Prominent atheist Richard Dawkins is helping to turn the time-honored tradition of summer Bible camp on its reverent and respectful head by supporting the launch of a camp for godless heathens, reports U.K. newspaper Times Online. For five days this July, Camp Quest will welcome atheists to learn about moral philosophy, sing John Lennon songs and compete (for cash prizes) to disprove the existence of the unicorn. This will be the first such camp in the U.K., while six others exist in the U.S.
While some people think this is a great chance for young atheists to reaffirm their beliefs while learning to think rationally, others see it as some sort of godless indoctrination camp that's sure to create murderous communists.
But in reality the atheist camp and God camps seem pretty much the same -- full of kids whose parents forced a viewpoint upon them and then made them go sit in the woods to think about it while all the normals play Xbox back home.
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Monday 29 June
By Heavytoka
How about parents just send there kids to regular camp? You know where the kids just have fun and they don't learn anything lol
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Monday 29 June
By Laurel
Why would atheists need to "reaffirm" (the author's words) their "beliefs"? sounds like an admission that atheism has become a religion. And contrary to the political correct BS of the author--it is normal to believe in God. That's why every culture in the world has believed in a God of somekind--maybe not the Hebrew God--but a god that was greater than themselves.
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Monday 29 June
By Sharon
In answer to your comment, "And contrary to the political correct BS of the author--it is normal to believe in God. That's why every culture in the world has believed in a God of somekind--maybe not the Hebrew God--but a god that was greater than themselves." First off, it is not true. There have been cultures without "God(s)". The reason "God" has existed in most cultures is so one party can rule over another by stating that they are speaking for "God" and therefore, can control or condemn anyone who goes against the so-called "word of God."
Tuesday 30 June
By Josie
"normal" heh, nice. It's definitely human, and there's nothing divine about that.
Tuesday 30 June
By Ed
It would seem that by this definition of "normal", that believing in a God is just as normal as NOT having a college degree.
Monday 29 June
By Alex
I don't see why this is so controversial. There are all types of camps out there. If you don't want your child around athiests.. don't send them to this camp..obviously!
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Monday 29 June
By elizabeth
Um, isnt this story a bit dated?
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Monday 29 June
By Inga Harrell
How is this different from any other camp, like fishing, golf,science, ect. ?
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Monday 29 June
By mondo
Never understood summer camp.
and after watching Friday the 13th.
I'm glad I didn't.
Its all fun and games until a huge dude pops out of the lake with a machete in one hand and a head in the other.
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Monday 29 June
By DreamerGiggles
Okay, this is by far the best comment here. Possibly the sanest as well.
Monday 29 June
By Marcella
Some of the most deeply, passionately religious people I know are atheists and humanists. In a way as a Christian I'm glad that camps like this exist. Statements like the ones on the camp's website help bring awareness to the fact that secular humanism is indeed a religion. That awareness is important for those who believe that "separation of church and state" equals everyone converting to the religion of secular humanism.
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Tuesday 30 June
By mandrcox
I mean this in a concerned,loving way... You can only serve one God. Either you're with Him or you're not. You can't embrace/accept alternative beliefs and be a Christian. That is straight from the Bible. It is good to embrace/accept alternative believers, but not their beliefs. Inform them of God's love and how He is like a father to us and how they can reciprocate that love. Two choices for eternity: smoking or non. You reject Him and He will reject you. Several prophecies have already been fulfilled, and there are more to come, including His Son's return. He is to return when everyone on earth has been told of Him at least once. We're probably not that far off. Don't wait to get right with God when "you don't feel hypocritical" people. Fact is, ALL have sinned. Yes, there are those "holier than thous" in church. That is one of their sins. You and I have other sins. Tell God you know you're a sinner, accept him, and just start trying to work on whatever you need to. Even if you're shacked up with your honeybuns or you cuss like a sailor or whatever your story. No one is ever going to be perfect. Don't put it off another day.
Monday 29 June
By brenna
This is really awesome! I love that atheist teens finally have a place to go! When I do girlscout camps we're all forced to sing a grace song before we eat, and I hate that! I'm definitely going to the camp next summer.
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Monday 29 June
By Tina
Sorry but you are not forces to say or sing anything to do with god at Girlscouts anything. It is always an option not to sing or repeat god in any way.
Monday 29 June
By Kim
First of all you are never FORCED to sign grace at Girl Scout camp it is an option. You do not have to sing. Furthermore, there are many many non-demonitional "graces" that are used by Girl Scouts before meals, as a matter of fact there is an entire book of them.
Tuesday 30 June
By Liz
I agree, Brenna. Girl Scouts is an overwhelmingly Christian institution that I participated in for years. I'm Christian, so it never bothered me, but I always wondered about my jewish girlfriends, etc. You either sing the grace, or you're made to feel like a loser who doesn't want to participate. Everyone looks at you funny and peer pressure builds up. It's the same way everyone looks at you if you don't say the "under God" part of the pledge of allegiance.
Monday 29 June
By Sandy
Way to raise good moral citizens, be carefull they
may grow up and kill you in your sleep, since they
won't be afraid of where they will be for eternity.
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Tuesday 30 June
By Amber
I'm far less concerned about someone who does the right thing because it's right than I am someone who does the right thing only because they fear the consequences of doing wrong. Who's the better person there?
Tuesday 30 June
By Tony
So the only reason you don't murder, rape and steal is because you're afraid you'll go to hell?
That says much more about you than it does about atheists.
Monday 29 June
By wawas
Glad I'm not the one to stand befor GOD on this one,I hope the good LORD looks down on these adults and children and they receive a MIRACLE and a BLESSING that will forever change their lives !! May God Bless all of You
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