Why does the ACLU want to take down anything that has to do with Christianity......?

Question

But a footbath in an airport is fine. The foot bath would be for Muslims who wash their feet as a cleansing (which is because of their faith), meanwhile, in a nearby city, they wanted to take down a picture of Jesus holding a Bible open to a page with the Ten Commandments written on them (the same 10 commandments that our laws are based on).

Look, I don't care if there is a footbath in a bathroom or not. It doesn't bother me either way. The point is, if you are going to make an airport spend money on something that only people of a certain religious group will use (more than likely), then what is wrong with a painting of Jesus? Its not trying to force beliefs on anyone.

What are your thoughts?

To Michelle- Don't presume to think you know anything about me. I don't think that Jesus was the savior. I think he was a divine messanger. So, you can leave the personal attacks out of your answers, because you don't know or will ever know who I am or what my beliefs are. Have a great friggin day.

to favoritfood- Umm, do not Murder is a big one..

I do know that the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence were all written by men who went to church every Sunday. That's where I get that from.

Look, I'm not trying to say that the ACLU is horrible. I know that they have done great things for people, and I'm sure that they will do more in the future. I'm also not saying that I fully support the fundamentalist Christian groups (which I don't). And I certainly don't believe that they were created by the "devil" (which is a fictional creature).

All I was trying to say, if some of you would actually read other comments or questions I've posted, is that if you want to give religious freedom to one, give it to all. Everyone should have the right to do whatever they feel they need to do to be closer to God, and if you're an atheist or agnostic, well, you should be able to say whatever you want. All I ever wanted is equality for all, not special treatment for some and scorning to others.

Its amazing to me how some of you assume that a person is so ignorant and dumb just by reading a question they ask. So much for "judging people for who they are as a person".
I'm disappointed.

Answer 1

I think there is a big difference between a foot bath used by customers of the airport and a religious picture and text displayed in or on a public supported edifice.

A foot bath is NOT a religious symbol any more that a drinking fountain is. It is a device to wash ones feet like a bidet is a device to wash ones genitals. It is a matter of PERSONAL preference to use or not to use either one.

Religious pronouncements and displays belong in the church and the home.....not on public supported property.

And, BTW, the ACLU isn't trying to "take down christianity"; the organization makes sure that religion and religeous expressions stay out of public areas, out of schools, out of courts and out of any taxpayer support venue.

The ACLU has no axe to grind with christians....just that they keep their religion to themselves and not try to force it down everyones throat.

Answer 2

Well, you neglected to mention where the painting of Jesus is and you seem to have only given the highlights of the foot bath situation, so really, we can't answer with just the information you have chosen to give.

I am guessing that the painting is in some sort of government building or something, maybe a public school even, in which case having a religious picture is wrong because of separation of church and state.

Of course, these little battles make for headlines, but are inconsequential, when one realizes that we have the word god on our money. Now, that should be taken to court and it should come off, but for some reason no one is fighting that battle.

Regarding the foot bath in the airport, I can't speak. An airport is a public place and has to provide amenities required by the public, but that's as close as I can come. You know, it might not just be for Muslims. Where I come from we have "foot washing Baptists" and maybe they would use it, also. Like I said, not enough information provided to take one side or the other.

I would guess, though, that the ACLU tries to guard us against Christianity because it has become the unofficial, official religion of our country and whenever Christians can, they do try to take down the rest of us.

Answer 3

The ACLU has defended the free expression rights of many Christians.

They have also defended the free expression rights of NON-Christians, which has some conservatives deeply offended, so they make up lies about the ACLU is so anti-Christian.

The ACLU fights against government endorsement of Christianity. The ACLU does not prevent Christians from expressing their faith as a private citizen.

Personally, I disagree with the airport giving footbaths to Muslims, especially in light of the fact that some Muslim cab drivers refuse to transport people with dogs, alcoholic beverages etc. I don't think the airport needs to be giving special privleges to Muslims.

On the other hand, I have been told that airports provide chapels (I have never seen them, but then I don't look for one when I travel) so maybe the airport figure that since they are providing chapels for Christians, they can supply footbaths for Muslims.

Answer 4

Are laws are not based on the 10 Commandments and if they are plastered all over a public building they should be removed. You don't seem to understand we are not a Christian country.

The foot bath itself is not a religious symbol, it's OK if the airport voluntarily puts it in. Not a big fan of that either, but anyone who wants to use them can.

Answer 5

Michelle, you are MUCH more than a beautiful smile. You are a ray of hope.

We do? We fight for religious freedoms across the country, and for free speech that even we find repulsive.

I'm so proud of our victory in the Ard case in Louisiana, where a Catholic family was being forced to say Protestant prayers in public schools.

We fought for the Lutheran mother Lisa Herdahl in Mississippi and won.

I swallow hard each time we step in to support the KKK's right to march and look silly, but the true test of free speech is supporting speech you loathe.

Rush Limbaugh had no qualms about accepting our help over privacy rights.

I'm a member of the Mississippi Chapter, and the majority of our board members are practicing Christians, including a pastor. What we share is a love for the constitution.

Answer 6

a painting of Jesus holding open a bible to the 10 commandments.

*lol* the irony...

Commandment 1) god identifies himself.
Commandment 2) God says to have none before him. like in front of him. as in between God and you. .... like a mediator.
Commandment 3) no graven images. now technically a painting isn't "graven" but its certainly an image....

wouldn't the chapels in many hospitals be similar? and don't some airports have chapels?

Answer 7

I will support foot baths when they also install bowls of holy water for Catholics and incense burners for those religions that use incense.

Answer 8

Do you seriously see no difference between a public display of the Christian messiah and a bathroom fixture within private property??

Answer 9

I agree. Please remember that the ACLU also protects Christians rights as well. And have. I think there must be more to the story then you are telling. As to the 10 commandments. If our laws are based on the 10 commandments why are only 2 commandments actual laws?

So below, Christians defending the ACLU and the ACLU fighting for Christians.

Answer 10

I understand and agree with you.

There was a situation locally where the ACLU screams separation of church and state and take Christmas out of the schools...but nothing is said during Ramadan when Muslims students are in need of a room for prayer (yes, at school.)

A little confusing, yes?