I recently came across an article about yet another atheist Christmas display that sparked conflict and was ordered to be taken down.
This display was set up by Freedom From Religion Foundation at the Texas State Capitol in 2015. The display featured Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the Statue of Liberty peering down at the Bill of Rights, similar to the nativity scene of peering down at baby Jesus. A sign to the side said, “At this season of the Winter Solstice, we honor reason and the Bill of Rights (adopted December 15, 1791). Keep State and Church Separate.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the display to be taken down, stating that it mocked religion. While I can understand where he is coming from, it’s not mocking religion that irritates me (I’ve seen worse mocking), but rather that the display is politicized. During a time when coming together with family and friends is prioritized, Freedom From Religion Foundation can’t put up a casual heart warming display, but rather puts up a political display.
The display is not as bad as the horrible “Christmas” displays that atheists put up in Santa Monica, CA over a period of two years from 2010-2011. In 2010, atheist Damon Vix was granted a booth space at the city’s Christmas display site. He put up a banner that quoted a Thomas Jefferson statement, “Religions are all alike – founded on fables and mythologies.” What a nice introduction to the public.
In 2011, Vix collaborated with other atheists and won 18 out of 21 spaces of the city’s Christmas displays, and put up even more banners with obnoxious quotes that were demeaning towards others. One display featured a banner with an image of Jesus, Santa Clause, Poseidon and Satan, and said, “37 million Americans know myths when they see them. What myths do you see?” The banner was from atheist organization American Atheists, and even listed the organization’s logo, founding year and website, treating the Christmas display space as though it was an advertisement billboard.
Unfortunately, in 2012, the city of Santa Monica decided to no longer continue the Christmas display event despite having done so for decades, all due to the obnoxious stints of these atheists!
What stands out to me in the Santa Monica case is that atheists were at least granted a space – they were not excluded. They could have used it to simply put up a beautiful light display, or to influence audiences to do well towards fellow man, but instead they used it to spark division and outrage.
As an atheist, these displays are an embarrassment to me. They make atheists appear as though their sole purpose is to demean others and to cause division. Can atheists not enjoy a period of time once a year that is focused on the unity of family and friends? It does not seem so according to these displays.
On a final note, I do not understand why atheist groups have latched onto “Winter Solstice,” a term that is commonly associated with pagans and wiccans. I actually consider Christmas to be a more secular term, considering it has become so commercialized.
I prefer atheist organizations to just not put up Christmas displays.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists and GunSafetySociety.org. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.