GOP Goes After Supporters of Atheist Candidate in Tennesee

[MineralMan]

I think this is very interesting. This Democratic candidate for a State Senate seat probably doesn't have much of chance, anyhow, but Republicans are so worried, they're attacking her supporters on the grounds of her atheism. Since the district, which has an open seat, is a rural district in Tennessee, it seems unlikely that any Democrat could win, but the vehemence being used by the GOP there is striking.

This was posted earlier in GD, but I thought it would also be interesting to Religion Group visitors.

Tennessee Republican Party calls for Karl Dean and Craig Fitzhugh to reject Tennessee Democratic Party candidate’s extreme, anti-Christian platform

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden released the following statement calling on the Democratic candidates for Governor Karl Dean and Craig Fitzhugh to denounce the extremism of their party.

“Gayle Jordan, darling of the Tennessee Democratic Party and their nominee for State Senate District 14, is what she herself calls a “firebrand atheist.” She isn’t simply non-religious, but actively works to lead people away from their faith. It’s her life’s work as the Executive Director of an organization called Recovering From Religion."

“Saying Gayle Jordan’s radical atheist views don’t represent the values of Tennesseans across this state or in District 14 is a gross understatement. She flat out attacks and rejects the fundamental social, moral, and religious beliefs of millions of Tennesseans.”

http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2018/02/12/tennessee-republican-party-calls-karl-dean-craig-fitzhugh-reject-tennessee-democratic-party-candidates-extreme-anti-christian-platform/

[MineralMan]

1. Here's a link to the Recovering from Religion organization

Note that this is an international organization, not just a Tennessee group.

https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/#rfr-welcome

[LonePirate]

2. I long for the day when candidates speak out against evangelical Christian extremism.

If I were Jordan, I would start denouncing evangelical extremism such as letting the government decide when and who should become parents, when and who people should marry, when and who people should discriminate against, when and who to fleece in the name of a deity, when and who to idolize as a deity, etc. Forget these bogus fears from evangelicals about Sharia law. I am far more worried about evangelical law since it has elected politicians already pursuing it.

[MineralMan]

5. I doubt she'll do that.

Instead, I imagine she will campaign on Democratic principles. It would take pretty much a miracle for her to win in that district, but good for her for going for it. It's fascinating that the Republicans are attacking her in this way, focusing on her atheism. Not surprising, but also alarming. Atheism is anathema to some Christians, particularly those on the political right.

[AtheistCrusader]

3. I think the web host got trampled.

I can't load the article.

[MineralMan]

4. I just tried it, and it loaded for me from the link.

Maybe they have limited bandwidth. It is Tennessee, after all.

[Angry Dragon]

6. loaded fine for me

[AtheistCrusader]

7. Working now, thanks!

[Angry Dragon]

8. welcome

[samnsara]

9. i will donate to her!