RSS
Home
Point: Atheist sign in Olympia full of anger and irony
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
* This is part of an occasional series of point/counterpoint articles about local issues. To read the views on this issue from Lexie Tigre, click here.
As you are undoubtedly aware, Washington State is in the news because of a controversial sign that was placed in the Capitol in Olympia. The sign was posted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, who say in this article on King5.com that they just want 'equal time at the table' and that they believe the Nativity scene itself is intrusive. Governor Chris Gregoire approved the sign and stated that she could not violate the group's right to free speech. Now the state government is being mocked in the news by the likes of Bill O'Reilly and citizens of the world--and various religions--are weighing in. Now I'm adding myself to that list. Are we right in giving this group such undeserving attention?
In the interest of total disclosure, I'm a practising Christian. My family attends church, my children attend Sunday School there, and one attends a Christian preschool. My position about this sign is very clear: it has no place next to the Nativity scene. For obvious reasons, I find it offensive and disparaging. On the other hand, I'm a believer in free speech. If it is so important that this sign be displayed, by all means, display it. The Capitol is huge; I'm sure there are plenty of other places to stick the sign that would be far less disrespectful but still allow for the attention that the Freedom From Religion Foundation so clearly craves. When you get right down to it, isn't that what this is all about? A group of individuals desperately seeking attention.
Despite its carefully crafted wording to ensure that the sign would get approved by the governor, the FFRF made no effort to hide the overall tone of its message. By declaring that 'religion hardens hearts and enslaves minds,' they knew this would evoke outrage among not only among Christians but other faiths as well. Further attempts to goad Christians were made when FFRF co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor stated in this CNN article that she 'guesses they don't follow their own commandments' and that a sign saying 'Thou shalt not steal' will hang from the sign when it is up again. To their delight, I am sure, the bait was taken and Christians have erupted over this sign and an international story placed the FFRF into the headlines. What a shame, since they did so in a mean spirited maneuver in a season known for spreading goodwill. The Nativity promotes peace and love; the sign promotes hate and intolerance.
Let's be honest: the words on this sign and even the placement of it do nothing to change my beliefs or that of anyone else who believes in God. It more than likely will not sway those who aren't sure of their beliefs to atheism; perhaps it will encourage people to seek out God or start a dialogue with their local religious leaders. It's an annoyance, yes. It's hurtful, absolutely. It is also a reminder to people of all faiths that at this time of year we celebrate the love, peace, and goodness of our religions and that actions speak louder than words. We can forgive others and move on. We can commit acts of kindness, like volunteering or donating food, clothing, and toys to community drives. We can smile and say hello as we pass one another on the street or help a neighbor with a project. Actions such as these are far more powerful than any sign and will create a lasting impression, as opposed to a fleeting moment in time like the FFRF have had.
Related Articles:
Comments
