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Faith

Navy Bans Live Nativity on U.S. Base Following Atheist Group’s Complaint: ‘Unconstitutional’ & ‘Dangerous’

Dec. 11, 2012 12:39pm Billy Hallowell

The U.S. military has come under scrutiny of late for its handling of church-state separatism. While some hold that the ranks are too rooted in Christian themes, others lament the purported removal of faith values. And now, as the holiday season ramps up, yet another religious controversy is brewing after the Navy forced U.S. service members in Bahrain to cancel a live nativity event following a complaint from the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF), an atheist activist group.

Military Atheists Have Nativity Banned on Navy Base in Bahrain

Photo Credit: ChristianFighterPilot.com

The MAAF argued that the Christian scene would endanger American servicemen and women in the predominately Muslim country and that it also is a violation of the U.S. Constitution, Fox News’ Todd Starnes reports. The event, which was slated to unfold at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, is nativity a tradition that has been going on for quite some time.

Part of a larger festival, the reenactment typically features other Christmas staples as well, including: Santa Claus, a camel, holiday music and a tree lighting. Children and other family members of military personel traditionally act in the nativity — something that will no longer be happening as the result of a complaint launched with the Navy’s Inspector General by the MAAF.

A before (left) and after (right) of the fliers advertising the Christmas celebration (Photo Credit: ChristianFighterPilot.com)

The atheist group, which regularly targets military practices and events that purportedly cater to people of faith, claimed that the nativity event would distinguish ”Christianity as the official religion of the base.” The group, clearly seeking an end to the practice, also noted the dangers that this faith-based event could allegedly pose.

“It’s unconstitutional, it’s bad for the military and in a Muslim country it’s dangerous,” Jason Torpy, a spokesperson for MAAF, said in an interview with Fox.

Torpy and his organization were apparently convincing in making their arguments, as the chaplain at the NSA confirmed the cancellation. And the Navy purportedly issued a statement addressing the issue and agreeing to halt the nativity. According to the MAAF, it reads:

“Upon further review, the CRP (Command Religious Program) will be removing the Living Nativity Program from the general base secular holiday festivities and co-locating it more appropriately with some of our other private religious and faith-based observances at the chapel at a separate time.”

The reaction has been swift, with some officers claiming that their children are devastated over not being able to participate in the nativity.

A before (left) and after (right) of the messaging in the fliers advertising the Christmas celebration (Photo Credit: ChristianFighterPilot.com)

“It was horrible. It was devastating,” said one officer who asked not to be named. “Here we are serving in the Middle East, defending our country and other people’s religions and we couldn’t understand why we can’t enjoy our own religious freedoms.”

Others outside of the military also disagree with Torpy and MAAF. Hiram Sasser, the director of litigation at conservative Liberty Legal Institute, for instance, believes that atheists are wrong about this matter.

“Once again, the Grinches prove their hearts are two sizes too small,” he told Fox. “The Supreme Court already saved nativity Christmas displays in 1984 and the Navy of all organizations shouldn’t back down against Grinches when law and history are on its side.”

This story was first reported by ChristianFighterPilot.com.

(H/T: Fox News’ Todd Starnes)

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Comments (133)

phillipwgirard
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:17pm
When I was a kid, my parents would drive us to Newport ri navy base at Christmas time, the sailors would decorate their ships and the best ship would win some sort of prize, one time there were sailors leaning on the rails singing Christmas carols,,,

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Jim in Houston
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:11pm
“Once again, the Grinches prove their hearts are two sizes too small,” and their heads and egos way to frigging big!

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- naughtycal
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 3:22pm
  Seems to me that 1st amendment clause say it’s also against the Constitution from prohibiting the free exercise there of…….If naval personel want to place a navity scene at their place of work then put it to a vote and let those on the base decide. THAT’S THE CONSTITUTIONAL THING TO DO
  
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ChrisDiamond
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:11pm
A little thought experiment:

What if Muslims, Zororastrians, Pagans, Satanists, Wiccans and other heathen religions wanted to put up Christmas scenes alongside the nativity scene? What if I wanted to post a banner proclaiming there is no God, with a detailed listing of atrocities committed in the Bible under God’s direction, scriptural inconsistencies etc, and also a list of the brutality championed and commanded by Allah in the Qu’uran? Would you support the others and myself propping up alongside your nativity scene? If so, GREAT. That means that everyone is treated equally under the law. If not, or if the others and myself were disallowed for (insert politically correct reason here), would you agree that the nativity should likewise be taken down because the others weren’t given equal protection of their freedom of speech and religious expression?

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- Pnis
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:27pm
  Christians don’t want equal protection under the law. They want a theocracy and believe that because some of the founding fathers were Christian, they wanted a theocracy too.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:33pm
  @PNIS
  
  Hilarious screen name.
  
  I appreciate your comment, but I would like for Christians to chime in with their take on my proposal.
  
  Report this comment
- KangarooJack
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:49pm
  Have at it! Heck, a Jain display with an aisle filled with bugs and “get across without killing one” would be a great draw. I DON’T CARE. What I DO care about? You are shooting YOURSELVES in your OWN foot. THINK ABOUT IT. Re-read-THINK about it again.
  
  Report this comment
- naughtycal
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:02pm
  Christmas tree,and reefs,are pagan religious items. So take out Christian items then take out the pagan ones as well….The act of gift given on Christmas is yet another represents several different religious practices as well so NO GIFT GIVEN ON THE BASES EITHER..RIGHT
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:10pm
  @NAUGHTYCAL
  
  I’m saying freedom for all. If all the groups mentioned aren’t allowed to put up displays of their beliefs, then none should. But as far as I am aware, atheists give gifts at Christmas, too. This has morphed into a cultural thing as much as a religious tradition, I think you would agree.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:19pm
  Naval bases are large areas. I am sure they can find a spot for your religion. The Navy makes accommodations for all religions already. What is unusual is that one religion being able to shut down another with a formal application of State power.
  
  Report this comment
- valiant1776
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:13pm
  What if an atheist, and not a Christian, wanted to put up a nativity scene, because, get this, it was Christmas?
  
  I love how one atheist feels like he speaks for all atheists, as if all atheist hold to one creed. Stupid liberals.
  
  Report this comment
- digijock
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 10:23pm
  If you wanted to celebrate the holidays by commemorating atrocities, I would worry about your sanity. However, I would also defend your right to do so, because that is fundamentally part of our constitutional freedom of expression and speech. Don’t expect me, or others to agree with you, though. I would argue that Christians do tend not celebrate past atrocities, but tend to focus exclusively on the virtues of their faith. Not so sure you can say the same for the Muslims, when they celebrate. Therein lies a difference. Perhaps I am unqualified to offer the explanation. I will leave that for you as another thought experiment. I am firmly agnostic, by reason that I have no special understanding of whose religion is most “correct”, and only that the obvious moral imperatives of sustainable civilization can be used to evaluate the present views of people.
  
  Report this comment
- Offensive Bias
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:00am
  Chris, it’s Christmas time. Enjoy it…don’t ruin it for everyone. This country has always celebrated Christmas even through it’s darkest times. If you can’t be tolerant then you need some more diversity training classes.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:32am
  VILIANT “I love how one atheist feels like he speaks for all atheists, as if all atheist hold to one creed. Stupid liberals.” ya Liberals DONT think this! its you guys who loop us all together! I’m an atheist! and I LOVE christmas!
  
  Report this comment
calmandcents
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:09pm
” That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

“. . . when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

Declaration Independence
United States of America

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- digijock
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 10:39pm
  To rebut this, either one must be cognitively impaired, ignorant of history, naive regarding human nature, or utterly stupid. To quote some anonymous historian or philosopher, “we have been here before”. There is nothing else left to say.
  
  Report this comment
Bonnieblue2A
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:56pm
Did the aetheists just point out that Muslim nations are just as intolerant of Christianity as are they? Oh the irony!

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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:04pm
  Atheists are also intolerant of Islam. This atheist holds Islam with even more disdain.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:20pm
  Atheists are not intolerant. Radical atheists are intolerant. Just like radical Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The problem is, the courts protect their radical intolerance and not the others, especially Christian.
  
  Report this comment
- Slammo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:48pm
  Also, how many times have you seen muslims trying to put up a religious symbol on public property? Or jewish? It seems to me christians are the ones trying to push their religion the most, so maybe thats why you take it personally..
  
  Report this comment
- Carpe Diem
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 5:24pm
  Hey Jerk, could you explain to me what a ” Radical Christian” is?
  I think I know the answer to that, but, I was just kind of looking for your opinion.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:33am
  The Jerk! Oh my God there is something we can agree on!
  
  Report this comment
Gavinwcaf
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:40pm
The Military continues it slide into feminized, homosexual debauchery, anti Christian, Fascism. Where did the real Generals and leaders go.

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- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:52pm
  Purged, cowed, or retired.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:34am
  HA the real generals are busy committing adultery..
  
  Report this comment
Remember_Benghazi
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:34pm
I think the best thing atheists could do is put up a mosque, minaret and all, on a military base right next to where the Christian chaplain and the nativity scene are set up. Have the prayer bells ring five times a day. Then, sit back and witness just how tolerant the Christians are. If they were for freedom of religion, they wouldn’t have a problem. But, they aren’t in support of freedom of religion. They are for freedom of Christianity. Exposing their hypocrisy and zero appreciation for the Constitution would let the American people know exactly what will happen if we allow the Christian Taliban to operate without resistance.

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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:44pm
  I made a similar point in two of my responses below. Poignant observation.
  
  Report this comment
- SeptamusNonovant
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:48pm
  You’re an idiot. And I’ll bet those militant atheist jerks would have no problem with a mosque. They never seem to go after Muslims, because they’re an official “protected minority group”. They only go after Christians. Atheists and Muslims are the least tolerant people I’ve ever seen.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:55pm
  There is a mosque or similar facility on every US Base to cater to those US soldiers who are Muslim. But if atheists want to attempt to put up another one, be my guest in mocking Islam. I am sure that would go over much better than a nativity scene during Christmas.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:59pm
  SeptamusNonovant
  
  This atheist holds even more disdain for Islam than I do Christianity. But I haven’t received a cogent response yet as to how speaking out against Christians using places I’m stolen from to fund to promote their religion is intolerant. My taxes fund that place, too… Do I not have any say in what is and is not promoted there?
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 12:30am
  Amen remember!
  
  Report this comment
The_Jerk
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:26pm
Who’s surprised? We have a feminized military.

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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:30pm
  Wait… so how does the Navy’s action here represent feminism exactly?
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:35pm
  I think he means “weak, girly, overly sensitive, touchy feely” feminized meaning emasculated. That being said.. maybe they will replace the Live Nativity with a performance of the “V@gina Monologues”?
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:39pm
  Capitulation. No backbone.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:00pm
  The unspoken assumption here is that only Christians and Christianity deserve to have their feelings on the matter considered.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:15pm
  ChrisDiamond, no. The assumption was that people had the freedom to do what they choose to do. Their choice infringed on no one. Their choice harmed no one.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:34pm
  THE_JERK
  
  I was speaking specifically about the commenters on this post. I should have specified. My apologies.
  
  Report this comment
louie louie
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:23pm
How can they claim it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution? When did they take “or prohibiting the free exercise of religion” out of the Constitution? They have it backwards. It is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a government entity to prohibit this free exercise of religion and free speech.

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ElmerLiberty
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:22pm
No state religion. End of story.

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- Hank919
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:28pm
  And your point?
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:33pm
  The State religion is atheism.
  
  Report this comment
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:38pm
  There is not, and never has been a state religion in this country. But, one’s religion, beliefs, or ability to express them should not be taken from him/her for merely stepping onto government owned property.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:12pm
  @CAVALLO
  
  Not for this atheist. I hole statism and religion with equal contempt.
  
  Report this comment
- VanGrungy
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:20pm
  “There is not, and never has been a state religion in this country.”
  
  It’s demonstrable that Government acts now as a State Temple of Atheism
  
  Atheism (secular humanism) is a religion. Hugo Black and the 7th Circuit say so
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:36pm
  “There is not, and never has been a state religion in this country.”
  It’s demonstrable that Government acts now as a State Temple of Atheism
  Atheism (secular humanism) is a religion. Hugo Black and the 7th Circuit say so
  
  That was the written opinion of one of the justices, not the finding of the court. LOCKED made mention of this on another post.
  
  Report this comment
Carlinpa
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:19pm
RE”Christianity as the official religion ” Christianity is NOT a religion ! Catholicism, Methodist, etc are religions. The complete eradication of any and all references to God IS however a de-facto establishment of Atheism. Why don’t Believers “Complain”

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- flntlok1949
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:45pm
  Exactly! Time to get out of the Churches, and comfortable easy chairs, and fight back! Praying in Church every Sinday isn’t going to stop the advance of Athieism – or any other system that is anti-Christian! Showing that we are tired of being messed with might! Doubt it will happen, though; it’s to easy to wait for God to do it for us!
  
  Report this comment
- God_Is_Not
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:58pm
  Oh no. A Bill O’Reilly / Glenn Beck clone?
  
  Religion – I don’t think it means what you think it means.
  
  Report this comment
Brother Winston Smith
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:16pm
Acknowledging or celebrating God or the birth of Jesus is NOT, IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, a violation of the Constitution. Neither in text NOR intent. It does NOT constitute declaring a national church, nor FORCIBLY COMPEL ANYONE TO WORSHIP ANYTHING.

One thing America MUST do to restore Constitutional law and liberty… IS RELOCATE IT’S NUTS AND APPLY THEM!

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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:06pm
  What if the A holes in charge determine you’re the one who’s nuts? Careful what you wish for. This atheist would NEVER support force being used against Christians (or anyone else). I hope there are Christians who would likewise oppose force being used against me.
  
  Report this comment
- valiant1776
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:17pm
  As a Government employee, some folks, are prohibited from saying Merry Christmas, and are forced to say Happy Holidays instead. Freedom would allow for people to say what they believe. A Christian Government employee may say his, and a Jewish Government employee may say his, but banning and censoring all to “include everyone” is ridiculous and makes no freaking sense at all. Liberals are stupid.
  
  Report this comment
bonesiii
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:15pm
How about setting a good example of religious freedom to the Muslims instead of bowing to tyranny???

Sigh. Same with the athiests, actually. And that’s a lie that displaying it violates the Constitution. Actually, banning the display of it is what violates the Constitution.

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searcher619
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:13pm
No way is it unconstitutional. I wish these asshats were forced to explain why they think it’s unconstitutional. The notion of separation of church and state is not in the constitution. The constitution only says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Which means the government can’t pass any law which favors any one religion. A live nativity scene is not a law and does not violate this. I wish more people had the balls to challenge these idiots and actually take them to court for a change for persecuting people based on their religion.

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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:37pm
  The display of a Christian symbol or ‘scene’ as it is with the nativity, suggests that the Navy has adopted or established a preference for Christianity. The Christians would likely be upset if there was a Muslim scene, a Hindu scene, a Taoist scene, a Zoroastrian or Egyptian scene… Atheists could NEVER get away with posting even a banner opn that Navy base promoting our claim because that speech is deemed too incendiary. This would be my argument: if the Christians/Jews/Muslims/whoever else can display a symbol of their faith here and claim it is protected under free speech, then I want to put a banner up that says there is no God, that lists the crimes against humanity discussed in the Bible under God’s direction, the evil promoted in the Qu’uran and have that likewise protected under free speech. If it was not provided to me, I would demand that the other scenes be taken down as well. Either outcome would result in fair and equal treatment under the law.
  
  Sound fair to you?
  
  Report this comment
- louie louie
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 3:58pm
  Chris, a nativity scene does not attack anyone else’s beliefs, it merely celebrates the origin of Christianity. I would have no problem with atheists putting up a banner or live play similar to a nativity scene as long as they were celebrating their beliefs and not attacking the beliefs of others. The problem is atheists have nothing to celebrate and nothing positive to say about their own beliefs. All they can do is tear down the beliefs of others as is clearly outlined in your post.
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:15pm
  @LOUIE
  
  Thank you for that insight. I suppose that atheists could create a banner full of the scientific theories about the creation of the universe, about evolution, and other such wonders we are even just now beginning to understand about the vastness of the cosmos. Like Carl Sagan, I think a dose of reality regarding our infinte smallness in comparison to the vastness of the cosmos would do humanity well. If you haven’t seen it, I would highly encourage you to watch a clip out of Sagan’s series in the early 80s called ‘Cosmos.’ It’s available on youtube and it is called, “The Pale Blue Dot.” It is a striking discussion about ‘the bigger picture’ that I think people of any faith (or lack thereof) would enjoy.
  
  Report this comment
- Pnis
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:41pm
  Louie –
  
  “I would have no problem with atheists putting up a banner or live play similar to a nativity scene as long as they were celebrating their beliefs and not attacking the beliefs of others. The problem is atheists have nothing to celebrate and nothing positive to say about their own beliefs.”
  
  I don’t think you quite understand freedom of speech. It includes all speech, including negative speech about others. Many atheists, including myself, find religion to be a bad thing that does more harm than good. If I disagreed with your political beliefs, I would have no problem criticizing them and I’m sure you would do the same. Why are religious beliefs any different? Why are religious beliefs off limits? Why should I tolerate them and show them respect?
  
  And atheists have lots to celebrate. I celebrate every day and love life. I celebrate the exploration and discovery of our natural world. You want something positive about atheism? It seeks knowledge through science, evidence, logic and reason. This is what all belief systems should strive for.
  
  Report this comment
- louie louie
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:58pm
  “I celebrate every day and love life. I celebrate the exploration and discovery of our natural world. You want something positive about atheism? It seeks knowledge through science, evidence, logic and reason. This is what all belief systems should strive for.”
  =====
  We have something in common then. I agree that all belief systems should strive to celebrate life, and to seek knowledge through evidence, logic, and reason. Can’t we all do this together without being negative and intolerant toward each other? Science can never give us the last word on any subject. Those who accepted yesterday’s science as the last word were left behind by the science of today. And those who are locked in step with the science of today will certainly be out of step with the science of tomorrow.
  
  I don’t see a conflict between science and my religion. I look to science to answer the question “how” and religion to answer the question that science can never answer — the “why” of our existence. I see the Bible as providing evidence for the “why” in the form of witnesses and revealed knowledge. Can I prove God exists? No, it is a belief. But God can prove his own existence anytime he chooses. Can atheists use science to prove God does not exist? No, science cannot prove a negative. Atheism is therefore a belief system just like any other religion. We may not agree on ultimate questions of faith, but we can still work together using the tools of science that we have to learn more about
  
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- Offensive Bias
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 11:57pm
  Instead of putting up a Nativity scene, we should put up booths, giving out information about crimes committed by atheists.
  
  You know, the deaths of over a hundred million people as recently in the 20th century. Ordered by a handful of atheists by the likes of Lenin, Stalin, Moa, Pol Pot…it would be very educational and eye opening.
  
  Report this comment
- RationalLogo
  Posted on January 1, 2013 at 11:33am
  Amen!
  
  Report this comment
momrules
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:11pm
I vacillate between loathing and borderline hatred regarding the militant atheists that infest this country. Mostly I just pity them but the ones I do despise are the ones who willingly lay down and become prayer rugs to be walked on by these God haters. The military should never have caved to their demand.

Stop. Just stop giving in to their demands and lawsuits. I am tired of them. I am sick of them and their snits. I wish they would just go live their godless lives and leave the rest of us alone.

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- seek.the.truth
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:25pm
  I agree. Our religious freedoms are going to disappear fast unless people stop caving. Stand up people! When the people who put their lives on the line for our country can’t celebrate a traditionall Christmas, then those that have remained silent must be silent no more!
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:43pm
  You guys both make the presumption that, unless displays of your faith on publicly-funded grounds is accepted and promoted that somehow your religious freedom is being ignored. How? Has anyone asked you to close your church doors? Your church to take down it’s signs? Take out it’s ads in the yellow pages? Take down it’s websites? Stop it’s radio broadcasts? Quit posting billboards? Cover your parking lots so people can’t see how many people are attending your churches? Demanded you stop praying? Tithing? Studying? Meeting? Doing outreach? Of course not. So how is your religious liberty being infringed upon? Why should your religious ideology get a free ride at a building I’m stolen from to (partly) fund?
  
  If we rented a house together, we would each have an equal say in what does and doesn’t happen there. We would have to compromise. In this case, we have no choice about funding the public house, but we both have equal say. Would you fight against me posting a banner next to your nativity scene that listed the inconsistencies and atrocities committed under God’s direction in the Bible? That listed scientific facts and information contrary to what religion preaches?
  
  Report this comment
- Slammo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:37pm
  All us athiest are asking is, if you want to put up religious symbols, do it on your own property. Not public property.Put in front of your church or whatever house of fairytales you go to worship. Why is that such a hard thing for you people to understand?
  
  Report this comment
- seek.the.truth
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:48pm
  I am sick……SICK of threatened lawsuits because some person or group is whining that they are offended. My religious freedoms ARE disappearing one by one.
  
  We haven’t had to take down our signs or symbols on church property yet, but where will it stop. IT WON’T. Today you are offended by the nativity……where does it stop??? Are you offended at the cross? Am I allowed to say God Bless You? Am I allowed to wear a religious symbol or will that offend you too?
  
  I won’t be silent. There is no way to shut me up! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 3:32pm
  SEEK.THE.TRUTH
  
  You ask, “…but where will it stop?” That is an odd question because this effort has remained in the public arena; places that everyone, no matter their religious or non-religious views are, is taxed to pay for. For what it’s worth, I would speak out right alongside you if efforts were made by ANY group to ban religious exhibitions on private property, i.e. churches, homes, or private institutions. I hope that this is of some consolation to you. I may disagree with your religion, but I absolutely support the rights of people, private entities and organizations etc to religious expression. I just want it done off of places I’m stolen from to pay for. Likewise, I wouldn’t feel justified using a place you’re stolen from to pay for to promote my non-religious views. There’s PLENTY of other places to do that (for both of us) that aren’t funded by thievery from either of us.
  
  Report this comment
- seek.the.truth
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 3:58pm
  @chrisdiamond
  I appreciate your support of religious rights
  I must tell you that my question where does it stop is not odd.
  Two school districts in my area have had lawsuits filed by a Wisconsin group called Freedom from Religion to remove ten commandment displays. One of the school districts agreed to take the display down and donate it to a church down the street. The Wisconsin-based group had a problem with that because it would still be visible to school children.
  
  So is their problem with the ten commandments on public property or with visibility? That is the reasoning for my question –where does it stop?
  
  Report this comment
- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 4:17pm
  @SEEK
  
  I find what you’re speaking of, with regards to trying to get the 10 commandments off the church grounds because they are visible to children quite ridiculous. Were I a resident of your area, we would be fighting that battle together, I assure you.
  
  Report this comment
- valiant1776
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:44am
  @Chris You’re under the left’s delusion that we leave our rights to free speech and religion at home, and may only exercise them in private, and limit them in public. My rights are with me wherever I go. If I work at the Navy, and I want to display a nativity scene at my job, so as long as it harms no one, and my boss is okay with it, so be it. It’s freaking Christmas. If my Jewish co worker wants to display a menorah, so be it. Liberals and militant atheists make no sense when it comes to understanding real freedom, but make themselves out to be hypocrites when it comes to tolerance and peace. The US government has no obligation to put up a symbol of all religions in the world that celebrate something in December, just so that it is “diverse” and inclusive of all. Our Government is a Representative Government. When 70% of the people vote for a Democrat, though I’m a Republican, I’m going to expect for that politician to pass mostly democratic policies, and he has no obligation to pass Republican initiatives, or Communist initiatives, though his liberal policies would be contrary to my personal beliefs.
  
  “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord… Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
  
  There’s no hate or intolerance in Christmas.
  
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HOOT_OWL
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:10pm
Isn’t Guantanamo a government facility ..? And all federal prison the same…? And doesn’t the majority of their occupants practice Islam. Don’t tell me ‘they live their’ it’s different .
Where do you think the soldiers live.

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- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:31pm
  Christianity must be wiped out first as it is the majority and peaceful religion. Muslims will be next, but after the State is made supreme. Currently Muslims are useful tools to help to strengthen the hand of the State.
  
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- Slammo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:52pm
  That is not even the same. Please. Athiests are not saying people should not be able to pray in prison. You are way off .
  
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- Pnis
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 3:00pm
  In Guantanamo and our prisons, there is equal protection under the law. You are free to read the Koran, Bible, God Delusion, etc… It’s only when one belief is chosen above all others that there is a problem.
  
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NinjaJuice
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:02pm
“Banning this is unconstitutional” !!!

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country_hick
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:00pm
What part of “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” doesn’t MAAF understand?

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Cavallo
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:58pm
Wundabar! Der Zustand triumphiert über dem kleinen Mann wieder!

Isn’t it wonderful that they are dieing and being maimed and scared for “freedom”. You may not be able to fight for God and Freedom anymore, but they sure will let you die for the Glory of The State!

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DougHuffman
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:58pm
Will ‘they’ be so outspoken taking credit when the next boat is lost, particularly one with a female aboard the wardroom?

Good people ought to be armed as they will, with wits and Guns and the Truth. God Bless Bitter Clingers, damn progressives.

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thegreatcarnac
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:56pm
I fear the Navy is heading for a disaster for taking God out of Christimas in their ranks. God will only have to remove his hand of protection and let them go on their own. Apparently…that is what they want. So it will happen. Atheist be cursed.

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- antitheism
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:03pm
  So in a church setting, god’s hand wast the one who guided those priests in the Vatican and elsewhere to rape little boys and girls? Where was god when those kids were being raped? Surely you can’t say he wasn’t present in a church setting.
  
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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:04pm
  “Atheist be cursed.”
  
  Real Christian of you. As I recall, jesus died on the cross for everyone because God loved us ALL… does that ALL not include people who do not believe in Him?
  
  Tsk, tsk, tsk…
  
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- valiant1776
  Posted on December 12, 2012 at 2:48am
  @ANTITHEISM And where was the glorious achievement of the all powerful godless State when the Soviets murdered all those Christians and Jews?
  
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TEIN
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:53pm
Again it Is a Christian Holiday as well as a FEDERAL HOLIDAY!!!! Where is my right to celebrate a federal holiday that fits my pursuit of happiness?? Christmas symbols are decorated trees called “Christmas trees”, stars, angels, songs, nativity scenes, Santa Claus, North Pole, reindeer, elves…these are my symbols to celebrate a Christmas holiday!!!! How dare a whiny wannabe activist group stop my pursuit of happiness!!!

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- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:02pm
  The only rights you have are those gifted to you by the Almighty State. Have gratitude to the State that they have not yet seized more rights away from you. Kneel at its altar and give praise to the Obamessiah the State’s one true prophet.
  
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- Obama Snake Oil Co
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:04pm
  If I were these soldiers, I would single out those that complain….time for a Code 21!
  
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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:15pm
  OBAMASNAKE_OIL
  
  Another Christian who advocates the use of violence against those who disagree with Christianity.
  
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- Carpe Diem
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 5:51pm
  @Chrisdiamond, your pious attitude is starting to bore me. I find it comical when God haters
  such as yourself jump at the chance of attempting some sort of “gotcha” moment when a Christian makes some sort of comment that you don’t like, you kind of imply that your, I don’t know, some sort of Bible scholar and call the person out on their Christian faith. I suppose what you’re doing, is you’re somehow thinking in your brain, that Christians should ” turn the other cheek”, and they should be quiet little punching bags for the God haters, such as yourself, to thump on. I’m a Bible believing, pew jumping, Holy Spirit filled, born again believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I’ll tell you what, why don’t you try thumping on me? Christians are supposed to also fight evil. As far as the Nativity scene, put it back up, and if the God haters don’t like it, don’t look at it.
  
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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 9:45pm
  @CARPEDIEM
  
  The only thing I am pious about is that I do not, have not and will not advocate any type of violence against Christians (or anyone else), yet many Christians here tolerate and cheer expressions of wishes of violence against atheists. BODYBAG said atheists deserve a “bullet behind the ear,” ONEIRISHMAN said he would do whatever, legal or not to bring an end to me. Now this guy hints at maybe atheists needing a military style secret beating…?
  
  Tell me, when did Jesus advocate violence, and against whom? Oh that’s right: never and against no one. So when someone professes a belief and then displays behavior or ideas that are diametrically opposed to the core foundation of that belief, no one should be surprised when they are called out on it. Some Christians have appropriately counseled these other posters, but most have not. Why?
  
  And don’t equate debates with violence, ala your remark about my expectation for Christians to turn the other cheek. Don’t cop out behind the “being a punching bag” remark just because some of these others betray themselves and their violent tendencies in the face of a peace-preaching Christ they profess. Even you… “Why don’t you try thumping on me?” What? Why don’t we just discuss and debate without hints or thoughts of violence? If you intend to label me or atheists as evil that Christians are supposed to ‘fight’, you condemn those who disagree with you, probably to excuse yourself from discourse you’re not equi
  
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lel2007
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:53pm
When will this BS regarding the ‘unconstitutionality’ of license plates, nativity scenes, display of the commandments, etc. be put before the supreme court? The Constitution states freedom OF religion, not freedom from religion. Are there any officials out there with the guts to stand up to the rabble?

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- Cavallo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:59pm
  The official religion of the State is atheism, so it is what must be promoted. The State will not have any gods before it.
  
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stopprintn
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:46pm
How will we ever win another war?

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- thegreatcarnac
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:54pm
  We won’t.
  
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- Remember_Benghazi
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:11pm
  Hopefully we won’t have to.
  
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- Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:23pm
  Since WWII how many have we “won”?
  
  War on Drugs – L
  War on Poverty – L
  War on Illiteracy – L
  War on Crime – L
  War on Terror – L
  Vietnam – L
  Korea – Tie
  Grenada – W
  Gulf War I – W
  Iraq Rd. 2 – W
  Afghanistan – Losing in the 4th Quarter
  Bosnia – Tie
  Somalia – L
  
  What is that…3-7-2 and losing in the 4th?
  
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- Bonnieblue2A
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 1:59pm
  The US hasn’t “won” a war since WWII. Why would it start now? These wars are designed to destroy our country and embolden our enemies. Obama is purging our military of the ranks unloyal to globalism and instead loyal to their oath to uphold and defend the US Constitution. He is doing what every dictator in the world has done: a political coupe of the military.
  
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- ChrisDiamond
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:49pm
  “War is a racket.”
  
  Gen. Smedley Butler, USMC
  
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- digijock
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 10:03pm
  Sadly, Civil War II.
  
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banjarmon
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:43pm
This has gone too far!!! I’m contacting my congressman today!! I pray you will do the same!!!

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- oldguy49
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:50pm
  ditto…old saying……..THERE ARE NO ATHIEST IN A FOX HOLE.
  
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- TheMajority
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 12:53pm
  Good luck finding representation.
  
  Will somebody tell this atheist commie group to take a hike?!!
  
  It is not Constitutional or safe—to attack a peaceful Religion. Nobody in the USA is forced into any Religion, and only islam threatens to do so.
  
  Question,—If our Navy gives in to a small commie group of atheists, how are they going to protect the USA?
  
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- Slammo
  Posted on December 11, 2012 at 2:56pm
  Sorry Old guy, that saying is wrong. If god is protecting you, why do you need a foxhole?
  
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