A holiday message

[McCulloch]

On a related note:

The State of Washington accepted an application from an atheist group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, to place an anti-religion message as part of the state's official holiday display in the state capitol rotunda steps from a traditional nativity scene. The decision is the culmination of a three-year long battle in Washington over inclusiveness in holiday displays. In 2006, the Port of Seattle removed a Christmas tree from the Seattle-Tacoma airport after a local rabbi requested to add a menorah to honor Hanukkah. That same year, an Olympia real estate agent, Ron Wesselius, requested to place a nativity scene inside the capitol building after observing a menorah displayed there. He was denied and filed suit. The state settled, allowing the manger to be displayed in 2007.

The atheist group's sign reads:

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 Freedom From Religion Foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, defended the display's provocative message, calling it, "free speech." "Non-believers are a part of the fabric of America and we claim our place at the table to exercise free speech and freedom of religion, which includes freedom from religion," he said.

My opinion is that while non-theists should be included in such things, they chose the wrong message. So, I'll provide the opportunity for the various non-theists here to make suggestions as to what would have been more appropriate.

[Mister E]

I notice that nobody has posted in here whilst the thread recieves views, indicating that noboday can think of a quote - so I'll give a brief go at it (possibly upon which to build?).

"This Christmas, take some time out of your gilded lifestyle to think - not from your own point of view, but from the point of view of reality. Compare this with your beliefs. Which seem the most reasonable?"

Average at best, but hopefully using the word "Christimas" instead of "season of the winter solstice" would prevent angering the more religious readers (so they actually read the rest of the paragraph). Asking the person to consciously question their motives will be more appealing than directly telling them conflicting ideas - a religious person isn't going to want to believe anti-religious propoganda without reason behind it, ironically.

As far as I can see in the original quote, Freedom From Religion are practically satirising their beliefs, personifying "reason" for example (as God is personified), and declaring religion entirely evil (as religion has done to science, stereotypically).

[Goat]

On a related note:

The State of Washington accepted an application from an atheist group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, to place an anti-religion message as part of the state's official holiday display in the state capitol rotunda steps from a traditional nativity scene. The decision is the culmination of a three-year long battle in Washington over inclusiveness in holiday displays. In 2006, the Port of Seattle removed a Christmas tree from the Seattle-Tacoma airport after a local rabbi requested to add a menorah to honor Hanukkah. That same year, an Olympia real estate agent, Ron Wesselius, requested to place a nativity scene inside the capitol building after observing a menorah displayed there. He was denied and filed suit. The state settled, allowing the manger to be displayed in 2007.

The atheist group's sign reads:

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 Freedom From Religion Foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, defended the display's provocative message, calling it, "free speech." "Non-believers are a part of the fabric of America and we claim our place at the table to exercise free speech and freedom of religion, which includes freedom from religion," he said.

My opinion is that while non-theists should be included in such things, they chose the wrong message. So, I'll provide the opportunity for the various non-theists here to make suggestions as to what would have been more appropriate.

I would think 'In this season of holiday Giving, only YOU can make a difference in someone's life.'

[McCulloch]

At this season of the winter solstice, we all strive for peace on earth, good will toward all of humanity. We believe that the answer to human problems, for both the individual and society, can only be found and implemented by human effort.

Let us all affirm the worth, dignity and autonomy of each individual and the right of every human to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Let us remain committed to civil liberties, human rights, church-state separation, modern science and free inquiry. Let us encourage the extension of participatory democracy not only in government but in the workplace and education, an expansion of global consciousness and exchange of products and ideas internationally, and an open-ended approach to solving social problems.

[Goat]

At this season of the winter solstice, we all strive for peace on earth, good will toward all of humanity. We believe that the answer to human problems, for both the individual and society, can only be found and implemented by human effort.

Let us all affirm the worth, dignity and autonomy of each individual and the right of every human to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Let us remain committed to civil liberties, human rights, church-state separation, modern science and free inquiry. Let us encourage the extension of participatory democracy not only in government but in the workplace and education, an expansion of global consciousness and exchange of products and ideas internationally, and an open-ended approach to solving social problems.

That is much more positive. Suggest that to them for next year.

[Nilloc James]

Happy holidays, do your part in making this a great place.[/b]