A police department in Tennessee has asked citizens for their prayers – and that has anti-religion activists fuming. They’re trying to silence the prayers of cops and citizens alike.
The Johnson City Police Department began a program called, “Adopt a Cop,” in which citizens pray for an officer’s safety each day, and occasionally send them thank you notes.
Now, an anti-religion activist group, the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), is trying to stop them. They sent a letter of complaint Tuesday to the JCPD’s Chief Mark Sirois.
The letter argued that the religious program is “not actually any protection for your officers.”
The FFRF also complained about JCPD’s chaplaincy program, in which a chaplain is employed to assist with death notifications, support victims in times of crisis, respond to suicide incidents and a variety of other duties.
The FFRF writes, “The employment of chaplains, even if volunteer, demonstrates government endorsement of religion, which is a violation of both the federal and Tennessee constitutions.”
Athiests are like spoiled children: they must have their way. We are a democratic republic with a constitution and bill of rights. Too bad for you, folks. Get over your snit. We pray as the Scriptures directs: for ALL in authority…and for all who are in that fiat authority.
Lindajm
All praise to freedom of religion in this country. That still exists!!
I DEMAND THAT ALL ATHEIST GO TO HELL AND NOT BOTHER ANY CHRISTIANS ANYMORE ,AMEN AND AMEN
The scriptures tell us that God does not desire that any should perish. Our admonishment is to share the Good News. He will take care of the ending.
Make it an early visit >>>GO TO HELL
Amen!
Does any body know a good and free lawyer to sue them for infringing on my religious rights. I do not want money the lawyer can keep all he gets . just stop these nuts from ruining our lifwe
Over many years, I have prayed for hundreds of Atheists. So far, about 30 have come to Christ. No kidding. Prayer works.
I pray that they fall into a deep hole , and never come back .. They should be happy most of quit praying for them and instead wish them a speedy journey to hell !!!
I’ll start praying that each atheist has a rabid gerbil crawl up their ass and start doing exercises.
Atheists can’t demand I do anything
After my children had been kidnapped, entailing inexpressible grief and prayer, God said to me, “Now you know how much I want my children to return to me!” He didn’t say, “except the atheists” or make any other exception. Heaven knows, some people are atheists entirely because of the things some Christians say and the way some Christians behave. Even the heavens wept when Lucifer and those who followed him fell from glory. If you knew what hell was like, you would not wish it on your worst enemy. Sometimes it is the self-proclaimed Christian that needs to repent more than some atheists.
Well put. We are not responsible for the outcome of our prayers–only that we pray for the salvation of the lost. We can do that. I my mind, the best thing we can do and the worst thing we can do for these people is pray for them. The best because they need the saving power of God’s love and the worst because they will hate that we pray for them. It is a win-win situation.
Merry Christmas and may God bless you.
Joke
Right on, Robert! We never know when we might be talking to or praying for the next great apostle!
There is coming a day when he will wish he had some one praying for him. But sadly, it will be too late.
What authority do they have to try to stop me and other Christians from praying to a God that they don’t believe in anyway?
I would really suggest that they get to know the God that they don’t believe in today before they are called to meet him later on.
Keep on praying for our law enforcement officials as I will and don’t let them bully you into stopping .
I pray that God will show them the error of their ways NOW and leave these people alone.
Atheists are as bad as radical Muslims. They have no real contribution to make to society. They are misguided, angry and confused. They have no basis, foundation or importance . They are self indulgent, selfish and out for only themselves. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.
Right on
all you miserable lousy Satan lovers , you can go to Hell ,what business do you have telling People to stop praying for the Police ?? you know ,now I will pray even more for them ,and pray you get what is coming your way ,GOD help protect all the Police
Hmmm, FFRF, what a collection of hypocritical senseless beings. If they were intellectually and morally sound, they would realize that if they keep this garbage thinking active, then one day we will be overtaken and overwhelmed by Muslims and FFRF will be beheaded, much less dismanteled. Islamic people, in total, will remove the Constitution, install Shariah, and prayers WILL be forced….. to Allah, not the only real God. No, there won’t be chaplains who’s worst offense is a prayer for health, safety, etc,…. it will be a Mullah praying to Allah for the destruction of everybody that isn’t one of them. After another bloodbath caused by Muslims, notice all the flowers, teddy bears, and candles left in an obvious free-form memorial. Once Muslims take the lead, and power, you won’t see anything like that Christian memorial…… you’ll see severed heads on sticks. Don’t belive that? Then let the Democrats stay in charge, and just watch more of what has been happening already.
Why would our Praying bother them if they are sure no one is listening?
Actually, we are a Representative Republic but you are correct on everything else.
Atheists are often Liberals, and as George Will once opined, “Liberals believe you should be able to do anything you want, so long as it’s Compulsory.”
How about people with religious convictions “demand” atheist read their religious holy books, how about that Mr/Mrs/Miss Atheist?
The Consitution says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances…
This simply means that Congress (the only law making body) cannot make any Christian sect or any religion a state religion. This does not mean that to government has to exclude all religious prayers or activities from government. it also means that the Congress cannot keep any Christian from practicing their religious belief or modify that practiced. Since Congress cannot make a law to make a state religion or abridge religious practice there can be no law the does so. So if anyone wants to pray for the police or any other government officials they can do so and if any government official wants anyone to pray for them they can request them to do so and there is no law that prohibits it.
The opinion of Atheists is that there is no God so prayer is of no effect. That is their opinion and only an opinion. There are many who have prayed and seen the answer to their prayers so that they believe and know that God is there and answering their prayers. Why should government hear the opinion of these negative nay sayers who do not know? Our country was founded by those who believed in God and founded this country for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Since Bible reading and prayer were put out of the school system test scores have gone down (until the test were changed), immoral behavior has increased, violence has increased and drug use has increased and our society in general has declined.
The atheists don’t think there is any benefit from praying but there is an obvious negative effect from not praying. So I suppose the atheists want more destructive and negative effects for our society.
BRAVO, EXCELLENT RESPONSE…..THANK YOU
AMEN and AMEN pray for all law enforcing People ,GOD bless all policemen ,
Our rights give us Freedom of Religion, there are no freedom from religion rights. They have the right to choose to pray or not to pray. Funny how they are so offended by something they don’t believe.
That was a good definition of what the Constitution says about freedom of religion. The Constitution does not say anything about separation of church and state. It just says Congress cannot establish a religion. There is no law that says Athiests can prevent religious people from worshiping their religion.It is not in the
I guess we see the seed from which totalitarians arise = atheist. They live in one of the most free countries ever and they spend all of their time trying to take away someone else’s freedom. If their world view is so great then live it and show up everyone else by your great example. But no you are so insecure you have to get in someone else’ sandbox and throw sand at them. How pathetic and childish.
How about we start praying for all atheist contract a painful and deadly disease? Since prayer doesn’t work according to them, it could do them no harm, right?
that is a wonderful thought. perhaps a plague for them !!!
You know what I say Shut Up, Pack Up, and get the He$$ out of my Country
Help me understand why anyone cares what “demands” atheists make. They have a right to believe whatever they want, but so do I, and their right to their beliefs (or lack thereof) will not infringe on mine. Why have we allowed the minority to dictate? America needs to rethink the way we protect the rights of it populous and rein in the demands of the vocal minority that trample the rights of the majority.
Sandy, your question is very simple to answer. In fact you produced your own response. You care what the atheists “demands” are, as you are aware of the need to revamp “the way we protect the rights of” the “populous and rein in the demands of the vocal minority that trample the rights of the majority.”
Who cares what the athiests run their mouths about,are they afraid prayers might be answersed?I guess they don’t beacause
they don’t believe in anything .
Yes, they are afraid that our prayers will be answered or they would not care if we prayed.
Why does one group make the rules for everyone? In this country the atheists have a right to believe or not. They don’t have a right to take away my religious freedom. If they don’t want pray then they don’t have to but don’t tell me I can’t.
Athiests,are like a big old boil that swells and festers. And causes a lot of attention until it gets lanced. Then you realize they are not needed and we are better off if they all get lanced and go away.
This political correctness is ruining the USA slowly but surely. Why can’t we just leave each other alone’s beliefs? If anyone does not love nor like the USA, they can just shut up and go where they want to live! Whoever wants to come here must conform to our laws and if they can not do that, they are accorded the same priveledge of leaving or go back where they came from. Fair enough?
This plan was set in motion back at the first of the 20th century its just now metastasizing into the public domain. So its been coming just took a while but it’s here and we have to deal with it and stand up to it. All it takes for Evil to abound is for good people to do nothing so that makes them part of the problem. Do nothing and condone it or stand up and try to stop it.
I am an Atheist, openly and proud. This new batch of “Neo-Nazi Atheists” is disgusting. An Atheist, simply, rejects organized religion, with all its bells-and-whistles. Live, and let live. I don’t care who you pray for or whatever silly dogma you believe in. That is of no concern to me, as long as you allow me to be a free-thinker. Meanwhile, I’ll have to get back to decorating my Christmas Balsam fir… Yar! Some of us do that. Merry Whatever!
You have my respect for standing up for what you believe.
Thank you for your comments. I will pray for you. Merry Christmas!
William,
For many years I was an Agnostic. I’m now a dedicated Christian but still have good friends who are not. We play cards together. I don’t try to convert them and they don’t try to belittle my beliefs. Collectively we just say ‘Deal’ and play cards.
For whatever it’s worth may I offer you my respect for you convictions and best wishes with no strings attached.
Dave Ciccone
The FFRF is NOT fully accepting or understanding the Constitution of the United States of America or the laws…Freedom of Speech and Religion! What they are doing is hypocritical because they want their voice and beliefs seen and heard. What is the difference? Christians and believers can be saying the same thing….and it is probably time we do!
It’s time we STOPPED be silent and stand up for GOD!!!!!!!!
Our protectors deserve our prayers for being on the front lines everyday. The police, military, fire departments, EMT’s deserve that much and more in my opinion. I consider it “supplemental insurance” on their behalf.
You hit the nail on the head. And with the Lord behind it I’ll bet you used a sledge hammer on it.
Well they can demand what ever they want but they can not stop citizens from praying for the Police. Since when did they have the power to stop me from praying for anyone or anything. What are they going to tell the court that what I prayed was racist ha ha ha. Try and stop me from praying and they will find a big 9 in the behind. Maybe a 9 and a half either way we have to go to the hospital to remove my shoe they cost to much for me to let them keep it.
All I can say is bring it and try to stop me. AIN’T HAPPENING
These people are full of poop–the U.S. Constitution nor the Tennessee state constitution does NOT guarantee freedom FROM religion, it just guarantees that there would be no attempt to establish a state religion and guarantee the “free exercise” of one’s religion. The prayers of God’s people ARE honored by Him–I have witnessed it over and over in what I thought were hopeless situations. TO ALL ATHEISTS: I will pray wherever and for whomever I want at any time of my choosing–I will even pray for you.
Right there with you Jay koodo’s to you. We have to stand up to them and we have to stand together.
No, NO I am melting melting, ! LOL
God has judged all man kind. To day we all stand before God SAVED or LOST and when we close our eyes in death We will go to Heaven or Hell . If you speed you could get a ticket , God has Laws that we must follow, Follow Gods way and go to Heaven or reject God and go to Hell You and you alone can say where you will go.
Pitiful! If some choose to pray for officers of the law … so be it. Military pray for themselves as do others, for them. Many in prisons pray for themselves, as do others. At the moment i’m focused on those who are potentially facing death more than you and I. If someone chooses not to participate, that’s their right. I feel the U.S. refers to freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. It has been said “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. I feel, if nothing else it’s worth the effort, it’s simple and easy and a choice. Yes, pray particularly for those protecting our safety and freedom. IF there’s time left over … pray for the atheists. *grin* That’s truly the Christian way. These various protesters generally aren’t working. They need some kind of purpose. Get a real job. As for legal assistance, i’m sure their opponents can find a lawyer willing to take things on pro bono. For a good traditional cause. That’s the American way.
Yes, this is true. When I was in the military, we had a Navy Chaplin in the service and we gathered for prayer or if you had a different belief you could just use the gathering as a moment of silence or not attend the gathering and spend the time in your own way according to your faith. The Chaplin acknowledged this before we bowed our heads and began prayer. No one complained or would have done this no matter what faith. I am not sure how it is now, though.
When you need a cop you better ”PRAY” THAT THEY WILL COME TO YOUR AID !!
What a bunch of ignorant people………….
I’m so angry about the liberal media fabricating slander against our nations police forces. Are there a few bad cops–sure. But the vast majority of police officers are caring, dedicated, skilled professionals. They are the only ones standing between us and the murderous thugs that we seem to have plenty of these days. I will be praying especially for them as they have a VERY difficult job to do.
They have our police departments as more of a reporting agency due to lack of officers in the field. There are too many crimes and not enough officers. When they are confronted with a dangerous situation, their lives are in danger and they are just like the military…never paid enough for the job they do.
Even the atheists bringing this up considering this and the attacks on the police departments for doing their jobs (in some instances) is disrespect not only to Christianity but, to the police officers themselves, no matter what they believe. It is horrific they could do this to them.
Sometimes I have to wonder ‘if’ those who claim to be an atheist aren’t mistaken in that belief, i.e., the absence of belief in God to aggressively condemning the belief in God by others, by offering proof there is no God at all. The former who has no belief in God is an agnostic the later, i.e., those that claim they have the knowledge, which proves that that God does not exist is the atheist. In either case, there isn’t the slightest validity in either of their arguments, i.e., given the fact that we live in a universe that for all intents and purposes had to be constructed by someone or something much greater than a human being; so if some of use wish to worship whoever built this universe or otherwise who we ascribe the title of “our creator” seems to me to be our own business and nobody else’s business – period. What anyone else believes or fails to believe is none of my business whatsoever, unless he/she tries to make it my business by telling me my views on this subject aren’t equal to their own. At that point, whenever it should present itself, otherwise when someone tries to shove their beliefs down my throat, I have only 3 words, “Put em-up”, at which point separates the men from the boys, and quickly does away with the confrontation or moral dilemma.
Our HOLY FATHER GOD ALMIGHTY, YOU reign forever! YOUR WILL be done here and now and everywhere forever! YOUR KINGDOM come now in JESUS’ NAME! MARANATHA! AMEN! Thank YOU for telling us that YOU wish none to perish but all to come to YOUR SON. LORD JESUS in repentance for all their sins and ask LORD JESUS to save them! We CHRISTians pray now for all the police and armed forces asking for YOU to protect them from harm in JESUS’ NAME! MARANATHA! AMEN!
These idiots have foo.ed to many In our Country and have many afraid for no reason! Even if they read the Constitution correctly, which they have not, it says that the Government cannot endorse a specific religion not that it can’t endorse religion in general! Besides that, they cannot stop people from praying for the police! And if all of the cops are Christian then they can follow their religion without fear of offending another religious group! That forgot morons have caused to much trouble in this Country and they need to be exited with all due speed!
It’s time that we designate Atheism AS “a religion,” which it (essentially) IS. They’re attempting to make it the “established religion” in this country – which is a violation of the 1st Amendment. Although they’re entitled to their own beliefs, they have no more of a right to enforce those beliefs on others than those who wish to impose “sharia law” in this country…
I like that idea. Do you know of any way to go about doing that?
Who cares what a bunch of morons wants. They bitch about Christians forcing their beliefs on people, and then turn around and try to force their lack of belief of people. Well, they can go jump off a tall building for all I care. We have freedom of religion, not freedom FROM religion in this country.
I want to thank all of you commenting perfectly for
Our American Rights to Pray. Atheists demands are
Anti-American, Anti-freedom, Anti-choice, and Anti-
Social. America has our own laws, values, and
civility. And yet- somehow we let you live here.
Every night I pray for the whole world even my enemies as God asks us to do, in order to be able to forgive them. I will continue to pray for the world and that is my right and they can’t stop it because they are not in my bed or in my head!
Well, I am definitely sending this Police Department and everyone I can find a great big “thank you” and will let them know I am praying for them.
They could easily have just sent the “thank you” note if they did not want to pray. It is another attack on Christianity, NOT the other way around.
Dear FFRF, stick it up #@$!. With brothers that are retired police officers, and sons and friends that are firefighter/EMTs, I will pray for each emergency worker headed into whatever emergency situation they may encounter. I am also happy that others will pray for them also. If it offends you, too damn bad. Maybe the problem is you. It is comforting that a chaplain is available when a close friend perishes in five alarm fire. If the idea that someone is praying for an emergency worker offends, here is another thought to spin you up, if you are the emergency worker, I’d pray for you too.
A fat lot of good your wishes (or prayers, as you all call it) do.
How do you know that prayers and good wishes do no good?
Sorry folks, while I don’t agree with some actions of the group in this article, atheist, which I am one don;t care if you believe in whatever God you choose. I believe their arguement is one of separation of church and state, as it was intended.
I marvel at the venomous verbal attacks on those that don’t believe in YOUR invisible omnipotent superman in the clouds, (Patricia Needam) “Atheists are as bad as radical Muslims” I take issue with. I’d suggest Evangelical Christains are a closer match radical Muslims. Both are wanting to spread their religion at whatever costs, convert or die. Christians need to be aware of their history, and be cognizant of the anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism which is endemic to the Christian tradition and has been the legacy of Christianity for almost two thousand years. Radical Muslims are coping what radical Christians did centuries ago. I guess they catching up to the 21st century at least, very slowly.
The problem with the present day Christians is that the vast majority have no idea what they actually believe in. They will typical be ignorant or selective of what is in the Bible. They have no idea how the Bible came to be or it’s authors, or that is an allegorical text of various religions and pagen symboligy.
(anita) Satan lovers? You apparently don’t quite understand what atheism is. If we don’t believe in a god, why would believe in a satan? Why do Christains that scoff at the Muslims notion of men being given 72 virgins and eternal erections, but have no idea on how to explain the “Trinity” or Revelations, or the difference between the Old and New testaments, transubstantiation, or a thousand other things they proclaim they believe in, but actually don’t.
The difference in religions is only a matter of how quick they will cut your head off if you don’t agree with them. No thanks.
TJ, if you’ve been hurt by Christians, either by their thoughtlessness, or their lack of understanding of the scriptures, or your misunderstanding of their words or intentions, I’m sorry. However, if you’re one who rejects God outright just because you can’t see His works, look around. More and more scientific evidence is available every day showing that life, the Earth, and the universe, itself, came into existence by intelligent design.
Since you, as an atheist, don’t care if we pray or not, I commend you for that. But perhaps you can understand some Christians’ frustration when atheists, who, logically, shouldn’t care if we pray or not, want to sue us, take everything we own, and put us out on the street simply for praying, or for refusing to participate in a ritual we find perversely offensive. Meanwhile, those same atheists seem to want to ignore the Muslims who want to kill us any way they can. Since both groups want us gone, the only, real difference is how much brutality they’re willing to use to accomplish the deed.
I am a voice predominately calling Christians back to believing what’s actually written in the Bible, God’s Word. Some of the things you mentioned that Christians “proclaim they believe in, but actually don’t” are ideas that came from the world, not from the Bible. Others are the subjects of common misunderstandings, designed by the adversary to diminish God’s Word. (Worked for you, didn’t it?) However, as long as you reject God outright, few Christians who know the answers are likely to have a great desire to explain them to you.
I will say this, however: Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Mohamed said, “Kill the infidels.”
And the things you really need to know: Jesus is lord. God raised him from the dead.
I wish you well!
It helps to realize that such groups are normally intentionally mis-named.
For example, Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) actually means:
“Freedom from Your Religion Foundation”
For they have a set of beliefs they strongly adhere to – and want you to as well.
That is “Humanism” or “Secular Humanism” it is a religion that discounts God and stress man.
So, yes, they name is actually twisting the truth, but their inspiration is the ultimate liar.
And they want government sponsorship and even enforcement of their religion – Not freedom of speech. Not freedom of religion.
Bravo, indeed!!!
The FFRF always, conveniently forgets the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. The spirits behind the FFRF either forget that God created them, or hope against hope that they can overcome their creator and avoid the lake of fire.
We urgently need to pray for the people in the FFRF, that they can be delivered from the spirits urging them on and join God’s family.
I’ve heard some pastors say that we should pray for our leaders – like the ones in Washington – “because Paul prayed for Caligula.” Does anyone think that Paul prayed for Caligula’s success? For his happiness? For his murder of Christ-followers?
No. We are to pray for our leaders’ repentance – for their Salvation, their turn away from sin! Imagine if the Demos (and many Repubs) actually repented, and stopped stealing from us, stopped supporting the murder of millions of the unborn, stopped endorsing lies, sexual sin and all the other dirt that they sponsor! So pray for them.
But not for their success. Pray for their repentance. Same goes with those atheists who abuse Christ-followers with a false interpretation of the Constitution (or no Constitution at all.) I pray for their repentance in the Holy Name of Jesus, the only Name under Heaven which men can be Saved, that this will be so.
I believe the verses you need are:
1 Timothy
2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, {and} giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2:2 For kings, and {for} all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
2:3 For this {is} good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Notice it says, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
My questions is why are they so upset and worried about something they don’t even believe in??? Do you hear them complaining about unicorns and fairies?