks American atheist.
Check this out. It was sent in 1977. It is called Voyager Golden Record.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_Golden_Record
Cool. I think though it may to take awhile for it to get very far.:) I think it has only reached the edge of the solar system which is supposed to be somewhere around one or two light years so that’s pretty slow.
Traveling at 39,000 miles per hour.
… and the Voyager Golden Record partial contents (YouTube):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1g_canZ3Y
The problem with space missionaries is plain, In space, no one can hear you screem….
South Park sees the future!!!
http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/151546
Am I the only one who finds this to be completely retarded? Why would an earth god matter to aliens? Then again, it could be fun. Like Joseph Smith before us, we can find a gospel expanding Jesus into new worlds. The book of Alpha-Seti-6, OR the newest revelations of a man nobodys ever seen!
Fairy tales in space!
I’ve got a better idea than taking airplane rubble into space. Why not put a few actual missionaries on the shuttle every time it makes a trip, and have it stop at the moon and drop the missionaries off? Permanently.
That infamous Apollo mission was a real low-point; this is another.
Now why would the xians need to convert outer space? Aren’t the “heavens” theoretically already fully staffed with righteous dead people? Maybe they don’t really believe.
Who’s willing to lay odds that 1 of the trolls will show up, & go on about the ‘myth’ of separation of church and space?
Imagine trying to explain the madness that is religion to an alien species, should there be any, that have no reference points at all with human kind. Ridiculous.
What if a technologically advanced alien species arrives on earth with their own religious missionaries? wonder how that would be received? I doubt that beings which could master interstellar travel would be inclined toward magical thinking or else they probably would have destroyed themselves before making it to the stars. Something to think about.
I don’t think that “a god made in our image” would appeal to technologically advanced alien civilizations, but perhaps a pet human would.
alex:
Finally? Hmmmm, if that’s not a statement of faith, I don’t know what is.
Not if they’ve already been converted…
Probably the same way you atheists will react when you learn that the aliens are theists…
LOL!!! JaCCass said:
“So when we finally make open contact with aliens
Finally? Hmmmm, if that’s not a statement of faith, I don’t know what is.
Response: No, your “faith” says the earth is the center of the universe. The stars are just luminaries. Therefore, the idea that alien life exists is heresy. Again, you are ridiculous. Especially in light of you later statement:
“Probably the same way you atheists will react when you learn that the aliens are theists…”
Response: Interesting concept. Aliens who believe in a god who doesn’t believe in them! You are ludicrous!!!!!
NeoWolfe
Hmmmm. Looks like a certain Inspector Javert has been monkeying with my posts… How sad that he’s now resorting to such infantile pranks… I do pray his wanderings don’t take him near any bodies of water.
What an embarrassingly ignorant statement.
What’s “harasy”?—an alien word for ignorant hubris?
…and the logic behind that assertion is? Talk about a “ludicrous” statement—especially in light of the fact that the person who made it claims to be “acrostic.”
JaCCoff,
Sorry about the spelling, I knew it didn’t look right. I was too lazy to look it up. But, as far as earth being the center of the universe, the first book of the bible says that the war of good and evil playing out, with the fate of the universe at stake, is occurring here on this tiny speck of dust called Earth. And years ago, when those who relied solely on the bible as their source for truth, charged Galileo with HERACY for simply proposing that the earth and planets revolve around the sun.
So tell me, why didn’t Moses’ god, creator of the universe, know that the sun was a star? Why didn’t he know that the planets revolve around that star? Why didn’t he know about the dinosaurs? And tell me this, do space aliens live forever because they are not decendants of Adam, because your bible obviously implies that all corporeal life exists on the planet, Earth.
As for my agnostism, it is open mindedness on issues that remain unproven. As long as the mechanics of the big bang remain a mystery, and the possibilities of accidental life remain dubious, I believe the honest assessment is “I don’t know”. However, make no mistake. That has nothing to do with placing blind faith in a 3000 year old conglomeration of ridiculous fairy tales, written by tent dwelling “holy men” who wanted to secure their power by convincing the masses that the “true god” had appointed them as leaders. That’s INSANITY!!!! Convenient self deception as you hide from the reality of your inevitable death.
The “afterlife” is the biggest ponzi scheme ever perpetrated on mankind, never once having to verify the “payoff”. Yet, it’s still legal and going strong, preying upon people’s natural survival instincts. Despicable!!! And my brand of agnostism has nothing whatsoever to do with it.
NeoWolfe
Bill Maher and the religion of “I don’t know”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHH2JItePlc
We are a broke,retared nation,nasa should be ashamed pandering to these people.
That they are using wreckage pretty much sums up the state of affairs.
i’m retarded,retared=retarded.
I think it’s funny how Dave posts threadheads in the third person. But, anyway, from an empirical point of view, the idea of sending a piece of memorabilia into space can cause no harm. However:
I am in total agreement with AA in that it is yet another signal to the world that there is an powerful element inside our government that is proselytizing christianity. Would they consider sending up a Egyptian or Greek statue of a god or goddess? No, this is christian religion corrupting science, and it does not belong. The point is a jet black line has to be drawn that cannot be crossed.
NeoWolfe
I really don’t see the problem. A/singular astronaut wanted to take a personal effect with them on board. Not NASA
You people really need to recognize the difference between personal disagreements & government approval of personal disagreements.
Don’t try and argue with the likes of jcc and phredumdum on a Sunday, this is their power day. They have just returned from hours of recharging in some gothic temple. Hours of repetitive prayers and injunctions, readings from the holy gospel of Ronald Reagan and Dick Cheney.
Ministers, priests, rabbis and Imams filling their little pin heads with tales of flying horses, flying zombies, flying wheels and a great deal on flying miles, yes, if you give a love offering of only $200.00 a month, Jesus will give you double your frequent flyer miles on your American Express and now for a short time only, if you take advantage of this miracle of a deal, we will include at only the cost of shipping and handling a 12 piece Jesus and the deciples set of steak knives…..oh glory can you feel it, I can feeeeel it, we can feel it, let me feel it, no not that, never touch there its a bad touch, well ok, but don’t tell hmm, that’s nice.
And that’s why you should never argue with them on Sunday.
right mx….why would an atheist get upset over christianity trying to desperately to hang onto its credibility by using public dollars and the public forum to help validate its exaggerate and unverifiable claim of knowing the likes and dislikes of a creator….a creator that is actively involved into the day to day activities of running the universe….I dont think this is a personal disagreement….this is all about separating church from state….and we have along way to go to do that…..
Say Doug,
How ’bout the next time you jack with one of my posts, I re-post it in it’s original form tenfold? That ought to keep you busy (and the thread sufficiently gummed-up) if you wish to continue with this pathetic, frighteningly obsessive and dangerously neurotic behavior.
Let’s see…if I want to continue w/’pathetic, frighteningly obsessive and dangerously neurotic behavior’, I’ll just go to some blog where I’m not wanted, where everyone considers me a crazy person, & nag & pester everyone @ the wordless exhortation of some invisible ghost to believe in the supernatural against all logic.
Oh wait…I don’t do that.
Know anyone who does?
No, but I do know someone who’s now acting like a delinquent 6 year old who, when beaten at his own game, can’t control his rage, so he resorts to vandalizing the posts of the person he’s grown to despise.
Interesting how you made no attempt to deny the accusation.
Face it, I have you pegged, & you declared yourself a winner regardless of any reality (I’ve thumped you enough times, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel).
I’m just tired of playing cat to your mouse.
I know, that gives you license to alter my posts because I “deserve it”…
Hmmmm. Still no denial of the accusation…
Even if he did deny it, you probably wouldn’t believe him. So why bother?
What is it you think he edited anyway?
Why would you say that? Up until now, as far as I could tell, he’s always been honorable about not abusing his editing privilege.
…the integrity of the blog is at stake?
He (or someone with an uncannily similar command of the language) replaced my use of agnostic with acrostic here: http://tinyurl.com/kppc54
If it wasn’t him, then I apologize for the false accusation, but if it was him, he’s now showing a new, uncharacteristic behavior that puts everyone’s posts at risk.
jcc
Why would you say that? Up until now, as far as I could tell, he’s always been honorable about not abusing his editing privilege.
Exactly. Yet you accuse him anyway. So if you are that paranoid about him using his powers to try to make you look silly, why would you believe him if he denied doing it?
…the integrity of the blog is at stake?
Oy. You say that as if you give atheists credit for having integrity.
He (or someone with an uncannily similar command of the language) replaced my use of agnostic with acrostic here: http://tinyurl.com/kppc54
Hmm. I had read that several times and never did catch that phrasing. I took it in context and just mentally read agnostic anyway. Apparently Neo did a swell, as he makes no mention of the mis-wording in his response? Or, are you saying that the change came after the initial posting of your comment with the actual word “agnostic” in it?
And…replacing one word is “an uncannily similar command of the language”? Really?
I think your tinfoil hat needs replacing. The old one must have holes in it and the alien thought waves are getting through and feeding your paranoia.
If it wasn’t him, then I apologize for the false accusation, but if it was him, he’s now showing a new, uncharacteristic behavior that puts everyone’s posts at risk.
Knowing KA as I do, I seriously doubt he did this. But, if he did, I don’t think he’d have any problem owning up to it. As far as sky-is-falling-everyone’s-posts-are-at-risk- what an over-reaction. Unclutch your pearls already.
Well KA, it apeers that we are immachure.
I am for, you are six. (All be it a dilinquint one.)
Whhaaaaaaa, it’s not fair.
karen:
First, I’m not paranoid. Second, he’s usually been forthright and magnanimous about owning up to mistakes or admitting to being wrong—until now.
It’s a matter of being able to trust the medium in which we converse. If the perpetrator starts altering the posts of everyone he has animosity for (i.e. What) then that pretty much wraps it up for this blog.
Exactly what he’d hoped everyone would do—insidious.
Is Neo exactly known for his attention to detail?
That’s exactly what I’m saying. No one gets acrostic by fat-fingering agnostic.
Yeah. Who else here has his eclectic vocabulary?
And there’s karen’s unfailing sense of objectivity.
Then who do you suppose did?
Then why hasn’t he? Haven’t you noticed he has yet to deny it?
Ok, just wait ‘til someone does it to you.
I will when you realize that when it happens to your enemy, sooner or later, it will happen to you too.
jcc
First, I’m not paranoid. Second, he’s usually been forthright and magnanimous about owning up to mistakes or admitting to being wrong—until now.
And including now, if he didn’t do it.
It’s a matter of being able to trust the medium in which we converse. If the perpetrator starts altering the posts of everyone he has animosity for (i.e. What) then that pretty much wraps it up for this blog.
So, you don’t give us credit for having integrity?
Exactly what he’d hoped everyone would do—insidious.
Bwahahaha! How nefarious! Making a change that ONLY the original author notices!!!! No, you’re not paranoid. Not one iota.
Is Neo exactly known for his attention to detail?
No, but considering you pettily took him to task for miss-spelling a word himself, I would have expected him to revel in a mistake from you. But if the editing happened after he posted his own response, he couldn’t have pounced on it.
I’d like to know, did anyone see the post with the correct word, agnostic, in it? When di you notice it was different than you thought you’d typed it?
That’s exactly what I’m saying. No one gets acrostic by fat-fingering agnostic.
But, was the original “agnostic” ever there, or not?
Yeah. Who else here has his eclectic vocabulary?
Um. Knowledge of the word “acrostic” is hardly uncommon. I imagine any decently educated person would know it. I’m having difficulty seeing any huge problem with the alleged word switch. It’s not like it altered the meaning of your quote, especially if you’re the only one who noticed it. I mean, you’d think someone had posted as you saying something blasphemous.
And there’s karen’s unfailing sense of objectivity.
Well, I am allowing for the existence of aliens…
Then who do you suppose did?
I have no idea. I’m not even convinced it happened; that it wasn’t an unlikely and inadvertent typo on your part. Too much communion wine, perhaps?
Then why hasn’t he? Haven’t you noticed he has yet to deny it?
*Sigh* Maybe because denying it would validate it as a claim which he finds ridiculous since he didn’t fucking do it. Maybe because he’s enjoying seeing you get all worked up about his lack of denial. Maybe ’cause he, like I did, doesn’t think you’d believe him anyway. Maybe because it’s Tuesday.
Seriously, would it actually give you some kind of satisfaction or ease your mind if he wrote a simple denial? Or would you then think he’s just lying? Or would you then go on to whine about, “Well, then, WHO DID IT?” Jeez, Louise. What’s going on in your life that this is so monumental?
Ok, just wait ‘til someone does it to you.
Actually, I probably wouldn’t have even noticed. I’m not in the habit of going back and reading my own posts. And if the exact same thing happened to me, I’d think, “That’s weird.” If someone changed the entire context of what I said to make me sound out of character, I’d go “WTF”? I’d probably ask if someone was goofing on me, but I wouldn’t make a federal case out of it.
I will when you realize that when it happens to your enemy, sooner or later, it will happen to you too.
Huh. I didn’t realize we were enemies now. Good to know.
I can’t believe I’m typing this, but yes, it was originally “agnostic.” I recall it very clearly. So, WTF?
Tarma
Thanks for the confirmation. I’m at a loss as to what the point was to making an edit like that. The only effect it’s had was to get jcc riled up, and it doesn’t take editing to do that.
I don’t know if KA altered JCC posts or not but it may be a good strategy to get rid of JCC and JCC-like trolls (those that refuse to engage others rationally).
Get creative, KA.
Okay, I’ll own up. I changed 2 letters in JCC’s post. Thanks for the defense, Karen, but I was havin’ a bit of a prank @ his expense. Been out all morning working out. Also fixed the spelling of ‘heresy’ in Neo’s post.
For the record, I don’t have any animosity towards What personally – I have issues w/some of his opinions. I think some of them are stupid. I don’t think he is – opinions aren’t people, people aren’t opinions.
For those of us who understand the divide.
KA
You’re not the Messiah…you’re a very naughty boy!
OK, jcc, KA’s fessed up. Now what? Can we put this puppy to bed now?
What, I agree wholeheartedly.
And, KA’s editing privileges should be revoked.
What say you, Dave? Dave? Are you out there? Are there any adults in charge?
Well, to be honest, I go in & fix people’s blockquote fritzes, I run around & get rid of spam, & it appears that Dave’s a little on the busy side to be administrating this blog, that’s provided for free. NTM some of the more hare-brained fundies who tend to run wild if I sit on my hands. I usually help moderate those.
We could let JCC have admin privileges (as he asked many, many moons ago).
Let’s leave it to a vote.
That is ridiculous.
I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware this was a democracy.
What does the fact that the blog is “free” have to do with anything? If Dave doesn’t have time to administer the blog, then I suppose someone else should be doing it. If that “someone else” feels free to edit other people’s comments just for a joke, then there is no integrity, and I don’t know why anyone would want to participate here.
Sorry, KA – I used to have a lot of respect for you, and I have generally enjoyed reading your posts, but this is beyond the pale.
It’s a blog, so it very much IS a democracy. Regular readers have a say in things.
It was a one-time thing, I assure you.
Well, I’m genuinely sorry to hear that. I suppose that overrides your constant complaint that JCC is ruining this blog for the rest of us.
karen:
I didn’t say that. The integrity of the system is only as good as that of those who control it—that’s the integrity I was referring to. Why the defensive posture regarding integrity?
Yes, it is/was.
Not so—as Tarma so graciously corroborated. Perhaps you shouldn’t be so quick to judge next time?
Having been vindicated, no, as a matter of fact, I’m not.
How sad that you (and he) still can’t take me at my word…
Later the same day… and you don’t think I have enough sense to know what typed?
Come on karen, do I have to spell it out for some one as intelligent as you?
Yeah, riiiight.
karen, it’s the principle of surreptitiously and maliciously altering what I wrote. Do I have to keep pointing out that I’m the “object of ridicule” here—and because of that, everything I write is automatically suspect? It doesn’t matter that it was just one word—the fact that Doug intentionally altered it damages his credibility as much as it does this blog’s.
and so do I—I just don’t claim them as an article of faith.
Words can’t express how gratifying it is to see your bottomless trust in my word.
Sorry to break this to you, but you’re nowhere near as funny as you think you are.
No, because that would’ve made him out to be a liar as well.
Tarma couldn’t have said it better above. And again I ask, when have I ever lied to you or anyone else here?
Really? Even if the roles were reversed and you were the one in hostile territory?
Like I said, it’s the principle.
Given your contemptuous and derisive remarks about me, what reason would I have to think you regard me as anything else?
…yeah, and the blog’s reputation only suffered minor, “collateral.”
Um, apologies???
Okay, I’m sorry that you take yourself so seriously, JCC.
Translation: I’m sorry I got caught.
I’m a regular reader but an infrequent poster. If I have a vote then I vote to pull the plug on the blog.
Yeah it’s amusing (sometimes), and there are some good people here, but overall I think the blog does more harm than good for the cause of atheism. It was the blog that started me thinking about dropping my AA membership (events of 2008 pushed me over the edge).
Maybe it’s just me.
I’d have been surprised if I hadn’t been – in fact, it would’ve refuted my armchair diagnosis of your neurotic & obsessive behavior.
If I didn’t want to get ‘caught’, I’d've just waited a few weeks.
Sheesh, it took me five minutes to figure out where to put this reply. I hate this format.
Regular readers do not have a say in who has admin privileges on the blog.
I hope that’s true.
Nope. I continue to think that jcc is a complete ass, and I would be delighted if he were banned from the blog. This little incident doesn’t come close to overriding my feelings on that matter – I’m just very disappointed, that’s all.
…how pathological… And the “armchair analysis” also failed to reveal that sneaky, destructive behaviors are a manifestation of feelings of inadequacy, defeat and frustration.
So, next I expect to see certain key posts of Tarma’s start to disappear or be altered…
How sad.
That’s pretty funny.
Funnier still.
JCC
You’re a sicko. Get help.
Whoops. I didn’t mean to actually address JCC. What I should have written is:
JCC is one sick puppy. He should get help. Elsewhere!
JCC doesn’t seem to understand what his failure to engage people rationally has earned him. Is it pay day?
jcc,
You’re being a prick again.
Yeah right. Doug sneaks in and edits what I write…and yet I’m being the “prick”…
Yep, you atheists can’t be beat on the clarity of your “free thinking.”
JCC doesn’t seem to understand that he could be correct on both counts.
OK, jcc.
What is your first name?
I wanna be pricky and immature
and use for sarcastic effect.
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST
THIS BLOG REVOLVES AROUND THE MENTAL EJACULATIONS OF A MADMAN.
OH, THE HUMANITY.
Tarma, I know, but it’s fun to see him lose it.
I’d kinda like to see Jesus fucking Christ. It is possible because he can be two or three people at once. That would be a menage a… ???
Obeah
If it’s Jesus fucking Christ on a cracker, would that be all three? Oh, wait, the cracker isn’t Christ till it melts in your mouth. Cheez Gizz, anyone? Somehow, I think the holy ghostey is getting left out of the fun.
I am as much of an atheist as anyone here can claim to be, but I have to say you are making a mountain out of a molehill on this one. On each space shuttle flight, each astronaut is allowed to carry a certain amount of “personal momentos” that they choose themselves, within the bounds of safety (flammability, vibrational issues, etc). On STS-125, in May, an astronaut took a piece of the robot from the school robotics team that his son and my son and daughter were on. The school team, about 30 members in all, had built the robot and competed in the Space City Best Robotics tournament.
I would be astonished to find out that no other astronauts had brought religious items before. For reasons beyond my understanding, many of the astronauts are highly religious and, unfortunately, often choose to belong to one of the many mega churches in this area.
As for Apollo 8, for years I didn’t like the reading of Genesis, but over time I’ve decided to just look at the poetry of the words and not their religious aspect.
Well, rocket girl,
I don’t know if you bothered to watch the video link that Joe Z. attached, but that spontaneous religious moment was a correographed dance planned months before the event. And as I previously stated, from an empirical standpoint, a piece of metal or a charm your kindergartener made in school carried on board to make the crewmembers feel like luck was on their side (there are no atheists in a foxhole) is fine. But, when it becomes a publicized part of the project, that is different. When we are symbolically sending christian missionaries into space as part of the NASA agenda, that is well over the line. Why not send an image of an Aztec or Inca god? Why not send a ceremonial jar from the tomb of an Egyptian pharoah that contain the dried remains of his brains? Why CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES?
I’m a very centrist guy, and I am often in opposition to some of the atheist conviction, like just because they believe that religion doesn’t make sense, that means the universe is an accident. Huge leap. But, religion kept us in the dark for centuries, and when we are awe struck by our discoveries, it is not a time to feel humbled before god, it is a time to kick the lying assholes who invented god in the nuts. And to never forget the lesson.
NeoWolfe
During STS-107, Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon carried a small Torah scroll that had been smuggled into a concentration camp during the holocaust. Sadly, the scroll was lost along with the entire crew when Columbia broke up over the skies of Texas.
On STS-51G, Saudi Prince al Saud carried a prayed and carried a Koran with him. He also spoke about the efforts to maintain Muslim practices when the sun rises and sets every 90 minutes.
On that same flight, French astronaut Patrick Baudry managed to smuggle a bottle of wine with him.
The same astronaut on STS-125 that took the robot piece also took the home plate from Shea stadium.
Astronauts are generally given a pretty wide latitude on their personal items. They are also not censored when participating in public affairs events.
I personally hate public references to religion. It makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. My families’ background is Jehovah Witness. From them, I gained a great dislike of public religious displays. Their attempts to make me a believer, however, were considerably less successful.
Rocket Girl
Um. That’s what some of us are objecting to?
Personal items should remain personal. There was no intention to keep these items or what they represent personal. Far from it.
I think there is more of a problem with the piece of equipment from Shea Stadium than anything else! I hate sports! Next?
Just another example of what a fuck-up this gawd is. You’d think said diety would’ve noticed that one of his “chosen ones” were on board and would’ve taken some measures to protect him. Instead the gawd turned his back and yawned. No time I guess.
rocketgirl,
I have argued on both sides of this issue. People performing dangerous jobs, including frontline infantry, are not discouraged from carrying luck charms. The more invinceable they feel, the more aggressively they will perform. And while you argue this is harmless, and in a sense you are correct, when the charm or talisman becomes part of a federally funded program, that is where the problem appears. Then the federal government becomes a sponsor for a religion, and you know the constitution forbids that. I know, it’s a fine line. Just like the one between Cuba and Guantanamo Bay, in order to maintain parody, you must draw a black line of definition. That’s how it must be between science and superstition. If you set a precident of compromise, years of work by freethinkers is lost in one fell swoop.
NeoWolfe
Thats right neo…..thats why so many fundies believe this country was founded on judeo-christian values….and I hate using religion and values in the same sentence….
My suggestions to revive this blog.
(1) Get rid of the new format.
(2) Establish effective moderation.
(3) Daily new threads a must.
Any others?
Pulllease get rid of this format.
Number the comments.
Thanks, What. A big Ramen to all of the above suggestions, and yes, Obeah – number the comments.
Also, post at the top of the page, like it used to be:
Who (Dave Silverman) is writing this blog. What is its purpose. The fact that his views and the views of those posting comments do not necessarily reflect the policies of the American Atheist organization, etc.
What are the rules, do’s and don’ts, vague suggestions as to behavior…something, anything?! And then actually enforce them? What a concept.
I assume that you mean that posts like yours, which are totally off topic should be deleted? The threadhead was about taking christian artifacts into space, and your comment applied HOW? I totally agree. Posts like yours should be deleted. Thank you for your input.
NeoWolfe
As usual, the Great Agnostic jumps in with both feet without knowing what the fuck is going on. Glad to know that some things never change. Why don’t you read through the thread and catch up, you insufferable moron.
When does the work day of an astronaut end? Are they free to think and read what they wish during their free time? If we cannot dictate whether someone is atheist, mormon, jewish or lutheran hoe do we have the right to dictate what they think, read, pray or sing?
What on earth are you trying to say? It is virtually impossible to tell. Your last three posts are unintelligible. Nobody here expects to find great grammar, sentence structure or spelling in the comments section of any blog but one’s posts should be decipherable. You writing “style” is chaotic … at best.
statue of apollo…
Your topic Promises of huge revenue and prosperity from hydel project has dazzled … was interesting when I found it on Wednesday searching for statue of apollo as I also have articles and information posted on this subject. Thank You… Steve Noel Sr…