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IFI E-Alert: Atheists Attack Religious Displays in Springfield
As we recently reported, a Nativity scene went on display in the Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield on December 2nd. Standing in the Rotunda, the manger scene -- a symbol of our Savior's birth -- is a celebration of Christmas which is both a state and federal holiday. A Menorah and a Christmas tree are also displayed, both of which represent the hope and joy of this very special time of year.
But inevitably there are citizens who are offended by any reminder of the Creator, and are compelled to promote their unbelief by attacking the religion and faith of others. So now, alongside the Nativity scene in the Rotunda, there has been erected an atheist sign in celebration of, uh, nothing. (See photo on the right.)
This atheist sign, sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation of Madison, Wisconsin, points to and celebrates nothing, but in doing so, it deliberately and explicitly disparages the beliefs of people of faith. Why then, would the Illinois Secretary of State's office, which issues display permits, allow a hateful and intolerant sign to stand in close proximity to positive religious exhibits and why now?
The atheist sign reads:"Our message at this season of the winter solstice is 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 question regarding the placement of the atheist message a few feet away from the Nativity Scene is the issue of propriety, civility, and respect. IFI believes it is both an inappropriate place and time to erect this mean-spirited sign critical of the deeply held convictions of millions who observe Christmas or Hanukkah.
Ironically, the atheist group that sponsors this confrontational display, and who have erected a similar confrontational display in Washington State, claims to want freedom from religion while actively promoting what are, in truth, religious beliefs.
The dictionary defines "religion" as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects. The beliefs that "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" are all unproven, faith-based claims for which there is no evidence. So, while the group's leaders claim that religious messages should not stand in public places, these atheists from Madison are plunking their religious message smack dab in the center of a public place.
The issue is not whether the faith-based organization, Freedom From Religion Foundation, should be permitted to erect their display. The issue is where and when they should be allowed to erect it. The timing and location seem clearly designed to be provocative and confrontational rather than merely to express an idea.
It seems that another location and/or another time would be a reasonable, respectful, and wise response to their request to post their anti-Christmas, anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, anti-theology, and utterly faith-based message. Such a decision would accommodate their religious freedoms while respecting the beliefs of those who celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas. (May I suggest October 31st or April 1st?)
ACTION: Click HERE to contact Secretary of State Jesse White's office and ask them to separate the messages of peace and good will from this confrontational message of ignorance and intolerance. Suggest either a different location or a different time for the posting of this sign. You can also call Mr. White's office at 217-782-2201.
Aren't there enough negative messages in the world? Let us, during this time of joy for so many, preserve religious freedom and equality while demonstrating true tolerance and generosity of spirit.
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Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
Phone: (708) 781-9328
Fax: (708) 781-9376
Evil men don't understand the importance of justice,
but those who follow the Lord are much concerned about it.
~Proverbs 28:5
(NKJV)
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