I find it odd that the Associated Press, and, by association, the Globe assume a peculiarly Christian-style motivation (i.e., evangelism) for the atheists in the short news item “Christmas display fight goes to court” (Daily Briefing, Page A2, Nov. 19).
Atheists set up signs, including the Thomas Jefferson quotation “Religions are all alike —–founded on fables and mythologies,” next to a 14-scene Christian diorama on public land. And the AP reporter characterized the members of this group as “eager to get their non-beliefs into the public square as never before.”
Comments
evangelical - marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause. The shoe fits.
No, the shoe does not fit. The cause is not atheism, the cause is our constitutional right not to support religion with our tax money.
Certainly not everywhere, but in many cases the religious display on public property does not cost the tax payers any money. In those cases, a religious group applies for a permit (and thus pays money *to* the government), sets up a creche, and then removes it when the permit expires. Other groups can do likewise.
The constitution does not ban religion.
Examples of EVANGELIZE
The above is taken from the online version of Merriam-Webster Dictionary. #2 seems to fit. My problem is that some folks always like to spoil other folks fun as well as ridicule their beliefs. How does it harm an athiest to see a creche scene no matter whose land it's on. From the stories I've read about the issue in California is that group were spoil sports and they tried to get all the space for their point of view. Seems kind of creepy to me. All I can say to those guys & gals is "God bless you, one and all (and try to get over yourselves). There are many, many more important issues going around that need your help. Oh, one last - Merry Christmas. (BTW - the biggest problem with being an atheist is there's no one to talk to during sex).
"God bless you" means nothing to one who does not believe in God.
madeline miller, I believe jimnanna62's "God bless you" was intentionally ironic.