Furor Erupts Over Atheist Display At State Capitol

ericlp

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
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http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/capitol.atheist.display.2.1387754.html


A conservative activist and Illinois comptroller candidate was escorted from the Illinois State Capitol building Wednesday when he tried to remove a sign put up by an atheist group.

Who would have guessed?


His Problem is, some Children might run up to the Christmas tree and actually READ the sign... Save the poor little children! It's all about the children! It's classic! They will be converted to atheism if they read the sign! Haha


The sign reads: "At the time of the winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is just myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."


Wow, do you think your capitol would allow you to display such a sign right next to the xmas trees? I feel like moving to Illinois now! :D

Edit: Happy Holidays everybody!
 

Elfear

Diamond Member
May 30, 2004
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Sorry but if atheists want to make a sign for Christmas there are lot less offensive things they could put up. That sign is just begging to pick a fight with religious people as it's basically calling them delusional apathetic nitwits. Fine message for the holiday season.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
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Also read the bottom...

"For the second year in a row, the Capitol also has an aluminum Festivus pole"


:)
 

BoberFett

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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As long as they also allow religious displays, seems fine to me.

But yeah, atheists can be as fucking annoying as the worst religious nut.
 
Oct 30, 2004
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Sorry but if atheists want to make a sign for Christmas there are lot less offensive things they could put up. That sign is just begging to pick a fight with religious people as it's basically calling them delusional apathetic nitwits. Fine message for the holiday season.

I love it.
 

MrEgo

Senior member
Jan 17, 2003
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Zealots. Every kind of religious or non-religious group has them.

The thing is, nobody would care if there was a sign posted that said "Jesus is our savior - will you be saved?" or something to that extent. That's basically telling every person that shares a different view that he or she will burn if they don't accept Jesus, or however the legend goes.
 

brandonb

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Oct 17, 2006
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Everybody has a statement. That person who put that sign up should be incited for trying to start a riot.
 

Elfear

Diamond Member
May 30, 2004
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Me to.

Funny how people get mad they can;t put up what THEY WANT on Gov grounds. But when everybody is allowed then its also a problem for those same people. :hmm:

Do you really equate people putting a Christmas tree up or a sign that says Merry Christmas to a belittling sign that reeks of antagonism and contention?


Zealots. Every kind of religious or non-religious group has them.

The thing is, nobody would care if there was a sign posted that said "Jesus is our savior - will you be saved?" or something to that extent. That's basically telling every person that shares a different view that he or she will burn if they don't accept Jesus, or however the legend goes.

I agree with you in part. Some of the signs that some Christians put up are over the top. They offend others unnecessarily. Can we agree though that the atheist sign in the OP is over the top and offensive as well. I don't think it has any place on govt. property and especially during the holiday season when we're all supposed to get along a little better. You know, a little holiday cheer.
 

ericlp

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
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Do you really equate people putting a Christmas tree up or a sign that says Merry Christmas to a belittling sign that reeks of antagonism and contention?




I agree with you in part. Some of the signs that some Christians put up are over the top. They offend others unnecessarily. Can we agree though that the atheist sign in the OP is over the top and offensive as well. I don't think it has any place on govt. property and especially during the holiday season when we're all supposed to get along a little better. You know, a little holiday cheer.

When I first read it... "the sign" I thought.. wow, they actually let them post that sign at a capitol next to the xmas tree... Freedom of speech. I couldn't really believe it.

But, I do agree with you, the ending of the sign was a little harsh. Tho, one thing you should know. They are not just talking about your religion but "ALL" religion. It's not just for christains.

I'd like to know if you could "re-write" the message, how would you change it?
 

BoberFett

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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There are any number of ways to say that "You don't need to believe in god to love your fellow man." The sign was indeed antagonistic, unless you're the kind of person who thinks aborted-fetus Christmas cards with the tagline "Atheists kill babies" would be festive. ;)
 

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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When I first read it... "the sign" I thought.. wow, they actually let them post that sign at a capitol next to the xmas tree... Freedom of speech. I couldn't really believe it.

But, I do agree with you, the ending of the sign was a little harsh. Tho, one thing you should know. They are not just talking about your religion but "ALL" religion. It's not just for christains.

I'd like to know if you could "re-write" the message, how would you change it?

Good question. I'd probably write something about loving your fellow man, paying more attention to those in need, getting along with those with diverse viewpoints, etc. I think most Christmas messages can really be applied to any group of people regardless of religious or non-religious viewpoint. I personally think all groups could do with a healthy degree of respect for others. The world would be a better place if we respected each others beliefs.
 

MrEgo

Senior member
Jan 17, 2003
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What's the deal with Christmas and the winter solstice anyway? Did Christianity knock it over and call the winter solstice "the birthday of Jesus"?

I've only heard biased arguments either way.
 

nobodyknows

Diamond Member
Sep 28, 2008
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What's the deal with Christmas and the winter solstice anyway? Did Christianity knock it over and call the winter solstice "the birthday of Jesus"?

I've only heard biased arguments either way.

I beleive they did in order to overshadow a pagan celebration.
 

theflyingpig

Banned
Mar 9, 2008
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Sorry but if atheists want to make a sign for Christmas there are lot less offensive things they could put up. That sign is just begging to pick a fight with religious people as it's basically calling them delusional apathetic nitwits. Fine message for the holiday season.

Those who believe in fairytales should be treated like fools. There is no shame in the truth. Everyone knows this.
 

Moonbeam

Elite Member
Nov 24, 1999
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Christians protheletize to save the world for Jesus. This sign was on a par, trying to save the world from religion. Maybe if both sides decided to compete for members based on actions other folk take an interest in emulating, this sort of nonsense wouldn't happen.

But I don't see Atheists backing off with folk out there trying to shovel their religion down other people's throats and especially at the ballot box. Generally speaking, folk that want respect want it one way, coming their way, and blind to what they do that bothers others.