Atheists -- How do you feel about this article?

Question

I was just wondering how many of you agree with those who want the crosses removed. Just curiousity on my part.

Thanks.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,311956,00.html

Hey, Zilla -- good to see you!!

((((Zilla)))

It didn't occur to me to ask if the cross, the size or number of crosses, or just the memorial itself was the problem until some people brought it up.

I have my own opinion on the subject, and it might just surprise some of you who know me, too. I'll wait a bit before I tell you what I think, though.

Thanks for all the good answers so far.

A lot of people here know that I'm a Christian who belongs to the Catholic Church. Even so, I don't think that this is an appropriate use of a Christian symbol, especially if the officer and/or his family was a member of another faith.

I think one non-religious memorial on state-owned property would be a much better way to honor these brave men and women. Many departments have a "Wall of Valor" with the names of officers killed in the line of duty. A small religious symbol by each person's name (if the family so desires) strikes me as a lot better solution.

Answer 1

I would not have a problem with memorial be erected, if the families of the fallen troopers were the ones to pick the symbol that they wanted to use.

If other religious symbols would be allowed, then I would have not problem.

However, if they are going to allow ONLY crosses, and no stars of David, Wiccan Pentacles, Ying-Yang signs, then I am against this.

If they would allow the FAMILIES to pick, instead of having a "one symbol fits all" approache, the majority would pick the cross, and there would be the occasional Pentagram or symbol of some other religion.

Then the Christians would be fussing to get the non-Christians symbols removed.

I am an agnostic.

Answer 2

Fox news huh? I'll look it over anyways, give me a sec....

Unfortunately, this is the kind of crap that gives all atheists a bad name. These kinds of suits tend to do more harm to whatever group files them than they do good. Some people find true joy in being offended I think.
Coming from probably the purest atheist you're likely to meet, a cross is little more to me than two sticks joined at right angles. Sure I know what it's supposed to symbolize, but I could really care less about any of that stuff.
I guess I'm willing glance to the side of the road when I pass something like that, if it's something that truly brings someone else comfort. I can understand why some would find it preferable to use something more neutral as a memorial, but perhaps the crosses reflect something about the officers faith as well.

Don't get me wrong, there are some religious intrusions that I have NO tolerance for (creationism/ID in schools for example), but something like this is better to simply tolerate.

EDIT
I should also make a quick note here about the fact that it was reported by fox "news".... I actually feel a little dumber, and a little unclean for having read one of their stories....

Answer 3

They are not religious symbols, it is just a tradition. It is two sticks put together and used as decoration. The stick place width wise is long enough to put a name on it, and the stick length wise is long enough to stick in the ground. An ingenious device.

Funny how atheists will allow themselves to partake in religious events, and then call it tradition or downgrade it's religious significance. Yet when it comes to somethings it just can't be done.

Think of it as two sticks if it makes you feel better.

Edit:

If the fallen trooper was a christian shouldn't a cross be put up to represent what he believed in? Same for jewish, muslim, or atheist.
Edit:
I do think that there should be a law governing the time limit of such displays. I say about a month and they all must be taken down. If not then pay a fine.

Answer 4

Not my intent to be harsh, but I'm against the use of the symbol of the cross used for anything but the sacred symbol that it is, which should turn our hearts toward Jesus. A memorial to a human person is just that - it honors the person. So, in that light, I'm against throwing the cross out as if it were decoration.

The same goes for jewel-encrusted crosses worn as bling. There's a Christian jewelry company whose catch-phrase is "Spreading the Gospel - one piece of jewelry at a time." Puh . . . . leeeeze.

The cross is a sacred and holy symbol - let's not relegate it to decoration, for Christ's sake.

Jim Cosgrove
http://www.PrayTwice.Com

Answer 5

I don't have a problem with it if the police officers were christian, as long as the officers that are not Christian have some other type of memorial. As for the Utah State police trying to say that the 'crosses' are secular, I think THAT is reprehensible.

Answer 6

I think if the crosses were being displayed solely as religious symbols then they would certainly be inappropriate along a highway, but in this case they are just memorials in honor of fallen troopers. I think its fairly obvious that they were put up in recognition of the sacrifice of certain individuals and not to further any religion or another. They should just be recognized for what they are and people shouldn't be so concerned about what shape they are in.

Answer 7

Take down the crosses and create a memorial and put them there.
Roadways should not be used as memorials.
Also, it could create an unsafe situation where people are parked on the side of the road to pay respects to these fallen officers, and possibly be struck by passing vehicles.
Build a safe, secure place for the remembrance of these people who died protecting the public.

Answer 8

Actually, it doesn't bother me. Crosses are basically a memorial for the dead nowadays. These crosses have the dead men's names on them, so they aren't remembering the death of jesus.
I guess, if not all the men who died were christians I wouldn't be happy with it, if they are then I don't see the issue AS A SHORT TERM THING. Leaving them there forever would piss me off. Not because they're crosses, but because those men are not the only dead that should be remembered.
I don't see why they should be removed though.

Answer 9

I'm not sure I know enough about the situation to make a judgment. The crosses obviously aren't secular. However, I don't think that displaying them endorses any particular religion as long as those Highway Patrol Troopers who aren't Christian are allowed to choose a suitable alternative.

Answer 10

I'm not an Atheist, but I think the Cross..as it's used here..is more like the symbol you find at a cemetery...indicating the dead are buried here..It is not used as a symbol of Christianity ....any more then a Christmas tree..is the symbol from its roots, which are pagan.