"MERRY CHRISTMAS" PING! :)
Posted on 12/03/2006 7:56:16 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
(MADISON, WI) 'Tis the season . . . for the Freedom From Religion Foundation's gilt "Winter Solstice" message, which is back in the first-floor rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol for the month of December. It is believed to be the only nonreligious display in any state capitol, and this marks the 11th year of its display.
The sign, with a secular message written by Anne Nicol Gaylor, the founder of the national, Madison, Wis.-based association, beseeches:
"At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail."
There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.
"There is only our natural world.
"Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The back of the sign reads: "State/Church: Keep Them Separate," and carries a little taped-on caveat, advising "Thou shalt not steal."
The Foundation seeks to balance the yearly nativity pageant which takes over the Capitol, the many Christmas activities, a menorah with a religious sign and other displays of religion at the Wisconsin State Capitol during this time of year.
The sign reminds citizens of the "real reason for the season, the impending Winter Solstice (Dec. 21)," says Dan Barker, Foundation co-president.
The Winter Solstice, the shortest and darkest day of the year, signals the return of the sun and the new year, and has been celebrated by pagans for a millennia with festivals of light, evergreens, feasts and gift exchanges.
"Freethinkers don't mind sharing the season with Christians, but we think there should be an acknowledgment of the natural origins of many of December's customs," he added.
Barker pointed out that the state-hosted tree, while officially called a "holiday tree," this year contains many overtly Christian ornaments, including crosses, and cross ornaments bearing such messages as "Believe," and "Faith." Some ornaments depict nativity scenes and or contain Christian messages.
"The state-hosted tree that dominates the rotunda for a full month should not be used to promote one religious viewpoint, or to perpetuate the myth that Christians have a monopoly on this natural holiday. There were no Jewish or Hindu ornaments, for instance. Why should Christian messages be furthered by the state?"
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, based in Madison, Wis., is a national association of freethinkers (atheists, agnostics) that has been working since 1978 to keep church and state separate.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS" PING! :)
Of interest to your list?
Anne Nicol Gaylor - isn't that old bat gonna die soon?
Uh huh. Because YOU said so ...
By the way, the DATE of Christ's birth is not important. We could just as easily celebrate it on Octember 11teenth. What we celebrate on Dec. 25 is an EVENT, not a date. And that is the critical component the star-gazers leave out. On the winter solstice, nothing happens. Because of the axial tilt of the earth, the sun reaches its nadir on that date, as it has for a few billion years.
However, on the date of Christ's birth, which we have arbitrarily designated as Dec. 25, a Savior was born unto Man, One who would redeem the corruption of the spirit and the flesh, and bring the errant children of God salvation.
THAT only happened once.
The solstice is a meaningless coincidence. Christmas is the fulfillment of a promise.
The Fool has said in [her] heart, "There is no God." --Psalm 14:1
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him Who sent Me has Everlasting Life, and shall not come into judgement but has passed from death into Life." --John 5:24
What is it about States that produce cheese products? Wisconsin and Vermont are two of the most liberal States in the country. Their politics stink more then their cheese !!!
Unfortunately, Anne Nicol is the daughter. Annie Laurie is the Mom, who has retired. This group is now run by the daughter and her husband (Dan What's His Name) quoted in the article.
None of which have ever held a real job in the real world. *Rolleyes*
On what basis does an Atheist claim to make such an assertion.
That's a darn good question. If there's no God, why not steal? Wouldn't that prove that you were fit to survive, if you got away with it?
Without God, there can be no authority for any "should."
It's appropriate that this Festivus nonsense would be promoted by a TV show (fantasy land) that features a bunch of self-absorbed amoral people with no principles.
No, state capitols throughout the country are filled with nonreligious displays, but this may be the only anti-religious display.
"Wouldn't it be great if an image of Mary appeared on this display and then thousands of people from everywhere came to worship here?"
Hmmmm...some clip art, a little creative Modge-Podge application under cover of darkness...?
Or I could see putting a Wal-Mart Happy Face Sticker on it; the left in this town hates Wal-Mart, too. ;)
Exactly.
There could be (the police for example, the communinty. Even with a god there isn't necessarily.
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