Atheists to erect holiday display

[wordsmythe]

DailyLocal.com

FREETHOUGHT SOCIETY SCHEDULES CEREMONY FOR 5 P.M. SATURDAY By JENNIFER MILLER, Staff Writer

WEST CHESTER — For the first time a regional atheist group will display a holiday tree on the Chester County Courthouse lawn during the winter holidays, potentially setting a seasonal model for other communities.
County commissioners have allowed groups to display a Christmas tree and menorah on the lawn. But last year, The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia, an atheist group, asked the commissioners to either let any group set up a seasonal holiday display or ban the displays entirely.

This fall, the commissioners approved a policy that allows any group to put up a seasonal display if it meets design, insurance and safety requirements.

“This is a very rewarding step in our citizenry of Chester County, where we are now being recognized as an integral part of the community.


And it makes us feel like whole citizens to be able to participate in this way,” said Margaret Downey, president of the Freethought Society.
The group’s display, “The Tree of Knowledge,” will include a 15-foot evergreen with color copies of book covers as decorations. Some of the book covers will include the Holy Bible, the Quran, “Ethics Without God,” “Why I Am Not a Christian,” and “Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism.”

Downey said she hopes the Chester County display will be a catalyst for displays across the nation. And she said her priority will be displaying a similar tree in Philadelphia next year.

“If this works here, we’re going to encourage other Freethought groups to do the same,” Downey said.

The county’s policy allows qualified applicants to set up a display from this Friday to Jan. 15. Interested groups had to apply by Nov. 15.
“The commissioners wanted to get a policy for winter holiday displays, giving all community groups an opportunity to erect a winter display,” said Commissioner Carol Aichele.

The county received four applications, and all were approved. Applicants had to pitch design ideas that would not give the impression the county was endorsing a particular religion.

In addition to “The Tree of Knowledge,” the courthouse lawn will feature a Christmas tree, a menorah and a crèche this year.

The Freethought Society will hold a tree ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday at the courthouse.

[TexKan]

I like it - isn't there room for everyone???? I think it's a pretty good idea.

[Army_of_One]

So if the Wiccan's came forward and wanted to display a pentacle do you think everyone would be cool with that also?

[Army_of_One]

You know Wordy....that's a nice article but in most area's of the country I don't feel like that would fly. I believe there are Christians that just don't want those things on display because it's not...well...Christian. How do you feel?

[TexKan]

Wicans celebrate Christmas........... it's not like they don't believe in a higher being - they do. Basically most Wicans in my experience have been tree huggers - often drunk tree huggers but tree huggers just the same.

If Wicans represent a large part of the community - why not let them set up a tree - afterall the tree that's being set up has the bible on it - which I thought was strange for an athiest group - but I think the Tree of Knowledge is a very bright idea on thier part!

[wordsmythe]

Any religion that takes itself too seriously is a problem. And you know what?

I haven't found one that doesn't.

It's just better for everyone to be included rather than everyone excluded. It's like the big bitchfest about saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.

One makes a single group happy and the other just includes everyone.

[Army_of_One]

Originally Posted by TexKan

Wicans celebrate Christmas........... it's not like they don't believe in a higher being - they do. Basically most Wicans in my experience have been tree huggers - often drunk tree huggers but tree huggers just the same.

If Wicans represent a large part of the community - why not let them set up a tree - afterall the tree that's being set up has the bible on it - which I thought was strange for an athiest group - but I think the Tree of Knowledge is a very bright idea on thier part!

I think it's a good idea also but my point is that in MOST communities that idea wouldn't fly. I believe they have a Bible on there because Atheists DO study the bible and other sources of theological ideas. They have to understand Christianity and other religions in order to debate them. It also goes to show the open mindedness of an Atheist or at least this particular group. (having the Holy Bible and other religious book covers present) I doubt if very many Christian churches would display the book of Morman, the Quran or anything to do with Wicca or Atheism in their church or elsewhere.

[TexKan]

Yeah - that's why I'm not into organized religeon............ they are funny like that - they keep tellin everyone they will be the only ones goin to heaven or to get the 77 virgins...... whatever it is they get. Point is most of the biased ness comes from the church goin Christians. - Funny how that works.

I still like the idea but it wouldn't fly too well in most places - I think it was mighty bold of them to try and very progressive on the part of the town to accept the tree - hope that the "well meaning" christians don't tear it up . I heard a Minnorah (sp) was trashed I think down here. It's just sick what folks are capable of in the name of "Christianity"

[wordsmythe]

Most of the devout Athiests I know pretty much don't give a rats ass what you believe or don't believe. They just don't want to be bothered with the beliefs of others.

You do have the Athiests who seem to justify their belief, or lack of one, by making fun of religions and trying to elevate themselves above it. These are the same people who would be a$$holes no matter where they worshiped or didn't.

They are the same kinds of a$$holes in every religion who can't stand the idea that someone else doesn't believe as they themselves do. The same kinds of a$$holes who want everyone else to think, believe, and pray as they do or they doubt thier own beliefs.

[BroncoFan]

How about this?

There wouldn't be a Christmas without christians and the belief in CHRIST.

So all the Christians celebrate Christmas, and all other religions find your own holiday and symbols and celebrate your own holiday. DON'T RUIN MINE!!!

If you are feeling left out during this season, then think about joining a christian religion or start your own cult and have your own holiday!