Dec 16, 2011
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The Texas Attorney General has offered to defend a Texas county under attack by a group of Wisconsin atheists who are demanding that a Nativity located on the lawn of the Henderson County courthouse be torn down.
“Our message to the atheists is don’t mess with Texas and our Nativity scenes or the Ten Commandments,” Attorney General Greg Abbott told Fox News & Commentary. “I want the Freedom From Religion Foundation to know that our office has a history of defending religious displays in this state.”
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Abbott sent a letter to Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders offering whatever help he could provide in the event the county is sued. He also assured the judge that the county has no legal obligation to remove the Nativity scene from the courthouse grounds.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a group based in Wisconsin, sent a letter to Henderson County explaining that a local resident had complained and they wanted the Nativity removed.
“It sends a message of intimidation and exclusion to non-Christians and non-believers this time of year,” FFRF co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor told television station KFDW.
Athens Daily Review photo
She said the location of the Nativity — on the lawn of the courthouse in Athens, made non-Christians feel unwelcome.
“Anybody walking by that is going to say, ‘Hmmm. This is a Christian government building. I’m not welcome here if I’m not Christian,’” she told the television station.
Attorney General Abbott said the organization is trying to “bully local governmental bodies” and he said he wanted to make sure Henderson County knows “there is a person, a lawyer and an organization in this state that has their back, that has the law, that has the muscle and firepower to go toe-to-toe with these organizations that come from out of state trying to bully governmental bodies into tearing down things like Nativity scenes.”
Many residents and ministers in this east Texas community have vowed to fight back. Hundreds of people are expected to attend a rally on Saturday to show their support for the Nativity. Nathan Lorick, the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Malakoff is one of the organizers of the rally. He called on residents to gather peacefully and in a spirit of love.
“It’s time that Americans stand up and take America back for the faith that we were founded upon,” Lorick told Fox News & Commentary last week. “We’re going to stand up and fight for this.”
Henderson County Commissioner Joe Hall called the attack “stupid” and said he’s going to do whatever it takes to stop the group from removing the Nativity.
“I’ll tell you this — I’m going to fight this until hell freezes over,” Hall told Fox News & Commentary. “I hope and pray that we leave it up.”
Hall said he’s lived in the community for 35 years and as long as he can remember the Nativity has been erected on the courthouse lawn.
“It’s been up there for decades without any complaints,” he said.
Pastor Lorick said it’s time to draw a line in the sand — and start standing up for the Christian faith.
“Christianity is under attack in America,” he told Fox News & Commentary. “Our country is quickly heading down a direction which the Christian faith is taking a hit — it’s quickly becoming suppressed.”
The attorney general agreed with that sentiment.
“There has been an ongoing battle between the forces of atheism and the forces of those who are antagonistic to all things religious against those who recognize the religious heritage of this country,” Abbott said. “And by defending Nativity scenes, by defending the Ten Commandments and by defending students who try to say a prayer at a graduation ceremony, we’re trying to preserve, protect and defend what we know is perfectly legal.”
FOX News Talk
Reason dictates that if you, being made up of atoms, have intelligence then intelligence is a part of existence and interwoven into the fabric of the universe. So don't talk so irrational. Claiming intelligence has no sense of self in it's higher forms is ignoring science. We don't know it all and that's all we know.
Reason dictates that if you, being made up of atoms, have intelligence then intelligence is a part of existence and interwoven into the fabric of the universe. So don't talk so irrational. Claiming intelligence has no sense of self in it's higher forms is ignoring science. We don't know it all and that's all we know.
I am glad to see the nativity up, it's a reminder that life is wonderful, that there is always hope and joy, peace and life to all, and in no way does it seperate a non-believer from a believer(you are more than free to go your own way in your belief) I for one simply choose to believe and I shouldn't have to hide that fact inside my home or church. Thank god for the majority not sitting on a fence here in Texas!
Atheists have a double standard and it is totally FUNNY to watch them try to rectify their internal conflict by ho'ing and blowing about their so called tread upon rights by the bully christians putting up nativity scenes.. If they don't like for instance a nativity scene instead of demanding that it be torn down why not put up "Their Own" statement of belief next to the nativity scenes they seem so offended by. But then also please go home and throw out of their houses into the streets ANYTHING that has to do with "Christmas", including the tree and all the gifts underneath it or be prepared to be judged and called a hypocrite.
Why would it have to be "next to" the nativity? Why make it a controversy? What's so frightening about a nativity scene? If they're truly secure in their atheism, why create an issue? Put their banner on the other side of the courthouse lawn….and don't be so hard headed as to attempt to "one up" the Christian display…
I keep re- reading this in almost unbelief. Texas I think we have found our next Governor….President!
The constitution says freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion.
I keep looking at the statement that the nativity scene would define the building to be a "Christian government building". I don't know how to tell the atheists, muslims, buddhists, and any other religion that removal of the nativity isn't going to change the hearts of the people inside the building…it will still be a building full of Christians and non-Christians living and working alongside each other. The Christmas season, fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it) began when the Christ-child was born and man chose to celebrate and remember the ocassion. That's just a fact. Not celebrating it will not change the fact that the Christ-child was born. Celebrating or not celebrating will not change the fact that He claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God, sent to save the world. Celebrating or not celebrating will not change the fact that He died on a cross, sinless but carrying the guilt of the world. And celebrating or not celebrating will not change the fact that He was resurrected on the third day and lives in Heaven now with His Father interceding on our behalf. Only non-believers could possibly believe that erection of a nativity scene makes a building "Christian". What is that? It sounds as ridiculous as it is. When I see a statue of Buddha I am not "offended"…what's offensive about a statue? Sorry…can't buy this argument and find that the atheists and non-believers are much pushier about "their" rights than Christians are about their rights. My Christianity does not negate my rights as an American. I will say this though…if American Christians lose the "right" to display nativity scenes, it will not change their Christianty. But it will make them an oppressed people in their own nation…and atheists will have themselves to thank for being oppressors.
Separation of church & state means just that. If people want to believe in a god, ANY god, FINE. It's their right. If the courthouse allows ONE faith to put up a display, other local religious groups should be able to put up a holiday display too. The atheists can put up a display that says happy holidays from those who believe in logic, reason & common sense. It'd be a much better world without the shackles of religion holding mankind back.
Take a vote! Everywhere this happens! But only of the people in that town and state! Go back to your state and town and protest away at everything. On the way, look at all the billboards or ads for on the roads if you need some subject matter to protest.
Why does Annie Laurie Gaylor feel that she has a right to tell people in Texas how to live she lives in Wisconsin. Get a life! If a resident of that town in Texas is offeneded by the nativity, they have a right to say something. Annie Laurie Gaylor, you are not going to be driving or walking by that courthouse enough to care in a sincere way. The definition of atheist is One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods, why does their disbelief mean others should be required to follow suit. I believe in GOD and Jesus, and I believe that is my freedom granted to me by our constitution. People like me should be able to show and share our beliefs as we feel. Just because Annie Laurie Gaylor does not believe in anything does not make her way better than mine. SO Annie Laurie Gaylor keep your opinions and disbelief to yourself, we didn't ask for your help!
Have seen lots of discussions these days about the the Constitution, our founding fathers, Christianity, nativity scenes etc…whether or not this nation was founded by Christians on Christian principles. Many people try to separate the Constitution from the Declaration of Independence, that each are individual documents not dependant on the other. This would be likened to Articles of Corporation and By-Laws of a company. These documents are interdependent of each other. The Constitution is but the body and the letter of which the DOI is the thought and spirit. The C. cannot be properly interpreted nor correctly applied apart from the principles set forth in the DOI, they must be used together.
God Bless Texas!
God bless the folks in Texas and may God work on the hearts and minds of those who do not believe…before it's to late.
Amen! I wish more people had the guts to stand up! You know If you don't want to pray, don't. If you don't want to look at the nativity scene, go through another door… Leave us alone… I'm beginning to feel like the minority here, when do we get our stand? Our nativity has been up since I can remember, over 40 years at least. I remember when we had a bacalaurete service before graduation but now that is gone. What are they going to do next tear down the Washington Monument because there is a prayer of thanksgiving on the top? Give me a break…
What an ugly-faced litigious society we've become! The whims of few backed by the lawyers greed can terrorize and trump the believes and dignity of many.
Where is the outcry of human rights activists when the Christians are being persecuted all over the world? Those people lose their LIVES for what they believe in the biggest world-wide persecution of Christian yet. LIVES… yet here Baby Jesus may be offensive to someone and the whole community needs to suppress what they believe and cherish to please that individual. The apex of selfishness is what it is.
LOVE YOU TEXAS. GOD BLESS.
Good idea. Put up a rickety stand with nothing under it designated it "for athiests".
This is not who should have the display and who should tear it down, but rather why are our tax dollars being spent to only display ONE religious group during this time of year? Many religions celebrate this time of year with their own beliefs and traditions and it is wrong to display a nativity scene at the "courthouse". There is nothing wrong with displaying the scene at the local church or in an individual's yard, but not on tax payer property.
OOPS! I must correct my misspelling of atheist lest I be called another uneducated and stupid Christian.
Why does FB inform me of who posted on this when I did not post to FB? Why does it say where I work? just curious because I did not ask them to.
I sat here and read many of your comments,,,, i have learned that just as many "non believers of jesus" celebrate chistmas as "believers",,,, and according to the post many atheist have nativity scenes in their front yard,,,, i have read many comments from the believers over this situation,,,, and my question is where in the bible does it give y'all the okay to judge anyone? you are judging a whole group of people cuz of a few bad apples,,,, i believe in god,,,, i believe in our country,,, i don't believe in the folks that use christainty as an I'm better than you card,,,, agianst anyone else they come into contact with in their lifes,,,,,
I agree that we should not judge a whole group of people based on a few bad apples because that is exactly what happens to Christians and it doesn't feel good when it does. There are good and bad people in both areas. I believe in God the Father, the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth and his infallible Word and do not hate atheist. But find it strange that an atheist would have a nativity on their lawn if they don't believe there is a God. Funny that you mention judging because I was just researching this very thing the other day. These are a few things I held to from that research: Some people say all judgment is wrong by singling out the verse "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). It is true that there are certain forms of judgment that we are not meant to make. The above verse is referring to one of these forms. However, there are instances where the Bible says that we need to judge. We need to read other verses and not only the one above.
Correction is not judgment, as the Bible says that we should correct, rebuke and be bold to those who are sinning. It is to be done in an act of caring for them in the hope that they will believe. That way we could contribute to the saving of a soul. If we don't, we could be responsible for suppressing the truth which could mean eternal death instead of eternal life for that person. "James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." I believe that this should be done in a loving way and pray that we can all discuss/debate this w/o resorting to name calling and hate. Merry Christmas to ALL <><
Sherrie Middleton agreed,,,,,but maybe an atheist just looks at a nativity scene as a decoration,,,no more no less,,,,kinda of like me hanging halloween decorations,,,but i don't think halloween is the devils day,,,,i just get a kick out of the christians that stand tall in their faith and after church wanna sit around and bash people that don't think the way they do,,,,there were some really mean and name calling post on here,,,,from christians and it makes me wonder what kinda of god do they worship,,,,
Maybe it's time we Athenians made a real statement………let's leave the Nativity up ALL YEAR! I could not be more proud to be from ATHENS TEXAS! God bless each one that is taking the stand and fighting back!
If these people are "atheist", why would a Nativity scene bother them? They don't believe in God anyway! Duhh!
I talked w an atheist one time. He said those people aren't true atheist, they are God haters. How can you hate something that don't exist? So in his words, they believe God exist, would you fight against something that don't exist?
America was built upon faith in One True God – I hold with our founding fathers; Freedom of Religion does not mean freedom from religion…It.
means freedom by religion; Jesus said that where there is freedom, there.
I am in the midst of them. We have been blessed, as a people, because.
of the Spirit of God amongst us; And, we were built on that rock, all else is sinking sand and comes as a destroyer to this great nation. We have already watched as other nations, who serve other Gods, have fallen; And those who call themselves atheists, and have been blessed by the the presence of our Jesus because of us, will wake up one day only to find out that all of the freedoms that they once loved will be yanked right out from under them to.
They need not ask why when it happens….
Anybody walking by that is going to say, ‘Hmmm. This is a Christian government building. I’m not welcome here if I’m not Christian,’” she told the television station ANYONE WHO IS ATRUE CHRISTIAN LOVES EVERYONE, THAT IS WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES. WE LOVE NON-CHRISTIANS TOO, SO IF YOU FEEL UNWELCOME, THAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, NOT CHRISTIANS!
America was built upon faith in One True God – I hold with our founding fathers; Freedom of Religion does not mean freedom from religion…It.
means freedom by religion; Jesus said that where there is freedom, there.
I am in the midst of them. We have been blessed, as a people, because.
of the Spirit of God amongst us; And, we were built on that rock, all else is sinking sand and comes as a destroyer to this great nation. We have already watched as other nations, who serve other Gods, have fallen; And those who call themselves atheists, and have been blessed by the the presence of our Jesus because of us, will wake up one day only to find out that all of the freedoms that they once loved will be yanked right out from under them to.
They need not ask why when it happens….
@ Peridot and Pearls, amen !
Bless you Angelita Burgess, Aveyah Does Watch and Rhonda Buchanan.<3
You to Mommy-In Yashua/Jesus name!
First of James Kormanec your views are NOT of the USAF. You live in COSTA RICA! The Airforce does not refer to those that believe in God as Morons. I do Object to you presenting yourself as USAF. I know many people in the Airforce and they accept all beliefs. You are intolerant and I would suspect that is why you now work at "Sports book". You Might have attended The Airforce Acadamy In Colorado Springs But your conduct makes me wonder or at least indicating why you are no longer there.
Christmas is derived from an age old pagan holiday not the birth of some mythical being, whom I might add is also a hypocrite.
Oh, and before someone wants to comment something stupid, I am a former christian who has read the bible cover to cover. While I may not remember word for word I do remember key events of that famous work of fiction
Texas born, Texas raised
Chris Fitzgerald one day all of us will die and then and only then will we find out whether or not there is a Heaven and Hell. as of now there is no real proof that anyone experienced what's on the other side after humans die and come back to tell about it. But there has been findings of different real cities and many other real evidences of whats in the bible. so it isn't really a work of fiction if the places mentioned in the bible really did exist.
That is the great thing about America, everyone can have an opinion and practice Freedom of Religion…even you. If it offends you don't look at it. Easy enough!!
That is the great thing about America, everyone can have an opinion and practice Freedom of Religion…even you. If it offends you don't look at it. Easy enough!!
Frey Marlow so because Steven King mentions real places that means his books aren't fiction. That being based off of what you just said
Or because die hard is placed in new York or L.A. that makes the cop john a real person
yyoyouyou seen the bible is the work of man, which means they could easily place locations in the bible doesn't make the bible any less fiction than Santa clause
onica Harris Kreiser NOT quite. If it violates the U.S.Constitution, we will sue again to have it fit within the laws of our land. Just because your religious views have the majority in this country, does not give it legal standing. This case has been settled in court several times before. people from Texas think they are above the law. Christians been having it their way for too long and when the Constitution supporters aka (Americans)start pushing back, they cry like babies.
Curious?? are you atheist or agnostic??
Dewayne Pullen atheist, but not the typical atheist as I believe in showing respect to everyone
Showing respect to everyone?? So its respectful to call the GOD that many believe in and worship a hypocrite?? And if you believe that this GOD is a hypocrite, are you not showing belief yourself? Are you not showing that you believe in his existence by making such a statement?
If you insist upon disbelief in God, what you must say is, "Having the limited knowledge I have at present, I believe that there is no God." Owing to a lack of knowledge on your part, you don't know if God exists. So, in the strict sense of the word, you cannot be an atheist.
The Bible tells us that this ignorance (that of the agnostic) is “willful” (Psalm 10:4). Ray Comfort wrote "It's not that a person can't find God, but that he won't. It has been rightly said that the “atheist” can't find God for the same reason a thief can't find a policeman. He knows that if he admits that there is a God, he is admitting that he is ultimately responsible to Him". This is not a pleasant thought for some.
Yeah! Does anyone have the Fox News clip? Please, post it! You know what they say – Don't mess with TEXAS!
Is this by Tyler, TX?
If it were closer to Roswell, NM – I would be there!
Correction is not judgment, as the Bible says that we should correct, rebuke and be bold to those who are sinning. It is to be done in an ACT OF CARING for them in the hope that they will believe. That way we could contribute to the saving of a soul. If we don't, we could be responsible for suppressing the truth which could mean eternal death instead of eternal life for that person. "James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." I believe that this should be done in a loving way and pray that we can all discuss/debate this w/o resorting to name calling and hate. Merry Christmas to ALL <><.
Susan, I once asked a friend why Christians doing join together and protest, instead of 'letting' OUR Lord be taken out from everything – the answer? Taxes. Churches are exempt from paying taxes – if they protest, they'd have to pay taxes. I think it would be WELL worth it!
I was born and raised in ATHENS, TX! and we as christians will stand up for our religion! I think that whom ever contacted the freedom from religion foundation, apparently doesn't have any thing better to do.. why do you wait this long to stir up trouble! THERE IS A GOD.. THERE IS A HEAVEN, AND A HELL! AND WHEN JESUS COMES BACK TO CLAIM HIS BELIEVERS, YOU WILL BE THE ONES ON YOUR KNEES ASKING HIM TO FORGIVE YOU, AND TO TAKE YOU WITH HIM! WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS.. AND THIS SITUATION SHALL BE PROOF OF THAT! I JUST PRAY THAT GOD HIM SELF WILL SPEAK TO ALL THE NON BELIEVERS…. AND TRUELY OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE TRUTH! AND ANOTHER THING… JUST BECAUSE WE PUT UP A NATIVITY SCENE DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE FORCING ANY RELIGION ON ANY ONE! CHRISTMAS IS THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST… CHRISTMAS ISn't ABOUT SANTA.. AND HIS ELVES.. ITS TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WHO EVER ROAMED THE EARTH.. MY SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!
I agree dont mess w Texas or us Christian-Texans do they know how many Christian Trial Lawyers we have in our state…i wanna see this go to Supreme Court. We have rights freedom of speech freedom to express our religion!!!
I was born and raised in ATHENS, TX! and we as christians will stand up for our religion! I think that whom ever contacted the freedom from religion foundation, apparently doesn't have any thing better to do.. why do you wait this long to stir up trouble! THERE IS A GOD.. THERE IS A HEAVEN, AND A HELL! AND WHEN JESUS COMES BACK TO CLAIM HIS BELIEVERS, YOU WILL BE THE ONES ON YOUR KNEES ASKING HIM TO FORGIVE YOU, AND TO TAKE YOU WITH HIM! WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS.. AND THIS SITUATION SHALL BE PROOF OF THAT! I JUST PRAY THAT GOD HIM SELF WILL SPEAK TO ALL THE NON BELIEVERS…. AND TRUELY OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE TRUTH! AND ANOTHER THING… JUST BECAUSE WE PUT UP A NATIVITY SCENE DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE FORCING ANY RELIGION ON ANY ONE! CHRISTMAS IS THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST… CHRISTMAS ISn't ABOUT SANTA.. AND HIS ELVES.. ITS TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WHO EVER ROAMED THE EARTH.. MY SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!
“Anybody walking by that is going to say, ‘Hmmm. This is a Christian government building. I’m not welcome here if I’m not Christian,’ [Annie Laurie Gaylor] told the television station."
No they are not, Annie! You're totally wrong. Did you catch Commissioner Hall's statement? The nativity has been up for 35 years without anyone complaining about what you're implying. You and your atheistic buddies are trying to imagine and push a viewpoint that doesn't exist so you can justify your actions.
Christians in American need to stand up to these bitter atheists who are frustrated that their very non-American worldview is not being respected and given more credibility. It's time to stand on the faith of our Founders, and that faith was Christianity, not atheism, deism, or any other "ism" these historical revisionists want to propose.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! GO GREGG ABBOTT, THAT's MY WORDS EXACTLY , TAKE OUR STAND, KEEP OUR BACKBONE AND STAND UP FOR WHAT OUR NATION WAS FOUNDED ON AND THAT IS GOD, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, YOU KNOW THE CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS? LOL.LOL. GO GET EM GREGG
…Gloria Cain.
Leave us Christians alone; God is our light and no one will ever stop us in believing in him, that goes along with the Bible, the Manager, everything that deals with him! Leave our beliefs alone and stick to your own! Judgement day will come for all of us!, the sooner the better with this world……
Let them go do that crap in Wisconsin, here in TX we are proud of our religious background.
Freedom from Religion Foundation offends me. Does that mean they have to go away?
And I will say it again, restrictin any one group is not setting another free.
Taking down A nativity does not lift or protect your atheistic ideals…….
if it offends you…. don't walk on that street.
There are non believers and atheists and others attempting to insult and degrade Christianity everywhere. But the bible is clear on how to deal with them. If they have been told about Jesus Christ and still refuse Him. Matt 7:6 Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
I have often wondered why atheists put so much energy in trying to make others believe there is not a God….it is ok that they choose not to believe. They should just drive by the nativity scene and say, hmmm guess those Christians will never get it will they? Why in the world would statues bother them if they don't believe in Jesus? This country is and has always been based on Christianity – leave us alone would ya? Put your money together and buy an island or islands – move there and do all the non-worshiping you want to. If we Christians come to your island, then you can kick us off!
I have often wondered why atheists put so much energy in trying to make others believe there is not a God….it is ok that they choose not to believe. They should just drive by the nativity scene and say, hmmm guess those Christians will never get it will they? Why in the world would statues bother them if they don't believe in Jesus? This country is and has always been based on Christianity – leave us alone would ya? Put your money together and buy an island or islands – move there and do all the non-worshiping you want to. If we Christians come to your island, then you can kick us off!
Keep up the good fight Texas, and I support you all the way. Ms Gaylor and the others from FFRF need to realize that Christians are tired of their threats and we are going to fight back from now on. I believe it is time, and way past due, that christians start standing up for our rights. God bless you and I will be praying for all of you and that God has His way in this situation.
Keep up the good fight Texas, and I support you all the way. Ms Gaylor and the others from FFRF need to realize that Christians are tired of their threats and we are going to fight back from now on. I believe it is time, and way past due, that christians start standing up for our rights. God bless you and I will be praying for all of you and that God has His way in this situation.
One of these days, when God's heavy judgments begin to fall on this rebellious world, these atheists will be begging for God's Mercy. Oh, they will believe then, but it will be too late; because God will be totally fed up with them, and He won't even listen to their pleas, just as He chose to ignore the ancient, rebellious Israelites. Consider this:
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2, KJV.
"Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee."
Jeremiah 7:16, KJV.
"Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble."
Jeremiah 11:14, KJV.
"Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good."
Jeremiah 14:10-11, KJV.
"We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through."
Lamentations 3:42-44, KJV.
One of these days, when God's heavy judgments begin to fall on this rebellious world, these atheists will be begging for God's Mercy. Oh, they will believe then, but it will be too late; because God will be totally fed up with them, and He won't even listen to their pleas, just as He chose to ignore the ancient, rebellious Israelites. Consider this:
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2, KJV.
"Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee."
Jeremiah 7:16, KJV.
"Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble."
Jeremiah 11:14, KJV.
"Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good."
Jeremiah 14:10-11, KJV.
"We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through."
Lamentations 3:42-44, KJV.
As an atheist Texan, I'd like to explain my viewpoint on this case.
When I go to the county courthouse, or any other government building, I want to know that I am a first class citizen, just like everyone else. I want to know that I will be treated equally to all other citizens.
When the courthouse, or other government building displays Christian messages (especially when the messages of no other religious viewpoint are displayed), it makes it appear that Christians are given preferential treatment. Our government, which is for ALL the people, not just Christians, should avoid any appearance of preferential treatment of one group over another.
If you are a Christian, just imagine if you went down to your courthouse for a trial, or other important transaction, and what you saw was a sign that said "There are no gods", or "Allah is the one true god." Can you honestly say that you would not be worried that the government was biased against you?
That's why many Christians as well as people with other, or no religious beliefs, think it is best for our government to avoid displaying religious messages. The alternative is for the government to display religious messages from all beliefs and non-beliefs and that is not practical.
I'm not sure why some Christians feel so strongly that government property should be used to promote a specific religion's message. Religious views can be and are displayed on church and private property, at many retail establishments and over private media channels such as TV and radio. Why does a county courthouse also have to be included? Why can't our government buildings remain neutral in the religious message business?
Nativity scene or no, its not suprising that Wisconsinites would not feel at home in Texas or here in.
southern Virginia either. Learn to mind your own business or get your nose punched in. Stand by, we have all had it with you busybodies and payback is coming. Go pick on Barack Hussein or Ali Baba; see what happens.
RIP CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS!