Faith Atheists Sue to Stop Display of Cross at World Trade Center Memorial
- Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:33am by
Billy Hallowell
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A group of atheists is up in arms over the display of a cross at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The World Trade Center memorial, which is intended to serve as a reminder of the tragic terror attack that occurred nearly 10 years ago, is scheduled to open on the event’s 10th anniversary.
(Read what Meredith Jessup has to say about this legal challenge over on the blog.)
When the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, two beams perfectly formed the cross, which many view as both symbolic and iconic. It is this object — a steel cross — that is perfect fodder for atheists and non-believers who do not wish to see any religious items included in the memorial.
According to American Atheists (the same organization that coordinated July 4 plane banners in cities across the nation), the cross’ inclusion constitutes an “impermissible mingling of church and state.” Despite some opposition, over the weekend, the controversial object was blessed and moved to its new location within the memorial. CNN has more:
The cross was moved Saturday from near a church to its new home at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. There was also ceremonial blessing of the cross in a service led by Father Brian Jordan, a Franciscan monk who ministered to workers clearing the area after the 9/11 attacks.
You can watch the blessing, below:
Dave Silverman, president of American Atheists, believes that the cross has evolved beyond a mere symbol and that it has become a “Christian icon.” He says:
“It has been blessed by so-called holy men and presented as a reminder that their god, who couldn’t be bothered to stop the Muslim terrorists or prevent 3,000 people from being killed in his name, cared only enough to bestow upon us some rubble that resembles a cross. It’s a truly ridiculous assertion.”
Of course, Joe Daniels, president of the 9/11 Memorial, doesn’t agree. Rather than worrying about the religious connotations associated with the cross, he says that it is “an important part of our commitment to bring back the authentic physical reminders that tell the history of 9/11 in a way nothing else could.”
Silverman’s group, which filed the lawsuit this week in state court in New York, posted a copy of the legal document on its web site. Among those named in the complaint are the state of New Jersey, New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. On the organization’s web site, the following is written:
We love this country, and our constitution. We honor the dead and respect the families, which is why we will not allow the many Christians who died get preferential representation over the many non-Christians who suffered the same fate. This was an attack against America, not Christianity, and Christianity…does not deserve special placement just because the girders look like their religious symbol.
With the memorial opening in a month and a half, the cross will surely be on display. The legal battle surrounding it, though, is far from over. American Atheists seem bent on pushing forward until the group’s goal of a commemorative museum without the cross is recognized.
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Comments (457)
fog09
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 1:02amI get such enjoyment listening to all the self-proclaimed “atheists” always screeching their objections to any symbol or mention of anything to do with God, Jesus, or the Bible.
Report Post »Talk about paranoid schizophrenics! They rant publicly that they don‘t believe ’something’ exists, yet they come absolutely unhinged when someone merely mentions the word “Jesus” (aka: the name above every name, that every knee shall bow to) or the sight of a simple symbol, “The Cross”.
Judged by their own standards of science, they suffer from delusional thinking and mental illness.
That is what the Bible tells us is a person that is ‘blinded to Truth’.
It is very entertaining to watch. Just remember fellow people of faith, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” evil never wins! lmao
ying
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 5:24pmIf atheists don’t like it, they can leave!
Report Post »uncensoredTalmud
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 3:59pmI’m glad the “Atheists” are speaking out for us on this, because as jews we’d look really bad if we insisted the cross be removed from our city.
Report Post »ofallon
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 3:22pmHere we go again We should step back and look at the big picture because nobody is looking at the big elephant in the room. Why do Atheists want the cross removed? They believe it is wrong for American citizens to pay public homage to a religious symbol that represents Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is God to many people and a fairy tale to others. In order to be fair one should ask, “Who or what do Atheists worship and hold precious?“ The answer is ”themselves.”
They want all forms of Christianity removed from the public venue because it is a perceived slap in their face. It’s called Humanism. “Humanism is a philosophy or attitude that is concerned with human beings, their achievements and interests, rather than with the abstract beings and problems of theology.” To say that Atheism is not a belief system but Christianity is, is the real slap in the face.
Report Post »uncensoredTalmud
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 12:06pmI like how the Norway killer’s facebook page got updated to say he was “Christian” *after* the incident took place.
My sayanims were trying to blame it on Muslims, but the guy wasn’t supposed to get caught. After he was caught we had to make up a different story, but we’re still working on the part about why this “Christian” guy who hated Muslims so much would kill 90 white children.
We had them killed because it is looking like they were the future govt of Norway and they were not pro-Israel.
Report Post »Christinewjc
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 11:13amHey “freethinkers52” – perhaps you should change your screen name to “foolish thinker.” Oh wait – the God of the Bible has some Scripture for you:
Psa 53:1 To the Chief Musician. Set to “Mahalath.” A Contemplation of David. The fool has said in his heart, “[There is] no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; [There is] none who does good.
Report Post »freethinker52
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:44amAugust 6 is the day when fascist governor Perry of backwards Texas(he had a probably innocent man executed) is going to violate the constitution separation of church and state clause.
Report Post »freethinker52
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:42amyou worship the christian god of child abuse and sex scandals.
Report Post »freethinker52
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:41amThis Blaze publication seems to be a gathering place for the most stupid right wing christian opinon that i have ever read. Typical of Texas.
Report Post »freethinker52
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:40ami think its Maggie Rose that should move, preferably to Rwanda where the theocrats committed genocide in 1994.
Report Post »Christinewjc
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:38amI would expect Mayor Bloombutt to sign the complaint, but Gov. Chris Christie? What a huge disappointment! Christie has lost my respect. During the video, the brother read a letter where someone claims that “we all worship the same God,” and that includes Muslims. Well sorry – but that statement is incorrect. Of course, the writer has the right to say and believe what he/she wants. But it doesn’t make it true. Read my essay about this at Talk Wisdom: Why Muslims Don’t Worship the Same God as Christians.
How ironic it is to realize that Bloomberg approves of the 9/11 mosque being built, but objects to the display of this cross at the memorial! Unequivocal bias anyone?? Muslims and atheists probably have more in common because both obviously worship a different kind of god – a humanistic one..
Awful!
Report Post »freethinker52
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:35amhow come christian politicians in amurrica are always having sex scandals? Must be the will of your non existent god.
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