Wow. This is such a load of crap. Fragments of reason embedded in dung. Let's just start with the 2 logical flaws in the first sentence. 1. An Ayn Rand devotee is not necessarily an Objectivist any more than an Objectivist is necessarily an Ayn Rand devotee. 2. A distrust and contempt for organized religion is not the main point of Objectivism-- primacy of existence is the main point of Objectivism (the first assertion beyond epistemological axioms).

If you've ever had the experience of dealing with sheep, you may have discovered that they are some of the dumbest, most fearful large mammals in existence. "Flock" as a verb in the context of sheep is the tendency to gather or congregate, presumably (highly likely) to avoid being picked off by a predator. I'll grant you therefore, that to state that "the lord is my shepherd", is a conscious or unconscious admission that you are a member of a congregation bound by stupidity and fear and seeking both the safety of numbers and the safety of a protector. For those that haven't recognized that they are associating themselves with sheep (dumb, fearful animals), but rather state such things out of habit, one can only hope that they will one day open their eyes and prevail over their brainwashing. Anyone claiming to be an Ayn Rand devotee might as well be stating "Ayn Rand is my shepherd".

The rest of what you have to say may be valid, but my God (so to speak), check your premises.

You got a rational plan out of this mess; do ya? Let’s hear it. Meanwhile try to avoid the links where Jesus might pop out at you. It’s what I do. ;)

While Rand certainly declared herself an enemy of organized religion, I don't think that was her main point. And admittedly, the evangelical Christian community has alienated many. Nevertheless, there is common ground to be had and I suggest that we engage in order to understand, identify the values we hold in common, and work together to take our country back. Don't misunderstand, I love Christopher Hitchens and I agree that organized religion is responsible for many of our present day problems. But I think the danger IS from Obama and the socialist left whose policies and actions are taking our country down a path that will be increasingly difficult to recover from (for our children).

I appreciate the tension here, but I hope that it will provoke deeper thinking and good conversation. I would love you hear your thoughts about my book, The Soul of Atlas, published this year. The subtitle is "Ayn Rand, Christianity, a Quest for Common Ground." I write about the fathers who shaped my life: my Objectivist stepfather, John Aglialoro, and Christian biological father, David Henderson, challenged me equally.

As a Christian who is also a fan of Ayn Rand I think it is possible to believe in God and follow much of objectivism. Obviously in it's strictest form it is atheistic and I know that. However, God created us as rational, individual human beings. He did not create us to be a mindless part of some 'groupthink' religion. While Jesus disciples were all followers they did not always agree or think the same way (see the various arguments they had) and certainly had different approachs and understanding.

As for pushing beliefs on people... I have never advocated removing anything from schools (other than my children...lol). I have seen very rational well though out explanations of creationism and evolution. We taught our kids the flaws with evolution in particular because we think there are a lot. But we also recognize the validity of the scientific principle / theory. I think part of the key is that much of what is called scientific 'law/fact' today is neither. It is a good explanation that can fit the facts. but there are good explanations using creationism that can fit the facts as well.

I personally don't think we have to keep homosexuals from marrying. Do I think it is a 'covenant' marriage as defined in the bible? no. but as a contractual legal state in which two people who love each other want to be considered, they can do that. I just don't want my church to be expected to marry them..

As for both homosexuality and abortion issues, I don't bash anyone. If someone asks my opinion I share. But more than that I try to be a friend and share the love that Jesus intended for us to share. If someone I know comes to understand that and take it for themselves, God will work on the other issues. It's not my place or job to bash people for what they believe or who they are. Jesus didn't. In fact, he was often with so called sinners, regular people, etc..

Finally, as to Objectivism. I don't expect anyone to help me, live for me, etc, and I don't for them. Other than to live for Christ as he would have me to. I also don't feel 'guilt' as some think religion makes you, about those in need, etc.. I give where I can because I think it is a good thing to do. But I will not give to leeches, like Reardens brother for instance. That sort of need is self inflicted. I believe my achievements are a result of my hard work and my god given talents. Have I sought advice on some decisions through prayer? yes. But again, God made us rational beings. We live and work and do our best and I believe we can do that with an objectivist perspective, particularly in economic areas.

So for what it's worth, my thoughts as a Christian Objectivist.

I'm not too concerned with how any one labels themselves, just because you say you're an objectivist doesn't mean anyone should assume your stance on every issue. I think the reason objectivism works is because no one can be forced to do anything against their judgment. The disagreement on religion here is an excellent example of why the government shouldn't be involved in education. If you want to send your kid to a creationist school have at it, I'll send mine to one that isn't. As long as you're not forcing anything on anyone I don't have to care about what you do at all.

Most of the people who went to see the movies were Christians. Christianity and Objectivism share a belief in moral absolutes. I've read Atlas Shrugged ten times and went to see parts 1 and 2 seventeen times and I'm a Christian. I don't dislike atheists. There were times when Ayn Rand doubted her atheism. Read Barbara Branden's biography. Attitudes like cseidman's are why Objectivism is not mainstream.

Men will be governed by God or ruled by tyrants. - William Penn

Tell this to the families of the four dead Americans in Benghazi if you think Obama and Clinton aren't "dangerous," unless you agree with Obama that there is no "there, there," or Clinton "what difference does it make?" By the way, where was Obama while our ambassador was missing? Oh yeah, he went to bed, got up, and flew to Vegas for a damned fund-raiser. I have a friend who works in one of our embassies in a dangerous part of the world. I pray that someone will answer the call to send help if her facility is attacked. She is "there" Mr. President hoping not to be abandoned if it is her turn in the Al Qaeda cross-hairs.