Supporting Civil Rights for Atheists and the Separation of Church and State

29
Jul
2011

FOX News Facebook Page on 9/11 Cross Generates Death Threats Against Atheists

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FOX News readers on Facebook started going off after Blair Scott, Communications Director for American Atheists, appeared on America Live with Megyn Kelly. Blair reports that when he returned home from his local FOX station for the interview that his voice mail was full of messages and his inbox had almost 200 hateful messages. "I can always tell when someone from American Atheists is on FOX news, because my Inbox explodes with hate email," said Blair.

We can talk about the issues about this, but our friend William Hamby has put it well over at the Examiner. In addition, Practical Doubt was able to capture some more as well. Unfortunately, they blacked out the names of the guilty.

Moderators on FOX News' Facebook page had been trying diligently to delete the violent threats, but not before they were screen-captured by a diligent American Atheists member named Robert Posey.

Here are the screen captures of the death threats and threat of violence posted against atheists. We have left their screen names in place. If you're devoted enough to make the death threat then you should be devoted enough to have your name attached to your hatred. How many did FOX News delete before they could be captured? There are over 8,000 comments on their post related to Blair's appearance on FOX News.

Posted by Blair Scott

Comments

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sat, 07/30/2011 - 15:44

this is depressing, disgusting, and embarrassing.

what's the point of believing in God and the bible, if it's just going to incite violence and oppression toward others? is that's how it's supposed to be? i don't think so.

i'm an atheist, but i luckily have real Christians in my life. those who are very dear to me happen to believe in a higher power. it's cool. i wish i could believe, but my mind just doesn't work that way. i'm very, very close to my sisters, and one of them in particular is a devout Christian. i love her. and since she's true to her benevolent Christian ways, she accepts me for who i am and she loves me no less than if i were to be a Christian. i just dated a perfect Christian girl. but i don't think you understand, she was the epitome of a Christian. she accepted me for who i was.

there are simply two kinds of people in this world: the benevolent and the malevolent. we must eliminate any discrimination and realize that these two kinds of people exist in every race, ethnicity, religion, gender..

hopefully any lawsuits or media attention that follow this story are for the greater good and not for money; hopefully what people get out of this is a good life lesson. we must all strive to be the benevolent types.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sat, 07/30/2011 - 17:57

I am so disheartened to read what some so called Christian's have posted! It's appalling that they would say such things, as we are suppose to be loving and kind to everyone. These folks are a disgrace to the Christian family and in no way are we to wish anyone dead. Our primary goal is to witness to the lost sharing God's love with the hope that God will draw them to Him and they will be saved.

The ones who have claimed to be a Christian and have posted such hate filled messages should be ashamed of themselves!! God is most definitely ashamed of them!! They cannot be true believers and they should stop claiming to be a Christian as they are hurting the furthering of His kingdom.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 07/31/2011 - 02:51

I just want to mention again. Most Christians (including the fbers) are described in three ways: intolerant. They claim to be a religion of morality of love. But really it's just love for Christians with no tolerance for other religions and groups, especially Muslims and atheists (in this case). Homophobic. I have long seen these people oppose gay rights movement. I presume there are fbers with death threats against lgbt people. Worst of all, violent. The death threats. capital punishment. Pro-gun laws. Worse, you don't need to be a historian to see what Christianity has done in the past. Fighting against other people for their own religion. You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend - Richard Jeni. Pitiful.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 07/31/2011 - 04:28

Wow, this makes me wish I could do exactly what they're saying to them. They want to sit around and threaten the lives of people over religious belief? Like, say, "them dirty sand niggers done did to us fine Christians!?" If they don't see the irony, they're blind. If they think this is a good, moralistic approach, they're both stupid and evil. If they think they can pull it off, they're delusional.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 07/31/2011 - 07:53

Another religion of peace!

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Wed, 08/03/2011 - 16:08

but you all forget what the good book says. in issue #538 the chosen one saves obama.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 07/31/2011 - 17:56

I can honestly say that I've never been more terrified to "come out." My husband and I live in a very small town in the Bible Belt. We'd been discussing ways to possibly slip it into conversation when religion comes up, but not now. I hate that this has made me feel this way. But let's face it; we probably would not be safe.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 08:47

I know! It does get downright scary at times. I mentioned early about getting my tires slashed once. That was in a moderate-sized town, outside of the "bible belt." So, I feel your pain.

I mean, I could walk up to a group of atheists, (lie) and tell them I'm religious and they're going to hell. I would not be concerned for my safety.

I was walking to lunch one day and some religious group was handing out flyers. I kindly gave mine back once I saw what it was, and said, "No thanks, I'm an atheist." Next thing I know, some crazy wench had my wrist in a vice and was threatening me with the pamphlet.

My gay "brother from another mother" came out about his sexuality to his mother. I asked him later if he told her he was an atheist at well. He looked at me like I was nuts and said "Are you crazy?? She'll disown me!"

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 07/31/2011 - 21:39

No, you are mistaken, and if you think that is impossible, know that even the devil had used the Bible to persuade Jesus the 40 days he fasted in the desert. These are all scriptures from the past, when man was desolate and alienated from God.

Jesus was persecuted because he brought in a new covenant, a way where everyone can be accepted now. People don't have to live in fear, people shouldn't hate, what's most important is loving one another and loving God.

The comments above are resentful, although Fox News' viewers don't seem like the most intelligent bunch.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 20:57

I may not be a biblical expert, but isn't Deuteronomy a NT Book?

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 07/31/2011 - 23:31

Scandinavian Atheist here. Was really shocked to see the ignorance you guys have to deal with. With religion practically eradicated in Scandinavia this sort of attack on the Atheist community is completely unheard of. Keep fighting the good fight

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Thu, 08/04/2011 - 03:31

Why does it have to be a fight? I find the comment that religion has been practically eradicated particularly sad! That does not sound like freedom of beliefs and religion to me! More like fundamentalist atheism if that is possible! Why is it that there are people of all faiths and none who simply cannot accept that someone else may believe something different to themselves and that this occurence is not threatening! It is something to be celebrated!

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Fri, 08/05/2011 - 05:50

"Why does it have to be a fight?"

Ask your fellow believers. We would love nothing more than to sit back on our couches and watch TV and drink beer every day and night. But we cannot do that because of theocrats who demand on imposing their religious nonsense on the rest of us. We are not fighting... we are fighting back and fighting for. Big difference.

"Why is it that there are people of all faiths and none who simply cannot accept that someone else may believe something different to themselves and that this occurence is not threatening! It is something to be celebrated!"

Not threatening? The subjugation of women by Islam is not threatening? The killing of homosexuals by Christians is not threatening? The bullying to the point of suicide of homosexual teenagers by Christians teenagers is not threatening? The murder of abortion providers and staff is not threatening? Imposing theocracy upon non-believers is not threatening?

You are naive Sandy72. Extremely naive. If you want to play in the sandbox and pretend the bully isn't throwing sand on you, that's fine, but we know he's throwing sand on us and we're doing something about it.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 03:45

I'm not a Christian, but I'm quite familiar with the religion and unfortunately, sunny.o.moa, you are incorrect. The fundamental everything you've quoted is from the Torah, what the Christians call the "Old Testament," and forms the basis of Jewish Law (though, honestly, Judaism includes within its structure the ability of man to re-interpret and alter Law as circumstances and times change, or in specific case applications) rather than Christian dogma. The central figure of faith in Christianity spoke quite differently and did not preach of violence or destruction as a proper way to treat nonbelievers. In fact, the ethic preached by Jesus of Nazareth (or at least attributed to that figure, historical or mythical) was indeed hailed by Thomas Jefferson himself as being the most pure and true ethic ever espoused by man. He, the figure so many atheists point to as the author of the separation of Church and State, went so far as to edit the Gospels to remove any supernatural or divine act and include only the ethics of Jesus in what is now called the Jefferson Bible. This tome is given to each President of the U.S. as a sort of manual of ethics for the United States. Now, if you'd like to claim that the ethic system supported by Thomas Jefferson is based on hate and violence, you'd be hard pressed to prove your point.

"An Eye for an Eye..." was Old Testament Justice. Jesus, in the Gospels which form the basis for Christianity rather than Judaism, said that one should rather "Turn the other cheek." There are many instances in the mythology of the Bible where God reconsiders or changes His mind based upon the arguments of a man. So, yes, some of what was written in the Bible has been altered by other things that were written later and that is included as possible within the mythology of the religion.

I'm not making a claim that any of the religion is true. Like I said, I'm not a Christian. Still, if you're going to knock a religion and criticize it, you should at least have an understanding of the context and culture of the faith from an internal perspective.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Tue, 08/02/2011 - 05:07

For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:18-19

Jesus apparently didn't think that you should quickly shove off the laws/covenant of old, atleast according to one book.

The Bible is like any religious book, it can be used to justify whatever behavior/position someone wishes, it can be "peace, love, tolerance!" or "slaughter the enemies of God!". Just matters on what the power monger behind it wishes. I suppose it's a good thing Jesus didn't like the clergy, something I truly find lacking in Christians, as to the degree of which they take example from their savior.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 06:52

I do not hate atheist nor will I bash you guys but I have a few questions and if one of you guys can answer any one of these questions I will convert to atheist today. Explain how the first atom was created or any of them for that matter. Why is it that everything we need to survive is in the same exact planet that we inhabit and found nowhere else including food, water, oxygen and if there happens to be a planet with them why is it out of our reach? How was the earth formed? or any planet or star for that matter and how was the matter that makes up the earth created? Get all the help you need to come up with the answers. In fact why dont one of you guys create an atom just one and you can have everything I own it aint much but it'll be yours.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 15:22

The first atom's creation cannot be explained, as we still lack the technology to do so. However, Earth is NOT the only place with the components to support life. For example, one of Jupiter's moons is being studied to see if it is possible to sustain ANY kind of life, even if it isn't human. Otherwise, as far as we are aware, all of the elements we've discovered here on Earth, especially the "life elements," can be found absolutely anywhere else in the universe. And furthermore, most of the elements that make up stars and planets, our own sun included, are what make up humans, if I'm not mistaken and paid close enough attention in astronomy this past semester.

If you wanna know how Earth, stars, planets and all other celestial bodies form, take a geology and basic astronomy class. Even a basic chemistry class will help so that you can understand the basic behaviors of atoms, compounds, etc. I can't explain it without illustrations to make it more clear, unfortunately. But all of that is basic info you can find on the internet--it's common knowledge. But the gist--matter cannot be created or destroyed, according to the current laws of physics and chemistry as we understand them. So, in other words, all matter must be recycled in some way, shape or form.

As for creating new atoms and whatnot, while we currently do not have the technology to rip apart atoms and reform the subatomic particles as we choose (as ripping apart an atom is quite explosive--I remind you of the nuclear bombings done by America on Japan during WWII), it is however NOT impossible to force a new element into existence. Take a look at the Periodic Table of Elements. Every element with an atomic number higher than Uranium was human made, Plutonium being the first by crashing two already naturally existing atoms (Zinc and the other I cannot recall) together and forcing a gain of protons (which is what the most fundamental attribute of an element's existence as unique is). Scientists have successfully created a new 26 elements not found on Earth (anywhere else in the universe is unclear, as, again, we currently lack the technology to find out) and they are listed in plain sight on the Periodic Table.

So, in closing, it's not that atheists do not flat out refuse to believe in a higher power because we wish to be rebellious, though they do exist, most of us can see scientific evidence, such as this and among a many other things, that, to us, say a higher power is simply not a plausible belief. I do not shirk people for believing in a religion because not only do I understand religion's function, being a psychology major, I understand the need to some for a belief in something; it has its many benefits. But it's when extremists such as those who are preaching death to those who do not have the same faith, that it I sometimes wish religion never existed. By them doing so, they're perpetuating the stereotypical hatred that they shun from other cultures--Islam being the most popular focus of attack from American citizens in current times.

Finally, I find it rather ironic that atheists tend to follow the Bible's ethical code of nonjudgmentalism better than most Christians, as a poster previously correctly stated--Jesus' biggest message, and you can ask any Christian and they SHOULD agree if they know ANYTHING about their faith, is to live and let live; it is not your place to pass judgement.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Tue, 08/02/2011 - 05:24

If you want to learn how the earth, and solar system came to be, this is a fantastic program: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Py2_JAJahY

Also, just because science cannot yet identify how an atom came to be, doesn't mean there's something divine behind it's creation. Science is breaking new ground everyday.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Fri, 08/05/2011 - 00:36

db, the explanation for the formation of the first atoms is included in the so called 'Big Bang' theory. It is known as nucleosynthesis and occurred between 3 and 20 minutes after the start of the Big Bang. When it was over, 75% were Hydrogen, 25% Helium and trace amounts of Lithium and a few other light elements.

None of the Carbon, Oxygen and Calcium, etc. atoms of which you and I are made were synthesised until after the first massive stars had formed, burned through their Hydrogen and gone supernova, spewing them out into space for subsequent stars and their planets to incorporate them. You are star dust, literally.

Humans have created atoms, in many different ways. One proton and one electron make one Hydrogen. We have even created an anti-proton and an anti-electron and brought them together to make an antimatter Hydrogen atom.

Atomic reactors and bombs either split heavy elements to make new ones, or fuse light ones to make heavier ones.

The answers to your challenges are well explained by our current knowledge of Physics.

Welcome to atheism. You should keep your money, though. If you can spare some, maybe give a little to a charity like Doctors Without Borders.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Fri, 08/12/2011 - 14:32

I really don't want Christians or any religion to "convert" to atheism, especially people that think that religion is keeping them from doing bad things. I realize that might not describe you. Consider though that you sound like people should assume that a god did these things rather than just continuing to search for the answer. Also, none of those things have to do with atheism. Atheism does not answer these things. Atheism is the simple lack of belief in a god or gods. It is generally not a positive statement that there is NO god. The atheists that were taking legal action are probably fine with people practicing their beleifs. However, when a cross is put up with tax money, they are excluding all other religions and the non-religious. This is important since our states and federal government never seem to have enough money. Now for some funniness coupled with a point. I think the flying spagetti monster made the atom and the earth. I dare you to prove it did not.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 11:43

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ImvlS8PLIo&playnext=1&list=PL0AD725BF16E...
If you can get to the part where he talks about the Nobel laureates, from I think it was 2004, he starts to cover your questions a little bit. At the end as he is taking questions he gets a little bit further into what it all means, but the key point I want to press is not whether or not we have the answer, but that we are already a lot closer than most religious leaders(or leaders who happen to be religious) are willing to admit.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/01/2011 - 11:44

(meant as a reply to dbfromdc)

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Tue, 08/02/2011 - 05:21

Maybe all these Atheist haters should stop using Facebook considering the creator of Facebook is an Atheist.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Wed, 08/10/2011 - 06:36

This "Do or die" stuff sounds very similar to Hitler who killed millions because he didn't like them. I am atheist because I choose to be just like Christians choose to Christian. I respect your choice, but I do not agree with you. Screaming at us atheists about how we hate everything and how you will kill us is very...hypocritical. This "religion" is beginning to sound like a dictatorship, and Christians sound like the SS.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Wed, 08/10/2011 - 06:44

For a religion with a reputation of peace and love and caring, that sure taints it.

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Mon, 08/15/2011 - 12:58

"I love Jesus and the cross and if you don't, I hope someone rapes you"

Thank you for providing me with more reasons for losing my faith and leaving the world of mass-delusion behind me.

rigoddamneddiculous

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 09/11/2011 - 10:29

How very Christian of them. Typical of the religion of love. *facepalm*

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 09/11/2011 - 10:29

How very Christian of them. Typical of the religion of love. *facepalm*

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sun, 12/11/2011 - 04:02

I'm terribly ashamed of what they have done. Let me apologize for them and all other Christians who may have said such things to you before. I'm a Christian and I do not think this way. In fact, I know that even though you don't know, and may not want to know this Jesus or ours, I know that He loves you just as much as He loves any of us. If you read the Bible, you would know that to be true.

“I love Jesus and the cross and if you don’t, I hope someone rapes you”

That is a very poor example of Christian behaviour. Jesus said that if you loved Him, you would do what He says. What did He say? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength, and Love your neighbour as yourself. He also told us to treat everyone as we would treat Him. You cannot say that you love Jesus if you hate someone, simple as that.

All in all, I admit that they were wrong, and they acted nothing like what God wanted them to be. But bear in mind that it takes two hands to clap. It is not rare for Christians to find hate messages from atheists either. I myself have often encountered atheists so passionate about their (faithlessness?) it's annoying. Remember that we are human too, and we have a limit to how far we can be pushed.

God bless

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Sat, 02/11/2012 - 10:24

So, what do you think your response will be when you reach your limit?

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous (not verified) / Thu, 12/22/2011 - 19:43

well i hope that the vaticans archives hold no new verses, but well never know.

joshua08's picture
joshua08 / Fri, 11/02/2012 - 07:20

Neopagan religions include Asatru, Wicca, Druidry, Kemet and others. These religions can be very different from each other in both beliefs and values, but one thing they all have in common is a polytheistic orientation.-Dan Sciscente-Amor

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