Nativity scene dispute in the neighborhood. Help and advice?

Question

This year I bought a multimedia life sized beautiful nativity scene to put up in my front yard. It has a sound system and a slide show in the backdrop to make it seem just like the real thing or maybe a movie scene.

The only problem is that the neighbors are complaining. They are complaining that the lighting system is supposedly too bright and that the sound track is supposedly too loud and bothering them.

The police came out and gave me a warning ticket. But I told them that I am not changing a thing and that I am standing up for my right of religious expression.

As far as I'm concerned, if these neighbors don't like it they aren't true Christians. How could anyone not appreciate the holiness and beauty of the birth scene of baby Jesus. If they don't like it they can find another neighborhood that celebrates the birth of SATAN.

What should I do?

Tequilla, that house rocks for Jesus almost as loud as mine! I hope they have better neighbors than me.

Answer 1

LOL...I am peeing myself...LOL...LOL...Hacking and coughing from laughing so hard...LOL...

Answer 2

From your question it is not the Nativity scene and it is not about your right to religious expression that is in dispute - but the bright lights and loud sound track. I am a christian and I believe that considering your neighbour's feelings - other people's feelings - is also important. And aren't you defeating the real meaning of Christmas and being a christian by letting your anger cloud your judgement? Show a little less anger and more reason - maybe the lights are too bright and the sound tract is too loud. Would it hurt you to try and adjust your lights and lower the sound? At least try and show a little consideration for your neighbour's concerns. This time of year, especially this time of year, is really about peace, love and goodwill. Having a Nativity scene is a wonderful idea - but, spreading the peace, love and goodwill that the Nativity represents is even more important. The Nativity is a celebration of the birth of Christ and all the promise that means to the world, and should not turn into a fight with your neighbours. Make peace with your neighbours and try to find a solution that suits everyone - gracefully. God Bless.

Answer 3

You had better be careful. There ARE noise pollution laws, and you can end up with a very costly ticket, not to mention civil lawsuits.

Yes, you have a right to present anything you want IN your home, and to express your beliefs. You DO NOT have a right to forcibly impose them on your neighbors.

Check local statutes and bring your display into compliance. You can buy a cheap instrument to test for noise volume. (It reads the sound in decidebels, and you should test it at the NEAREST edge of the sidewalk or street curb in front.) Pay attention, too, that your system adjusts the volume at night, usually noise pollution laws have a lower threshhold after a certain hour (usually 9 p.m.).

As for the glare of the lighting, please be reasonable and considerate. You can install a rheostat to reduce the power to the lights after it gets dark, or say, at about 8 p.m. when people put kids to bed. Basically, it's a "dimmer" tht enables you to control the brightness.

And, frankly, if you don't care about your neighbors, they might want to see where they can buy some RPG's ....

Answer 4

Sister I appreciate your stand.
but lets put the shoe on the other foot,

if the neighbors were playing LOUD acid rock music would you complain? if it disturbed you and would you call the police? what if the told you that if you didn't appreciate freedom of expression then you should move to another country that doesn't have this freedom?

don't let your good be evil spoken of.
don't let the work of god keep you from the God of your work.
you have good intentions but if you continue this
#1 your gonna lose and you will put a bad light on christans everywhere.
#2 you will be doing it with a wrong attitude, christ always avoided a fight whenever possible. your asking for one!
#3 you will attract media attention (which you definetly don't want) and will probably start a snowball effect that will end up banning nativity scenes everywhere in your town.
I'm asking you as a brother in christ,
throw the towel in,
apologize if possible,
turn the music way down,
and smile every time you see them.

Answer 5

Just because someone is not a christian does NOT mean they worship satin. Nor does feeling holier than thou give you the right to disturb the peace. Having said that , if someone is uncomfortable with a nativity scene that's their problem. Although I have to admit that being forced to listen to holiday music all day every day would be very annoying. Try turning off the sound and I bet you'll get far fewer complaints.

Answer 6

Step back, get off the religious high horse and think reasonably for a minute:

Is it REALLY about "religion"...or is your nativity scene REALLY too loud and bright?

I seriously doubt your neighbors have a problem with your beliefs, seeing that Christians are pretty much in the majority.

Answer 7

You have a religious right to have a display, but not to be inconsiderate to your neighbors with the lights and sound. Kill the sound and dim the light in the least!

Also, you have no right to judge who a "real" Christian is. A "real" christian DISPLAY is to go work at the soup kitchen and help those in need. It isn't about a multimedia show in your neighborhood. Honestly, it sounds like you are being showy and trying to start conflict in the neighborhood. Tis the season, huh? WWJD?

Answer 8

Well, first Donna I must say that your right to display is a guaranteed right and as long as you do not run it past local curfew laws (10 or 11 pm) you should be fine. But, you are out of gas on the music. I think it may vary from place to place but it should not extend past the boundaries of your yard. If you look at UTUBE and search "Wizards in Winter" you will find a house that was way over the top in both sound and lights, but he got around it by sending it over the radio on a specific frequency and people could tune in if they wished to hear it. He also is a great neighbor and the folks tolerate it because he is nice year round (I believe).

My next door neighbors are having a "Kegger" this weekend for their son that graduated College and they came over and told me. I thanked them and told them that was fine because they have been great neighbors year round and as long as they did not park in my yard they could have the street in front of my house and even in my driveway if we are home and not going out.

Answer 9

Their is nothing Christian about having a disregard for your neighbors. Maybe they are complaining because it is too bright and too loud, not because their satanic. Put lower watt bulbs in and turn it down. Be a nice neighbor, or the police will make you.

Answer 10

I think you're trolling, but I'll answer anyway.

Set a time limit for when you will have the lights and music on-say 6-8 pm in case your neighbors have small children trying to sleep.

Or-you really just want to shove your beliefs in your neighbors face and basically be a rude wench...then you won't compromise at all. How christian.

Answer 11

You could turn down the sound for starters. And change the lighting so it's not so bright. There is a limit to the noise and light level that's allowed. It's not the content that's the problem, according to what you've written.