Show of Hands

Those two quotes were for bkk who tried to throw up a Jefferson quote proving this is a Christian nation. Thomas Jefferson is the LAST founder he should've quoted, I have tons of Jefferson quotes saved where he's shtting all over religion.

Atheism isn't a belief but conjecture. God can not be disproved any more than proved. This from a strict agnostic

"[no citizen] shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever...[to] compell a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of [religious] opinions which he disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical."
[Thomas Jefferson]

The Christian god is a three headed monster; cruel, vengeful and capricious. If one wishes to know more of this raging, three headed beast-like god, one only needs to look at the caliber of the people who say they serve him. They are always of two classes: fools and hypocrites."
[Thomas Jefferson]

It totally is. But no one really cares if the government displays it.

"In Gold we trust" would be more honest. - Sorry, I couldn't resist ;)

That is BS. Historically religion leads to wars and genocide.

Religion creates an "I'm better than you, self-righteous attitude" so you follow my ways for you own good or you will die!

Did he say this when he was supporting Saddam Hussein while selling weapons to theocratic Iran?

The US courts have ruled that Atheism is a religion. Look it up.

A tree isn't a religious symbol to any atheists I know. Did you bother to read any of the past comments on the Yuletide tradition.

No, sweetbluesky. All of the references that you mention are to God, not to Jesus. I understand that to Christians, this is the same thing. But, please remember that Jews believe in God, but not in Jesus.

It was a joke dummy.

@Mitwister, yes it is- you believe that there is no God. Someone who has a lack of a belief system isn't called an atheist, they're called apathetic.

I wish the question had not lumped Christmas trees with nativity scenes. I have no problem with Christmas trees. They are festive & beautiful.

I do have a problem with my TAX MONEY paying to display a nativity scene, that clashes with my belief system. If a private person pays for it, no problem.

I was calling fox dumbfùck s not you. Typed it wrong.

Calling that a "victory" would be like declaring a tank victorious against a bug after it inadvertently ran over said bug.

And no I shady fox didnt make it into a religious issue... The constitution did

I shady no need to call people names, and thanks you just proved my point.

so, so many things wrong with this country, these responses.

It's a health issue dumbfùck fox made it into a religious one.

LOL the way I see it, the government is going to keep taking people's guns away and restricting their rights to own more and more-- I guess by your own logic, that means the govt. must be right, right? Lol

How is that wrong? They can't ban my religion.

OK, I have to say this. People are arguing, atheists vs Christians. Jews don't celebrate Christmas & don't believe in what the nativity scene depicts.

I also see many references equating God with Jesus. That's a Christian belief, not a Jewish belief. In God We Trust does not mean In Jesus We Trust

"Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged"

Ronald Reagan

The truth is you can't keep an open mind when it's full of religious nonsense. It affects and taints the process which creates division and mistrust.

Atheism is not a belief system. You don't believe in a lack of belief.

nononono! it was a list 2 goes with second remark!

Congratulations? Is that supposed to be a victory?

Lmao-- ok. Now make the connection between THAT and the establishment of some sort of a religiously founded nation hahaha

"belief in a God All Powerful, wise and good, is . . . essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man." James Madison. Need I go on?

I'll take that bet. Oh hey, I won!

Obama just received his official white house 2012 Christmas tree few days back, BtW.

I'd bet a million dollars those who said government has no place in religion or vice versa were all for the mandate on birth control.... Just saying.

How do you get a fair government when things will be decided beforehand? That's what religion does to the process, instead of debate there is " the book says" or " its god will". The Basis of democracy is deciding without prejudice or malice aforethought an issue important to the people.

Here's how I see it. This Christmas tens of millions of Christmas trees will be on display in America. Countless will be on federal land and in government buildings. Few grouchy atheists will throw a temper tantrum and block a few trees. And Christmas will go on as if nothing ever happened.

Weave- do you not know what the SCOTUS is? Supreme Court of the United States. And yes they DO lol bone up on some SCOTUS court cases before showing up to the fight

Our government supporting those who believe there isn't a God over those who believe there is a God violates the U.S. Constitution. Like it our not, atheism is a belief system too, and cannot be shown preference to any religion... including Christianity.

"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..."

U.S. Constitution 1st Amendment

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever. Thomas Jefferson

They re not doing either of those things by just putting up a tree.

@Palindrome, no, the U.S. Constitution does NOT beg to differ. Doesn't matter what your prejudiced high school history teacher told you.

You wish mitt.

especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness": George Washington. This is just one example of how our founders thought.

I think the "if you don't like it leave" argument, whether applied to politics, religion, law or customs is impractical at the very least - emigrating can totally uproot you and most countries won't just welcome you with open arms. We need to exercise tolerance, not arrogance of the majority.

Theoretically...your rights end when they infringe on others.

Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God,

It absolutely does to the fairness of all.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and

Translation: "I have no proof for my claim"

Would you mind elaborating please?