Jennifer - Are you so blinded by your faith that you don't realize that Christianity is not the only religion out there? It's not a cut-and-dry issue of "running around with God OR with Satan." Those are simply two figures in Christian theology. It's ok for YOU to believe that I'm evil for not being a Christian, but don't try to impose your belief on anyone else. If you ask me, a more cut-and-dry issue would be the separation of church and state. I don't understand what's so difficult to understand about keeping religious emblems, shrines, and paraphanelia off public land.
I believe this is ,somewhat, of an example of political correctness going too far. It seems too many people are afraid of offending someone, it's gotten ridiculous. We can't have anything having to do with religion in the schools or other government property because it may offend those of different religions or with no religion. We can't say the pledge in some schools because it may offend those that come from other countries. They can't read any halloween books that have witches in them, in my daughters school..one of the parents is wiccan and it offends her. "Christmas" parties aren't allowed.. they must be referred to as "holiday" celebrations.
I don't believe the ten commandments being posted on government property is hurting anyone except those looking for a fight. I'm all for freedom of religion. If someones religion has a good message than by all means post it.. even have it posted on government property. It's not endorsing the religion exclusively and saying all others are wrong. Post wiccan creeds and Buddha's teachings (etc)... they all have some wonderful points that could benefit this world.
I myself dont have anything against any faith having their teachings anywhere, so long as they dont encourage the murder of anyone. However, we would never want something like Casper to happen to Wayne County.
Check it out at http://slate.msn.com/id/2091054
This is a stupid issue. I'm so sick of hearing people complain about it. Does anyone force people to read the monument? No! Did the county even pay for the monument? No! It was given to them. If you take it down then your breaking the Constitution (freedom of religion); if you leave it up you are also breaking the law (seperation of church and state). So, it's a pointless, fruitless argument. Also about the whole money thing it says "In God We Trust". Does it say whos or which god? No it doesn't. Therefore, by assuming it is the Christian God you are pointing out your narrow mindedness, are you not? I say leave the monument up, and if any religion wants to pay to have another sign put up that is fine by me. As long as the monument does not preach hate or something of that nature. Also, couldn't you just have the county vote on it? Isn't that the whole point of democracy? Or, am I wrong there?
Jonathan I. King
The monument may have beeen moved, but God knows what people like William Roha are trying to accomplish. I feel sorry for Mr. Roha on judgement day. I'm sure I won't see him in heaven.
I agree with Mr. King. This issue has become more and more tiresome. Ask youselves this:Why did people first venture to this continent? Freedom of religion! If everyone would respect that and mind their own buisness we wouldn't be having this discussion. There is no "ONE TRUE FAITH." A person believes or doesn't believe in what ever they want; and that's what they call FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Bottom line, it is a piece of stone, with words and sentences on it. It can not speak, it can not yell out, "Hey you! You must read these words and believe them!" If you don't agree with it, fine, if you do, fine. Let's all be adults and worry about things more important than a rock in front of the court house. But you all do whatever you want because this country does have another right, Freedom of Speech, and with this discussion your gonna need it.
IN GOD WE TRUST AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
And for those of you that are narrowminded that does mean any God of your choice!
IF people have a problem with the moument in a public place.Since it is a public place it sould be up to the people there. should of been a vote.I also agree Gary i wouldn't like tobe Mr Roda jucgment day.Mr Roda if it bother you that much close your dam eye.It is stuff like this that is why this contry is getting so dam Screw up i don't know why or how us old people can't belive the younger kids are the way they are and getting worse
Just remember that faith in God and in his word lie in your heart and no matter what the devil tries to do, he cannot change that. Let them take the monument, it's only material, the true belief in God comes from inside, from your hearts. Don’t make the monument an idol, that you make so important, you have to fight for, argue about, and judge, all of which is exactly what the devil wants.
Are you still talking about this?
The reason religious displays are not allowed in front of public buildings is the mere act of picking which displays are allowed is making a choice about which religion(s) is preferred.
Have you looked at Alex Ducey's link? You can't make a decision "this display is OK, this is not"...and you can see what some people think are appropriate religious displays.
I don't know if Gary will see me or not on judgement day, but he sounds a little too happy to think that he knows where I will be...
But as T-Mike says...."let them take the monument..." Do you really need to government to reinforce your religious beliefs? (I assume you have the Ten Commandments displayed on your lawn.)
William,
No I don't have them displayed on my lawn, but I'd like to see you try to get them removed if I did. Next thing you will want removed is the flag and the playing of the national anthem at sporting events. Funny our money still says, " in God we trust." I suppose you and others will try to get that changed also.
You still don't get the point. Intentionally?
Put them on your lawn...that's fine with me. My neighbor has them on his.
But don't ask (my) government to post them for you.
(Your) government still has "IN God We Trust" on our money. I suppose you don't spend it since it says that. Yea right.
Gary-
Imagine for a moment that the day comes that money now has "In Allah We Trust" on it...
Would you:
1. Leave the country
2. Refuse to use the money
3. Cross out the offending slogan
4. Ignore it; the money spends the same
5. Complain that the government has no reason to tell people what religious belief to have.
New question, same choice of answers: What if the money has "There is no god"?
I thought we used the English language in this country? To the best of my knowledge the word God in english is a generic term. Webster's defines God as "the Supreme Being." I see no reference to "the Supreme Being" of Christianity, or Islam, or Buddism, etc. Therefore I think it is safe to say that our money, or Pledge of Allegiance is not refering to one particular "Supreme Being", but to any "Supreme Being" of his or her choosing. Therefore if you associate the word "God" on our money or in our Pledge with any certain religion, that's your own fault, don't blame the government or anyone else of some giant Christian, or Islamic, or Buddist, etc. conspiracy. Now that that is clarified the real issue is the monument.
I can see both sides of this arguement. I personally didn't care that it sat in front of the courthouse. In fact I don't really recall ever paying any attention to it. Which only tells me that those who wanted it moved had too much time on their hands and nothing better to do than cause a stink. Nonetheless they do have their rights, just as the rest of us, but I'm not so sure that the opinions of the few should outweigh the opinions of the many. It is evident from the postings that we have many who liked the monument where it was and only one who didn't. To me, in a truly democratic society that would have been more than enough to say sorry but the monument stays. However we don't live in a truly democratic society. We live in a society that would rather cater to the few at the expense of the many.
For those of you who didn't mind it being there, I'm with ya. Wasn't hurting anyone.
For those of you who didn't want it there, I see your point, but don't you think you have something better to do with your time?
William,
Obviously our government leaders are smart enough to know that we are better off to "Trust in God." Amazing people like you haven't tried to have Christmas taken away as a national holiday because it is the celebration of the birth of God's son.