Latest Headlines
- Community Health Northwest Florida Targeted In Cyberattack
- Walnut Hill Convicted Felon Facing Weapons Charge In Atmore
- One Injured In Highway 29 Crash Near Roberts Road
- Softball Team Remembers Teammate Killed In Pace Wreck
- Wanted Flomaton Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Allegedly Breaking Into Home While Fleeing Police
- It’s Easy To Recycle Your Wrapping Paper And Boxes
- Escambia Deputies Seek Christmas Day Attempted Homicide Suspect
- Escambia County Again Seeking Applicants For Escambia Children’s Trust
- Ice Flyers Get Rewarding Win Against Macon Mayhem
- ECFR Says McDavid Mobile Home Fire Was Sparked By Trash Fire; Firefighters Respond To Ascend
Century’s ‘Illegal’ Nativity Scene On Display Again
December 12, 2012
The Town of Century’s nativity scene, which came under attack by an atheist group’s attorney as being illegal, was put on display late Tuesday afternoon in a new home just yards from the Century Town Hall.
Earlier this month, the town declared the nativity scene as surplus property to be sold to the highest bidder after an attorney for the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation sent letters to the town claiming that a nativity scene on public property is illegal.
The highest bidder for the aging nativity display was $5 from Faith Bible Baptist Church. A bid of $2 was received from the Abundant Life Assembly of God, and Tabernacle Baptist Church bid $1, according to the town’s official bid tabulation sheet.
The nativity display, now owned by the Faith Bible Baptist Church, was erected and lit by church volunteers Tuesday afternoon in front of an abandoned building directly across Highway 29 from the Century Town Hall. The use of the property was donated by owner Don Grant of Century Marine. Electricity for the display is being donated by the neighboring Abundant Life Assembly of God, while Tabernacle Baptist Church donated the wiring necessary to light the display.
“Area churches rose to the occasion,” a press release issued Tuesday by the Town of Century stated. “People from several area churches are taking care of setting up the scene for all to enjoy beginning today.” The press release noted that a copy was being sent to the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
In a July 17, 2012, NorthEscambia.com story about the Century Town Council’s wish to purchase new Christmas decorations, Century Town Council President Ann Brooks was quoted as saying “I believe we all want a manger scene”. Three days later, as a result of that story, Andrew Seidel, a staff attorney for the Freedom from Religion Foundation, fired off a letter and fax to Brooks objecting to a nativity scene on public property.
“We can assure you that not all Century residents want a manger scene,” Seidel wrote. “A local resident brought this news story to our attention in hopes that we would halt an imminent First Amendment violation.”
Seidel claimed that a display consisting solely of a nativity scene, “depicting the mythical birth of the Christian god [sic]“, endorses a single religion and is thus illegal according to the Supreme Court.
“There are ample private and church grounds were religious displays may be freely placed,” Seidel wrote. “Once the council enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship.”
Following their July meeting, the Century Council moved forward in purchasing wreaths to adorn utility poles along Highway 29, but a nativity scene was never purchased. The town also, for some number of months, did not respond to the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s letters and faxes.
A town official said selling the nativity scene as surplus property to the highest bidder really was not a response to the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s assertions, but was due solely to the aging condition of the manger scene.
Pictured top and below: The Town of Century’s nativity scene was sold as surplus property to a local church and put on display Tuesday across the street from town hall. Pictured inset; The Century Town Hall (with Christmas lights) is just across Highway 29 from the nativity scene. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
79 Responses to “Century’s ‘Illegal’ Nativity Scene On Display Again”
Do the same people that do not want the nativity scene celebrate Christamas? If you do, then you are a hypocrit.
I am proud to be a part of one of the local churches that made this happen. I hate to see such controversy over government and religion. I don’t understand why people want to take God and prayer out of everything. Look at the tragedy that happened today in the CT school shooting. This is what we are turning our country into. There are so many people that don’t believe in God and I have never opened my eyes to this fact until recently. I respect that people have Freedom of Religion and that includes all religions and all non believers. We each have our own right. I also respect Anon for his honesty of his beliefs and being kind on here. We should not argue with one another about God, but those of us who believe can pray for those who don’t and those who don’t believe can live as they so choose. I only ask this question…What happens if you that say you don’t believe are wrong?…What is there to loose by accepting that just maybe us Christians are right? If you have the slightest doubt in your mind that there is a heaven and a hell, don’t heaven sound like the better of the two options? I am just saying that I think I would rather believe in the fact that there is a high God sitting in heaven waiting to come for his church then to risk dying and going to hell. And it is so simple…all you have to do is believe in God and ask him to come into your heart and forgive you of all your sins. I know I am thankful for a Christian family and that my health allows me to be in Gods house to worship each week. God bless you all and hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Ok, NOW, SHEILA CHAMBERS…. Here it is… I can prove that GOD and his SON, JESUS CHRIST, DO EXIST AND ALWAYS HAVE…. If you say that there is a satan, then you have to know that he was made by “someone” before him in order to exist. We all know the reasons of why he was kicked out of heaven…however, do you realize WHY he exist in the first place? Well, here you go… his purpose is to “give us hell” in our lives so that we will turn to God for help, love, comfort, relief, etc… he is suppose to make us “run” to God, that is his “job”. If “bad” never happens in your life, you would never know what “good” was. I, personally, have felt the presence of God, not just around me, but running all through my body at different times in my life and I can tell you sister, THERE IS NOT ANOTHER THING IN THIS WORLD THAT CAN FEEL LIKE THAT EXCEPT FOR THE SPIRIT OF GOD ALMIGHTY!!! He still loves me when no one else can and he comforts me and settles my nervous spirit like nothing else will. There is not a pill nor a drink, or an herb out there that can do that, if there was, they would kill it just like they did JESUS!!! I am not here to preach to just you dear, but to all who will listen. HE IS COMING AND YOU BETTER BE READY. Besides all of that, don’t you think you have made a fool out of yourself for satan long enough? If you truly think it is foolish to believe in and praise God, then how foolish do think you will feel when you figure out that he really does live!? and you missed out on going to heaven because you believed the biggest lie satan’s ever told? Is this, really, the chance you want to take? REALLY??? Always remember, IF YOU DENY HIM NOW, HE WILL DENY YOU TO HIS FATHER, LATER. Now, Actually, I do wish you to have a Merry CHRISTmas and everyone else out there too. I also will pray for you to let God have a chance in your life. You will never regret it if you do, I promise.
Amen to Amen, John 3:16
Thank you JESUS…GOD almighty…praise the LORD…He deserves all the honor and glory and praise that we can give him….Thanks to all…Now this is truly a Christmas story….AMEN
Jesus is Lord and coming soon for His own!!!
REGARDING:
“It does not bother me to see displays of Jewish, or Moslem, or Hindu, Protestant, Catholic whatever religion, because everyone is free (or supposed to be) to believe as they chose.”
So you really DO want the town to purchase a statue of Shiva and display it?
Or if someone donates a statue of Kali, you want it displayed on town grounds?
Hindus’re already free to display them on their own property but you want them on public property too?
Interesting. Personally, I don’t care since I’m like Bob Hudson in disbelieveing in them but would hate to have my taxes raised to buy Shiva or maintain Kali.(Not that I will gripe if the town decides that is what they want to do. Not my dog, none of my business.)
David impressed
No matter who you are , or what you believe, Christmas always starts with the word “CHRIST”.
The Constitution does not guarantee freedom from religion. It guarantees that our government will not require that everyone belong to a specific religion, such as the Church of England was required membership in England. It does not bother me to see displays of Jewish, or Moslem, or Hindu, Protestant, Catholic whatever religion, because everyone is free (or supposed to be) to believe as they chose. But the freedom of an athiest or anyone else is supposed to end at the end of my nose. In other words your freedom from religion does not trump my freedom of religion. Stay in your own state and mind your own business. And it is time that all religions stand up and quit rolling over for these idiots!
Just wanted to explain, atheist say they do not believe in God, well I do not believe in zombies, or vampires, or the Easter bunny, so there fore I do not fear them or any thing that they stand for .Or any thing that is associated with them, they are not real, so why then does the atheist hate any thing that come’s close to being christian?The simple reason is they , deep down , may be wrong, and do not wish to be reminded of that. So it is a fear that they do not wish to confront. It seems to me they hate God, and anything that is associated with him, so to hate, you must fear some thing, that is one thing that causes hate. But hey , this is just my opinion.
REGARDING:
“Atheist hate God because , in reality they fear him.”
If they were really athiests, wouldn’t they think He didn’t exist?
If they didn’t think He was there, they would have a hard time hating or fearing.
Atheist hate God because , in reality they fear him. No matter what they say. It is their deep hidden fear that it is true. And they have no hope. Deny, deny deny, still it will not comfort them , or save them. Great story, Praise God, and thank you to all of those who made this happen. Merry , Merry , Christmas. And God shall bless those who raise up his name.
REGARDING;
“why are the voters allowed to “elect” their pubic officials based on or at least partial based on the candidates religious affiliation?”
Because nobody can tell you how to vote.
David for simple answers
I wonder how aggressive Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation if a community displays an Islamist display. I don’t fault the attorney as he is a Lawyer. Personally, I have no religion but it has never bothered me that others do. I have seen thousands of Nativity scenes and not one of them tried to convert me.
If the town can not display a manger sense because if is use of tax payers money. Maybe you could if someone bought a manger sense and donated it to the city. In protest for you rights, I have made your manger sense as my background picture on my facebook page. Christians have got to take a stand and stick together.
If the town can not buy the manger and display it… what if someone bought a manger for the town… why couldn’t they display it then cause it would not have been bought with tax payers money. In protest for your rights. I have your manger sense as my background on my facebook page…. Christians have got to take a stand…
Sounds like the Wisconsin attorney needs some old fashioned Christmas cheer! Why not send him a Christmas card with a gospel tract inside!!
Andrew Seidel
P.O. Box 750
Madison, Wi. 53701
…ive noticed over the years that these sort of controversy sure doesnt happen with non-christian religions around here…one doesnt see them pushing their agenda and views upon others…i just wonder what these folks reaction would be if a non-christian religion demanded the same rights to display their “symbols” on public property during their version of “christmas”? on the same note…why are the voters allowed to “elect” their pubic officials based on or at least partial based on the candidates religious affiliation? but a private company or a public agency are not allowed?
What a wonderful story.. It is a great thing when the Christians take a stand.. The birth of Christ is the beginning of salvation.. Thanks to his life and death, we are saved by grace, not our works.. “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will to men’..
Don’t y’all think its funny some freedom from religion firm from Wisconsin has been picking on us lately? The prayer at Flomaton football games being stopped , now this… All because of the same outfit. Why are we letting some hayseed from Wisconsin dictate what we can and can’t do? Let’s stand in unity for our faith and our community!
Then we should all wish sheila chambers a Merry Christmas!
@Murph, I agree absolutely. It seems that in this world today the Muslums have homelands, the Jews have Israel, but it seems that nowhere is there a homeland for Christians. I do not understand why we are an outcaste, outlaw religon? The Muslims and Jews fight for their beliefs, but we Christians are docile and just roll over when other groups pervert the law and use it against us.
I pray that one day Christians will have a homeland. Dieu et ma droite.
I wonder if this supposedly SMART attorney from,WHERE?? knows that there are so many nativity scenes up that just chosing one to pick on is sort of stupid. I love to ride and look at the homes and towns that has went to so much trouble to decorate. I wonder if this attorney has a family and do they feel the same way as HE does. Everyone is entitled to their openion, but as for me my home is lit with lights . Everyone who reads this have a merry christmas, and a happy new year. Keep the faith for it is good.
Praise God! So very thankful to these churches for standing up for Christians! We went through a very similar situation in Flomaton when an atheist family complained about prayer before our ball games! Many families and students took a stand for their rights and it was AMAZING!! We as a town were and are so very PROUD of them for not being bullied and ashamed of being a Christian! These people have pushed for prayer to be removed from our schools, One Nation Under God to be removed from our country and In God We Trust to be removed from our money,courthouses and other government buildings. We as Christians cant even read our Bibles in public without causing some kind of co!nflict or offending a non believe! Think of it like this…its ok for Bibles to be read and prayer in our prisons but not in our schools! Maybe if they would allow God back in our schools we wouldnt have over populated prisons!!
Amazing, our government needs christian values. It is sad that a small community has to dodge God hating individuals. Bless the local churchs stepping up, where atheists continue to destory our nation one community at a time. Merry Christ mas
@ all da atheist: Who’s the first you call on when something bad happens?
Dear God
Y’all can get on here and say all kinds of CRAP but when something bad happens to you or a loved one You ask for GOD’s Help
IT’S A CRYING SHAME , THE WORLD HAS COME TO THIS . GOOD LORD DOES ANYONE BELIEVE ANYMORE. I’LL SAY THIS IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH JESUS OR BEING A TRUE CHRISTIAN , THAN YOU NEED TO GO TO A CHURCH THAT BELIEVES IN HEAVEN AND HELL . BECAUSE THERES ONLY ONE WAY THATS UP . WHATS THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS . WELL I’LL TELL YOU JESUS BIRTHDAY. GOD BLESS ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT HAVE ISSUES WITH THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS . SHAME ON YOU . I WILL PRAY FOR YOU .
I respect the views of the few(born and raised Blackcat)…but I LOVE how the voice of the majority(Century is a Christian community) found a way to withstand. We all have to find a way to understand the compromise which democracy sometimes requires(thanks Mr Tunstall for helping to shape my worldview).
Sheila Chambers, I am not trying to be ugly or mean, but you are 1 very confused individual. I’ll pray for you to get some knowledge, about us Christians, and our God.
congratulations to those wonderful churches and the town of century i love it when god wins out over the lawyers and haters this story couldn’t have a happier ending except that mabe if everyone in the area could put a nativity scene up in their yard mabe the ones causing all this ruckus about no prayers before football games and nativity scenes would get tired of causing trouble and move on to a town full of haters.praise the lord , happy birthday Jesus, and i wish everyone a very happy and merry christmas
The magi or wise men who came from the east knew that Christ was no ordinary being. They knew the prophecy of his birth and saw his star and came to pay homage to him. Herod was frightened, as he knew of the prophecy and wanted to murder the child, just as the pharisees would murder him thirty years later. The magi knew this and took the long route home, thus avoiding the murderous Herod, leaving the child’s location secret and with that keeping him safe.
Satan today knows that he is powerless against God and he despises his son Christ for demonstrating free will, love and selflessness, concepts which are alien to him. His Children will curse our Christ and try to erase his name but their efforts are in vain, for God is triumphant and will place them in the pit with their father on the day of judgement, along with all whose souls are not washed in the blood of Christ his son.
As far as those ACLU types go, “But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away”. 2 Corinthians 3:14. There is no free ride to heaven, none are just chosen. Only those washed in the blood of Christ may pass.
Funny how courts can make Christians remove something they believe in from government property and in the same paper I read where they “make” or require Christians to provide health insurance to their employees that include coverage for abortions. And it is deemed constitutional!! While I see the reason for removing the nativity scene because not everyone agrees with the message, I cannot see how the same courts say that everyone is required to participate in an insurance that goes against their beliefs.
We, the people, need to start making a stand for what is right with our nation and standing firm against what is not. One person took prayer out of school and everyone said it would never happen in their community……now it is. While moving the nativity scene across the street seems like a solution, it only pushes Christians further toward the back of the line. Sometimes we are just too nice.
@ Sheila Chambers
Sheila, you can’t prove God doesn’t exist either. You have to take it on faith that he does or doesn’t exist.
I wanted to put the scene in my truck and park in front of City Hall. They can’t say anything about that . Truck is private property.
If you don’t like the nativity scene don’t look at it. Just because you are non belivers or beleive in something else, why try to take away our rights of what Christians do at Christmas. So with that I say Merry Christmas .
Christian views are not “offensive” to atheists but we do object to religious symbols being placed on public property.
Why is there a problem with placing your religious symbols on private property? Why must some Christians insist on imposing their religious symbols on tax payers public property?
All “gods” have been invented by humans in their image and all “gods” are imaginary and do not exist in this universe. Try to prove otherwise, you can’t.
Please, believers, stop imposing your religion on others not of your faith or with no beliefs in supernatural beings.
This country was founded as a secular nation with freedom of religion or from the imposition of religion by the government and the government is not suppose to be placing religious language on our currency, as a national motto or in our oath, this is a violation of the first amendment to our constitution.
Happy winter solstice to all !
Bla bla bla bla bla bla bla.
Simmer down now!
The problem is solved. Be happy!
Thanks to all!! This goes to show no matter what religion we choose we all believe in The Holy One
LOVE IT…Thank you Faith Bible Baptist Church.
If our tax dollars are not supposed to promote one religion or another, how is it that our tax dollars just paid for twenty F-16s for Eqypt which is looking like it is going to be a theocracy.
From Egypt’s proposed constitution:
Article 2:
“Islam is the religion of the state and the Arabic language is its official language. Principles of Islamic law (Shari’a) are the principal source of legislation.”
I understand it is a gift (bribe) to a country that we have national security interests in but it is still my tax dollars going to a theocracy that wishes me the infidel dead.
It is a big double standard. I could agree with people like Thinker on the separation of church and state if my tax dollars weren’t being used for so many things offensive to Christianity.
wow, people never cease to amaze me! just as this is another perfect example of how some non-religious/alternative religious group is crying out freedom for their rights or beliefs they are soley attacking those of us who do still believe in jesus christ, our saviour! seems to me they would be spending their time celebrating whatever they believe in. this is not the olden days, people, you cannot seek retribution for crimes committed against your ancestors! yes, the history books say that there was a time where people were condemed for not sharing a common belief, and what is being done now is no different, except in the oppisite direction! yes there are plenty of private churches, but not one time did someone point at the display and state, if you live in century thy must honor our god! we were simply decorrating, for as previously stated “christ”mas, as our right as christians! i have plenty of awesome black friends who do not condem me for slavery, get over yourselves, and grow up! obviously you have your own holidays, and beliefs, but as ya’ll are screaming now, stop trying to cram it down our throats! this is the south, and all my neighbors celebrate in their own way, and you know whats funny? i dont go attacking tom, dick, or harry for putting seasons greeting, or happy holidays, but i have a right, as a free american, to display, merry christmas! on a sidenote, i am not attacking anyone in particular, just expressing my feelings towards the obvious outcry of mistreatment, some people use to destroy everyone elsesholidays!
This group needs to BUT OUT!!! this same group tried to file a lawsuit in a small kansas town because they had a chaplin volunteer service added to help families that were affected by tragic things that has happened. But of course it did not work.
Of course we don’t know the date that CHRIST was born but what does it take from anyone to celebrate it? This is a season of well wishing, thanksgiving & love. What’s not to celebrate about that? Merry Christmas to all that will receive.
I could not have said it better Kim. Thanks
@atheist: If you would have read the BIBLE you would see that the whole reason we Celebrate CHRISTmas is to celebrate the BIRTH OF JESUS……..the Bible states that it was a cold winters night…..did not say the 25 of DEC. So please tell me how it was a pagan holiday before Jesus was born……when Jesus is the reason we celebrate CHRISTmas……did you celebrate your birthday before you was born???? Just wondering……..
I am glad that our neighboring churches stepped in and took control…..Merry CHRISTmas to all……..
What a wonderful story!!! Let blessings be upon all the people whom helped make this happen , our God will reward them!!!
This is all the Freedom From Religion group was asking for. Nobody is going to get mad about it being on private property.
@ Gwen Cecil December 25 was a pagan holiday long before Jesus was born.
It always warms my heart to come home and see the little Nativity scene in town. It’s the one that reminds me of my childhood at Christmas. Most of our local Churches had one every year lite up to remind us of our faith and how deep the seed is inside of every human that has been brought up in the Faith of God.
It breaks my heart to hear that the wants of one or two people can change or break tradition so easily. Just by getting a little legal help. If left to them every store in the U.S, would not have any religious items. Why can’t we just live and let live??? Stop the Bull.
One more year I can come home to visit and see the little Nativity set and feel my heart with Home Town Pride!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you to my Hometown brothers for keeping with tradition.
Don,
Thank you very much for donating the use of your property for a beautiful
scense for all people to enjoy at this special time of year to celerbrate the
birth of Christ.
Now that’s what I was talking about. Let our tax money go for the COMMON good not to promote Christianity.. Observe that separation of government and religion does NOT oppress anyone’s religious rights, but does instead PROTECT those rights. That is the genius of our founding fathers.
What an awesome outcome! I saw the display last night and it really blessed me. JESUS is indeed the reason we have this season. I pray that we as a nation will never forget that!.
To mnon on December 12th, 2012 6:38 am “There’s always a way around the law, what a great Christmas lesson and message. Write that down kids”
This wasn’t a way around the law. It was a way WITHIN the law. And you are correct–kids should take notice. This display was put up quietly, peaceably, and with combined efforts of private citizens and local churches. Truly inspirational.
While I am happy to see the Nativity scene on display, this is not a compromise or “great win” but a capitulation. Christmas is a Christian instituted holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus even if it is in the wrong time of year. There is no nonreligious or neutral ground on Christmas other than no displays of any kind on public property. I hope it does not come to that.
In the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s complaints they target only Christian symbols while taking no exception to Christmas trees, wreaths, etc. Leaving those actually promotes paganism which is doing exactly the opposite of what they say they are trying to accomplish. In fact, atheism has almost reached the status of a religious organization for some of those bent on removing all Christian symbols. No offense intended to Anon who seems to be a very reasonable person.
With regard to the Southern Poverty Law Center, I think the only thing they have to do with poverty anymore is making sure their executives never know what it is. There primary purpose now seems to be fund raising from leftists by labeling anyone who believes in the second amendment, limited government, and traditional marriage as a hate group.
@Walnut Hill Roy, organizations and peoples names change so much that I get confused, for example John Stewart, whom I always thought was a gentile. was born John Stewart Leibowitz and is actually Jewish, then you have Joan Rivers, Kirk Douglas and so forth. I get confused easily because people use aliases as opposed to their birth name. I was surprised to learn that Sumner Redstone, CEO at Paramount Motion Pictures was born Murray Rothstein. I don’t know who is really who anymore?
Roy I looked up the Southern Poverty Law Center, which I thought assisted poor southerners with legal matters, turns out the SPLC is an anti-hate group, which I am a little confused as I never knew that poverty and hate were linked? There is a Christian Law Center in Fullerton California. The SPLC seems to be involved with just about everything, except poverty, gay rights, tolerence and such?
Wrong Anon……It’s all about Jesus. Spin it how ever you wish it’s still all about him…..Have a Merry CHRISTmas!
For those looking for these nativity sets they can be hard to find. Last year Walmart and Target didn’t sell them, but I heard you could order them at Home Depot. If you would like to buy one online google “Blow Mold Nativity Sets”. “Blow Mold” is what this style of decorations is called, they were popular 20 or 30 years ago. And the cost last year for a 3 piece set was around $115. There was also a Catholic websit that carried them. Hope this info helps.
To Anon: Your an athiest I am a Christian. I just want to say thank you for respecting my right to be a Christian without hating me. I respect your right to choose. If I forced you to be a Christian you wouldn’t really be a Christian you would just be pretending and I’d rather you be honest to yourself. If I knew you I would shake your hand or hug your neck just the same as anyone else. You don’t believe in God ,but I do so I pray for you the same as anyone I will meet today. I support the Nativity and enjoy seeing them. And when I wish you a Merry Christmas I’m not being sarcastic, I do mean it. I hope you and you’re loved ones have a very merrry Christmas.
First a State Title and now another “great win” for our community! This story needs to make the national news. Good Job!
God will prevail one way or the other. Thanks goes out to the Faith Bible Baptist Church for buying the Nativity, to Don Grant for allowing it on his property and to the Abundant Life Church for donating electricity. I think I’ll go get me a Nativity Scene for my front yard this weekend, I mean, it is THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! God Bless!!!!!!
Bless each one that made it possible for us to enjoy. Thank you Lord for making a way for the Nativity scene to be set up by such wonderful people. Thank you sweet Jesus for saving my soul and forgiving me of my sins. I give you all the glory and honor Lord for all that I have and all that I am. I pray all of you have a very
Merry Christmas.
To 429CJ
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t the Southern Poverty Law Center originally named the Southern Christian Law Center during the Civil Rights movement? Or was that a different entity entirely?
May every Christian put a manger scene in their front yard!,, Especially if you live on highway 29 ! Just think how threatening all those little baby dolls will be! LOL!
LOVE THIS STORY!!!
AMEN!! Put it in my yard anytime & I dare anyone to Threaten it, Lawyer or not!!
It’s funny how us Christians can have our rights stomped on and kicked to the curb, but let anyone say and do against other religions or other life styles there’s an uproar it’s a hate crime, but bashing Christianity that seem OK! The demographic of our area is mostly Christian why does the complaint of one person carry so much weight over the general population in this case? But when election time comes the majority of people vote for one and the results are determined by a few at the so called electoral collage and the majority vote is gone and we receive again what we did not want! oops rabbit trail back to subject !Since the inception of this country this activity has be fine and encouraged , now all of a sudden it deemed ‘Illegal’ What has change that makes it so! Also If a manger scene is pushing Christianity and if Atheist believe in nothing now were worshiping like them we have nothing so seems to me their making us be like them ! I will not be ashamed of God and not let someone dictate to me over such things as this!
@cygie – Most non-Christians I know do exchange gifts around Christmas. I can’t speak for all atheists, but to me Christmas is about family and being happy and thankful for what you have. Besides, you don’t have to be a member of the group to celebrate a holiday – you just have to have a generous heart and some holiday cheer!
I guess it can be summed up like this: it’s all about the kids!
Fantastic! This is what it is going to take. Christians are being attacked from every angle. Take a stand!
This is probably the same person that complained about prayer at the Flomaton ball game..makes me sick..everyone should be allowed to keep their rights..Believers should not be the only ones to have our rights taken away..If the town don’t take a stand and keep on bowing down to this demonic group it’s going to be in trouble..Read Matthew 10:33…I pray for these people..I pray they find themselves in a position to where the only choice they have is to look up..JESUS SAVES…
I wonder if those who don’t believe in a risen Savior still accept Christmas gifts. After all, how can one celebrate the birth of a person they don’t believe existed.
PRAISE GOD, HALLELUJAH!
We Christians, God’s children cannot be bullied when it comes to showing our adoration for our Lord’s birth. We must stand up for our faith and any & all symbols of our faith. Were it not for the birth of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His ultimate death on the cross, there would be nohonor to be called Christians, and to be like Him. It is an honor to strive to be Christ like. The glorious thing about this sad situation, is that everyone of the people opposing this nativity have the same exact honor laid out in front of them as well, and I pray they have a change of heart & step out in faith for it before it’s too late.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL & HAVE AVERY BLESSED MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
When I pass through century it seems most of the property lining hwy 29 is private. I wish there was a way to get a nativity in every yard that wanted one. My family would make the 1 hour drive to see that.
Ha ha! I’m an atheist, but I love this story. I love seeing all the Christmas decorations, public or private.
I think people need to loosen up and enjoy the season without ruining it for kids or getting one’s panties in a wad over a nativity scene – no one was forced to look at it!
It’s also worth mentioning that the churches in the area do great things in the community, so it was nice to see a win in their column!
There’s always a way around the law, what a great Christmas lesson and message. Write that down kids.
Oh God, please help all the unemployed, the hungry, the homeless, all who suffer from fear and hate, and especially some kind of disease or illness and are grieving for loss of loved ones. Be with our soldiers, please watch over them. Also those who have no faith
We pray that our COUNTRY will, once again, return to “One Nation Under God”.
I am glad that it is back. This is so typical of America today; one small group complains and the larger majority who approve are denied. If this atheist group don’t like I suggest that they take an alternated route so they don’t have to see it. Merry Christmas and God Bless America!!!!
Glad to see the nativity scene shining brightly for all to see. The Lord always shows us the way. Merry Christmas to all of our North End friends, especially all of the dedicated volunteers at the Century North Health and Hope Clinic. You folks have been such a blessing to many people.
Mr. and Mrs. Rod Pumas
Pensacola
There are several groups in America dedicated to protecting the first amendment rights of others. The ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center and Jews on First who deicate their efforts to “Protecting the First Amendment against the Christian Right.
I found that groups website most enlightening and educational and I encourage others to read it and to be brought out of ignorance.
I never realized as a Christian, how offensive my beliefs were to Atheist and Jews amongst many others as well. I think about how through blind ignorance, I sent money for Kosher Food Boxes for poor Jews in Israel and other associated charities, not realizing that I was offending God’s Chosen People. Thanks to the enlightening comments of Jewish lawyers such as Mr Seidel and Wasserman, I walk in ignorance no more. Those people will never be offended by me and my obscene donations anymore. My apologies ladies and gentlemen and I will encourage my fellow Christians to follow suit in refraining from these insulting acts.
GOOD JOB
Glad to see people taking a stand. It ” Mythically” reappeared.
Thank you JESUS…GOD almighty…praise the LORD…He deserves all the honor and glory and praise that we can give him….Thanks to all…thank you to Don Grant…Now this is truly a Christmas story….AMEN
Good compromise. I like it. Appeals to all sensabilities involved. Sneaky but nice. have a very Merry Christmas everyone, including those not of Christian faith (I’m not a Christian, but wish You a Merry Christmas anyway).