Comments on: An Atheist in Lynchburg Has a Dilemma

By: Step

Step — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:49:43 +0000

Seems to be fairly unanimous here, from all points of view. I’m a Christian and also can’t stand Falwell.

Either way, you need to know more before you give to charities about what you’re giving for, and don’t give here if it doesn’t align with your beliefs – but don’t use that to let yourself off the hook for doing something you know you should/want to give.

By: Barry McGowan

Barry McGowan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:15:49 +0000

Start a secular equivalent to this cause or find another worthy secular cause. Never send secular money to religious organizations.

By: Pseudonym

Pseudonym — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:42:19 +0000

I’m with Amanda on this one. There’s more than one charity, even in Lynchburg. Look around and find another one, perhaps even one with a relatively low profile who might need the money more than something backed by the Falwells.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:41:33 +0000

I don’t really understand the writer’s issue. Is that s/he is driven to help single women but can only find THIS group to donate to? S/he would consider donating money to a group that s/he finds “reprehensible?”

Planned Parenthood is a wonderful organization with lots of local offices.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:32:38 +0000

I see someone else already responded with this, but I wanted to second the Planned Parenthood suggestion.

By: Autumn

Autumn — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:31:56 +0000

I now live in Charlottesville, VA but grew up in Lynchburg and definitely understand his pain.

One organization that does exactly what he is looking for is Planned Parenthood. The organization in Lynchburg actually was the first of the chapters to start an adoption assistance program. They also provide sex education and pregnancy assistance for wed or unwed parents.

They do accept donations and I know the Lynchburg chapter is looking for volunteers for various advocacy activities. I volunteer for the one here in Charlottesville and I love it. Check out this site on how you can get involved: http://www.pphsinc.org/advocacy/index.html

Good luck!

By: Gullwatcher

Gullwatcher — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:33:13 +0000

Move?

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:17:33 +0000

I am theist and I think abortion is a very bad thing but I am pro-choice – staunchly so.

I have no place in my heart for people who hate abortion and then don’t do anything to try to deal with the real issue. Overturning Roe is not the answer.

I don’t know much about the LGH, but I do know that Dr. Falwell always supported programs that open-mindedly (seriously!) supported women with unwanted pregnancies. Say what you want about the guy (and I’ve said plenty of bad things about him) but he really did have a habit of doing something about the issues. Yes, I am sure he wanted Roe overturned too, but he did more than just sit back and try to criminalize abortion. In the meantime, he was doing something tangible to help.

While I vehemently disagree with the Falwells on almost every issue, they are not horrible people.

I actually attended LU and I was a bit of an outcast because of my theology and politics. I remember fighting with Jonathan Falwell over the 1988 presidential primaries. Nothing drives me nuts more than irrational people, but that’s another story isn’t it.

Now to the writers dilemma. If the funds are being used solely in support of the LGH and our Lynchburg atheist is in support of the program at LGH, then I would say to support the local program. If the funds, on the other hand, support other programs; then I think I would find another place to contribute.

By: The Vicar

The Vicar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:22:04 +0000

Step one should be “find out more”. Maybe the letter is misleading, but it sounds very much like the writer doesn’t really know whether LGH is incompatible with his politics or not.

Sure, the Falwells were and are horrible human beings, but the knee-jerk “I will do the opposite of what they want” reaction is foolish. It means you’re letting the Falwells have control over your actions. Instead, find out more about what’s going on first, and then decide, without reference to whether the organization is supported — or even run — by the Falwells or not.

By: Darwin's Dagger

Darwin's Dagger — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:04:26 +0000

The Virginia Department of Health funds a Program that has several chapters throughout the state of Virginia. It is called the Resource Mothers program. This program supports pregnant and parenting teens, providing information, transportation to medical services and prenatal care, support for continuing education and the prevention of repeat pregnancies. These programs are run by secular non-profit agencies. Although they do get funding from the VDH, they can always use additional funds to buy supplies (diapers, baby clothes, etc.). The agency in Lynchburg is:

Alliance for Families and Children
Contact: Melissa Johnson
Tel: (434) 845-5944, ext. 262

2600 Memorial Ave., Suite 201
Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
Fax: (434) 845-3633
email: Melissa@allianceva.org