I’ve heard this many, many times. Despite the fact “Christian” is the leading faith in the country, despite the fact the dollar bill says “In God We Trust,” despite the fact you can’t get elected to public office unless you are a Christian (if you disagree, ask Mitt Romney about that), and despite the fact that the President of the United States (Bush, Sr.) said atheists don’t deserve to be citizens: “This is one country under God.”

There’s a “coming out” movement for atheists in America and it’s hitting some very angry resistance. I understand the resistance. You can hear that resistance here.

Rep. (D) Monique Davis to atheist Rob Sherman: `It’s dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists!’

Essentially, an atheist was testifying  in the General Assembly before the House State Government Administration Committee about the government giving money to a local church. Rep. Davis shouted at him, not only telling him he was a danger to children, but that he “had no right” to be there. “You believe in nothing!”

This is the voice of a very angry undercurrent in America. A strain of religious anger/hatred/fear that wants to hurt. That wants to silence. And it’s understandable. If you read their book, it tells them to hate. It tells them to fear. It tells them to commit violence.

More importantly, this very angry voice holds public office. Most people can’t hear it; that’s because the voice isn’t directed at them. When it’s directed at you, it’s a little easier to hear.

Now, most folks will say one of two things. The first, “This woman doesn’t represent mainstream Christianity.” The second, “Not all Christians feel this way.” Let me address both.

First, if she doesn’t represent mainstream Christianity, how did she get elected? How do her compatriots–who use the same voice–get elected?

Second, she is mainstream Christianity. She’s following what her book tells her to do. The book tells her that only a fool doesn’t believe in God. The book tells her that we’re all tools of Satan, trying to keep her from Heaven. In fact, if her book is right, she’s right. She should keep us from her children. We are endangering their souls. It’s a logical conclusion… if her book is right.

Third, if you are a Christian, and you believe in Heaven and Hell, then you should agree with her. Anyone who doesn’t accept Christ as their savior is the enemy, endangering your soul. And the book has very explicit instructions for handling the unfaithful. 

If you’re a Christian, and it’s your book, and the book is the word of god, you’d better do what your god tells you to do. He punishes you for ignoring his rules. He punishes you forever.

Just like he’s going to punish all the Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and everyone else who hasn’t “heard his word.”

And that’s me. I’m going to Eternal Punishment. Big, flaming pitchforks shoved up my ass. Forever.

So, you’d better tell me to shut up. Better tell me to get out of the country. Better label me as “dangerous.” Because if you listen to me, you’ll be right next to me. 

Flaming pitchfork shoved up your ass. Forever.