For those who are offended by Religious symbols on public property?

Question

Other than the "separation of church and state" issue why is this a problem?

No one is saying that the city, school or other property is advocating that holiday, only recognizing that it exists? Why is this wrong?

If they were to allow recognition of other religious holidays (such as Hindu, Wiccan, Muslim, Jewish, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion), would that make a difference to you?

Answer 1

I'm an Atheist and I have no problem with public religious symbols. What *is* a problem is when it is meant to convert me or promote an ideology that is alien to me. I'll give you a few examples.

I think 'In God we trust' on currency is cute. But some Christians are using it as a reason to promote religion further ('We're a Christian nation, it's on our coins!'). That's less cute.

I think public nativity scenes at Christmas is charming. I think being preached to during Jesus Christs birthday when I'm not visiting church is less charming.

I think the Ten Commandments are quaint and interesting. I do not want them to be percieved as the foundation for this country. That would, for instance, imply that We, The People, shalt have no other God than God. That's in direct violation of the Constitution, which is the contract everybody has agreed (Atheists & Christians) to obey (if not, get out of here).

Live and let live, I say. I don't have a problem with other people's religion, but then please don't have a problem with mine.

Answer 2

"If they were to allow recognition of other religious holidays (such as Hindu, Wiccan, Muslim, Jewish, Shintoism, Taoism or any other religion), would that make a difference to you?"

Absolutely. If we were to allow ALL religious symbols be located together on public property, then I would totally be in favor of it. But, I've lived in some "close minded" places where that would never be allowed.

Answer 3

the only time that i had a problem with religious symbols when i was in school. was when the principal told me that i had to take off or hide my penticle. yet the christian cross was a common sight. my reply was simply

"when you make everyone hide their religious symbols then i will hide mine."

this cleared up that issue for me.

as far as the 10 commandments in courthouses, the 40 foot cross out in california etc, i really do not care. i see this simply as freedom or religion.

however if i wanted to have my religious doctrine included with the 10 commandments and i ran into alot of crap over it then it becomes religious discrimination.

If my church wanted to put a giant 40 foot pentagram up on public land in remembrance of all of the pagan, wiccan and other soldiers that have been killed in the line of duty. and we were told that we cannot do this, I would agree to a point ,,,,seperation of church and state....so then i would ask our dear president to do the same thing that he dod for the cross in california,,,,make it federal land and then noone can touch it.....

does anyone think that president bush would do that for a Pagan church......

this is where it becomes a problem...when religions become excluded form certain things that other religions are not excluded from.

Sargent Patrick Stewart was killed in afganistan last year.
to this day his memorial plaque has not been placed at the federal graveyard that he is buried in. because he was Wiccan and the Veterans association does not recognise Wicca as a religion. his family wants the Penticle on his plaque, and the VA does not recognise the penticle as a religious symbol...the penticle is older than every symbol that they do recognise...they recognise a symbol for athiesim...a belief that by it's very concept should have no symbol...

I do not want to see religious statements removed from public display,,, I want to see true freedom of religion in this country.
and that means recogniseing all religious beliefs. and people's right to practice them as long as no mundane laws are broken in the practice of such religion.

Answer 4

It might, but then there is the issue of religious intolerance in other people- there are alot of radicals out there, and more than likely, these religious symbols be they Christian, Wiccan, Hindu, Buddhist, or what not, are likely to be vandalised. So at the same time, I don't think it would be a good idea.

So the reason it is wrong, isn't because it's being pressed on other people per se, but that they can't freely and safely have theirs out in public too.

Answer 5

I'm very liberal and I don't really have a problem with this...

I know that it becomes a problem when there are Christmas Nativity scenes on courthouse lawns or when a community that is largely comprised of Jews has to endure "the Christmas spirit" every year all over their community...

But all things considered, I believe in freedom of expression and as a Buddhist, I do not get offended by religious symbols usually...

There has only been one instance recently that bothered me:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/05/us/05liberty.html?ex=1309752000&en=633335bc68bac86a&ei=5089&partner=rssyahoo&emc=rss
I don't think that Christians have the right to re-write history to fit their views... this seems like Christian Graffiti to me... taking an American symbol of freedom and making a "new and improved Christian" version of it just seems out of control...

Answer 6

It isn't that i am offended, but I feel that it should be all or none. As we are a country of many religious systems, a public property displaying symbols of one religion would appear that they state is showing preference to a certain religion. If that happened then that religion could be mistaken as the state religion. This could have bad consequences for all others.

Answer 7

'No one is saying that the city, school or other property is advocating that holiday, only recognizing that it exists' ... What recognition are you referring to? Putting up Christmas decorations is advocating the holiday, not merely recognizing its existence.

Celebrating Christmas on property owned and maintained by taxpayers is wrong because it is inconsiderate to Jewish and non-Christian taxpayers.

Answer 8

It can be considered proselytizing, and that is always offensive whether it's JWs at the door or a some statue or "ten phrases on a stone". Such things are legal of course. But the state shold not be doing it.

Answer 9

To hell with political correctness. It has gone completely mad when a minority can force their views on the silent majority. Start speaking up for your rights and vote out those in power who did not back your views of this and many other subjects.
For those who have not come across it, recently in Scotland during a fierce local football match between Celtic (Catholic) and Rangers (Protestant) a footballer was prosecuted for making the sign of the cross - it was deemed to be hostile towards the crowd of Ranger supporters. Total madness - if we are not careful, and taking it to its logical conclusion, we will not be able to celebrate St.Patrick's Day, Christmas, Easter, or in fact any religious festival - of any religion.

Answer 10

This saying "separation of church & state" is just that, a saying. It isn't in the Constitution of the United States. We do not block any religious Holiday, anyone can enjoyed any religious holiday they want.