Reply #53: Not at all, it's meant for the businesses who think that only

[DainBramaged]

Christians deserve discounts

http://www.atheistalliance.org/aaw/AAWAUG02.htm

Business and Religion?
To the Business Editor of Charleston, SC's Post and Courier
I think it is utterly crass for businesses to use religion to make money. Legally, private owned businesses certainly have the right to advertise however they wish. But I am disturbed by the increasing Balkanization of America. It is a not-so-subtle way of saying "I deserve your business BECAUSE I am a Christian." Or Muslim, or Jew, or whatever. I also wouldn't like to see an advertisement for "a white-owned business." Fortunately, this country has progressed sufficiently so that such an advertisement would be detrimental to business. Some businesses give Sunday discounts to people who bring their Church Bulletins. This sends the same kind of message to those who do not attend Church on Sunday as giving discounts to whites would send to African- Americans.

I think the benefit to businesses of promoting their religious views is greatly exaggerated. Nonbelievers and religious minorities will feel unwelcome, but most likely not say anything as they take their business elsewhere. One friend mentioned that he regularly frequents businesses whose owner's personal beliefs differ from his own. But when they advertise their beliefs with posters, tracts, etc, he shops elsewhere. Another friend changed to a different physician when the doctor's office became loaded with Christian literature.

I have no problem at all with people who close their businesses to celebrate their holy days. We have the right to follow the dictates of our conscience, whether religious or nonreligious, so long as we do not harm others.

by Herb Silverman