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22
33
Yes No
Debate Score:55
Arguments:44
Total Votes:55
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 Yes (18)
 
 No (26)

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Idaho: A Christian State?

A recent resolution making its way through parts of Northern Idaho seeks to hae Idaho labeled as a "Christian State", which if approved will move to the state legislature.  Proponents argue it is an important step in fighting back againstn what they see as a "strident attack" against Christianity.

So what are your thoughts: Is this acceptable and Constitutional, or no? 

Yes

Side Score: 22
VS.

No

Side Score: 33
1 point

If a majority of the citizens of Idaho want to have their state declared a Christian haven then that is morally and democratically correct. For too long Christians have ''turned the other cheek'' only to find that other more aggressive and radical religions have exploited the peaceful and passive nature of the Christian faith. A line has to be drawn in the sand and it looks like the authorities in Idaho have the moral fibre and political courage to make a stand against the religion which has spawned so many murdering low lives.

Side: Yes
3 points

But doesn't it seem relevant to you that the First Amendment's Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution prohibits exactly this sort of thing?

And what does Islam have to do with this, exactly?

Side: No
Atrag(5666) Disputed
2 points

Erm, you realise what the image in your profile is right?

Side: No
1 point

Such a comment evokes the old adage, if the hat fits wear it. In this case ''murdering low lives''.

Side: Yes
2 points

Again, how is that relevant to this topic? Muslims have nothing to do with this issue in Idaho.

Side: No
1 point

You make assumptions dear boy. Like bombs for instance- assumptions are very dangerous things to make- one mistake and you're in deep manure. If others tell you only a snippet of information you shouldn't make assumptions, and if they don't tell you anything try not to make assumptions anyway to fulfill your need to know and replace the necessity to communicate. Even if people such as you read something that you don't understand you will make assumptions about what it should have meant and then believe the assumptions. People make all sorts of assumptions because they don't have the courage to ask. Don't let assumptions cloud your perception of things or the truth won't get in.

Side: Yes
2 points

I am starting to think you just want to actively avoid the actual debate topic, based off of this comment of yours.

So do you or do you not think that this move on the part of Idaho is constitutional?

Side: No
Cartman(18192) Disputed
1 point

The word ask involves using questions. The "?" symbol is a question mark. Why do you say that people need to stop making assumptions and ask you a question when the responses to you all have question marks?

Side: No
1 point

I presented my opinion on the basis that each U.S, state has a degree of self governing latitude and therefore has the freedom of power to make such legislative decisions independently without contravening the American constitution or any part thereof. Clearly the State administers and legislators have made a similar interpretation of the margins within which they can autonomously pass State laws. There now, I hope that makes you a happy little little chappy.

Side: Yes
2 points

But the U.S. Constitution applies to the states, which means that the Establishment Clause does as well. How does this not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?

Side: No

I think it's fine. This title doesn't force anyone to adhere to anything. It just changes the title of the state itself.

Side: Yes
1 point

It seems like a waste of time and money to do something that is close to violating the constitution. Hopefully it isn't too bad.

Side: Yes

It really does. It sounds odd and unnecessary. If they aren't going to mandate a religion then what's the use of wanting to change your name? I see your point.

Side: Yes
1 point

But changing the title forces an association for those who are not Christian, does it not?

Side: No

Cartman already brought this problem up. I also brought the problem up. See the other side of the debate.

Side: No
1 point

Do try to keep up old boy, and follow the plot. Where in any of my posts did I make any reference whatsoever to Islam? The presumptive respondent in question ''assumed'' that my description of a barbaric murderous religion was Islam. Now, why ever would he have made such an ''assumption''? Don't ''assume'' that that was a rhetorical question, the answer to which we are all fully aware. Now, you can go back to sleep. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite.

Side: Yes
Cartman(18192) Disputed
1 point

Who cares what he called them? What does whatever religion you were referring to have to do with this debate? How does the existence of another religion make it ok to label a state with a religion?

Side: No
1 point

You have a history of ranting about Islam on this website, and you employed rhetoric that directly matches that which you have used in those rants.

Now what is it you are trying to accomplish with these posts, and why are you so keen on avoiding the "support/dispute/clarify" buttons?

Side: No
1 point

My strong recommendation to all the good people of Idaho is, follow the path of righteousness and declare your State a Christian Harbour from where the message of our true faith and the word of the only real God can fill the air, and shine forever into the dark corners of false religions and paganism.

Side: Yes
1 point

I'm not quite sure why you are avoiding the question I have asked of you multiple times, but I will try again:

Do you think that doing so would be constitutional, considering the existence of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution? Or do you think they should just ignore the Constitution and do it anyway?

Side: No
1 point

My considered opinion on this pivotal issue of monumental national importance is, as far as I know, I don't know. Man, man oh man, who ever would have thought that so many patriotic and eminent politicians would have made such an unconstitutional proposal. But, I guess it just goes to let's ye show's ye, doesn't it? Hallelujah brother, hallelujah.

Side: Yes

When I hear the actual wording of whatever you are talking about, I will then form an opinion. The wording you use is probably pure rhetoric.

Side: Yes
1 point

I don't think you know what rhetoric means. I stated the facts of this case, which are the a group of people in one of Idaho's northern countys want to officially establish Christianity as the state religion. That isn't rhetoric, that is what they actually want to do.

Side: No
Cuaroc(8829) Disputed
1 point

Hogwash.......................................................................................................

Side: No
1 point

By the way, here ya go:

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/2015/ feb/23/making-idaho-christian-state/

Don't even need to take it from me.

Side: No
2 points

Sounds unconstitutional to establish a particular religion.

Side: No

I don't think a label can forcefully establish an official religion. If this title is bestowed upon Idaho I'm sure people can worship whatever they want.

Side: No
2 points

But isn't the label in this instant establishing the religion? The Establishment Clause doesn't specifically mention "forcefully", so how is this not unconstitutional?

Side: Yes
1 point

It doesn't make sense to do it then. What does Idahoans get out of calling themselves Christian? Can they stop others from not being Christian? Are they going to force people to participate in Christian events? I don't see the point. Maybe it will be harmless.

Side: No
1 point

Ugh. Northern Idaho is a cesspool of Neo-Nazis. Surrounding areas have even had KKK flyers posted around about being the "neighborhood watch". Christian separatist groups have protested all sorts of things like diversity or art in the Hayden/Coeur d'Alene area. All this is a holdover from a neo naxi compound that thrived in the area from the 70s-90s.

These aren't your run o' the mill christians.

Idaho will make lots of noise about this resolution, it's not likely to be upheld.

This is just the same old "persecution" complex in the US some christian groups go on about.

Side: No

Not sure if anyone will see this all the way down here, but something to add:

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2015/PPP ReleaseNational_22415.pdf

According to a recent PPP Poll, 57% of Republicans would support officially establishing Christianity as our national religion.

So much for the First Amendment :P

Side: No
1 point

I would like to see the poll on whether the Democrats would support it. I think that number will be high as well.

Side: No
1 point

I would like to see a poll that takes that into consideration as well, and I wish this one did. I agree it would be quite high, unfortunately.

I sure would love to have that, to see if FromWithin would claim that Democrats are still not Christian.

Side: Yes

Even if it were not unconstitutional to declare Idaho a Christian State, which I believe it to be, the argument for doing so is flawed.

1) There is no evidence that supports the premise that the United States is in trouble because "God is being taken out of our government, our schools, our communities, and we are losing our moral compass". At least none I am unaware of it.

2) Christians are not being persecuted by the removal of the Christian God from government and public schools.

3) Christians are no more or less moral than non-Christians.

Side: No