at there capitol they have a scene up that has something to do with the xmas hoilday and a group that i would call non belivers have a sign up next to it about theres no god no heaven and no hell . anyway need people to tell them that its wrong for this to be going on . im going to get the phone number and put on here.
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The State of Washington accepted an application from an atheist group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, to place an anti-religion message as part of the state's official holiday display in the state capitol rotunda steps from a traditional nativity scene. The decision is the culmination of a three-year long battle in Washington over inclusiveness in holiday displays. In 2006, the Port of Seattle removed a Christmas tree from the Seattle-Tacoma airport after a local rabbi requested to add a menorah to honor Hanukkah. That same year, an Olympia real estate agent, Ron Wesselius, requested to place a nativity scene inside the capitol building after observing a menorah displayed there. He was denied and filed suit. The state settled, allowing the manger to be displayed in 2007.
The atheist group's sign reads:
"At this season of the winter solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, defended the display's provocative message, calling it, "free speech." "Non-believers are a part of the fabric of America and we claim our place at the table to exercise free speech and freedom of religion, which includes freedom from religion," he said.
Washington state officials accepted the group's application to place the sign in an apparent overreaction to the controversy from 2006. The state says that it will honor almost any request from groups to place religious or political displays as long as they are not disruptive, don't cost the taxpayers money, and are not viewed as an endorsement by the state.
But atheist groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation view any decoration or display with even a hint of religious significance as a violation of the First Amendment's prohibition against establishment of a state religion. What they conveniently overlook is that the same Establishment Clause which prevents a state sanctioned church also prevents the government from limiting the "free exercise" of religion.
Decisions like Washington State's to allow virtually any political or religious display on state ground will not satisfy critics on either side. Religious groups will seek more and bigger displays in future years, and atheist groups will follow suit. A simpler solution would have been to allow the Christmas display unfettered with an official statement declaring it to be placed by a private citizen rather than the state government. Instead, state officials will now include an offensive message of intolerance as part of their official holiday celebration.
I'm glad there is a Nativity scene and I would just ignore the stupid sign by the atheists. I don't think God needs us to defend Him and most people think the sign is ridiculous.
Princess Thank you for finding the actual article on it.
Well all I have to say is When we all go up to those Pearly Gates us believers will have No Worry!!! I am glad I am not in the Non Believers Shoes!!!
I think people should choose their religion or non-religious choice. In the United States, people are suppose to have freedom of choice and yes I'm a christian lady, but have many friends that have different beliefs than me.
Wilma We have Gay Rights Issues for my front page news down in California.
Thanks for the information, as I truly like to be informed. Happy holidays
I was sent via, Dan H, to have a look at your articles.
Thanks for sharing!
10 for you!
If it is your rights about religious mythology we're supposed to say, oh its ok. But if its mine to say that religion is just hogwash, intolerant and filled with hate for people whoare different or believe..or not...differently than you, then its wrong????
What's really scary is that I would fight for your right to believe in your mythology...but I think you would fight to lock me up because I believe in true social justice, not just justice for theocratic fascists.
i wonder what the outcome was
maybe we will hear more about it this coming xmas. i guess if they want to believe theres no nothing just dont push it down others throat .
oh mai
It takes all kinds of people to make the world go around... I guess Larry. Sad but true.
we have one upstairs cant stand.