Atheists if you are against a nativity scene in a public place, are you against a Christmas Tree too?

Question

Because it's a Pagan symbol so that's religious too

Answer 1

I couldn't care less about a public display of either. As long as I'm not shackled and forced to be involved, I really have no issues with anyone practicing their religion.

If you want to make a law that says I must participate, then you've got a fight on your hands.

Answer 2

The nativity scene screams 'I am Christian' while the tree is actually a more modern day example of the winter season. It was based off the Yule log (which was the original pagan thing (Yule) and I think it was started in Germany). The electric lights on the tree were based off of candles being lit to represent the return of the sun. Which actually happens. No one argues that. So, no, 'Christmas' trees do not bother me. Actually, nativity scenes on privately owned land are fine, I don't have to keep looking or go to church b/c of it, but on public property. Yes, that would bother me immensely and a decorated tree would not. I'm sure that's what you assumed anyway. But, since the tree is not a candle lit Yule log, I don't think most people associate it with any religious ideal and that is why people are mot offended by it. Besides, if Yule is thought of, no one imagines being lit themselves on a stake.

Answer 3

I am only against a nativity scene being put on government property - there is a lot of other public space aside from that which is perfectly acceptable and does not bother me.

A christmas tree has its roots in paganism but has become a culturally accepted secular symbol for the holiday of christmas. No one claims to worship a christmas tree like they do the small version of Jesus the Nazarene in the nativity.

Answer 4

Do you mean just any public place or a publicly owned place? Because you can put up whatever holiday decorations you like in a privately owned public area. As for a publicly owned one, I don't usually care about a nativity scene in public. I don't really like for my tax dollars to go toward it, though. I wouldn't mind a display of several different holidays.

As for the Christmas tree, while it may have begun as a pagan tradition, it is now a secular symbol of Santa-mas. It's fine with me.

Answer 5

My tree is already up . I have no objection to nativity scenes , menorahs , or any other religious decorations during the holidays of that religion . I do object to permanent religious objects on public land or buildings , though .
Evergreen trees as Christmas decorations were banned by the church for hundreds of years after Christ . When the church found it was impossible to enforce , it permitted them . That , in no way makes evergreen trees symbols of Christianity .

Answer 6

I have not heard of anyone objecting to nativity scenes or Christmas trees in public places.

Many do object to nativity scenes and Christmas trees on federal/state/city government-owned land, and/or paid for with tax dollars.

Answer 7

You are assuming that all Atheists have problems with the nativity and you are wrong. Christmas trees are beautiful why should I be against that?

Answer 8

First of all its not just Atheists, there are many religious people who protest and secondly they are not protesting these things in a public place - they are protesting it being displayed on Public Property such as Governmental Offices, Government Lands and places - theres a difference you know. There are many places in public that are privately owned and there is no problem with that. It is when Government sanctions a display of religion on its (the people's) land or property - thats the difference. Get it now?

Answer 9

As long as they don't try to put the creche on my front lawn, I couldn't care less.
Just for the record, a Nativity scene represents a fictional event, so I have no need to fear or resent it. It keeps the Christians in town quiet. They're always yarking about something, so I say let them have this. We're winning on the important fronts, anyway.

Answer 10

Actually, I'm not against a nativity scene in a public place. I don't believe in God, but I am also not so far up myself that I have to spoil other people's enjoyment just to make a point.