Sign Stolen?

[cjeanean]

Quote:
A nativity scene is not the same as a sign that states that those who believe in a god aren't using their sense of 'reason'. A nativity is a positive symbol of the Christian belief. The nativity does not specifically say anything about those who don't believe in Jesus, but instead is a symbol of our reason for celebration. A pentagram, likewise, does not specifically say anything against another belief, but is a symbol of what some people believe in. Some people may get offended by seeing a nativity, but they cannot say that the nativity is directed at them. This sign, however, is DIRECTLY targeted at all those who believe in a god. That is the problem I have with it. I believe that religious statements on public property should reflect that religion rather than disrespecting those who believe otherwise.

Could I put up a sign that says,

In this season of remembering the sacrifice of the Son of God, may reason prevail.

There is only ONE God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Whose only begotten Son died to save us.

There are angels, who serve our God, and devils, who serve the enemy of mankind Satan.

Heaven is a real place for those who are righteous. Hell exists for those who do not believe in God, and those who die without Him must face everlasting torment.

Religion has been used to enslave minds through myth and superstition, but FAITH in the Lord Jesus is freedom and transcends all bondage. GOD BLESS.

I don't think so, no pagan, agnostic, Orthodox Jew, homosexual, atheist, etc would allow that. Why? Because I have targeted all those who do not believe the way I believe. Therefore this sign, although a legitimate display of another view, needs to be changed so that it does not directly target the beliefs of others. If I walked by a bronze pentagram displayed on my courthouse lawn my stomach would drop (for reasons I won't go into right now), but that's about it. But if I walked by a bronze plaque that said "Satan is the One lord of the universe and those who follow God suck" (lol, all I could think of at the moment) you better believe someone would be hearing about it, not because that person/people doesn't have a right to make a statement, but rather because they have targeted those who believe differently DIRECTLY.

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

No matter what is placed on that lawn SOMEONE will find it offensive.

Even Christians viewing a nativity - what if some folks object to Mary and Joseph being portrayed as caucasian?

The point is, there is no way to please everyone. No matter how many displays are allowed, there will always be one more groupor individual who is not represented, or who feels a sign/display/symbol is offensive and should be removed.

meri

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Quote:
Hmmm, I suppose another argument could be that some of our (United States) heritage and tradition shouldn't be celebrated

eta - I got to get off this thing and go to bed

I hope the thread is still alive in the morning (meaning that everyone can play nice - it's been a good discussion)

meri

 

[redhen]

State and Church need to stay seperate....what people put on their own personal lawns is their business...but, what my state puts on the courthouse lawn is MY business....and thats where the problems begin....

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Guess what? I AGREE WITH YOU! We can all put our displays on our lawn if we so choose, but a public place should be very neutral. I agree sooo much!

 

[Peepthis541]

I agree that government property is not the place for this type of expression. There would simply be no limit to the amount of differing voices you'd have to accommodate. It could be as simple as two differing beliefs representing themselves, or as complicated as 300 million differing beliefs.
Chiknmama summed it up pretty good. If there are none are allowed, no debate, no real issue. Aren't we supposed to be keeping "church" and state separate anyway?
People can speak their hearts and minds on their own property. That way, they are only speaking for their family and themselves, and not other citizens who may or may not believe the same.

 

[FrChuckW]

Okay, I have read all the cons and pros about this debate so far.

The right to believe as one wants is a Constitutional Right. It has never been a moral right, a philisophical right or whatever you want to call it. It was put into the Constitution to prevent the sort of religious oppression and bigotry that was prevalent in England and Europe when this country was founded.

The majority of the wording on the sign is acceptable except for that line about religion. But this is America and Freedom of Speech is also a Constitutional guarantee. I may not always agree with someone else's point of view, may even think it is outrageous or just downright stupid, but I will defend their right to believe it. I must add a caveat to this, I will not defend those who promote bigotry, hatred or injustice.

I can remember walking through the square in downtown Los Angeles and being haraunged by what most considered religious zealots. After listening to their little speels, I would often turn the tables on them and ask them if they were truly Christian. Of course their answer was always yes. I would then ask them what were the two greatest commandments are. The normal answer that most people give is that their are 10 not 2 commandments. To which I replied, that no their are only two, the 10 are rules to live by. The two greatest commandments are to "Love God above all others, And to Love the Neighbor as thyself" Christ said that He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it, at that point I would wish them a nice day and walk away. They usually just stood there sputtering.

I have always tried to live my life with a belief in the good in people, and that I should always treat others as I myself want to be treated. It is often referred to as the Golden Rule. Many different cultures have variations of this as part of their philisophies.

As far as displaying various symbols of the seasons on Government Property, with me it either has to be everybody allowed to express their beliefs or nobody does. As long as it is done respectfully.


Just my .02 worth

 

[Chicken Woman]

The subject of religion on a chicken forum is silly to begin with !

Statements that are negitive towards others beliefs is wrong !
Stating what you believe is fine without the insults.

Lets just love one another . When are people going to stop judging one another. Live your life with a happy spirit and please be kind.

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
Which is why we put into the rules:

12. We strongly discourage religious and political topics and reserve the right to delete them at our discretion. The topics of religion and politics should be confined to the “Random Ramblings” section of the forum.​

 

[debilorrah]

And here we all are! Last night it was random Rumblings for me.