I have thought a long time about this post. I still don't know whether it is a good idea to write it or not. Quite frankly, I don't want my yarmulke nailed to the wall right next to Rabbi Bogomilsky's.
However, every time I pass by the crèche (manger scene) on the civic center steps or the one on flag hill, I get upset. By erecting these displays (or allowing them to be erected), the city is telling me that I really am not welcome here. Sure, I can live here; but just don't get too uppity.
I have no problem with the trees. For that matter, I can deal with (but am still unhappy with) the way that normal life grinds to a halt the day after Thanksgiving and only starts back up after January 1st. Truth be told, I think that the lights are pretty and I do like the smell of pine.
I also don't want to erect an "equivalent display." I neither need nor want to display a series of big, municipal chanukiot. The little menorah in my window is fine for me, thanks.
When it comes down to it, a crèche is just too much and just too in my face. It is overtly religious and Christian, and just does not belong on city property. If it does belong, why doesn't the city just put up a sign that says "Christians Only" at the gates of our town?
Bah, Humbug.
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12 comments:
I agree with you, Aaron -- as an Atheist, it is rather offensive to me, too. The proper place for a nativity scene - or menorah - or any other overtly religious symbols is in a place of worship (church, temple, etc), OR in someone's home. Not on public property.
But I'm also a realist. This particular battle is not worth fighting, as it is a temporary, seasonal event.
Do you get equally upset about Halloween decorations?
Wolfpack;
Well, I would argue that Halloween decorations are cultural and fun, not inherently religious.
What's more, I don't see the city erecting any ghoul or goblin displays.
Look, if you want to put a nativity scene on your church lawn, on your lawn, or any other piece of private property for that matter, I would cheer you on for practicing your faith as you want to practice it. It is another thing altogether for religious displays to be erected on municipal property.
I don't really support having it on public property, but I don't understand the insult or the feeling of not being welcome. My kids sing songs about your religion in school, I find no insult in that. Tolerance goes two ways. I am neither Christian or overly religious, but I have never felt insulted or unwelcome from anothers genuine expression of faith. Including yours.
"My kids sing songs about your religion in school, I find no insult in that. Tolerance goes two ways. I am neither Christian or overly religious, but I have never felt insulted or unwelcome from anothers genuine expression of faith. Including yours."
Amen!
Pun intended. :)
And don't assume I am a Christian either, but I think this whole thing is an offense looking to be taken.
AJ gave me something new to think about on this issue -- the first time that's happened in many years.
Interesting.
Park and Recreation employees install the nativity scene and the Christmas tree down at the Civic Center. The nativity scene had been stored at the old barn on the Anaconda Hills golf course that was used by the golf maintenance staff. The State forced the City to condemn the barn because of un-healthy and dangerous conditions. The employees got a new building and Mary and Joseph had to be removed from the barn. I don't know if they found a safe place to stay.
Montanafats says about using public property for religious and other such displays!
Well it is over for another year. For the record I do not like Christamas from October to December in the Schools and that includes Hanukkah. While our country's kids fall further behind in scholastic achievement they certainly score well in 'feeling good'! As for the creche, electronic or not and a public property Menorah, they do not belong on public property.
As for the Mother's day exhibition discgrace that the City allows to be put up (Anti Abortion stuff) that too does not belong on City or public property. I suspect that the City Attorney caved on that one too! Show some backbone I say!
I agree with Montanafats. Expressions of opinion on public property must be stopped at all costs!
Put this issue on the Neighborhood council 7 agenda, and see what happens.
"2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, For the Lord has spoken: "I reared children and brought them up--And they have rebelled against me! 3 An ox knows its owner, An ass its master's crib: Israel does not know, My people takes no thought." 4 Ah, sinful nation! People laden with iniquity! Brood of evildoers! Depraved children! They haveforsaken the Lord, Spurned the Holy One of Israel, Turned their backs (on Him)." -- Isaiah 1:2-4, The Jewish Study Bible, 2004
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