Show of HandsShow of Hands


Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Show Of Hands November 27th, 2012 12:00am

Are Christmas trees or nativity scenes in public places (city hall, etc.) a violation of the 1st Amendment clause: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."?

Yes No
1 Liked

Comments: Add Comment

christine1986
11/27/12 9:48 am

Public places no. Government buildings yes.

Reply
MrWolfe Nashville
11/27/12 9:42 am

Interesting question. Christmas trees aren't particularly 'religious,' in a contemporary context. Origins of the tree are quite secular.
Nativity scenes are a little more up for debate.
I feel like such displays are better viewed as simply 'tradition' as opposed to forcibly imparting religious views

Reply
laliberal Baton Rouge, LA
11/27/12 9:42 am

It is against the 1st amendment. It's common sense.

Reply
jamsandwich
11/27/12 9:41 am

But not "under Jesus"!!!!

Reply
Posco BBQ Enthusiast
11/27/12 9:40 am

No it is not against the 1st amendment. BUT, I do not think this would be seen as the government advertising for a specific religion which is unfair. I do not think they should play any part in it, therefore, they should never put religious displays on government property.

Reply
Arkansas123 Neoconservative
11/27/12 9:40 am

Christianity is not an establishment of religion, and Christmas is a public holiday. Nativity scenes are an example of ceremonial deism and are constitutional. Also, Jesus is a prophet in Islam.

Reply
zanoeg Union County, NC
11/27/12 9:39 am

Does anyone detect a double standard here? How can one prohibit such a display and not be prohibiting the free exercise of the same?

Reply
TabooGoose
11/27/12 9:37 am

I'm as atheist as you can get but we have to be sensible. A tree represents the time of year, not just a holiday. Maybe a scene is pushing it but who cares? If I were to put up a sign about how it is all a way of controlling you idiots I would be put on a cross though

Reply
jester009
11/27/12 9:36 am

Well just like the pledge of allegiance says, " one nation, under GOD"

Reply
bop
11/27/12 9:31 am

It's not AGAINST the amendment. I do however believe that it isn't worth the problems it causes

Reply
davidwhite1 Building it Bigger
11/27/12 9:25 am

Portraying a historical event, is not religious. The symbolism of the event is held in the heart of the one viewing it. There are many religions with separate beliefs on the event.
How many atheists celebrate Christmas , to them it is just a tree a baby and some Shepard's.
Don't be petty!!

Reply
anarchy GET OFF MY LAWN
11/27/12 9:24 am

No. It's ridiculous to say so. It's not hurting anybody, it's just a festive display of a religious Christian holiday. If somebody put out a Jewish, Muslim or Atheistic display I wouldn't get all amped up...i really don't see why anybody does.

Reply
davidwhite1 Building it Bigger
11/27/12 9:22 am

If public nudity should be allowed such displays should be as well. Why should I stop because u are offended. Wasn't that the nudity argument??

Reply