Nativity Scene Is a ‘Superstition,’ Says Atheist Group, But Santa Can Stay

“Let’s take America back!” to the Middle Ages. keep the nativity, but put the Sugarplum Fairy front and center. that will remind everyone that it’s all just a myth. a pretty one, but no more real than “Cinderella.”

The main problem that atheists such as myself have with religious symbols is that, usually, they do not also have symbols of other religions and for those who are non-religious. If, for instance, there is ONLY the nativity, but no Jewish, Muslim, Pagan symbols, then there is a completely legitimate call for the removal of the nativity. However, if there are symbols of all requested religions there, as well as non-religious symbols (such as holiday trees, the sign that is requested in this article), then there should not be a call to remove the nativity scene.
The article states that there are other decorations; however, those decorations do not seem to be religious in nature, thus I am to conclude that the nativity scene is the ONLY religious symbol within this display. Therefore, I am against having the nativity scene there. If they agreed to allow other religious symbols with the nativity scene, as well as decorations promoting non-theistic views, then I would be happy with that decision. I also object to religious symbols being on the grounds of a courthouse, which is supposed to be a secular institution.
The FFRF is being slightly aggressive with the language of the sign, however, they are completely within their rights to request this sign describing the views of many atheists, along with the Christian nativity scene.

To those claiming that atheists are all angry: this is demonstrably inaccurate. For instance, secularhumanism.org has a paper describing that the devoutly religious and the militant atheist are the lowest on the BDI (a depression scale), while moderately religious people have the highest BDI. Therefore, many atheists would be LESS miserable than the normal Christian.
I also have anecdotal evidence adhering to these findings. I am a more relaxed, happy, and adjusted woman now that I am an atheist and do not have to worry about religious incoherencies.

Seriously? And Fiat Currency is not superstition?

When is it illegal to believe or post images of superstition? I suppose Harry Potter books are now illegal too? These people are uselessly hurting others with their “hardening hearts message”. I think their goodwill has run out.

I fully support the Christians of this town in Texas to get together and run this organization into it’s place – an extreme minority who can freely associate, and allow others to associate as they please.

“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.”

Truer words have never been said.

You believe what you want, you let me believe what I want. If I believe in Jesus and the nativity, let me along with millions of other believe in it. We don’t tell you that you have to believe in it, just leave us alone and let us believe what we believe in. It doesn’t matter that you don’t believe in Jesus or God.

Honestly, I agree with Jessica. People are perfectly in their right to decorate with whatever they desire, but she is also correct in that this is a government building. They should not be decorating solely with one religious theme such as Christianity. They need to have all the religions represented. So, if they aren’t going to display other faiths, they need to have Christianity removed. It’s only fair. And for all those that say America was founded on Christianity, you need to have a lesson in what America was really founded on, the freedom FROM religion, not FOR a specific one.

Atheists wouldn’t be so upset if you’d represent everyone equally. To say they are just the minority and don’t matter is akin to saying that black people are just the minority and don’t matter. We really willing to go there?

Only a fool will say there is no God.

The issue is not superstition. It’s superstition.funded by taxpayers. You can believe whatever you want, but you’re not going to make me pay for it.

Why wade into such epically bad press over such a small issue as a nativity scene in a small town? I firmly believe religion has no place in government but this is such a puny issue and can only make legitimate concerns look appallingly intolerant. Freedom From Religion should going after the nut jobs that think moral purity is something to be enforced with law and are doing exactly that in their own state.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution “PROHIBITS the MAKING of any LAW RESPECTING an establishment of religion”, (it does not prohibit government from participating in any religion) (only making a law requiring one). It also “PROHIBITS IMPEDING THE FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGION” (which means you cannot take our expressions of faith away, that would be impeding our religion). Apparently the FFR group needs a lesson in the first amendment. They do not get to erase Christianity just because they BELIEVE it isn’t true. Whether you agree with Christianity or not is of no matter. These are rights irrespective or government practices. The only thing the first amendment prohibits is the MAKING OF A LAW requiring everyone to respect one religion over another, which is not what is being done when a nativity scene or any other religious holiday symbol is displayed.

Christmas to me is the celebration of the birth of Jesus,so a nativity is a natural part of a christian holiday…I am not worried about offending anyone…other religions have their celebrations and observations, I take no offense to any displays they have or customs nor would I be offended by these in a public place. Christians have the right the same as any other faiths to display with pride their beliefs in a public place, so if you dont like our nativity look the other way.

No gods, demons, heaven or hell…that means no absolute truth, no moral restraints. I can do whatever I want, hurt whomever I please…truth has become completely relative to what I or the “group” thinks!

Wake up people! There is such a thing as absolute truth! Truth that tracends culture, time, and circumstance!

Are you petty people kidding me…. Don’t you think that you all are getting a little petty over a nativity scene? People are complaining to complain, simple as that. Who cares if there is a nativity scene, and I frankly disagree with a sign. If you do not like it, then do not look at it. What is next, taking Santa out of malls, and the Easter Bunny out of malls. Sheeesh…

Here in the US we do not have people bombing each other over our religious stance. The right to practice your religion or not is a right that few dispute. What makes that happen is respect. Respect is the responsibility that has to be married to this right if it is to work. Labeling the nativity scene as superstition is not respect.

MOST of the FINEST SCIENTIFIC MINDS the world has ever known dismiss the supernatural “GODS” that have been created by people to strike fear into those as a means of social control/conformity..If you TRULY believe the bible or ANY religious document of any kind in ths day and age you are suffering from wishful thinking…and brainwashing.

“Are you petty people kidding me…. and I frankly disagree with a sign”

Why so petty about a silly sign? One man’s petty is the same man’s passion.

I just wanted to point out that the nativity scene is up for the Christian holiday of Christmas. We also had decorations up for the Pagan festival of Halloween. If Atheist wanted a national holiday, let’s give it to them. We Athens natives would gladly put up your decorations, too. I’m sure. The “Keep Athens Beautiful” committee didn’t put up the nativity scene to offend anyone, or push Jesus on you. It’s just their way of commemorating the nearest holiday. (They do Easter, and Halloween, and Independence day, too)

I also want to mention that Christmas is a Christian holiday. It isn’t for everyone to give gifts, it’s the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the reason for the “holiday season”. If you want to say “Happy Holidays” then you should know where the “holidays” originate.

If I say “Merry Christmas” and you reply with “Happy Kwanzaa” I don’t care. More power to you. Almost everyone in Athens feels that way. Athens is a very laid-back community. FOR THE MOST PART everyone has a decent grasp on reality, and we all just let each other be the way we want to be.

As a native of Athens- I just want to say that I’m sorry you have been offended by the towns nativity scene. However, you have in turn offended me on a personal level by attacking my town. No one set out to offend you, and I’m sorry that it turned out that way.

Why can’t you just ignore it?

…as a fellow Athiest, I’ve learned to live among the people. We are Americans, and should stand together strong and relish in the fact that we all have the freedoms to express ourselves. If we all just let others live their lives, we can be free.

The nativity scene was not put up to offend you. It was not put up to push Christ in your faces, and stick your noses in the bible. It was simply holiday decoration.

ok… its Christmas… CHRISTmas… Christ… seriously. its a CHRISTIAN holiday. dont like it, dont celebrate. quit your whining and grow up. jeesh.

Are there any other parents out there that are not teaching their kids to believe in Santa? I’d rather be true to upholding values and not lie to my child. She understands he is not real but is interested in the stories about him. I’m sort of leaving it up for her to believe what she wants. There’s a lot of kids out there that are too smart to fall for cheap mall Santas, especially skinny ones with non-white eyebrows and overly fake beards.

The government is wrong to put up christmas and religious themed decorations. Any decorations of Christmas and its associative meaning is an intolerant demonstration. Snowmen, icecicles, and winter are acceptable as part of the winter equinox. The south was stuck on stupid in the Civil War and this is pretty much the same stuff. It is not a community, or consensus issue-it is about freedom of religion. Not freedom of religion after you plaster yours all over the place. You self-righteous idiots don’t have any concern about consideration of others-just yourself and your petty neighborhood interests. Your Hall boy needs to attend some ethics classes if he’s going to be a government representative. He sounds like George Wallace. Put your decorations in your yard, not on my governments property and at expense to me. You’re not allowed to speak for me, or about my beliefs, and you should practice tolerance. It would give the indication of intelligence, even if it is not so. You people against this should try applying your displaced zeal into the crappy politics you seem to tolerate so well.

Hey, no problem with you believing in your superstitions.
Eileen. you show your lack of education.

No one is stopping you from believing in your make pretend sky god. It’s astounding that you think if you can’t plaster your religion all over government property that you are being required to not believe in your God. You can believe in whatever you want, just do it on your property.

Not that you’ll ever look it up, but there is zero contemporaneous evidence that your Jesus was ever a real person. God on earth and nobody who was living at the time even cared enough to record it. No writings, no art, no jewelry–nothing. It was all made up generations after the fact and that made up stuff wasn’t generally accepted until forced on the people hundreds of years after that.

“This nation is a Christian nation regardless of what those fruit loops and fruitcakes in Washington D.C. say. ” – I must be a fruitcake, because I’m sure this ISN’T a Christian nation. What does the statue of Liberty have written in the book? Doesn’t anyone remember the “Great American Melting Pot”? This is a nation of ALL religions including the absence of any religious belief at all. Grow up and figure it out.

Hey ABCNews…No one has ever used belief in Santa as a rationale to commit genocide, start wars, garner votes for high office, pray for rain (lol Texas), oppress gays, support an infallible ideology, dismiss science, claim that humans and dinosaurs once co-existed, mutilate genitalia or murder those who oppose their viewpoints. Please stuff it with the false equivalencies; this is horrible journalism.

The athrist crack me up. They talk a lot of don’t believe in god/Jesus and all that but they celibreate Christmas, (They want to keep the Santa which is celtbreating the birth of Jesus.) They accept the holiday pay from the company they work for which is a gift for celibreating the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. If they were true to their (faith?) they would not accept anything.

In reference to the use of tax dollars and superstition, the unsubstantiated, unproven theory of macro-evolution has evolved into a religion; yet where is the public outcry protesting the government mandate to force that unscientific, illogical religion in American schools?

Note that ALL of the greatest scientists in history firmly believed in a God of creation, and in the documented, historically proven man known as Jesus of Nazareth, who many great people have understood to be the manifestation of the living God.

Conversely, none of the tenets of macro-evolution can – or has been- be scientifically proven – now that’s a religion and superstition that takes too much faith for me to believe in!

The Constitution guarantees the right to practice religion, it does not give one the right to practice that religion in any venue of choice. Those who do not believe in religion are not required to give respect to anyone who has religious beliefs. The Constitution also guarantees the right of people not to believe in fairy tales and superstition. And, no this country is not a Christian nation and was not established with Christianity as its national religion. The practice of one’s religion does not extend to the point of imposing itself upon another person in pursuit of his own life, liberty and pursuit of freedom. This country was founded other principles too, such as freedom from religion. Religious displays are reflections of one’s personal religion and if set in front of govt. buildings are generally paid for with tax dollars. I pay taxes to the govt, not tithes. I don’t want someone imposing their religion on me, I have my own beliefs that do not extend to Christian beliefs of invisible sky daddies and invisible super friends.

So, when are you atheist going after our national cemeteries ?

“Those who do not believe in religion are not required to give respect to anyone who has religious beliefs. ”

Respect! The character value the FFRF people are lacking.

Am I the only atheist who believes in live and let live?! These people who say you mustn’t believe in god are no better than hard shell Baptists who insist you be baptized on a casual visit to their church!! Allow people who believe to believe, for pete’s sake! Even if their belief is displayed on governmental property! And believe NOT if you wish! Just give thanks to the fates that we don’t live in Saudi Arabia where lack of belief will get you whipped in public. Tolerance, people, tolerance!!!

Well, religion is a word in the dictionary just like superstition is a word in the dictionary. They are not the same thing either. They never have been the same thing. If someone wants to know the difference between superstition and religion then get the dictionary and look it up. Superstition is not a religion and a religion is not a superstition. It should be noted that superstition is NOT a defination of religion in any dictionary I can find and neither is superstition defined as a religion but feel free to change the meaning of BOTH if you think you can do it but I betting noone can do that. Meaning of words are in a DICTIONARY and if we change the meaning of all words to mean anything THEN nobody is going to be able to communicate anything because words and their meanings become meaningless when you believe the meaning of superstition is now a religion. I mean what I say and I say what I mean and the meaning of the words are in the Dictionary and if you think Religion is Superstition then look up the “meaning” up in a dictionary. The nativity scene has to do with a religion and NOT with a superstition.

Freedom from religion???? Where are you people getting this? If you are talking about the Bill of Rights thats not what it says…………It says freedom of press, religion and petition. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Sure you have the freedom from religion but don’t misquote the Bill of Rights. Did anyone listen in elementary school?

I find the Baptist minister’s words of war fascinating.

The Atheists need to leave people alone and stop getting so worked up. If God doesn’t exist then why do they care? You never hear of them attacking other religious symbols even though they say while they are attacking christian symbols that it would include other religious symbols but never does. What they fail to realize is those other traditional symbols as they call them are rooted in paganism which is itself a religion. They need to get some higher education and really need to get a life. Stop harassing the Christians for nothings sake. HAHA

I can tell you why these Atheists hate christian’s so much after ministering to them as well as others here on the streets on Las Vegas. It is always ‘The Way’ that they attack. They say religion itself leads to violence, wars and such so they blame the ideals of religion. The mistake they’re making is basing the essence and proof of Christianity and its roots that have existed since the beginning of time or any other religion for that matter on the actions of the people who would profess being followers of that particular religion rather than the teachings which in many cases are contrary to those individuals actions. The difference between Christianity as a religion if you want to call it that and others is that it teaches to come to God as you are and He will change you (born of God/born again) whereas others teach you must do this or that to be accepted by God. Atheism is itself a religion that limits someone to their physical senses giving no basis for the validity of those very senses. What we have here is a simply misunderstanding of the Bill of Rights and the fundamentals of religion in general without knowing they themselves are doing exactly what they claim they are against.

same old same old. So let it be written, so let it be done.

Amazing that the atheists and church and state separatists, crawl out from underneath their rocks armed with their free lawyers (ACLU) during the Christmas season to further undermine and attack the Christian way of life.

For starters: atheists don’t hate religionists – they only hate when they try to change America back to a religious country -when different religions battled for supremacy and people were burned at the stake for their beliefs.
We don’t care that you pray – just don’t use our government property as your soapbox. If you want to believe in something mythical, you have every right to do so – but keep it away from us please.
Don’t try to foist it on our children at school. When America was founded, Christianity was the predominant religion – but it was not founded on Christianity. America endured in spite of religion by making it separate from our government. We want to live in a country where everyone is treated equally, not based on what religion you believe in or whether you believe in one at all.

I get so sick of this one. Somebody tell the atheists they’re represented with the nothing area. What in the Sam Hill does this hurt? Nobody is forcing them to believe anything. Their tax money isn’t paying for it. Let it go people. We have bigger problems in this country.

“If you want to believe in something mythical, you have every right to do so – but keep it away from us please.”…. Get over yourself. Seriously. Freedom of speech. There’s no guarantee you won’t see things that bother you. I could write a long list of what the Christian’s do lately that is blowing it. But you guys need to back off too. A nativity scene shouldn’t bother you this much. What they’re pushing politically? Have at it. But it’s a waste of time to focus on this.

We are a Christian nation and it’s too bad that aetheists, non-Christians, Muslims and others are trying to change the history of this country. Santa is not the reason for the season; Christ is. Because Santa is man-made, aietheists have no problem with it. Christ is religious but there’s no Christmas without Him. The nativity is a symbol of the season. Our country is falling fast away from the Christian ideals that have made our country great and admired around the world. If we’re not careful, the Christian country we love will be gone. Trying to appease everyone serves no one. Aiethists can go back in their hole and let us Christian celebrate Christmas.

Christians. For the last time. Nobody cares if you are Christian. Believe in whatever you want. Create as many disagreeing sub-religion (denominations) as you want. No– Body cares. Do you hear that? You are free to hold on to your security blanket sky god in whatever form personally suits you.

The only thing we do care about is your incessant attempts to push your make pretend sky God and his simplistic stories on the public. Stop it ok. Just stop. Stop incessantly trying to publish your beliefs on government property. It’s not your property. You have no right to force your views as officially government sanctioned positions. Do it on your church lawn. Do it in your backyard. Invite your friends over and give them an earful. Just stop forcing yourself on the public.

It’s such a simple constitutional principal that government is not supposed to support any religion and yet as soon as the principal is enforced you Christians flip out and make up the most illogical and unreasoned arguments that I’ve read ad naseum here.

There is no “separation of church and state” in the Constitution. The Constitution says “Congress shall make no LAW respecting the establishment of a religion.”

All the Constitution says is the government cannot proclaim through a law that the USA is a (religion) nation. That is it!

In fact, SCOTUS has ruled on numerous occasions that traditionally Christian symbols of Christmas (from trees to crosses to nativity scenes) are perfectly in line with the Constitution. There is no issue here.

The nativity as typically shown is Biblically inaccurate. According to the 2nd chapter of Luke, by the time their star led the astrologers to Jesus, he was a young child in a house, not a baby in a manger. Do it right or don’t do it at all.

America was founded on Godly principles and everything the bible stands for. We were not founded on Muslim beliefs or any other religion. If you are offended by the nativity scene and the history of the heart of America then maybe you should consider living somewhere else.

I rather believe now and find out later that there is no God than Not believe now and find out later
that there is a God.
I am a christian and I feel bad for those who do not believe they are so alone all the time.

@Don “However, as a citizen, I am concerned because they vote.”

How do you or FFRF plan on taking that right away from people that believe in God, Allah, Buddha, gods and goddesses?

Ok, I don’t care what god or entity you believe in… this group will eventually target you.

You KNOW there’s no good reason to believe in God. That’s why you’re defensive.

You Christians use the most illogical reasoning, it’s no wonder you believe in the sky god of your culture.

I like the arguments about looking at our money and seeing “In God we Trust” and “this is a Christian nation”. Do just a little research before you make such simplistic, ignorant comments.

Hint: There were more slave holders than Christians among our founding fathers, does that mean we should have slavery today?

@ Jeff “Let the residents of the town vote. This is a democratic country for the most part. (Yeah I know it’s technically a republic).”

Let the registered county voters vote. As in most elections (except for president) majority decides.

Why must we appease everyone? if a majority of people in the community are happy, why must we succumb to the few. Can’t we all just accept differences and live our lives in peace?

More importantly, why does this site highlight pink?

This is the reason why we (americans) are concieved as ignorant spoiled brats. Why must you fight about holiday decorations? God or no God it should matter. Why dont ya’ll help people that are in need instead of wasting your energy on a debate that neither side will win. Be a productive nation help each other out. Athiest, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Ect. You live in America you are an AMERICAN!! Quit all the nonsense!!!

Keep up the good work, FFR.

Well said Kat – I totally agree with your logic

Just a quick question to the supporters of FFR…where in our federal law does it ever make a nativity scene on government property illegal…

First amendment doesn’t do it….
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ….”,

Article VI – which is often cited – doesn’t either….
“no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”

And surely groups like FFR can find better things to do with their time, energy and money in today’s society than attempt to infringe upon the first amendment rights of others to express freely their religious beliefs. You don’t have to agree with my beliefs to respect my right to have them.

It’s ridiculous how Christianity or any religion “offends” atheists. I’m fine with you not believing in anything, that’s perfectly okay. But you aren’t going to stop me from believing in God, and you aren’t going to stop me from putting things up about it. Atheists claim that religions all over the world are trying to “convince” people that they are right, but I find that it is atheists who are the ones who are trying their hardest to convince everyone of their beliefs, or lack of. It’s ridiculous to allow such a small portion of the population the ability to dictate policy that affects me. What’s the big deal with a nativity scene? Why does it offend you so? And if it offends you, why allow another “superstition” to stay. I guess it’s merely the fact that they have a superiority complex and want to be “victorious” over religions by trying to “prove” that their is no God. It’s a few trying to convince themselves that they are right.

Religious belief does not entitle one to break the law.

Government property does not exist to advance any one religion over another.

It’s an issue of fairness, since the government must serve ALL citizens, not just Christian citizens.