Police Station Advertising Putting Up Chrisitan Christmas Tree....?

Question

Okay, so in the town I live there is literally a group that goes around making sure that no government building prescribe to any one religious holiday celebrations publicly (ie: outside).

So in a sort of protest to this the Cities Police Chief publicly states that he plans to put up a huge Christmas Tree in the Police Station lawn and invites any Christians to come and help him decorate it.

It's all over the news here (guess there's not much else going on) and I realize that it didn't bother me too much. Then I wondered why it didn't bother me. At first I figured - Hey, adults can celebrate their preferred holiday any way they choose as long as they don't bring it to school where kids have to deal with their religion being left out or other religion being forced on them.

But then I realized this is on county property, paid for by our taxes, and there are quite likely people who work at the Police Station who aren't Christian. So, in those ways, it is wrong.

Knowing this.... Would you support the Police chief being corrected for this and not be allowed to put up the tree?

Oh and for reference, state your personal belief in regard to religion or lack thereof.

I guess I didn't make clear that he wants it to be decorated with Christian Decorations. He specifically said: I welcome all Christians to come and decorate it with Christian decorations. If that makes a difference to anyone.

Kurtis, I am fully aware of the Evergreens significance in Pagan beliefs. You completely missed the point, which shows your ignorance.

Answer 1

I'm an atheist. I feel there should not be religious symbols on public property. However, it is possible to argue that, depending on what decorations are used, a Christmas tree is actually a secular thing. If there are no explicitly Christian symbols, please remember that the origin of the decorated tree is pagan. In fact, one very good compromise would be to put bird feeder balls (bird seed held together with suet) on the tree so the birds can have a happy winter holiday. A generic "winter holiday" tree with Santas and gingerbread men and snowflakes and other non-religious decorations should be acceptable.

It is the religious nature of the decoration which is at issue. If a tree, of itself, is considered religious, I suppose it must be Druid!

Answer 2

I would use clear lights - when I grew up we had real candles on the real Christmas tree. People went into the forest and cut the best tree they could find. The tree cutting was done in the morning of Christmas eve.. They had little snap-on candle holders. I don't know why I never heard of trees or houses burning. We had two white candles burning on every window sills. We always had a white Christmas back then, now it may not snow until January. Tree ornaments were made of paper cutouts and straw figures formed with red yarn. Lights out, the fresh fragrant tree with the candles burning, the straw sheep and angels in a golden glow, everyone singing Christmas carols - oh well - nothing was ever again as spell binding as that was for a 5 year old. The clear lights remind me of those times long ago. I have them on the house outside. Everything is just too plastic today so I don't decorate much for Christmas inside. Just a bunch of candles and fresh poinsettia everywhere. No Christmas tree.

Answer 3

It's a silly exercise in futility. Symbols change in meaning over time. A Christmas Tree is as recent to the celebration as the American shopping season for the same.

I don't have a problem with the promotion of religious specific celebration. However, to promote one faith's traditions means that all can be promoted through the same venue if sponsored by a government entity. Even those who do not believe in celebrating would have the right to partake by promoting anti-celebration flare.

It is best for a government entity to not promote specific religious celebrations.

Answer 4

Christmas trees have nothing to do with Christmas. They are a relatively recent tradition, begun in Victorian times, as is much else we do at Christmas. Christmas itself was superimposed onto a pagan midwinter tradition so there is no reason why anyone would assume that the police chief is christian, pagan or whatever. Why not have a midwinter celebration to cheer ourselves up? Embrace it!

Answer 5

Frankly, I find the whole Christmas tree thingie to be utterly ridiculous.

It isn't a religious symbol. It's roots are in paganism.

It does no harm.

Public buildings, schools, and pubic arenas where there are large groupings of people who regularly appear is another thing altogether.

Oh, and before I get jammed.....I am an atheist....

Answer 6

Pastor Billy says: in today's Western Christian created countries why is it celebration of Christian tradition has been outlawed by the minority of non-religious or non-Christian??? Your argument about money is a scapegoat, what if the police chief is paying for this out of pocket???

Let me ask you this, why are the non-Christian business men and women pushing for society to come into their stores and buy buy buy for Christmas right after Thanksgiving (nows it's more like after Halloween) and yet people who are Christian are being handcuffed to silence when desiring to express who they are in public as Christian believers? Makes no sense to me except as a deification of the almight dollar by atheists and non-Christians

I say it's time for a Christian revolt against the secular atheists and other minority religious who freely express themselves in society while oppressing any Christian professions of faith.

I always wish everyone a Merry Christmas, scerw happy holidays.

addendum: it is little wonder why I've been given 4 thumbs down so far basically the non-religious are fully aware of what would happen if Christians united to asert their rights to express in the public forum what they believe and who they are. Warning, you've been given the freedom you have because of Christian charity stop abusing the hand that feeds.

Answer 7

people need to just stop making such a big deal about where a Christmas tree is set up. If you don't like the tree then I suggest you not go to the police station. people need to find something else to get offended about this song is getting old.

Answer 8

Don't know how he can get away with it on county/state property. If he feels so strong about Christmas (like I do), then he should just put a small tree in his office....personal space, no harm done.

Answer 9

I think if any group wants to put up an xmas tree and no one in their group objects, then put one up, build a fire and sing songs. it is a holiday after all! then the city can't complain when I build my burning man effigy in my driveway.

Answer 10

If the police chief wants to put up an outside tree, he should do it on his own, personal property. And the taxpayers would be paying for that huge tree, as well, most likely.

Atheist
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