Show of Hands

For historical accuracy; there is no such thing as 'separation of church and state' in the US Constitution or the DOI.
The concept came from Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists.
The premise was that it's an equal, 2-way agreement.

If that is a violation then we should actually get rid o most of our laws, because our country was founded on biblical principals!!! Read your history kids!!!

I agree Mr. Spock. My opinion is if you are offended by someone's actions than you are arrogant. You think your beliefs are superior to others. If someone has different opinions or views that you don't like, then who cares. Think about it

Will someone tell me how a nativity scene is a law respecting an establishment of religion, or how it prohibits your free exercise?

You can disapprove as I do, but its not against the constitution. Read up!

Ok cool haha

Ok cool haha

The difference between democrats and republicans vote is noted.

Ahh! The religion witch!

It ties directly into separation of church and state.

Lol yes it was.

Right it says there will be no laws. So.... You can't make a law saying you can't put Nativity Scenes right........

Because the Easter bunny is not religiously significant... I hope this was a joke.

So why do people not throw a fit about the Easter Bunny? Just wondering.

Cool for you. I went to elementary school in the late 80's/90's...

It all depends on what the State Constitutions say lol

It was also written by someone with avowed affection for socialism.
Not to stir the pot, but it is historical fact.
When the language is broken down, sentence by sentence, the pledge is quite illogical for a number of reasons.

The amendment talks about laws, nativity acenes are not laws.

Actually Xmas is also a shorthand way to write Christmas. It is not a X it is the Greek letter Chi. I don't recall who (I think Constantine) came up with the Chi-Ro.. The P and X symbol for Christ. So the X is not replacing Christ it is a Symbol for Christ.

Christmas is a hybrid 'holiday.'
Less to do with the historical birth of Jesus and more in line with the secular/pagan Winter Solstice.
Looks like we need better history teachers in the US!

You learned the hijacked version.
I learned the original, as written by the author.

I can do without the nativity scenes but if anybody is offended by a Christmas tree then they need to get a life.

The amendment says Congress shall not, doesn't say anything about city or state not being able to do it.

Yes there's been about six versions since it was introduced and this is the one I was taught.

I think Christmas trees are ok because they've been adopted by secular society, but nativity scenes are too overtly religious for government displays

In public places, depictions of religious scenes are perfectly great. At government buildings, however, there should be no tied to religion in public displays.

XMas is not anti-Christ. It evolved as a shorthand for Christ based on the Greek letter X, which translates to Christ. Look it up.

Allow the displays, for whatever religion based holiday and we are fine. For the gubmint to say they can't be displayed would be unconstitutional as that would be prohibiting free expression of religion. Make no rule seems simple to me...

Nope. As long as all religions are free to do so on their special times of the year we should be okay with it.

It's freedom to practice not freedom FROM.

Arkansas I know this, I'm not ignorant. That is why I said "symbol".

Also, Jesus is a major figure in Islam.

A historical event??? Please provide me an example of this 'event' in a Credible history book.

Allowing Christmas trees, nativity scenes, etc, are perfect examples of "Congress making no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"
Making such displays illegal or against rules so as to not offend others would be prohibiting free exercise...

Islam forbids depictions of Muhammad.

You might want to look up the origin of a 'christmas' tree.

Not how it was originally written.

Happy Winter Solstice !

Are these same people going to hang up a Muslim symbol during ramadan?? I think not. Until these government building are going to support all religious groups equally, I am completely against it.

It's spelled "Christmas". Not "Xmas" and not the"Holidays". Get over it! It's the celebration of the birth of Christ. Period.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

It's ok as long as its not in front of a government building because that would imply a government sanctioned religion witch is unconstitutional. There is a fine line there. Lol.

*face value. Autocorrect fail

I sincerely wish those offended by such ceremonial traditions would simply take them at ave value.
You cannot be offended unless you grant permission to offend.
Think about that one... ;)

What??

Jam: You don't know much about the Christian faith do you?

We celebrate the giving aspect. Not the religious aspect. I can't stand Christians that turned Pagan holidays into their own.

Common sense? What has Congress to do with these displays? Read what is written and then use common sense.

Lets remove everything with any religious affiliation from our government. No oath of office, no invocation, no president. He's supposed to be a Christian...........right???

I can't stand atheists that celebrate Christmas.

I agree with mr Spock about the tree vs nativity scene thing.

No, but I think it is poor judgement when you mean to rule people of many faiths and you only focus on one groups beliefs.