Non-theists in Federal Government

does anybody know of any non-theists that have been elected to the federal level over the course of the history of the united states?

i was wondering
because i can't seem to find any contemporary ones
and when you look at the stats, non-theists make up about 15% of the USA population

unrepresented minority, anyone?

I could have sworn I read about an atheist being elected into congress, just last week on yahoo news. If I find it, I'll u2u the article link.

Originally posted by DJMessiah
I could have sworn I read about an atheist being elected into congress, just last week on yahoo news. If I find it, I'll u2u the article link.

well, i know 2 buddhists and a muslim were
which is progressive and all
still, no non-theists i've heard of

but i'd like to see that article

[edit on 1/5/07 by madnessinmysoul]

I know that no presidents of the united states have ever been non-theist, but I don't know about any levels lower than that.

Atheist Politicians

Seems there have been 2 in the US.

Lori Lipman Brown, who served as a state senator from Nevada from 1992-1994...

and

Culburt Olson (deceased), who was governor of California from 1939 to 1943.

My guess is that there may be more out there, but they'd not reveal that little tidbit because it would likely be the downfall of their vocation, especially in today's atmosphere, with the love fest between religion and government.

I dont know of his faith but John Adams used a law book for his oath not the Bible. Didnt Jefferson write a Bible that was exclusive of the miracles and kept it a historical document portraying Jesus as a philosopher.

Those are our 2nd and 3rd Presidents. Back when we actually cared about liberty and freedom?

I hope youre not edging toward a "ban all religion" attitude though. Thats just stupid. Let people be free. Dont ban a damn thing, ever. Big government makes small citizens.

Or maybe we should have some sort of theological affirmative action and jam witches and pagans into office regardless of their qualifications or ability?
Yeah, thats not stupid or anything.

But if it just says something about the voting public then Ill buy that. They seem to prefer good 'ol christians. Like 80% of America is some sort of christian. You vote what youre familiar with.

[edit on 8-1-2007 by thisguyrighthere]

Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
Those are our 2nd and 3rd Presidents. Back when we actually cared about liberty and freedom?

well, they were still deists
and a deist is still a theist

I hope youre not edging toward a "ban all religion" attitude though. Thats just stupid. Let people be free. Dont ban a damn thing, ever. Big government makes small citizens.

no, i'm not moving to ban anything
i just think that 15% of the population (us non-theists) deserve to have a voice in federal government

Or maybe we should have some sort of theological affirmative action and jam witches and pagans into office regardless of their qualifications or ability?
Yeah, thats not stupid or anything.

no, i'm just saying that the religious right shouldn't smear people on the basis of religion
the USA just has a backwards view on non-religious folk
a study by the U of Minnesota (not 100% sure it was minnesota, U of something starting with M) did a study in which they found that atheists are perceived to be less trustworthy than any other group in the USA
including repeat offender convicted felons (as long as they were theists of some sort)

But if it just says something about the voting public then Ill buy that. They seem to prefer good 'ol christians. Like 80% of America is some sort of christian. You vote what youre familiar with.

yep
the voting public just needs to be more accepting of those without a theistic belief