Christians Carry a 12-Ft Cross for Miles to Protest Atheists’ Lawsuit Over TN Water Tower Cross
- Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:12am by
Billy Hallowell
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The cross after its arm was removed (Image Credit: WREG)
It was a classic, run-of-the-mill church versus state tale. Christians posted a cross on a Whiteville, Tennessee, town water tower. Atheists saw the cross and threatened the town with legal action.
Then, the town’s mayor, refusing to take it down but unable to afford a costly legal battle, chopped off one of its arms, no longer making it a symbol of faith.
The last time we reported on the drama, we assumed the matter had been settled. Unfortunately, we were wrong, as the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has now filed a federal lawsuit against the town and the cross.
The last time the Blaze covered the dispute in late October, the FFRF thanked Whiteville for removing the arm, though they noted that they thought the move was bizarre. At that point, it seemed the dispute had ended.
The town’s mayor, James Bellar, though clearly frustrated by the battle, admitted that it had concluded. “This brings to close a sad chapter in the history of Whiteville that can best be described as terroristic, cowardly and shameful!,” he wrote in a letter to a FFRF lawyer. “The fear and terror caused our older people here is shameful. So shame on your client and your firm!”
The Commercial Appeal, though, has more about what happened after the matter appeared to be settled:
Not long after the water tower cross was disarmed, the town installed two crosses in front of town hall and decorated them with Christmas wreaths. Bellar also put a cross in the window of his insurance company. Foundation officials said they also heard that the mayor was thinking about leasing the tower to a private owner who could restore the cross.
While Bellar says that he initially considered removing the cross entirely, a local telecommunications company — CrossRoads Tech — told him that the water tower and the one-armed cross could be used for wi-fi equipment. This, inevitably, would bring broadband Internet service to the town. Aside from the obvious tech benefits, this action would enable the town to rent the tower out to a private business and, thus, have a stronger case for keeping the cross atop the water tower.
This prospect, along with the town’s other cross-posting actions, clearly tipped the FFRF over the edge. In response to the lawsuit, many Whiteville residents are standing up for the water tower cross and for Bellar. Just before Christmas, wooden crosses began to pop up on lawns across Whiteville, as locals encouraged the mayor to fight the FFRF on the matter. Over the weekend, these protests continued.
On Saturday, around 50 churches joined together to march through the streets of Hardeman County, Tennessee, where they carried a 12-foot cross nine miles in protest against the FFRF lawsuit. The giant religious symbol was made of cardboard and weighed 40 pounds. Jimmy Sain, a resident of nearby Bolivar, came up with the idea as a way to support the mayor and the cross.
“This is one way I thought we could show our appreciation for the mayor having the courage he’s had,” Sain said. ”We believe what we believe and other people can believe what they believe, but we’re standing up for our Christ and His cross.”
Nancy Hammons, a resident who participated in the march, reiterated this sentiment, saying, “We’re showing our love for Him by carrying the cross to Whiteville and presenting it to a city that is under persecution right now.”
Those standing opposed to the foundation‘s actions made it known that they weren’t marching against the atheists. Instead, they said that they’re marching in solidarity with with town of Whiteville.
“We’re praying for them every day,” Hammons said. “We love them and we’re not doing this against them.”
The response to the FFRF’s actions mirrors the massive rally that unfolded in Texas this past Christmas season after the group attempted to have a nativity scene removed from a courthouse lawn. More than 5,000 Christians converged to rail against this action.
(H/T: WMCTV.com)
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Comments (161)
Joshua7
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 3:00pmThe United States of America, despite what President Obama might say, is a christian nation, built on christian principles.
Athiests, how can you not understand that? America’s christian principles is the reason you have the right to believe what you want. Islam creates countries like Iran, Secularism and Multi-Culturalism creates countries like Russia and China, and Christianity gave us America. That is what crosses on public property mean, they celebrate and declare the christian heritage that made this country work.
Report Post »AuntyTheist
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 6:27pmChristian nation?????
Report Post »Please read the Treaty of Tripoli signed in 1797 unanimously by the whole of Congress including the Founding Fathers. I could give dozens of examples, but I think the sentence quoted below should be enough for any reasonable citizen. Please stop spreading misinformation.
“As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion;”
macwolf
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 6:28pmHey Joshua, what makes the country work is not Christian heritage (which brought a lot of horrors actually.. slavery, oppression of woman, and son on..) but a free market economy. Russia and China are not products of secularism, but of socialism and communism, failed economic theories. Instead of all the troubles countries plagued with religious dogma experience (like Islam), how about looking at the truly secular states in Northern Europe where crime is the lowest and quality of life is the highest?
The USA is built on a secular philosophy and separation of church and state.. precisely the opposite of what you are promoting.
Bring the cross down.. it’s not fair for all the other people who are not Christians….
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 6:35pm@AuntyTheist READ THAT AGAIN. It says the GOVERNMENT. What that means is, there are no Bishops, Deacons, Articles of Faith, Religious Sacraments, Priestly Rituals, Mandated Church Attendance, or Specified Modes of Worship. No Governmental Authority is head of any centralized, general, national Religion.
Regarding the First Amendment: Final Senate version, SEP-9 “Congress shall make no law establishing articles of faith or a mode of worship, or prohibiting the free exercise of religion.”
IT DOES NOT SAY, THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN PEOPLE. IT DOES NOT SAY, THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION.
NATION – 1. A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government. 2. The body of inhabitants of a country, united under an independent government of their own.
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 6:04am@aunty… Read a book, not just left-wing, God-hating, hate-mongering, propaganda.
There is a HUGE difference in, “the Christian Religion,” and BEING christian, or christianity.
One is an organized religion, which our Constitution prohibits us from FORCING upon people. The others are ADJECTIVES used to DESCRIBE people. When describing the people of this country, it is a fact, we are a christian people. Most of us treat others with christianity.
However, our Constitution does not establish THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION as the nation’s religion, which is what is meant in the OUT OF CONTEXT snippet you quote.
In fact, MOST Americans consider themselves to be of a Christian Religion on top of being a christian people.
Clearly many of the so-called, self-proclaimed “athiests” DO believe in God, or they would not be bothered by others who DO!
I will pray for your eyes to be opened.
As for this TN town, here is the answer…
Report Post »http://www.whitecrossinc.com
Desirai
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 9:07amJoshua7: This country is not a Christian nation. Did you not attend high school? England was a theocracy, and the entire reason for them to leave. They came to America to start their own country where one can live under his or her own rule and ideas. If America was a Christian nation, we would be a theocracy. Although we are slowly turning into one, we are not.
Report Post »Sensil
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 10:38amJoshua7. Thanks for your post. Now, deep breath.
“The United States of America is a christian nation.” False.
Somewhere over 60 million Americans identify as non-white (2010 census). To call America a “white nation” would not only be untrue, it would also be inflammatory, divisive and insulting. Similarly somewhere over 60 million Americans identify as non-christian (Harris Poll, 2006). So your statement that this is a christian nation is equally unsupportable, and equally repugnant.
“…built on christian principles.” Says who? America’s political system was built on enlightenment principles, including an explicit rejection of the christian supported divine right of kings.
“Athiests, how can you not understand that?” See above.
“America’s christian principles is the reason you have the right to believe what you want.”
Report Post »There’s nothing christian about the right to believe what you want. Pre-enlightenment christianity took a very dim view of other religions – mass murder in the crusades, unimaginable torture in the Inquisitions, burning of protestants and catholics in the religious wars, expulsion of the Jews from Spain, etc. etc. The idea that people have a right to believe what they want is an explicitly enlightenment idea, not christian. The christians played catch up.
“Islam creates countries like Iran” Yeah, Islam, like christianity, creates problems when it becomes the foundation of government.
Not enough space to take on the rest. But thanks
colt1860
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:15am@Desirai By Christian nation, we mean a Christian people. Nation does not explicitly mean Government. Our Government is not run by any Religious sect, any Religious institution, or Religious figure. In England, the Monarch was the Head of the Church of England, governing both Religion and State. Our founding fathers avoided such a system in our country.
@Sensil When our Nation was first founded, 98% were Protestant Christian, 1% were Catholics, and less than 1% were Jewish or theists. The American people have always been overwhelmingly religious. Before the Pilgrims even set foot on shore, they said a prayer of thanks to God, for their arrival. The Mayflower Compact was written with a religious overtone. The Christian religion practiced here in America was unique and unprecedented in the World. The Christians in America were by far Protestant and vastly different than any prominent Religious sect in Europe. In fact, the Anglicans, after our Independence, separated themselves from the Church of England, and began their own movement, now known as the Episcopal Church. So to interrelate Christian America with the rest of the Christian world is far fetch and dishonest. The enlightenment age began with those escaping the harsh rule of Rome and the Pope. Luther, Newton, Gutenberg, Locke, Jefferson, all adhered to a Divine philosophy. They realized that there was order, and laws put in place by a Grand Creator. That the universe worked like clockwork.
Report Post »huberto
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:39amThe USA has a government “By the people, and For the people.” If the people are the government- why can’t they display their crosses, if they want to? If the government is For the people- let the people have the religion they want. The “separation of Church and State” is a crock of S– created by the communists charged with taking down America.
Report Post »gperky
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:38pmAuntyTheist – What he should have said is that this country was founded on Biblical principals and that you cannot deny. Christianity is just part of this group. Because of that, Christians think that they have to “turn the other cheek” but you are finding that they have turned the other cheek long enough and more and more are standing for what is right instead of what is “politically correct”. The rights of one does not trample the rights of many!
Report Post »GlennBeckIsA13itch
Posted on January 26, 2012 at 11:27pmlook up the Treaty of Tripoli and then get back to me. what ignorance, worse than the atheists. At least they look things up and don’t shut their eyes to the truth.
Report Post »SayNoToTeaBaggers
Posted on January 27, 2012 at 1:45pmNo we are not, i bet you are conservativew
Report Post »mistypaw
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 2:19pmThis isn’t a matter of hate. It’s a matter of appropriate use of public property, which is funded by taxes, and should be neutral so as to represent all citizens equally, regardless of religion or philosophy. No one is saying people can’t be Christian, or can’t have crosses on their own private property to express their faith. Now some may think why a big fuss, if most want it, why not let them have? The problem is you let it go once, and it will becomes a standard to be abused further. Public property belongs to all of us; Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddists, Hindu… ect…. and even Atheists. If you keep your beliefs in your heart, there’s no need to be upset over making this fair for everyone.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 3:15pmYou speak a truth to which most ears here are deaf.
Report Post »JediKnight
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 4:04pmSorry guys, but our faith doesn’t belong just in our hearts. We are to express it by living it and showing it in everything we do. If we keep it in our hearts, we’re keeping it from the world. That’s the exact opposite of what Christians are called to do.
Report Post »Draygin
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 5:12pmThe first amendment does not apply to atheists alone. If a structure does not have a religious symbol then Christians should have the same right to protest the forcing of a secular agenda and non-religion over religion. THERE IS ALSO NOTHING IN THE CONSTITUTION AGAINST THIS. Jefferson started the Church of Virginia and started the first Government funded clergy. The first book ordered printed by congress was the bible. Where is the outcry about separation of Church and State when it is an actual violation as stated by the founding fathers? The only thing in the constitution is that Government will stay out of Church affairs yet Obama and seculars forced an unconstitutional anti religious healthcare law down our throats that forces everyone to provide healthcare as the government sees fit, regardless of it’s provisions against religious belief. I call BS on these people. You are free from religion, no one forces you to go to church. Where is our freedom from atheist assault?
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 6:28pm“Fisher Ames lived in Massachusetts from 1758 to 1808. He was a publicist and a statesman, as well as a judge and a Massachusetts representative to the Federal Congress between the years of 1791 and 1797. He is known as the primary author of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution – the amendment most often quoted today as a reason to ban religious expression from public life and, in particular, public schools.
On September 20, 1789, Fisher Ames was quoted in Paladian Magazine, giving his view of American education:
‘We have a dangerous trend beginning to take place in our education. We’re starting to put more and more textbooks into our schools. We’ve become accustomed of late of putting little books into the hands of children, containing fables and moral lessons. We’re spending less time in the classroom on the Bible, which should be the principal text in our schools. The Bible states these great moral lessons better than any other man-made book’” http://www.aproundtable.org/tps2.cfm?ID=940&issuecode=history
In 1844, the Court said, “Christianity is part of our common law.”
In 1892, the SC said this: “No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national because this is a religious people. This is historically true.”
In 1930, the SC said this: “We are a Christian people, according to our motto.”
In 1952, the SC said, “We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.
Report Post »CoffeeMan777
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:15am@Colt1860:
Amen, brother
Report Post »ET43
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 2:09pmSo now the neocons are ok with the government using tax dollars to place crosses where ever they seem fit?… and people are baffled at how we got to where we are as a country and what to do next…. Oh and then they go and vote for Newt or Romney, claiming they value conservative principles. Or even more hypocritical, vote for Newt and say they value the bible. Were a nation of jokers. Its only a matter of time now…
Report Post »wtune
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 2:30pmJust a note in response to your comment. Thomas jefferson was not a signer of the Constitution or even at the Convention. His “separation of church and state” comment was in a letter to a Baptist group, not in the Constitution or Bill of Rights.
The First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This was to protect independent churches, such as the Baptists, from the State churches in some of the new States. And it was also to keep Congress from overruling the State legislatures by establishing a national religion.
Somehow a letter by President Jefferson to an independent (non-State) religious group has taken on the power of a Constitutional amendment. And that has nothing to do with the Founder’s “original intent” for the First Amendment. It is totally based on precedent. And the precedent is not based on the Constitution.
GO WHITEVILLE!!!!
Report Post »Draygin
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 5:26pmso you support Hitler style government? Hitler also ordered the removal of all crosses from public. I’ll take neocons over neo-fascist liberal hatemongers any day of the week. BTW, it‘s the liberals not the conservatives that pushed Newt over the top in SC because it’s OK to hate Mormons according to liberals. Mormons have been the most abused group in recent history by this government right down to being the only group of any kind there was laws regarding the legality of shooting them on site. Liberals perpetuate this and it was legal in Mississippi until a Republican repealed the law in the 1976 to kill Mormons on sight. Nice to see the ugly head of bigotry alive and well on the left.
Report Post »DoremusRJessup44
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:53pmWe were a Christian nation until the Communists infiltrated the government, education system, and Hollywood, and until they started the ACLU and the Communist Party U.S.A.
The Communists have done such a good job brainwashing our kids that they don’t even realize our Christian roots.
See the movie Courageous. It was great.
Who will teach your children the Word of God? I WILL
Report Post »Who will be their to read the Scripture to them? I WILL
Who will teach them right and wrong? I WILL
colt1860
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 6:44pmIN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, January 10, 1963
At Mrs. Nordman’s request, I include in the RECORD, under unanimous consent, the following “Current Communist Goals,“ which she identifies as an excerpt from ”The Naked Communist,” by Cleon Skousen:
16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers’ associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
18. Gain control of all student newspapers.
19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of “separation of church and state.”
40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use ["]united force["] to solve economic, political or social problems.
http://www.uhuh.com/nwo/communism/comg
Report Post »SayNoToTeaBaggers
Posted on January 27, 2012 at 1:49pmGet an education
Report Post »DoremusRJessup44
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:50pmJesus Christ is our savior. We gorify His name.
A Prayer for the Atheists: Dear Father, Who art in Heaven, we ask you Lord to help these people and guide them into your light and into your heart. We pray and we ask of You Dear Lord, help us to help them realize their wrong doing. Give us the strength, Father, to guide them and to teach them your Word and the Word of your son Jesus Christ. Help us to help them, Lord. Help us show them what it is to bask in your Glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Ask yourself this: What good are the Athiests doing? What is it they are doing for human beings? Are they reaching out and offering hope, help, and salvation? Are they organizing to help the homeless? Do they offer guidance?
I maintain that the Activist Athiests are doing NOTHING more than throwing a fit and trying to “outsmart” Christians. They want to prove a point. They want to prove how smart they are and how clever they can be. They revel in their own “brilliance.” It has nothing to do with the Constitution. It has nothing to do with being offended. They don’t care about that. They care about BEING RIGHT.
We need to pray for them.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 2:11pm“A Prayer for the Atheists: Dear Father, Who art in Heaven, we ask you Lord to help these people and guide them into your light and into your heart. We pray and we ask of You Dear Lord, help us to help them realize their wrong doing. Give us the strength, Father, to guide them and to teach them your Word and the Word of your son Jesus Christ. Help us to help them, Lord. Help us show them what it is to bask in your Glory. In Jesus Name, Amen. ”
If by “wrong doing” you mean, not agreeing with the immorality found in the bible, then I’ll continue to be “wrong” [despite what a book tells me I should be doing]. As for being “taught the word”, I was . . . for more than 20 years. When I started to actually study it on my own, I no longer could be a christian. When I realized that nothing was happening when I prayed, I could no longer hold onto an imaginary friend.
Ask yourself this: What good are the Athiests doing? What is it they are doing for human beings? Are they reaching out and offering hope, help, and salvation? Are they organizing to help the homeless? Do they offer guidance?
Secular organizations help people in need out. Where have you been? :-/ The only thing that secular organizations DON’T do is “offering salvation”, . . . of which, that is a religious doctrine.
Report Post »chuckm310
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:37pmYou don’t protest against atheists, you pray for them. At least that’s what Jesus taught us all. Mike Huckaby said recently, ” If you think we are still a christian society, your smoking funny tobacco”. Or words to that effect and he is dead on right with that statement.
Report Post »FaithB
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:20pmWay to go, Whiteville!!! What an amazing story of courage. Love it, Blaze!
Report Post »BryonyVaughn
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:45pmThe Christians’ *burden* in this case in not the cross of Christ but the US Constitution. Perhaps they’ll stage a protest marching in shackles carrying a 12-ft long copy of the constitution through their town.
Report Post »Joshua7
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:50pmThe U.S. Constitution, Amendment 1:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
How does this stop this town from putting up a few crosses?
Report Post »afhveteran
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:56pmGood point. I’m really glad the MAJORITY is finally beginning to wake up and take a stand…
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:46amIt would be interesting to see what FFRF would do if a Muslim crescent was put up.
I think we all agree athiests are a strange group. They get upset about something they believe doesn’t exist.
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:11pmThe key is that it is something they “believe” doesn’t exist. That belief is not based on proof, rather it is based solely on FAITH. Atheism is a religion, and this is a religious conflict, whether they will admit it or not!
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:30pmThey can‘t admit to that which isn’t the truth. Atheists don’t “have faith there is no god”. Atheism is a stance that looks at evidence presented. If that evidence has no crediblity, it is rejected. Therefore Atheist isn’t “faith that god doesn’t exist”. . . . but the REJECTION of the erroneous claims presented by those who promote an extraordinary claim.
I SO wish that christians would stop with the strawman fallacies.
Report Post »mathyoo
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:34pmThe FFRF would do the exact same thing, regardless of which religious symbol were displayed on public, government-owned property. It completely baffles me that Christians support breaking the law as long as it’s to to their advantage. For the record, atheism is a religion like bald is a hair color. We don’t believe that your god does not exist, we simply lack a belief in any gods, due to the utter lack of evidence. We don‘t get upset about things that don’t exist, but we DO get upset when religionists push their faith on us, and especially so when they violate the US Constitution and use public money to do so.
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:51pm@Devonreye: Q.E.D. You proved my point.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:53pmWishing and prayer are essentially the same thing..
Report Post »Wishing is like a spark gap generator broadcast while prayer is set at a certain frequency.
But you have the same belief in results.
DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:15pmDD313, did you not understand my statement? It didn’t prove your point, but showed it to be erroneous. “Belief” is not a form of evidence. Non-belief doesn’t make it a religion anymore than not collecting stamps makes that a hobby.
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 2:59pm@Devonreye: I BELIEVE you have proven my point again. Q.E.D.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 3:12pmAnd, once again, . . .. “belief” is not evidence.
Report Post »Ray_Ray
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 4:22pmDevonreye – I bet you believe that one person’s faith in an unseen God is like, well…worshiping a teapot that orbits Saturn. Makes about the same sense to you, right? Now, what if that tea pot reached down to you and irrevocably transformed your life. Like one minute you felt and believed one way, and in the next moment you were profoundly changed. If that was your life, would you consider that “evidence”?
Of course you would..if it was your life!
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 4:53pm@Ray_Ray I can’t imagine how I would “just begin to believe in the teapot”. Even if I suddenly had a life transforming episode, I would have to conclude various possible reasons. If the actual teapot magically appeared in my room, and I could know without a doubt that I hadn’t been given a hallucinagenic, then I would be interested in this incredible happening. But let’s be reasonable. It isn’t likely to occur. Same with a god being. But it is worse than that. The christian god expects you to believe in it just because other PEOPLE say to. That I just can’t do.
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 5:44pm@Devonreye: You have proven my point twice when you say “belief is not evidence”. I never offered any evidence of God’s existence. You either believe or you don’t. If you don‘t believe solely because you haven’t seen proof, you are an agnostic. An atheist is certain of the non-existence of God, and such a conviction, not resting on proof, must then be a matter of faith. When I said “like it or not”, I didn’t have you in mind, but I’ll put you in the “not” column.
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 6:04pmSorry to barge in on your discussion, but I believe you have your terms defined wrong. Gnosticism deals with the question of knowledge, which is different from belief. An atheist simply lacks belief in the theistic deity. One can be an agnostic theist or agnostic atheist, or a gnostic theist or gnostic atheist. The terms are not mutually exclusive.
Report Post »Philip Gray
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:25amBreaking Headline: Christians push to use government to enslave a captive audience, in spite of remove cross ruling; Claim to be persecuted while installing crosses at town hall and protesting complaints by religious minorities.
Report Post »Christians behaving badly? What else is new?
LeadMetalGuitarist
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:42amPhilip Gray
-This is in no way “Christians behaving badly” This is just us trying to show that we wont be put down by atheists for what we believe. Its us showing that our faith gives us the strength to carry on despite the disgusting comments from people who persecute us. How is this acting badly? We never spray painted other churches or mosques or anything saying die you hethens.
And just so you know, we actually are persecuted and put down for what we believe. Jews and Christians are among the most persecuted faiths, no one else gets this much destructive attention from others. In fact, christians and jews are often murdered for our faith without provocation, just for the reason that we believe in the God of Abraham, the one that lead his people to the promise land.
Report Post »Shupp
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:44amFail: You see, your headline should read the following: ” Christians finally take stand in support of their 1st amendment rights to practive their religion free of government intervention.”
Report Post »What you Fail at so blatantly is the failure of reading comprehension. The BoR protects the religious beliefs of the xtians to show off their religion. As for the xtians using a government to subdue and control a populace….turn your hypocritcal head around and open your eyes. The Athiest belief system is using the government to censor, control and persecute any other belief other than their own. Especially Christianity. Name one time that the liberal activist judges held up a ruling in favor. It’s completely one sided. So Try again. You can also take into account that this is a Republic, where the will of the Majority outweighs the will of the minority. So henceforth crying foul as a minority really has no special relevance in this type of government. You get a voice, you get to speak, however if more people want something other than what you want….well then …..you don’t get what you want. So the liberal left needs to realize this, wake up, grow up and stop throwing 2 year style tempertantrums in the street when they don’t get their way.
DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:54amDon’t Christians have as much a right to protest as do atheists, OWS, and the Tea Party? Whether a protest amounts to “behaving badly” depends upon the actions of its participants, does it not? Btw, what “captive audience” are you talking about?
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:08pmYou can protest whatever you want and believe in whatever you want. You just aren’t doing it on public land anymore. Those days are over. Deal with it.
If you want to put a cross up somehwere, buy some land to do it or put it on land you already own. Stop crying because you’re not being given tax payer land to put it on.
You think you’re being persecuted? You‘re just being treated like you’ve treated every other belief system for CENTURIES.
EAT IT.
Report Post »mathyoo
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:51pmleadmetalguitarist, Christians and Jews are NOT persecuted in this country, unless you are under the delusion that not being allowed to take over the government, violate the US Constitution, or force your religion on everyone else is some form of persecution. Can you give even a single example of a Christian being killed for being a Christian in this country? I doubt it. There have been, however, cases of atheists being killed for being atheists, as well as being fired, being threatened, being beaten and more, and all by Christians who claim to be following the teachings of Jesus. You can’t even follow your own alleged doctrines of peace and tolerance. Look at the response to Jessica Ahlquist in Rhode Island recently. Literaly hundreds of “Christians” have threatened her with death, beating, rape, hell and more, and all because she wanted her school to obey the law. Keep it classy, Christians.
Report Post »Mitchm999
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:01pmLead brain: Boo hoo, you are so persecuted. Actually, the most persecuted people in tenn are the gay teens. It is sad what you are doing to these poor kids. Check the suicide rate sometime and tell me how your christian nonsense is helping them.
Report Post »AmericanBumpkin
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 4:07pmBible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American
“You think you’re being persecuted? You‘re just being treated like you’ve treated every other belief system for CENTURIES.
EAT IT.”
I’m kinda surprised you said this however true it may be, considering your name. 0.o
Report Post »point well taken though.
binge_thinker
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 10:43pmThe cross is a historical symbol, when it comes to a nation which was founded on Christian principles. There is nothing magical about a cross – it doesn’t force anyone’s conscience into accepting any religion, and in itself it can’t produce religious persecutions. In fact, if anything, the cross as a Christian symbol symbolizes exactly the opposite: that religious persecutions are pointless. Jesus Christ died on the cross and yet that did not stop Christianity from conquering the globe. Even the Communists in the Soviet Union were rational enough to figure out that crosses as a historical symbol and monument are not dangerous, and therefore could be left alone.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:13amI don’t know the whole story about this, but I’d say if the town elected by a majority to have this cross on there – that is fine and not unconstitutional. Has nothing to do with “separation of church and state”. Only good I see with these cases is when they are won to get this great twisting of the truth about the “separation” deal set straight and done away with.
Re unbelievers who say Christians should stop trying to change people’s minds re their unbelief — they have a great ignorance of the Scriptures, not logical. Jesus gave all Believers the great “commission” of going out and evangelizing as many as we can out of our love for their souls. Now there might be a good debate about how/when/where to do that, but that is our “command”.
Think about it – if you passionately believed what the Bible/Jesus taught that all unbelievers would be condemned on the great Judgement Day to eternal punishment with no second chance – would it be “love” to be apathetic and not have a zeal to reach the “lost” because you don’t want them to go there? Just b/c you don’t believe it, doesn’t make it true. People can reject it all they want – they aren’t forced to do anything. We let the Holy Spirit “convict” them – our duty is to proclaim it/stand up for it and not be “ashamed” of it. You can argue about the way it’s done and all that, but you cannot say you should not try period.
Report Post »TexasHunter
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:43amAmen. God Bless and Keep the Faith Alive! God Bless America!!
Report Post »mathyoo
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:57pmMajority does not rule at the expense of the minority in the US. The US Constitution is clear on this, why are Christians, who love to profess their patriotism at the top of their lungs, such hypocrites in their patriotism? The Supreme Court has been clear on this issue for over 200 years-the only acceptable displays of religion on public property are open forums, where each and every religion (as well as non-believers) are allowed to put up their own display. Putting up a Christian cross on public property without allowing other displays is clearly a violation of the Constitution, and any Christian who declares otherwise is unAmerican.
Report Post »Mitchm999
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:05pmMom: You are so right. We christians only need to follow the constitution when it fits our needs. The majority should be able to do whatever it wants to the others. Certainly we should be able to run blacks out of town, string up gays and send all socialists to china. Long live what the bible tells us is right.
Report Post »binge_thinker
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 10:57pmIt‘s amazing that for an atheist group to get so apoplectic over the cross representing a God they say they don’t believe in, when in reality they just don‘t want to be reminded there IS a God and if he’s being represented by the cross their conscience gets the better of them every time. That proves they really do believe there is a God.
Freedom from religion should also mean freedom from militant atheists with their overzealous attempts to squish any and all religious expression. Obviously these aren’t tolerant people; they are bullies and bigots who use the threat of legal action to squelch freedom OF religion of all U.S. citizens. If someone doesn‘t want to believe in God they don’t have to; don’t expect the rest of us to silence our beliefs for you.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:52amIf you don’t like the cross, you don’t have to live there. It’s a free Country!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:47am.
Christians Carry a 12-Ft Cross for Miles to Protest Atheists’
I’d just as soon you Beat the Snot, outta the Atheists with the arm you cut off the Cross. Till they ask Jesus for Help……
How’s this one? Some of you PC White Guilt Moron Obama Voters need to learn to laugh……
Report Post »I left out the part about how the harder you club an Illegal the more english they speak….
TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:42amJesus warned that wickedness will increase as the time of His return draws nearer. (Matthew 24:12)
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:30amAnd this verse is relevent . . . how?
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:01pmYou’ve just been forced to read scripture. Are your eyes burning out of their sockets yet ?
Report Post »Mitchm999
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:06pmI think he’s coming soon. As a matter of fact, I think I seen the dude.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:10pmI was a christain for 20 years. I’ve seen and read the bible.
I am still wondering what the significance of the verse is. It cannot be “wicked” to “not believe in a god” and be truthful about it.
Report Post »islamhater
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:41amIt‘s call’ed freedom of religion NOT freedom from religion.I don’t believe in god but i do believe in my country.I would never hang out with an atheist and christians have never bothered me one bit.Some believe some don’t get over it all of you.To all you atheist shut the hell up and let people live their free lives and be happy..To all you christians enjoy your beliefs and quit trying to change peoples minds just cause they don’t believe.
Report Post »SpaceRaider
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:54amWell, that being said, we as Christians should be suing over everything we don’t like looking at. Evolution, perversion, other religions, and hatred are all being shoved down our throats. Movies, tv, bilboards, books, toys, language, and websites… They all have anti Christian and pro everything else messages now. Why are we the only ones expected to look away?
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:18amYou don’t believe in god and you would never hang out with an atheist? You sound a bit conflicted.
Report Post »islamhater
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:21ami just stuck up for you and your to blind to see it. or you just like to put a spin on things and stir up trouble.. are you a lefty?
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 12:23pmI‘m just a little confused that you said you were an atheist and the very next sentence you said you wouldn’t hang out with one. And yes, I do tend to be on the ”left” on many political issues, but I enjoy getting a broad perspective of opinions. I feel it helps me to be a little better informed. I try not to have the attitude of ”I would never hang out with X group of people.”
Report Post »Kerri g
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:38amAnd just how does a cross on a water tower harm an athiest? Don’t you have to prove harm to sue someone?
Report Post »Second: The 1st Amendment to the constitution says that it is illegal to impeed a persons practice of thier faith. Sounds to me like christians need to start sueing the atheists for impeeding thier constitutional right of freedom of religion. There is nothing in the constitution saying freedom from religion.
COFemale
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:09amIt would be holy water too them. They see the cross and think they would be drinking holy water is the only thing I can figure. I guess when you have no brains you would think this way.
Report Post »Philip Gray
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:39amIn order to have religious freedom, the government cannot enslave it’s people into being a captive audience for any religious viewpoint, no matter how mild the appearance of the violation.
Report Post »Freedom of speech allows you to distribute Bibles and crosses. Religious freedom prevents the government from distributing those Bibles and crosses for you.
satostud
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:34amMy first question is always this. If they are really athiests, why do they care if some puts two pieces of anything in a cross formation? It doesn’t mean anything to them and if they really do not believe then why is it offensive? How ignorant these people are is amazing to me. The real problem is they know they are wrong, they know they will be judged, that is why they don’t want to be reminded of their sin.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:42amWell said. Amen!
Report Post »SweetJesusFC
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 1:02pmWHAT IS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS? You, and all people of all religious faiths, can put up any religious symbol so long as it is on your private property, or the private property of someone else who gave you permission. It is not OK for it to be on government property, which is paid for by tax-payer dollars. Believe it or not, not all Americans are Christians. Some may not want their hard earned dollars being used to promote Christianity. Just as you would not like your taxes used to promote Islam, Hinduism, Scientology, etc.
Also, everyone in this country has freedom of speech and religion. You can walk around and share your message with anyone you want, so long as they will listen. You can buy billboards, make posters and flyers, pay for a TV show, or start a radio station to spread your message. Why do you need government property/money to do this? The first Christians who were crucified upside down, thrown to the Lions, and genuinely hated by most people would laugh in your face if you claimed you were being persecuted in a country that is 95% Christian. Grow up, Peter Pan.
Report Post »greg4fitness
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:29amLet the Atheist’ put up a billboard next to it celebrating what they believe. I guess they can put up a huge billboard that’s totally blank to celebrate a belief in nothing. It’s like when Prince changed his name to a Symbol… everyone (not everyone) knew what it was. When we see a blank sign we‘ll know it’s the sign of an Atheist.
Report Post »NoNannyState4me
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:32amChrist preached not needing to have idolatry to represent HIM. Christ is meant to live in our hearts, not in over-sized idols hanging from water towers.
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:42amIs it true the atheist anthem is “I‘ve got plenty of Nothin’”?
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:28amStrawmen in every “atheists did this” posts on TheBlaze. *rolleyes*
Atheists do NOT “believe in nothing”. They have a reasonable expectation and require credible evidence for extraordinary claims. That is FAR from “believing in nothing”. It is the same as you “not believing in faeries”.
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:39amYou claim fairies aren’t real?
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:48amDD313, I have no evidence that shows the existence of faeries. I would be willing to look at evidence from someone who has it. As an agnostic atheist, I cannot rule out something BASED upon a lack of evidence, . . . but I error on the side that requires credible facts before making a decision.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:50amcorrection. . . . “err on the side of…”, not “error on the side of….”
Report Post »satostud
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:29amLOL right on brother. to funny and to true
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:21amI never got the carrying the cross thing myself…I mean…we all have the “cross” we must bear…but Jesus carried my cross for me. I just think it is a silly display. Not to diminish the good brothers and sisters who are out there lugging around the lumber…
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:29amer…cardboard. Sorry, I did not fully read before I posted.
What would happen if the town refused to recognize the court order to remove the cross? Our town, get the F out. I suppose it would start a fight with the federal government, I wonder how the state would react…
Report Post »nocalifornia
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:21amThese atheist are rather foolish, they know (because their savior Obumer told them so) that real christians cling to their religion and their guns. Well if you take away religion what are you left with?
Report Post »satostud
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:28amA whole bunch of angry people with guns. Willing to fight for their God
Report Post »NoNannyState4me
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:34amWhen you take away religion, you are left with GOD. God nor Jesus has promoted ‘religion’, it is man who has done that thousand of years ago in order to control the hearts of other men.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:24amI’m a non-believer . . . and couldn’t care less about nObama.
Why do christians need to have symbols everywhere? Is it that easy to forget that they need a symbol of a Roman torture device before they can live their religious life? :-/
Report Post »boundforglory
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 2:56pmNever argue with a fool, people might not know which is which!
Report Post »@Devonreye, when you stated that you were a christian for 20 years and you didnt see any of your prayers answered so you gave up. You need to remember that God answers prayers on His time and place, not ours! Saying you didnt get your prayers answered when you wanted them is like demanding that God give you what you want and when, as in “answer me right now, I demand it”. Who are you to demand that God answer you, are you better then God, or do you know more than God. Jesus died on the cross to save sinners of which I am one. I thank God everyday for everything that He has given me, good or bad, you cannot thank God for all the good that He has done and turn around and curse Him for the bad things in our lives. May God forgive you and open your eyes and heart to His truth.
DeavonReye
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 3:11pm@Boundforglory – “Never argue with a fool, people might not know which is which!” O_o
“when you stated that you were a christian for 20 years and you didnt see any of your prayers answered so you gave up. You need to remember that God answers prayers on His time and place, not ours! Saying you didnt get your prayers answered when you wanted them is like demanding that God give you what you want and when, as in “answer me right now, I demand it”.”
You are ignorant of the facts. I didn’t “give up” because I didn’t get prayers answered, I heard/felt/saw NOTHING the whole time. There was no “comforter” that was promised, and “justice” was made a mockery of. Those were just the initial reasons. Please don’t insult my intelligence in this matter.
“Who are you to demand that God answer you, are you better then God, or do you know more than God.”
Well yes, . . . actually I have a higher moral code. I also know that lightning does NOT “report to god”, nor does hail “reside in a heavenly storehouse for days of battle”.
“Jesus died on the cross to save sinners of which I am one.”
That is your probably, feeling worthless and needing the reassurance of a “father figure” telling you “you did well by believing me”. For me, it takes more than words found in a book, written by bronze age Palestine MEN.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:21amCould I have directions to FFRF HQ? I want to hold a prayer vigil for these poor lost souls and sue them for offending me. Waa! Waa! Waa! I’m so sick of these atheists, If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out !
Report Post »satostud
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:38amIm sure i could find it for you. I will join you too.
Report Post »Desirai
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:59amWell if we can’t have a cross, can we put a star of David up there?
Report Post »lothlorien
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:20amHow long before the letter ‘t’ will be removed from the alphabet?
Report Post »NoNannyState4me
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:08amBoogie Man politics at it’s finest, right here.
Jesus was meant to be LOVED not Idolized with a Cross!
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:19amI would build hundreds of crosses and well them to the town to display in their yards and businesses. Sounds like a good buisness at a time that people need work. It would be a win for the builder and for the church and town….
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:18amdoes the cross on the water tank make it holy water, lol, xtians are full of strange notions
Report Post »hvy_gunner_0331
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:26amNo, but it is a symbol of something that “xtians” (what the hell is a “x-tian”) believe in.
Report Post »Grasshopper42
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:27amNot to be confused with what you’re full of . . .
Report Post »DD313
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:33amThat’s “Xian” to you Steelhead, The X is the Greek letter Chi, the first letter in “Christos”, Greek for “Christ”. Commonly used as shorthand, thus “Xmas” for “Christmas”. The “t” is included.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 10:44amdd- my bad , but the followers of Christ are the most superstitious people in the United States
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 11:13amSteelhead where do you get Christians are superstitious? I am not superstitious at all. I can‘t tell you how many times I’ve walked under a ladder, crossed the path of a black cat and I am still here. Superstitious my ____________. Just another lie you like to spew because you don’t know any better.
Report Post »Desirai
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 9:01amCoffemale: You are superstitious, because you are a Christian, you obviously believe you are going to burn in eternity if you aren’t good enough.
Report Post »binge_thinker
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:05pm@ Desirai
As with all causes fostered by the disease we call liberalism, this one is about some group or snippet of a group being offended. I believe WE need to start in on the enemy with what offends US real Americans
I am offended by their incessant unwanted intervention into my daily life(think light-bulbs). I am offended by their arrogant intrusion into the raising of my children and usurpation of my parental authority(think NYC sex ed). I am offended by being called a racist when THEY are the racists as were all of old segregationists(think George Wallace, Bull Conner, Al Gore Sr.) while we are the party of Lincoln. I am offended by the confiscation of personal property, earned by me by my own hand and redistributed to bums, convicts, drug addicts, spoiled little rich kids corrupted by Marxist college professors, and to Marxist professors who are handsomely paid to poison the minds of children with their atheistic rants and propaganda. I am offended by leftists who would enslave my children while retaining their elitist positions for themselves. I am offended by leftist political correctness and its attempts to control language and by extension, thought. I am offended by the perpetual segregation by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc., etc. of groups of people in order to maintain strife and with it money and power. I am offended by the hoax of global warming and the phony green jobs they claim to create at my expense.
Report Post »The best you can do is moan about a cros