‘Intimidation’: Atheists Demand That Texas Nativity Scene Be Torn Down Immediately
- Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:00am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Christian pastors in Henderson County, Texas, are fighting back against atheists who are demanding that a nativity scene located on a courthouse lawn be taken down.
The group behind the complains, the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, frequently targets faith and religion projects that are placed on public lands. The group sent a letter to the county that explains how a local resident, who wishes to remain nameless, is offended by the scene.
Here is some of the text from the letter (via Malakoff News):
It is our information and understanding that a large nativity scene is on display at the Henderson County Courthouse and that it is the only seasonal display on the grounds (see photo enclosed). It is unlawful for the County to maintain, erect, or host this nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for, and endorsing one religion. The Supreme Court has ruled it is impermissible to place a nativity scene as the sole focus of a display on government property. [...]
We request that, as Henderson County Commissioners, you take immediate action to ensure that no religious displays are on city or county property. Please inform us in writing of the steps you are taking to remedy this First Amendment violation so that we may notify our complainant.
“That Christianity was being promoted, endorsed by local government and this made them feel unwelcomed,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, the co-founder of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. “It sends a message of intimidation and exclusion to non-Christians and non believers this time of year.”
Image Source: The Malakoff News
“Anybody walking by that is going to say, ‘Hmmm. This is a Christian government building. I’m not welcome here if I’m not Christian,’” she continued.
But rather than bow down to the atheists’ demands, the pastors are planning to defend their display. “It’s time that Americans stand up and take America back for the faith that we were founded upon,” said Nathan Lorick, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Malakoff, Texas. “We’re going to stand up and fight for this.”
To combat the group’s demands, the pastors are assembling a rally in support of the nativity scene. And it’s not just pastors getting who are on the defense. Henderson County Commissioner Joe Hall calls Gaylor‘s and the FFRF’s attacks “stupid” and he pledges to fight them “until hell freezes over.” According to hall, the nativity has been up for 35 years, without incident.
Tracie Lynda, a local resident, doesn’t see what the big deal is. “What is so offensive about a baby in a manger?,” she asked. “If it does not mean anything to you, why does it offend you?”
The rally to defend the nativity will occur next weekend.
(H/T: Fox News Radio)
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 696 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 519 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 353 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 345 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 342 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 342 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 345 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 261 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 148 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 342 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (735)
I.Gaspar
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:23amSuch unmitigated cr*p!
Report Post »Nobody is forcing “religion” on anybody.
It’s Christmas, for God’s sake!
If the atheists want to erect statues with penises instead of heads to honor their heroes…let them. Nobody cares!
This whole “separation of church and state” lie must stop. There is nothing in the constitution that prevents people from expressing their religious beliefs. It only prevents the government from forcing individuals to JOIN a religion.
These leftist a-holes want to force the end of all religion and they use the courts to DENY all the right to believe in anything.
The closest thing they have to a diety today is barrack huseyin.
Kaoscontrol
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:50pmThe Atheists: “That Christianity was being promoted, endorsed by local government and this made them feel unwelcomed,”
Report Post »I didn’t realize the constitution guarantees my right to “feel welcomed”. Maybe I’ll go run through the U.S. Capital building naked and sight my right to “feel welcomed” when they try to arrest me…
What a bunch of hooey!
Doris
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:11pmRight, Plus the separation of church and state was written to keep the GOVERNMENT from forcing its preferred religion on its citizens. If it were the other way around we would only be able to elect atheists to govt offices for fear of religion interfering of govt.How ridiculous.
Report Post »Doris
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:17pmPittsburgh deserves a big hurrah. If all the cities had guts this crap would end,but its too bad that most cities cave in to the minorities.Santa monica Ca. is doing the same thing. Why dont the people stand up and protest the unfairness.
Report Post »Iron Kurtain
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:40pmThis is trading freedom of speech for the apparent “bastardchild” of freedom of religion. Religious practice does not fall under criminal offense. The atheist hobos responsible for this apparent lack of constitutional knowledge can blow their letter of intimidation straight out their a$$. I say, let it stay just to make the heathens uncomfortable. Btw, I wouldn’t consider myself atheist, but i am definitely not a strong practicing anything and I have no animosity towards any religious artifact hanging anywhere. Just don’t come to me preaching your religion or pushing your agenda to my face where I cannot escape.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:47pmAtheists Demand blah blah blah…
I DEMAND that the atheists just shut the hell up! If you don’t want to celebrate the reason for Christmas… then don’t. We don’t really care. But we do get PO’d when you try to tell us what we can do.
Report Post »dr pepper
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:00pmAtheism is a religion. They just do not believe in any type of higher being to praise. Thus, what they are trying to accomplish is forcing their religion on everyone who is not an atheist. I, for one, do not want to have to adhere to their zealous religious fanaticism.
Report Post »vonMises
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 4:18am@DR PEPPEr “Atheism is a religion”
Actually, I believe that legally it really is. I seem to remember that during the Viet Nam War, celebrated atheist Madelyn Murray O’Hare convinced Congress to declare that it was, so that she could have her sons“ordained” as “ministers” of Atheism and so be elligible for a Contientious Objector deferment. As far as I know, this has never been recinded.
So, does this mean that Government‘s denying another religion the right to display it’s symbols constitute the establishment of Atheism as the religion of the State? It gives one pause.
Report Post »KAdams
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 4:59amPersonally, I think the separation clause is misinterpreted:
Written by Thomas Jefferson, referencing the first amendment:
“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”, thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”
If you understand sentence structure, “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” to me, means that the government cannot establish its own religion, and mandate that its’ citizens worship, nor can it tell you how to practice your own religion. I don’t believe that it was meant to prevent things like the Ten Commandments at courthouses, since our laws were based off the Ten Commandments, or since the Constitution was written in a time when faith in God was highly prevalent, they couldn’t foresee radicalism as we experience it today.
Report Post »fdmike
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 7:27pmuhhh gaspar, im sure quite a few people would have a problem with a group of atheists showcasing statues with penises above the neckline over the more popular human head, but I get your point.
Report Post »ahall1950
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 11:22amAnd besides that, if they choose to be godless then let them do it on their own property. Actually atheism is a religion just like islam—both of the devil.
Report Post »Danielle Ohliger
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:22amWe here in Pennsylvania have been “threatened” by the same group! Here is how we responded:
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/out-of-state-group-expected-to-protest-local-creche/
Report Post »mom4times
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:30amjust read the article…..AWESOME !!!!
Report Post »Danielle Ohliger
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:46amMom4Times, I am so proud that New Castle showed up in mass!!!! I am finding out that those of us who live in the Pittsburgh AREA are much more conservative and traditional than the country would like you to know about!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MAKE SURE WE KEEP SHOWING OUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AND THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS! By the way, I just saw a present box that has “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS” at a local Hobby Lobby store!
Report Post »db321
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:29pmGreat Job Pittsburgh – So many cower to these pathetic atheist groups – they have cause more problems for America that they have prevented. I hope this City in Texas will do the same and stand strong against these liberal atheist Socialist.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:14pmKudos to Ellwood City.
Report Post »krixie61
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:42pmWonderful to see others stands up and not be bullied by those who want to change our beliefs. THIS IS AWESOME!! Merry CHRISTmas and Jesus is the reason for the season. I refuse to say happy holidays. I will say Merry Christmas every chance I get.
Report Post »Ducky 1
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:14pmThat is an “occupy” group I could support!
Report Post »bdwatcher
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 8:04amYes, good video. I am tired of special interests telling me how to behave. “It offends them.” Well, the constitution protects your human rights, not your personal rights to change my offending you. You offend me!
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:21amIf they are offended that is their problem. Maybe they need some medication. A joint and some Jack might help them find their artificial peace which they refuse to get from God.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:24amThis is what happens when PC motives of the left is allowed to run unchecked for too long; the fact that they try to please everyone by insulting no one makes everyone insulted. God help me this junk of the atheists will drive me out of my mind.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:38amYeah and I am offended that they are offended so that makes us even. Shut up atheists and just ignore nativity scenes or whatever else you don’t like about Christmas. The world does not exist to cater to your whims of non-belief.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:46amPut the nativiy outside a church, it does not belong in front of a courthouse. We are a secular nation, we are not a theocracy, are laws are written by men they are not from a book of fairy tales.
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:47amIt does mean something to non-Christians in the area. It means they are not welcome, hence the offense. Unless I miss my guess, near any town center in north Texas, there should be any number of churches with big front lawns. What is so terrible about moving such a religious display off the court house lawn and onto one of those church lawns? It would be just as prominent, but not as 1st Amendment violationy on the part of the county government.
HKS
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:48amDemand, and just who died and made them king, I demand they remove themselves for the planet.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:50amHere’s a big middle finger to all the atheists who are offended by a nativity scene. Happy Festivus (don‘t want to upset those widdle atheist sensibilities by mentioning that the reason they’re getting a day off on December 25th is because we use that date for the birthday of the most influencial man in the history of western civilization). I defy atheists everywhere….when your boss tells you to take the day off on December 25th..tell him or her that you refuse to recognize a day for what you believe is a fairy tale, you’d rather treat it like any other work day. Oh and don’t give the kids any gifts either. Make a stand atheists everywhere…..stay at work on December 25th. And….all of a sudden..no more offended atheists.
Report Post »Zorba53
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:51amI always thought that it was “Freedom of Religion”, NOT freedom from religion. I was taught that in this country the MAJORITY rules, not that if ONE person is offended, the majority has to take the back seat. Personally, I’ve just about had enough of political correctness, diversity (which points out our differences,not out commonality) and class warfare. Enough is enough and I’m almost to the point of Peter Finch in “Network”. “I’m mad as Hell, and I won’t take it anymore!!!”
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:53amYeah and I am offended that you are not offended by the violations of the Constitution so that makes us even. Shut up Christians and just ignore lack of religious displays on government property or whatever else you don’t like about living in a secular society. The world does not exist to cater to your whims of belief.
Mtroom
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:54amFreedom of religion…What part of that don’t they understand?..It’s plain and simple…You believe what you believe and let others so the same…Don’t know how that became “you can’t do that, it offends me”…Because a sign or symbol is up how is that forcing anything on anyone? You see them everyday…Do I need to start b’tchin because that Freedom billboard forced me to by a female product? If you can’t handle seeing something in a day, because you feel your being forced, your even smaller minded than what this POTUS thinks you are…My god …I bet that there is plenty of ways not to see that display if you really are that offended by it..I know if something on the radio is not what I like, I change the channel…I don‘t call the radio station and b’tch..I don’t petition the government…Freedom of religion gives these idiots the right to believe what they like, They don’t want me to cram my beliefs down their throats, than stop cramming yours down mine..until than, I will be just as offensive as you are..Deal with it, like I have to deal with your stupid bickering..
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:56amWhat this really “IS” is one more instance where American culture has to take a back seat to a miniscule segment of society to assuage the self projected guilt atheists feel for living a Godless life. These things remind them of their own guilt and sin. And it hurts.
I have to say, the rest of us (Christians) know that pain. But we have come to terms with it, through the love of Jesus Christ. So can you.
Get over your self.
Report Post »dejon
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:56amThe traditions surrounding Christmas stir warm feelings in the hearts of many—young and old alike—all over the Earth. Families come together. Shoppers go into a frenzy. Children await the day they’ll receive their presents. There is no other time quite like it.
The attachment people feel to these days isn’t surprising. After all, these traditions have been going on for hundreds of generations. Consider the following description in the Bible: “[F]or one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not” (Jeremiah 10:3-4). That description, clearly describing a Christmas tree, was recorded in the book of Jeremiah hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.
But consider the opening of verse 3: “For the customs of the people are vain.” Vain? This couldn’t be talking about Christmas, could it?
What does God think of Christmas? Rest assured, He is very interested in this holiday and its yearly celebration.
Most people simply follow the customs of their family, region or nation without knowing where those customs originated or why they are kept. Most never ask about the origins of Christmas, why people exchange presents on this day, or even whether this holiday really represents the birth of Jesus Christ, after whom it is named.
Does the Almighty God command its observance? If not, does He forbid that we partake i
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:00pmReally *****? It means they’re not welcome? My such fragile sensibilities for a lesbian with a moniker implying she’s so tough. In your case it’s a double whammy….homosexual and atheist that’s a formula for some serious taking of offense.
Report Post »mils
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:04pmIt all started with Madeline and we allowed it to get to this oint by our Non actions, and intimidation…
Start saying HELL NO !! to these little groups of azzes, and the can kiss mine.
I’m offended that they seem to get their way everytime.. the majority has to win at some point..so, give the atheists a piece of ground near by , and don’t put anything on it..
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:11pmENCINOM
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:46am
Put the nativiy outside a church, it does not belong in front of a courthouse. We are a secular nation, we are not a theocracy, are laws are written by men they are not from a book of fairy tales.
————————————–
Thanks for showing your ignorance. The founding fathers based the laws of this nation on biblical laws. Please try again with a better argument.
Report Post »Conservativegirlygirl
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:11pmLOL to NETMAIL.. I with you on this… If you don’t like it, don’t look…
Report Post »Disabledvet
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:12pmTO THE **** PACKING HOLLOW POINTS. It is becuase of freedoms in america that you can carpet munch, Freedoms that were based and fought for because of christain faith. I don’t complain when next dorr does not put up lights to celebrate christmas so they should not be complaining when i put up a nativity display, and since I am also put of the public why shouldn’t it be on public property, I pay my taxes to help run that building and I want it there.
Now get back in the closet nobody wants to hear from you.
4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:13pmYo Hollowpoints:
For God so loved the WORLD that he gave His only begotton Son that WHOEVER……John 3:16
Sounds INCLUSIVE to me… it is the atheists that EXCLUDE themselves !
Here’s another truth… scripture says that the name of Jesus would be offensive… well lookie here,,, it’s true again !
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:22pmLESBIAN PACKING HOLLOW POINTS
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:47am
It does mean something to non-Christians in the area. It means they are not welcome, hence the offense. Unless I miss my guess, near any town center in north Texas, there should be any number of churches with big front lawns. What is so terrible about moving such a religious display off the court house lawn and onto one of those church lawns? It would be just as prominent, but not as 1st Amendment violationy on the part of the county government.
———————————————–
Except that all it states is that the federal government may not establish a religion. it says nothing about states or local governments from establishing a religion (Massachusetts has one as a state). It also says nothing about the federal government acknowledging the religion in which the country was founded on. Please continue to old to those false beliefs. The first amendment also protects the freedom of speech and does not protect people from be offended.
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:22pmLESBIAN PACKING HOLLOW POINTS
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:47am
It does mean something to non-Christians in the area. It means they are not welcome, hence the offense. Unless I miss my guess, near any town center in north Texas, there should be any number of churches with big front lawns. What is so terrible about moving such a religious display off the court house lawn and onto one of those church lawns? It would be just as prominent, but not as 1st Amendment violationy on the part of the county government.
———————————————–
Except that all it states is that the federal government may not establish a religion. it says nothing about states or local governments from establishing a religion (Massachusetts has one as a state). It also says nothing about the federal government acknowledging the religion in which the country was founded on. Please continue to old to those false beliefs. The first amendment also protects the freedom of speech and does not protect people from be offended.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:25pmThey don’t need meds, they need to be told to shut up, or they need to be put in chains and put on a work gang. You have the freedom to do anything you want in this nation until it takes away from some other persons freedom. These terrorists acts take away from others freedoms.
Report Post »MIBUGNU2
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:28pmWisconsin has turned into a cess-pool, filled with Radicals.
Report Post »What the hell are they doing in the Great State of Texas ??
Go Home, mind your own business..
AzDebi
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:28pm“A local who wishes to remain anonymous, called to complain”…..Hummmm….sooooo committed to his/her cause that he/she didn’t want to be identified!? Bull crap!
Report Post »ltb
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:35pmLesbian Packing Hollow Points, First off, why the depiction of the birth of Christ would make you feel unwelcome is beyond me. In case you haven’t heard, Jesus loves everybody, even hollow point packing Lesbians. Second, nowhere in the Constitution are you guaranteed the right to not be offended, nor for that matter to be made like you feel welcome. Personally, I would much rather go into a courthouse where I know the judge understand he answers to God, than go into a courthouse where the judge appeals to his own capricious whims.
You know what I think? I think that reminders of God don’t offend you, I think they frighten you. You see a cross and it reminds you that your life is full of sin. I’m no better than you and my life is full of sin too, but when I look upon things that remind me of my sin, I immediately want to thank Jesus for the sacrifice he made so that I don’t have to be punished for my sins. One of the reasons Liberals, who celebrate sin, couldn’t care less about the influx of Islam into this country is because Islam is a lie and it doesn’t strike at the heart of people like the truth of Christ. Sweetheart, you’re going to have to deal with the punishment your sin deserves sooner or later, my advice is that you take care of it in this life so that you’re not in for a horrible surprise after you die.
Report Post »thekuligs
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:35pmLesbian Packing Hollow Points I know I have told you this before, but just incase you haven’t had a chance to google it for yourself–the first Amendment is there to keep the Gov out of the church not the church out of the goverment. Like when King Henry created The Church of England and made that the national church when the Catholic church refused to grant him a divorce.
Report Post »MIBUGNU2
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:36pm@ encinom
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:46am
Put the nativiy outside a church, it does not belong in front of a courthouse. We are a secular nation, we are not a theocracy, are laws are written by men they are not from a book of fairy tales…
Your house must be a fun place to be on Christmas morning..
Report Post »God Bless You, and Merry Christmas !! enjoy the Season.
Jinglebob
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:38pm“a message of intimidation and exclusion to non-Christians” That‘s something that I’ve never seen from Christians. Now if you want to look at those who are throwing stones…that’s an interely different story.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:48pmJinglebob
Report Post »Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:38pm
“a message of intimidation and exclusion to non-Christians” That‘s something that I’ve never seen from Christians. Now if you want to look at those who are throwing stones…that’s an interely different story.
________________________________________
You haven’t been on the Blaze long. Look at the insults hurled at those seeking equality under law and the right to marry a person of their choice, look at the comment smade against those of other faiths or even those of different sects of christianity. Look at the crosses still burning on southern lawns. The Right Wing Christian is a hateful creature.
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:54pm@ Disabled Vet:
You mean my right to *********** is a tenet of the Christian fai– WAIT A MINUTE!
@ Everyone else:
I refuse to get pulled into another debate over whether or not the 1st Amendment prohibition against GOVERNMENT ACTION toward the establishment of religion is applicable upon the states and localities. That, as they say, is settled law.
Nothing about this story may be credibly construed to hobble the actions of churches or other private institutions of people IN ANY WAY vis-a-vis the free exercise of religion. The issue at hand, which only the densest of minds cannot easily apprehend, is impermissible actions of a county GOVERNMENT. Make the nativity display anywhere in all the world that is not government property, even a place even MORE prominent, where it will be seen by even MORE people, and this becomes a non-story and a non-issue.
Report Post »TexasHunter
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:54pmGod Bless these Atheist. Poor lost souls. This is Texas. . Don‘t mess with the three G’s. God, Guns, Girls. Take your sht to Cali.
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:58pmAtheists have killed more humans than all religions combined. Enuff said.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:02pm@Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
I bet that you take the paid holiday wont you
Report Post »Okie from Muskogee
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:05pmFirst it is offensive to my Savior Jesus Christ to lie and say He was born on December 25th. He wasn’t.
Second it is offensive to the Savior Jesus Christ to celebrate His birthday on a known Pagan festival day. It’s an excuse to partake in the pagan festivals.
Third it is offensive to lie and say our founders gave freedom of religion so we could celebrate a lie they themselves did not even honor or celebrate. In fact many founders and original colonists would fine and punish those who did celebrate the Pagan festival of “Christmas”.
This is simply a battle over a pagan day. If you really believe Jesus was born on December 25th and need to have a nativity scene, put it in front of your Church. If we are to be a honest country we would not force the lie Jesus was born on December 25th.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:09pmYo Texashunter:
Report Post »I thought the 3 G’s were the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Seem a little off the trail…
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:09pm@AJAYW:
Report Post »It’s not like I have a choice in that matter.
country_hick
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:14pmEncinom and Lesbian packing hollow points;
Unless I’m wrong the 1st Amendment reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
The local government has made no law establishing a religion. If no public funds were used to erect or maintain the display but they are only allowing a private group to use PUBLIC lands they are not endorsing a religion. In fact they are allowing taxpayers to exercise the second part of the sentence, “the free exercise thereof”.
I, on the other hand, am offended by Laurie Gaylor’s statement, ““Anybody walking by that is going to say, ‘Hmmm. This is a Christian government building. I’m not welcome here if I’m not Christian,’”.
Do NOT make the assumption that I am a Christian defending the faith, or a Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan or another atheist AFRAID to enter a ‘Christian’ building. You worship science and logic which is nothing more or less than a diety called chaos. Do not push your faith or anti-faith on me and mine.
If the person that is ‘offended’ by this does not have the stones to come forward he or she, as far as I am concerned, does not exist and has no standing in this matter as Gaylor does not.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:14pm@Mannax
“Except that all it states is that the federal government may not establish a religion. it says nothing about states or local governments from establishing a religion (Massachusetts has one as a state).”
Wrong on two counts.
1. “the legislature shall, from time to time, authorize and require, the several towns, parishes, precincts, and other bodies politic, or religious societies, to make suitable provision, at their own expense, for the institution of the public worship of God, and for the support and maintenance of public Protestant teachers of piety, religion and morality, in all cases where such provision shall not be made voluntarily.”
That’s from the MA constitution. If the state government ever actually put this into practice, it would likely hit the Supreme Court and be overturned due to…
Report Post »2. Everson v Board of Education of the Township of Ewing, et al. (1947), which rules that the 14th amendment applies the establishment clause and the separation of church and state to state government as well as federal government. For likely as long as you’ve been alive, state government have also been held to the same rules as the federal government when it came to establishing religion.
4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:17pmYo Okie;
Report Post »How goes it?…check this out > http://www.bethlehemstarmovie.com... Actually, according to this the stars tell us the date for the Maji’s arrival to present their gifts was 12/25 (not His birth)
im2wolves
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:19pmHey Hollow Points,
I like your stance on the Second Amendment. However, no First Amendments broken here. Let the protester stand and voice their objection. Call a Town Hall meeting and everyone gets to say their piece. Let the neighbors work out their differences and let the federal government shut up and sit down. Since no laws were written demanding that a Nativity Scene or the um-bridge (required Respect) be given by ALL people, if they don’t like it just ignore it.
motonutt
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:20pmThis is the same group that is trying to get rid of a statue of Jesus at a ski area in Montana.
This group of God haters from Wisconsin is obviously on a nation wide hunt for anything christian and how they can destroy it.
I heard something profound last night on talk radio, a comentator was asked how we were able to overcome and beat the Japaneze and Germans in WWII, and he said we were a christian nation then,
Report Post »as a contrast to how we are in this present time. ie. we are no longer a “christian nation” and I think he is right. It’s sad, but true. But through God we will persever.
AJAYW
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:24pm@ Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Yes you do. If you feel that strongly about it, tell whom ever you work for you, you don’t paid for that day. Maybe the free money does mean something
Report Post »ErinLindsey
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:31pmI’m an atheist, and I’ve never felt not welcome because there was a nativity, or a plaque with the 10 Commandments on it outside a government building. I dont see it as endorsing a religion.
I do think the people complaining about it, need to knock off the whining.
The only time I think a nativity might be offensive would be if it’s a “live” nativity and the baby playing jesus is screaming. (screaming kids make my ears bleed)
Report Post »Kalshion
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:35pmWhile I do agree that this is on government property, and thus should’ve been removed, I also agree that this group of fake athiests are being idiots here. For starters, this religious piece has been on that property for thirty plus years. Did anyone complain then? No, yet all of a sudden it‘s ’offensive’?
Give me a freaking break. A REAL Athiest doesn’t believe in the establishment of religion, nor do they believe in the symbols of said religion. This also means that because they don’t believe in it, they don’t find it OFFENSIVE when they see said symbols either – why? Because they don’t BELIEVE in them.
This is why I dislike fake athiests, they steal the word and use it to push their opinions down the throats of us Christians. While I respect Athiests rights to not be apart of a religion, I am getting real tired of them whining about MY religion when I respect their right to not be apart of.
And this group is certainly fake, how can this offend you when you allow things like Sharia Law to be used in our court rooms? If you’re going to bash Christianity and such, then you’ve best also target Islam for their push of their religion into our government. After all, you‘re stead fast in believeing that government shouldn’t recognize religion, so why are you only going after ‘one’ religion, yet ignoring another?
No answer? Yea, Fake Athiests is right. Also, drop the word ‘athiest’ from your name, because you are NOT athiests.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:46pmYo Encinom:
Report Post »What is a “christian” ? I will answer my own question… it is a follower of Christ… which means to do as He did, think and speak as He spoke. Repent is to turn around, to change your thinking. This process is called santification. It is what happens the rest of the life of a “true” believer. The working in the heart of a men by the Holy Spirit to conform us into the image of God. Each person is at a different place in their individual lives. The term “born again” indicates the starting over point and we each grow and become more mature in Christ. What you see is the fallen nature of ALL of us, do you see your own? Your posts are not that of perfection. You may see the babies in Christ that don’t even know how to put their own pants on yet. You may see those that are not “christians” at all ! What you should see is the forgivness and grace of God in the way His own followers come up short, me included. I have a tendency to not even call myself a christian anymore because it has been corrupted by false believers. This comes from my enemy and he let’s you SEE this, and you have. Most God fearing believers are kind and compassionate and trying to be good ambassadors of our saviour, but no matter how hard we try we still often fail and when we do this the Lord lets us know and we ask for forgiveness and our Lord is faithfull when we are not and He forgives. When you look at us you SHOULD see the goodnees of God….enjoy the Holidays
Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:47pmWhile I am no fan of the church, I have no problem with a nativity scene. But it needs to be on church grounds. Not on the courthouse lawn. Not unless you’re willing to also allow every other religion that wants to to put up some kind of display as well as gays and whoever else. It’s time for Christianity to be treated the way it has treated so many for so long. NO special treatment.
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:49pmI wonder how the Marxist Elitist knows what people will think as they walk by?
I’m just asking the question. Does this person assume they know how every human being thinks and feels? Sure seems that way. Sounds certifiably insane to me.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:50pmMTROOM
Get real. The church has been doing the ” you can’t do that. it offends me” routine for CENTURIES.
I know it’s really really hard but try to look at it from a perspective other than your own.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:51pm@Kalshion
“Give me a freaking break. A REAL Athiest doesn’t believe in the establishment of religion, nor do they believe in the symbols of said religion. This also means that because they don’t believe in it, they don’t find it OFFENSIVE when they see said symbols either – why? Because they don’t BELIEVE in them.”
Good post! Only one critique: most of the “real” atheists” you’re talking about are technically labeled agnostic atheists. The “fake” ones would be atheists. The difference between the two: an agnostic atheist would say “I don‘t think there’s a god because there’s no verifiable proof one could exist. But you never know for sure, and can’t disprove it.“ While a firm atheist would say ”There is no god.” The first simply says it‘s unlikely and there’s no proof; the second goes purely on belief; a person who actually makes “nonbelief” their “belief.”
Most atheists I’ve known call themselves atheists but are actually agnostic atheists. Most people in groups like the FRF are the second type, the anti-theistic atheists who have set up a belief structure around not believing. They’re not “fake” atheists, but they’re definitely not ones based on logic, as much as they might claim to be.
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:52pmAtheists are so thin skinned and easily offended! Their paranoia, feelings of being intimidated and excluded over issues that don’t apply to them, only reveals how delusional and irrational they are! None of their behaviors speak well of their beliefs. They are so whiney and prone to drama which is indicative of how shallow and superficial they are!
If the atheists who are speaking out are representative of what it is to not believe in God ……. No Thanks!
Report Post »The living of life demands a lot more backbone than what we’re seeing from them. If they are all out of sorts when faced with a simple Nativity Scene, how can they handle every day life? Wouldn’t want to have to depend on one of them in an emergency.
electronman
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:54pmAmen,captain sir, i agree.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:58pmThis is Texas…Try to take it down you FTARDS. Wont happen. We beat the s@it out of Atheists here. It’s called turn or burn.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:00pmTHEGRASSROOTS
you could substitute “christians” for “athiests” and it would still work.
Report Post »Okie from Muskogee
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:04pm4Truth2All
Good my friend. Hope you are great as well and always. I tried the link but it would not open. I have seen several different hypothesis around the stars telling of when these events occurred. It seems they all have one thing in common, they are different dates. Pretty sure “Kings Day” is celebrated on January 5 for the 3 kings bringing gifts by those who believe in celebration of such events. There is no argument December 25th was celebrated by Pagans. Numerous Pagan Gods were born on December 25th before Jesus.
“Hear what the LORD says to you, O house of Israel. This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.” Jeremiah 10:1-4
Of course read the whole chapter…Just wanted to get your thoughts on these verses particularly. To me it seems God is giving an example of what not to do and it is the very thing so many are doing today saying they are doing it for Jesus which just is not true. :-(
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:50pmYo Okie: I would agree that we “christians” seem to put more value on the outward then the inward. Is it wrong to decorate and bring in a tree at christmas ??? as long as it does not diminish Christ… I think it goes back to the principles we spoke of concerning the music. I find that the “day” actually means less to me as I grow. I would like to think it is the Lord… but man, I can be wrong. It is kind of like a pendulum, you go one way, then the other, and finally come to rest in the middle. I am not talking about compromise. I would suggest that you check out that site and watch the video if you can on-line. I borrowed the DVD from a friend. I find that kind of stuff fascinating. It is VERY good, and based on the clockwork precision of the stars and factual science and what scripture says concerning it… again, worth your time! Tree or no… if we meet not again have a blessed christmas however you honor the Lord.
Report Post »Oh, and by the way to be nice to you please keep the basketball in you’re own hood, I really would not want to make a friend sad at christmas, yo. my black friends used to pray to me.
TexasHunter
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:52pmYO 4TRUTH = So God isn’t part of the Father his Son and the Holy Spirit ? Sorry you got your feelings hurt by my post. Truth be told, Trails are not as good to hunt as being in the middle of the woods. So I would rather be off the trail. Thanks for playing. Please read Hunting for God and Fishing for the Lord. You may have a different opinion on certain things.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:56pmYo Okie:
Report Post »I see you to were playing with the keys to…
here’s the too much coffee face (*-*)
the too much to drink face (=.=) … double vision… no what I’m sayin……peace
4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 3:10pmYoTexashunter:
Report Post »God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit…. my point. Not a hunter of animals, but do hike a bunch love to get off the trails and disappear.
Feelings were not hurt… just keepin it real concerning the guns and girls comment.
Hey, if the Lord is good with your heart … then it’s good.
Try to keep “my” opinions to a minimum and let scripture explain scripture… good sporting to you!
TheVoice1
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 3:13pmencinom
They are also not written by the dingle berries on the ass of society… 1.6% of our society are atheists like you living your grandious fairy tale that you rule, deciding what the rest of society should do and how it should be done with over 80% American Christians and the remaining 19.4% bowing to your whelms…lol now there is a fairy tale for you almost as good as Santa Clause.. lol toleration does not equate to weakness… lol change is coming… no go take your meds and stick you head back up your ass and dream on…..
Stand Strong America
Report Post »TexasHunter
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 3:30pm4TRUTH I appreciate your reply, May you and yours be blessed over the holidays. That is still a good book that I recommend spending some spare time reading when you get a chance. I try not to preach on here JMHO. Fair well in your travels. .
Report Post »chaberthy
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 3:39pmChristianity is NOT a religion. It is a philosophy and theology. You feel threatned by a baby laying in a manger?
Report Post »Shupp
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 3:51pm@LPHP
Exactly how is a nativity scene or any other religious symbol state unwelcomness. This is something I never understood the mindsets of Non-believers. Do you get struck down by a lightning bolt or something if you step foot onto the grounds as a non-believer? Does a jewish man get chased out by angels of God because he does not acknowledge Jesus as the savior? Does a Muslim person get shot at by machine guns for stepping foot on courthouse grounds? Does a hindu person get books thrown at them for passing by? does an ominous voice shout..GTFO if you don’t believe in Jesus as you walk up to the doors? Or…maybe …just maybe….anyone can walk in without any hinderance or harrassment to their local government building. If the non-believers would make the effort to learn the actual beliefs and basic principals of their self created enemies they would understand that Christianity as well as most other beliefs offer good will and love to their neighbors whoever they are. If an anthiest fails to come to this understanding then why not make themselves feel “welcomed” by placing their infinity symbol thing with some xmas…..ooops sorry…HOLIDAY lights to help decorate the shared community place of law? By all means help decorate and celebrate the community in this season. As long as of course the decorations are done in respectful manners I am sure it would be welcomed by the Judge. Athiesm has been around for a while and they just need to progess past the age of 2.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 4:07pmLesbian, etc., etc…..All the cute plays on words aside, just look at the history and traditions of our government and Christmas and let it go. No, you can’t change things or claim that the constitution or Christmas “breathes” or “evolves”…not unless you and your ilk actually succeed at “transformationally changing the United States of America” that is. A lot of us here are working very hard to see that doesn‘t happen any more than it already has and can’t wait to begin reversing the trends in 2013. Should we be successful, you should probably look in to moving to another country. If your side wins again, personally speaking, I will be considering an exit myself. This culture is too mean, stupid and immoral for my liking as it is. Merry Christmas.
Report Post »goatrope67
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 4:11pmWouldn’t a nativity set be a form of false idol?
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 4:11pmYo Texashunter:
Report Post »Thanks for you’re reply… got a few going at the moment, but I wrote it down.. thanks!
scarebear83
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 4:45pmI said it before and I’ll say it once again:
I don‘t celebrate Ramadan nor am I offended if I’m left out of it’s observance.
I don‘t celebrate Hanukkah nor am I offended if I’m left out of it’s observance.
I don‘t celebrate the Duanwu Festival nor am I offended if I’m left out of it’s observance.
I don’t celebrate these holidays nor would I be offended by a symbol (as long as it’s not vulgar like nudity or swearing) that they wanted to put up on public or private property to celebrate such festivities. I would not feel excluded because I simply do not have the same beliefs of said holidays. Remember I’m talking holiday celebrations, not social issues so anyone wanting to put up a communist flag or a gay pride flag, that would be for a different discussion. But as far as the nativity goes, as a Christian I know Christ was not born on Dec. 25th nor do I celebrate Christmas as such except for a time to be around family. I would not feel unwelcome or left out seeing such a display on public property. So I would like to understand why atheists are so upset and feel so left out of something they don’t believe in nor are they commanded to celebrate?
Report Post »Grim Spirit
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 5:19pmHey, the atheist were represented, too.
See, atheists believe that there is no God.
Well, if they look carefully on the other side of the lawn, there they will find no God. That about covers it.
Report Post »txstars
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 5:33pmLesbian Packing Hollow Points, We have the gay agenda shoved down our throats with your gay pride parades. With the gays constantly crying about needing special rights. Wanting laws to be changed or put in place to only benefit the gay community. What makes you people think you deserve special treatment over any other American? As a Christian your life style is very offensive to me but I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life. I’m not protesting your gay pride parades. The gay community is on a constant attack against anything Christian which in turn has us disliking you more. Do as most of us Christians do, ignore what you do not like and move on with your life.
If the truth be known I would bet the vast majority of gays put up Christmas lights, decorate Christmas trees, exchange Christmas gifts with there family and friends. If you are so offended by what the day is all about why take part?
Also, How ignorant must you be to advertise you are armed.
Report Post »txstars
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 5:41pmLesbian Packing Hollow Points,
From your comment below show me where in the constitution it state there must be a separation of church and state.
As with every liberal when you can not prove your point you become angry and start name calling. Grow up.
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Report Post »Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:53am
Yeah and I am offended that you are not offended by the violations of the Constitution so that makes us even. Shut up Christians and just ignore lack of religious displays on government property or whatever else you don’t like about living in a secular society. The world does not exist to cater to your whims of belief.
Gonzo
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 5:56pmHey Lesbian, why am I not surprised that the baby Jesus makes you nervous? Wait until you see the adult and glorified Christ…it‘s going to be a little bit more than nervousness you’ll feel.
Report Post »cbanks
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 6:30pmIn 1870, President Grant signed a law making Christmas Day a federal holiday, a national day of celebration.
The Supreme Court has heard this argument before. Read the case LYNCH v. DONNELLY, 465 U.S. 668 (1984) (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=465&invol=668)
(c) Our history is pervaded by official acknowledgment of the role of religion in American life, and equally pervasive is evidence of accommodation of all faiths and all forms of religious expression and hostility toward none.
“President Washington and his successors proclaimed Thanksgiving, with all its religious overtones, a day of national celebration and Congress made it a National Holiday more than a century ago. Ch. 167, 16 Stat. 168. That holiday has not lost its theme of expressing thanks for Divine aid any more than has Christmas lost its religious significance.
Executive Orders and other official announcements of Presidents and of the Congress have proclaimed both Christmas and Thanksgiving National Holidays in religious terms.
… display of the creche is no more an advancement or endorsement of religion than the Congressional and Executive recognition of the origins of the Holiday itself as “Christ’s Mass,” or the exhibition of literally hundreds of religious paintings in governmentally supported museums.”
Government cannot be ANTI-RELIGION – that is the law!
Report Post »Grey Eagle
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:21pmGood points and I agree with them. If these sorry jerks don’t like it, don’t look at it.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:40pmMaybe they should let the atheists put up an empty manger,then all those empty people could celebrate their empty lives, if the Nativity scene offends them they don’t have to look at it,enough of these atheists and their bullcrap already! WTF is so “intimidating” about a Nativity scene? These people are envious of believers because we have something they don’t
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:45pmIt was the Protestant Christians who founded this Nation, not atheists, Muslims or Buddhists. This Nation was founded on Christian principles and values. It was the Protestant Christians who established a Government wherein everyone had equal rights, and all religions were tolerated. If you’re offended by a Nativity scene on a Courthouse, move to Iran. It is these Christian principles of all men being created equal with unalienable Rights, equal access to Justice, love your neighbor as yourself, and be charitable, that has shaped and form our society. To go against our American and Christian heritage is to go against everything we have fought for in this country. If you want to degrade and dismiss our Christian history in this Nation, you do it at your own peril. I guarantee you that the atheists, Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox Jews will not tolerate or allow any of your freedoms to prosper and succeed as did the Protestant Christians during our founding.
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:29pm@ Bible Quotin’_____
So, you‘re feel’n all intimidated and excluded and offended, are ya? :-) You’d think you atheists would get tired of playing the victim card.
How about trade’n the victim card in on the “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a d*** ” card? Much stronger and would earn ya some respect. Feel‘n all threatened and whine’n over nuthin earns ya zero respect.
Report Post »buryweymier
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:50pmI think they need to take a ‘tolerance’ class – just like we do when we disagree with gays or athiests or muslims who want to blow us up. They need to tolerate what this country was founded on or get the hell out.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:07pmI’m not an atheist, moron. I am a student of Deism. Jesus was just a man.
Report Post »Ded-Bred
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:18amAs a free-lance reporter I went undercover and began hanging out with some guys @ Diversity University-Huntsville, or D.U.H. They asked if I wanted to join. Well, basically what’s going on all over the U.S.A. college students are joining the Atheist Movement. Because of the glamorous lifestyle it offers. It takes 9 months of hazing, in which you prove you don’t believe in God by destroying his greatest masterpiece:yourself. They give you all sorts of methods to do this. I chose sniffing glue and other toxins. I’ve been…now whut i talkin bowtt.3mus ak no jod s dedd
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:57amIm offended by their offense. I want to sue. Will somebody now please remove the atheists.
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 8:08am@Bible Quoten’ _______
Whatever! Via your response, it‘s obvious you’re feel’n all victimized = intimidated & excluded & offended. A little silly, don’t ya think? How about growing a backbone and standing on the conviction-of-your-beliefs that doesn’t require the approval of the masses?
A word to the wise = you might want to extend your studies to include the Bible.
Eternal Decisions Need To Be Made This Side Of Eternity!
I‘d HATE to be in your shoes and standing before Jesus and explaining deism to Him after you’re beyond that point-of-no-return. Instead of being merely a “student of deism,” it might be smarter to open your mind to the broadest possible picture and be a student who is researching everything.
I wish you well! And, it doesn’t make any difference whether or not you believe in the Deity Of Jesus. Jesus Loves You! It‘s ALL a whole lot bigger than your opinion and your opinion doesn’t even register as a blip on the eternal scheme of things. If I were you, I’d be researching that broadest possible mind-boggling picture. :-)
Report Post »StonyBurk
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 8:52amFunny how the person who founded the FFRF is/was married to a guy who once was a Pentecostal Preacher. Several passages come to mind. Be ye not unequally yoked to unbelievers. and that passage
Report Post »about ravening wolves in sheeps clothing both come to mind. At any rate they have a communistic /
atheistic understanding of the First Amendment that cannot be reconciled to the terms used or the way they were understood from Dec.1791 — at least publication of the legal opinion Everson v. Board of Education 1947 when a Ku Klux Klansman (Hugo Black) and a majority of fellows and
useful idiots used by the ACLU erected a WALL of Separation to divide the nation.Our Government is now divided from the foundation-even the Constitution and those Patriots who still believe in that system established 1730- 1892– a Christian nation.
WhatYouSay2008
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:59amENCINOM: You are truly showing your ignorance of our history and also just being plain stupid as well. Do some research, find out the truth, it will set you free; I promise you that.
Report Post »KAdams
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 5:14am@*****
Your name offends me, you’re pushing your gay agenda on me. Same as religion. Do you need to advertise that your gay? My name isn‘t ’HeteroandProwd’ or anything stupid like that. Why does yours?
Anyhow, please read the first amendment again. The government can’t make a religion and make you worship it. But… I guess in your case, you‘re considered a ’minority‘ so you get special privileges us plain straight people don’t get, eh? In any event, even though we‘re supposed to be a ’republic’, we’re touted as a democracy, where the ‘majority’ rules. So guess what? The ‘majority’ chooses to put up a nativity scene. If you don’t like it, you can avert your eyes when you drive by, or seethe inside. Your choice, but your nonsense falls on deaf ears, here.
Report Post »gdbhusker
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:20amWell…and I am by no means a political science major…….But if the people who hate Christmas, and the ones who want ALL CHRISTIAN symbolism, and teachings removed from every aspect of our government, would stop and think about what they are actually calling for…..The complete and total collapse of AMERICA! To say that we are not a nation of Christianity, set up by Christians, promoting Christianity, is absolute absurdity. The difference is that we set it up so that people can worship a rock, tree, curtain…etc.. whatever they choose… but as that freedom is extended to all, we retain the RIGHT to keep Christianity. Christmas is a NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HOLIDAY…so the very government who says to it’s people that December 25 is a very important day to be set aside for the observance of the birth of Jesus the Christ, cannot themselves have a scene depicting that very event??? wow…the liberal, progressive, socialist agenda is cranked up hard core these days… they want to get rid of this because of an uneducated person who looks at the nativity and thinks they HAVE to be Christian??? absurd… the ones who brought forth this frivolous law suit could have just explained our system and religious freedoms and saved tax payers some money and a ton of heartache!!!! good day sheep…
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:43am“To say that we are not a nation of Christianity, set up by Christians, promoting Christianity, is absolute absurdity. ”
The nation should never promote a specific religious view. That’s not even “separation of church and state” Supreme Court ruling territory; that’s straight “establishment clause” right out of the Constitution.
Report Post »wzanesdad
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:40pmAbsolutely right husker. This holiday is obserned by our government as a christian holiday, no matter how bad the athiests want it to be otherwise. When you are hired by the federal government you receive an employee handbook that lists all the paid holidays you get. One of those holidays says “christmas day” It does not say winter solstice, or any other name. Since it is a PAID federal holiday, federal employees are paid to observe the birth of jesus christ.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:07pmHeard a story about a slaughter house that had a GOAT lead numerous SHEEP down a shoot and the GOAT is made to make a fast exit in a side door and the sheep continue straight ahead……and then what happened??? asks the Don’t Have A Clue American.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:43pm“Heard a story about a slaughter house that had a GOAT lead numerous SHEEP down a shoot and the GOAT is made to make a fast exit in a side door and the sheep continue straight ahead……and then what happened??? asks the Don’t Have A Clue American.”
If it’s anything like that song by Cake, Sheep go to heaven, Goats go to hell.
Report Post »Charlayne
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:45pmOk, first of all, the constitution says
“Amendment I: CONGRESS shall make no law respecting an ESTABLISHMENT of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html).
So, unless Congress makes the law, it’s not a law against religion. I’m not Christian (I am Wiccan) but I love Christmas, I like manger scenes, trees, and the whole holiday. Mine starts at Halloween (Samhain) and ends after New Years. I celebrate with Jewish friends, Hindu friends, and Christian friends. I respect their rights to have their religion and they respect my rights. It’s called RESPECT.
Something we seem to be lacking in this country. Sadly.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:53pm@Locked Displaying a Nativity scene is not establishing a religion. The Courthouse is not the Head, regulator, or governor of any religion by doing such a thing. It is not decreeing any Establishment. The Courthouse is closed on Christmas day, and almost everyone does not work on that day. To assume that the Government is suppose to be blind to such a great and grand tradition so obvious and prominent in this Nation in order to not offend someone is ridiculous.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:31pmThomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, James Madison and Thomas Paine were, by their own admission both in speeches and in letters, Deists, not Christians.
LOOK. IT. UP.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:50pm@Bible Quotin, And they all acknowledged and encouraged true religion and respect for the Almighty. They especially understood that many of the principles and values found in the bible were indispensable and necessary for Society and Government. Look it up.
That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other. – VA Declar. of Rights 1776
Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. – Northwest Ordinance 1789
God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event. – Jefferson
Report Post »Joisey
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:20amFreedom OF religion is being destroyed by the militant atheist movement.
Report Post »edcoil
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:24amIt seems to me that all movements have become militant these days.
Report Post »Continental Patriot
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:48amEdcoil,
Yes, by the election of their socialist messiah they became ever emboldened. This will never stop at public displays of religion; eventually they will attack private means of worship and displays of faith (such as seeing a wall mounted cross through someone’s window) if they continue to get their way. Is it much of a stretch to imagine this happening if they continue this war on faith?
I don’t care whether someone is an atheist or not. America is all about being who you want to be and worshipping whatever faith you choose, or not at all. But these militant types want to destroy the rights of the faithful to practice in order to achieve their own agenda. Destroying religious rights and teachings is their goal, and is a major part of socializing the nation and seizing power.
And they have the backing of many elected officials in government. And the unspoken support of President Obama.
Report Post »ShyLow
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:33pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4hkVaX1UXc
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:58pmSomeone should set up a gay nativity scene next to it and see how that goes down. Or a shine to muhammed. Or a gay shrine to muhammed made totally from “green” materials that has a sign about the need for gun control.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:57pm@Bible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American,
You can make up all the BS arguments you want all day, but you can’t hide the fact that was and is a Christian Nation. You cannot find any historical evidence or support to prove that our American history and Nation has not been influenced, shaped and form by Christian principles and values. All this secular nonsense has only come down to us in these past 40-60 years of a very liberal Government and progressive Court system.
In 1854 the House Judiciary Committee said: In this age, there is no substitute for Christianity…That was the religion of the founders of the republic, and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.
In 1892 the S. Court stated: No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, State or national, because this is a religious people … This is a Christian nation. There is no dissonance in these declarations. There is a universal language pervading them all, having one meaning; they affirm and reaffirm that this is a religious nation. These are not individual sayings, declarations of private persons: they are organic [legal, governmental] utterances; they speak the voice of the entire people. … These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.
Report Post »Freedom from liberals
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:21pmHey Bible quotin science fearing.
Report Post »FYI, we are celebrating an event; the birth of Jesus Christ. We call it Christmas. What does a gay nativity set have to do with the event of the birth of Jesus Christ. You only show your iincredible ignorance.
Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:08pmlol No you show yours, buddy.
This WAS a christian nation. Clearly, that’s changing for the better.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:56pm@Bible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American,
That’s the thing. It’s not changing. We’re still a Nation of over 75% Christians. What is happening is that our society, education, and lifestyle is being corrupted, and our Christian heritage in America is being distorted and stolen from us. What is happening is despicable, and cowardly. These Marxists, atheists and communists desire a Nation wherein the State has the final say. They believe in an absolute Government wherein no man has natural Rights, but only those which the State affords them. That is not change, that is corruption and falsehood.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:20amLook folks. I wouldnt waste money on court costs. Just tell em to come and try to take it down REGARGLESS of what the court says
Report Post »MrSteve_46
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:26amYeah……….. “Come and Take It” (insert nativity picture here for flag)
Report Post »plastinoid
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:54amLiberal court rulings!…………..Make them fight us! Make them come and try to take it away! We will stand for our beliefs, We should not bow to them and there so called “offended” minority. I for one am sick and tired of being bullied by these people! We surround them, they do not surround us! It’s time to stand up to them, and not back down because some activist judge misinterpreted the Constitution.
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:56amIsn’t it located on private property? Remove at your own risk. What if it were a haji kneeling on a rug, would that be marked for removal as well?
Report Post »PATRIOT
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:57amμολὼν λαβέ! : Molon labe “come and take them”
Report Post »Godfather.1
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:19pm@JLGunner
Since when is a courthouse lawn private property?
Seriously, what part of the Establishment Clause do you Blazers not understand? It seems that the only part of the Constitution that matters to you is the Second Amendment.
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:19amI’m an atheist who grew up celebrating Christmas. What people need to do is understand the majority of American citizens celebrate Christmas one way or another. I just wish people didn’t have to through a tantrum because of mentioning Santa Claus, Jesus, or even using Happy Holidays. Just be happy we’re free to celebrate a time when many different people do different things this season.
Report Post »jcldwl
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:49amIf you are an atheist you couldn’t celebrate Christmas because you have no belief in Christ. If you put a tree in your house with decorations and put wrapped gifts under it then you were celebrating something but it wasn’t CHRISTmas. Christ is the reason for the season, not santa (satan) clause or rudolph the REDnosed reindeer or frosty the snowman. It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Learn it, Live it, Love it.
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:56amHow should I reply? Christmas has pagan roots or non-Christian roots; as well Christmas in the United States in very secular compared to just Christian themes. I can understands putting Jesus first before gifts or anything else. I feel many do not understand how non-Christians can celebrate Christmas. here is a good article of Christmas.
Report Post »http://listverse.com/2010/12/25/10-fascinating-facts-about-christmas/
KnightGuardian
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 7:27pmAlot of that list is either vague or wrong, though some, like the candy canes and St. Nicholas are pretty close.
The making the story of Jesus from Mithras is false, as the romans probably were copying the story of Jesus as no archeological evidence for this tradition can be argued to exist from any earlier than A.D. 90.
Report Post »TXMamaGrizzley
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:19am“Anybody walking by that is going to say, ‘Hmmm. This is a Christian government building. I’m not welcome here if I’m not Christian,’” she continued.
Report Post »——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Really? C’mon…people are walking by saying “hmmm…I‘m not welcome in this government building if I’m not Christian”. Who are these stupid people walking around going hmmmm?
Vickie Dhaene
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:39amThey are very spoiled cry babies whom need to grow up. They are adults now and don‘t get their way so they cry it’s just not fair. My daddy always taught me life is not fair. Get over it !!!
Report Post »POdVet
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:37pm“Who are these stupid people walking around going hmmmm?”
Vampires maybe?!? I can’t think of anyone else who could logically object to such a simple scene. If you don’t believe, fine then ignore it. It’s not like it is required that people stop and pray before it five times a day under penalty of death. Those kinds of things are limited to the religion of peace that these same coward atheists NEVER seem to protest against.
Report Post »Komponist-ZAH
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:08pm“Who are these stupid people walking around going hmmmm?”
Hmmmm….
Report Post »Komponist-ZAH
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:52pmBetter question:
Who are these stupid people walking around caring about whether or not they’re “included”?
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:19am“That Christianity was being promoted, endorsed by local government and this made them feel unwelcomed,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, the co-founder of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. “It sends a message of intimidation and exclusion to non-Christians and non believers this time of year.”
Report Post »This comment is completely false. Jesus invited everyone in, no matter what their beliefs were and that includes all people even the atheists..
Satan loves to blind the minds of unbelievers 2Corn. 4:4
Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:18am“ATHEISTS DEMAND THAT TEXAS NATIVITY SCENE BE TORN DOWN IMMEDIATELY”
Actually, according to the letter from this article, they want it removed, not torn down. But hey, what’s a good title without some emotion-laden exaggeration, right?
The atheist group is overly sensitive, but legally correct in that the Supreme Court has ruled against nativity scenes on government property (Allegheny County v ACLU, 1989), which overrode the 1984 decision of Lynch v Donnelly. This was because the SCotUS said religious displays can only be allowed if non-religious ones are as well. It’s either you allow any group to add to it (providing it is inoffensive), or none at all.
There are plenty of ways to get around this, such as applying for permits for displays and demonstrations. I’d check out some of the creative ways the Nativity Project members have protested the ruling.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:52amMore semantics again LOCKED? You mince words better than a ginsu knife. No wonder you’re a liberal.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:58amOnce again you can’t debate facts, eh Avengerk? If you don’t have anything good to say, you should probably keep quiet.
Report Post »Godfather.1
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:04pm@AvengerK
Locked gives a perfectly logical and well reasoned explanation and that’s your answer? Clearly you have no response so you just make personal attacks. If you think he’s wrong, why don’t you actually make a reasoned argument. You can’t deny that this display violates the establishment clause, however you continue to ignore that one simple fact.
I thought you tea partiers were supposed to be constitutional scholars. Oh, tha’s right, you’re only scholars on the parts you like (even though you’re wrong then too) and then you just ignore the rest.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:05pmWhat’s to debate LOCKED? Your word mincing and penchant for semantics? Like your beloved Obama likes to say..“that debate is over”.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:18pmNo, really, I‘d love to hear your refutation of what I’ve written. My main problem with your posts are that you never stay on topic. Here’s your chance to do so.
And thanks Godfather, although I’m no liberal nor a tea partier (well, I was before it turned to social issues instead of constitutional ones and to big government instead of small government). But that’s neither here nor there. The matter is simple in this case: the Supreme Court had decided this issue more than two decades ago, so the rules are pretty clear.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:40pmNo GODFATHER…I pointed out something LOCKED likes to do constantly..mince words and play semantics. He’s a mealy mouthed twerp who depending on his bent in the argument will dissect every letter in a sentence in a peurile attempt to play “gotcha” with an article or reference. He’s droll and insipid. In this case “torn down” is his problem. The atheists don’t want it “torn down”..just “removed” according to Blaze linguistic expert LOCKED. Phew..I’m glad LOCKED cleared up that little sticking point…now we can get on with “removing” (not tearing down..uh uh) a benign nativity scene to acknowledge Christimas-a true occasion for peace and unity for all mankind- in a Texas town. Personally I’d like to see a Menorah up there too..to really have LOCKED blow his gasket and mince words with. The constitution protects ALL American’s rights to freedom of religion. If a Christian holiday is being acknowledged by an entire country by taking December 25th off from work…then it‘s reminder with a Nativity scene in a courthouse doesn’t infringe on the constitution as far I’m concerned. Otherwise…stop taking December 25th off from work and make it a regular work day. Come on LOCKED…demand to work on December 25th we’re nationally recognizing a Christian holiday…even congress is off that day…put your money where your mealy mouth is.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:50pm@Avengerk
See, now here we can work with stuff. I’ll ignore the obvious trolling and insults.
“In this case “torn down” is his problem. The atheists don’t want it “torn down”..just “removed” according to Blaze linguistic expert LOCKED.”
Actually, as you’ll see in my post, I was quoting from the article itself. Theblaze wrote “torn down,“ while the atheist society wrote ”removed”. One is full of emotion, and is trying to hook people based on exaggeration. It’s a staple of yellow journalism, and one of the first things writers are told to NOT do if they want to be taken seriously.
“Personally I’d like to see a Menorah up there too..to really have LOCKED blow his gasket and mince words with.”
I’d love that too. Thing is, if they did so there would not be an issue… because the Supreme Court ruled that it’s fine to have Nativity displays if you allow other displays as well. Rather than “blowing my gasket,” it would become a non-issue.
“…then it‘s reminder with a Nativity scene in a courthouse doesn’t infringe on the constitution as far I’m concerned.”
Interestingly, your “concern” is not the basis of law in our country, nor the interpretation thereof. This is why we have courts.
Aaaaand, the rest was back to insults. So to summarize:
Report Post »1. Avengerk likes false attributions when it comes to wording
2. Avengerk apparently (?) thinks I have Hanukkah
3. Avengerk cannot deny the Supreme Court’s rulings, but likes h
Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:54pmOops, cut off. The last two should be
“… have something against Hanukkah
3. Avengerk cannot deny the Supreme Court’s rulings, but likes his opinion. He’s entitled to it, of course, but thankfully he isn’t in control of judiciary processes in the US.
Still not sure what you mean by “mincing.” Of course I’ll go line by line; otherwise I could take things out of context or miss the point of your posts… which admittedly, seem to be devolving into ill-tempered ravings about me being a liberal, or hating Menorahs, or loving Obama. Oddly, all are false. I do have a healthy respect for law and fact though, and I hope one day you will as well.
Report Post »BoBo Da Clown
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:10pmWhile LOCKED is technically correct – there is something missing from this story – is this Nativity scene exclusive? Are other displays unwelcomed? If other displays are welcomed, as permitted by Allegheny County V. ACLU, the fact that other non-Christians have not put up their own displays doesn’t mean that the Christian display has to come down. If ordinance allows secular and other religious displays – then this can stay. Others just need to add theirs. Sure would like to know that other piece.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:21pm@Bobo
This is very true. As long as all groups are allowed to contribute their own respectful displays, then Allegheny doesn’t apply. From what I’ve read up on this case, it doesn’t seem likely that other displays are being allowed… but that may change so as to stop the controversy.
I read a similar case recently where the same compromise was reached; 10 displays could be put up in a town on government land. A Nativity scene was one of them. Several atheist groups also did so, including items such as a “tree of knowledge” and a display celebrating the Constitution and highlighting the establishment clause.
Again, there are legal ways to follow through with this, like opening up the grounds to other groups, or putting on a live-action nativity display. I mentioned before about the Nativity Project, which has been very creative in helping Christian groups.
And while I feel like the atheist group is very much overreacting, but they are still technically correct. They’re probably getting coal for Christmas, though.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:23pmNo surprisingly LOCKED…. you mince and contort and stretch words in whatever you’re referencing in an effort to imply whatever you want to imply from it. Laugably….you still adhere to “they didn’t say tear down” as if that’s changing the intention of the atheists? Idiot.! They want it gone..torn down, removed, relocated, blown up….they don’t care…just out of sight of the courthouse. What is it you’re hoping to accomplish for them and your pious invoking of the constitution by pointing out “torn down” is not “removed”? Like I said..you’re a mealy mouthed twerp.
Report Post »You invoke supreme courts and decisions, that’s just peachy, where do Texas and local laws stand on the issue at hand ? Or is your “noble” adherence to the constitution deaf and blind to state and local autonomies it protects? Your avoidance to answer my assertion betrays your selective adherence to the constitution. The majority of the country (including Federal, state and local agences) takes December 25th off (atheists and twerps like you included), clearly a recognition of Christmas Day, a christian holiday, a violation of the constitution according to you….and no peep out of you? Put your money where you mealy mouth is…demand the nation changes that and stays at work on December 25th then I’ll take an idiot like you remotely seriously. Until then you’re nothing but a nitpicking git playing gotcha and semantics with words.
Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:41pm@Avengerk
Ignoring the insults again, as they add nothing to the debate… I was wrong on one count: the words “torn down” actually came from the article headline quoted by theblaze; they did not write them themselves. Presumably they still parroted them, despite the group not saying them. I’ve already stated that misattributing quotes to exaggerate for an emotional tug is poor journalism. If you disagree, so be it. As to the rest…
“You invoke supreme courts and decisions, that’s just peachy, where do Texas and local laws stand on the issue at hand ?”
I’m sorry if you find the highest court in the US “preachy.” It doesn‘t change the fact that it’s law. Thanks for coming right out and admitting that you don’t care about the law system though. The “issue at hand” has already been decided by the highest legal body in the country.
“Your avoidance to answer my assertion betrays your selective adherence to the constitution.”
I’m not sure what “assertion” you’re bringing up here. But I do find it funny that the person who calls Supreme Court constitutional rulings “preachy” accuses someone else of being selective in adherence to the constitution ;-)
“The majority of the country… takes December 25th off… clearly a recognition of Christmas Day”
I agree. The majority of the country is Christian, after all, and the government recognizes that. Not enough people would work those days to make it viable to stay open.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:54pmWe need to stop this ****, it’s settled law, it’s not, one court at one time with a group of activists judges made one bad ruling, it’s not settled, courts aren’t to write laws, that is clearly what these idiots did. Every attorney general in the nation should be bringing up cases daily to get these bad decisions over turned, it’s there job, 2 bad most of them are liberals, because the one position the liberals make sure they would die to keep is the chief law enforcement body of the states, because they know if they can corrupt law enforcement, they can enslave us all. We need the judges replaced, and the cases brought back up. The group of communists on the aclu claim to be for liberties, while they do nothing that doesn’t take liberties from Americans.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:05pm@Swampy
“We need to stop this ****, it’s settled law, it’s not, one court at one time with a group of activists judges made one bad ruling, it’s not settled, courts aren’t to write laws, that is clearly what these idiots did.”
1. It is “settled” as in “any court besides the Supreme Court of the US needs to abide by the ruling. Only the SCotUS can overturn another SCotUS decision.
Report Post »2. The court didn’t “write” a law. The Supreme court can only rule on the constitutionality of laws already made. In this case, they ruled that the establishment clause extends to state governments (1947) and that Nativity scenes on courthouse property promotes religion (1989) unless other groups are allowed to express their viewpoints (1984).
3. An off-topic note, but feel free to disagree with the opinion of the justices. There are several rulings I vehemently disagree with. But please don’t say something like “it isn’t settled.” It is, as much as anything in the US legal system can be. Unless another case reaches the SCotUS, the rules are pretty clear.
Tryrdon
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:12pmAnd what evidence do you have to suggest that other religious beliefs are not allowed? Just because no one has asked them to put up a minorah or other display does not mean that they are not allowed.
Sorry, but this display does not violate the law unless they specifically have banned other displays which is not something which has been alleged or established in the article.
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:06pmThese modern day SC decisions are just that, modern. They have no substance or suport from a historical perspective. These decisions are to accommodate and adapt to the Marxist agendas and secular nonsense being spouted in these past recent and past 40-60 years. They are intended to corrupt our culture, education, laws, traditions, and faith.
That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other. – VA Declaration of Rights 1776
Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. – Northwest Ordinance 1789
The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained. – Washington
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. – John Adams
God and America http://www.angelfire.com/la2/prophet1/america.html
Report Post »kushisaac
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:07pmI thought I saw Santa Claus and a Snowman up as well in the report, so then according to your argument, the nativity scene can stay, Santa and Frosty not being religious symbols. Problem solved.
Report Post »romadave
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:18amI hope the commissioner tells the FFRF to go F themselves.
I love how the complaint is always from a single nameless resident. I say, produce the offended citizen and let them speak on camera if they hold their belief in nothing as strongly as the community holds its belief in something.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:18am“….a local resident, who wishes to remain nameless, is offended by the scene.”
Yeah, the ones who complain are ALWAYS anonymous, aren’t they? If they felt that strongly about it, why not come forward? Why cower and hide behind some attack-dog “advocacy” group? Methinks it‘s because there really IS NO ANONYMOUS RESIDENT who’s offended. I could be wrong, which has been known to happen on occasion, but the unknown whiner is probably just a ploy used by this group to lodge their complaint.
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:15amAtheists and communists beware and be warned. The day is coming when filthy cockroaches like you will be rotting in hell. Better watch out…
Report Post »JRook
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:23amHow Christian of you. A religious display does not belong on government property owned by all citizens. There are plenty of church lawns to place such a display. It was put on the courthouse lawn to incite both the reaction and debate. Similar to the absurd unconstitutional anti-abortion laws, which are a childish approach to getting Roe v. Wade revisited. Which other than some modification to reflect current medical technology will stand as the law of the land.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:58amawww…widdle JROOK is offended by a nativity scene. Tell me JROOK..are you taking December 25 off and giving your children gifts that day?
Report Post »momrules
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:04pmAtheists have been warned about their future in the Bible. That is why we are seeing an eruption of their damands and their attacks on Christianity.
Satan knows his time is running short and is using his tools on earth in his last ditch effort to destroy those of us who believe in God and Christ.
I am so proud of the ones fighting and saying NO MORE. God will bless them.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:04pmJ
It has been there 35 years. I don’t think it was done to tick of atheists.
Report Post »graywolf11
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:28pmJesus never forced beliefs on anyone.God believes in Free Will. We are not His pawns on a giant chessboard. “Faith,hope and love—and the greatest of these is Love”. This is what Jesus stands for, Love. Why anyone would be offended by that message is beyond me, no matter what religion. Also, the story of Christ’s birth is truly inspiring. Two average joes battling through nonsense and come out on top, with our Savior to boot!!!
Report Post »NOT A CRAZY
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 2:29pmJRook – How did you manage to get from the baby Jesus to the murder of unborn babies? At least in Jesus’s case he was 33 years old before he was murdered.
Report Post »AmericanStrega
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:15amThe Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation needs to mind their own WISCONSIN-BASED business! And if the offended person this foundation is interceding for is so offended, maybe the offendee should MOVE TO WISCONSIN!
Report Post »Rowwdy
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 9:25amAmerican; Have you ever read up on those fools in WI? They sound a lot like some of the bad militia groups. Nothing more than whiners and trouble makers.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:14amIt’s too bad that Atheists deny the Father, and yet they absorb a small amount of the “Light” and yet they do not invite the Father. That particular band of light they absorb is the No Graven Image Commandment (therefore they attack images, but only the easy ones to attack), and yet they are not balanced because they deny the Father.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:22amA “Stone” is a well balanced person who personifies all or most of the Commandments. “I go a fishing.”
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:26amI’m tired of fishing. Someone else go fishing.
Report Post »Hickory
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:14amWhat if the town declares all Atheists as illegal? They have no religion so it’s not religious discrimination. The town could declare the group a subversive.
Report Post »TADTAD
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:08pmI have situations in my life that require semi immediate tought and action, and NOW I am going to be pondering your statement all day. Thanks a lot, Hickory.
Report Post »I-90 Guy
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:12pmIn actuality it IS a religion. The BELIEVE that there is no God. Religion is generally defined as a belief system. Therefore, since they insist on Freeedom FROM Religion I am demanding to be free FROM them…
Report Post »BoomSlander
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:39pmI-90, a lack of a belief is not a belief.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:23pmName all of the sanctuary towns for them to occupy……another bail-out in the future?
Report Post »uzeguize
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 7:22pmBoomslander, A lack of belief would be an agnostic. This is still a decision and a belief to continue to consider God’s existence. An atheist denies any acknowledgement of God. Therefore, he/she had to come to that through some sort of decision process (unless at total ignorance of concept) Therefore, it is a decision to not believe a concept. That’s still a belief in rejection of a concept. It is being forced upon many in the name of separation. Establishment of religion by the congress as originally intended has been highjacke. All it meant that no specific religion could be established to be anAmerican. A display no more establishes a religion than does a painting, statue, or other symbol. I could be offended by a statue of Washington and claim that the city was requiring my worship of him. Do you understand the difference? I pray to God that people wake up real quick.
Report Post »Roberto G. Vasquez
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:13amMaybe it’s a coincidence, but aren’t all communists athiests?
Report Post »CENSAYS
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:41pmor Marxists or National Socialist.
Report Post »TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:11amDon’t mess with Texas. Sending a donation to help fight atheists for tearing down American values and traditions.
Report Post »TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:25pmJust talking to myself like us old folks are prone to do. Was presented with an idea from a close friend who said don’t fight. Cover every church lot and every Christian house in town and every Christian owned store front with Bigger Better Bolder nativity scenes so the atheists will feel welcome at the courthouse. Save money and make nativity scene magnets or stickers for everyone who wants one for cars. Then no fighting no lawyers no more wars with atheists and they can feel they have won. And all people of Christian faith can come together.
Report Post »Jim213
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:33pmI’m with you granny ! What everyone is missing is the coward that was responsible for getting the wisconsin group involved. Maybe there never was a person that said it bothered them.
Report Post »BoomSlander
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:53pmThat would be great. And not a single atheist would complain. What YOU do with YOUR property is up o YOU. Again, reading comprehension. It’s GOVERNMENT property that needs to refrain from religious advocacy.
Report Post »mom4times
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:11amwe all must be walking around with garlic around our necks…..ya know, vampires hate that……..that must be what is going on here……Man…..it’s getting so bad….can you imagine if we all just started walking around with Bibles in our hand (not open necessarily, just visible)…..bet that would make quite a commotion
Report Post »Annette
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:28amgood idea! this is getting ridiculous. This comes out every year at random places around the US. I think its funny how grown people feel that can’t go into a courthouse or feel welcomed becasue of a nativity..I mean. It‘s so outrageous you have to know it’s a lie. I wish Thomas Jefferson would have made his seperation of church and state a little less interpretable. I guess they never could have known how degenerate our society would become.
I’m glad these pastors are standing up! If a complaint is to be taken seriously it must come from a named person that actually pays taxes in that county….and not from WI and come forward you coward…if you even exist which is highly unlikely.
Report Post »molbersen
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:24pmI’ve read through many of the replies, and speaking of offended: I’m sick and tired of those rainbow banners being flown or posted on every GLBT business, car, keychain, etc. This is 24/7/365. They‘ve taken God’s divine sign of a promise to mankind and made it a symbol of a movement that offends so many. And who has threatened them with anything even though they are everywhere – all year???
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:11amI know several people there and they tell me its gonna ugly if the Feds screw with em
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:19amGood! Maybe we need more situations like this.
Report Post »Perspective
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:11amYou go Joe Hall!! Isn‘t it funny they don’t want us to push religion on them but they want to push godlessness on all of us. They are trying to take away people’s religious freedom,something guaranteed by the Constitution.
Report Post »CENSAYS
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:35pmdoseofreality… let me ask you something? Is there anything reproachable that you can find about the life of Jesus Christ? In court rooms all over, we have pictures of George Washington and the great men who founded this country. Those men knew the greatness of God, they knew what AUTHORITY meant, they knew where it came from, and they knew that they themselves were under a good and great God of authority. There is not one thing offensive about the man and God, Christ Jesus. The people feeling attacked by God are the ones running hard and fast from Him. You can go down the road with them, but this country will remain, as long as the courageous and strong remain, free and under God.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:08amThe people of Athens Tx. are NOT gonna take it down. Its a small country town and these people wont put up with this crap
Report Post »mom4times
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:14amI hope your right…..but i can start to feel the earth moving (cave in) and i can smell the Aclu not far behind…….
Report Post »TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:43pm@Mom4times You are right. The anti Christian Liberties Uniion I call them. However read the comments to myself. What a great idea my friend had. America surely has some nativity scene makers and all Christian faiths can come together and fill the town or any town and quit fighting ignorance. The devil take the hind side but he can’t catch us if we pull together.
Report Post »65Mustang
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:07amWhen will all the Christians, judges and anyone else with a lick of sense grow some balls and tell these atheists to go to hell where they will eventually spend eternity?
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:07amFaith ‘Intimidation’: Atheists Demand That Texas Nativity Scene Be Torn Down Immediately
Report Post »~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Negative, ghost-rider. We’re leaving it up just to piss you off.
smithclar3nc3
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:05amAnd Texans demand that Atheist shut up or get out.
Report Post »Chappy123
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:01pmAMEN!
Dont mess with Texas AH
Report Post »encinom
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:40pmIn other words Texas has decided that the 1st Amendment does not apply within the State.
Report Post »Jim213
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:51pmTexans are allowed to carry handguns and wisconsin just passed a law that lets them carry handguns so I put my money on Texas
Report Post »