Nathan Key

Disclaimer: before reading the following post, please remember that I'm all about freedom of speech and I fight to protect it- even if it means hearing things I disagree with...

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There's something really wrong with people who force a message of hate into the celebration of a holiday that's supposed to be about Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men. What I'm talking about, of course, is the anti-religion placard that was placed near the nativity scene in Olympia, WA by Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc.

The sign reads: "At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

First, allow me to remind the reader that here in the US, we enjoy freedom of expression that shouldn't be trampled. So, I'm not about to tell Washington State to remove the sign. That isn't the point of this post.

The point is this: Although atheists don't believe in God, they don't have to rain on everyone else's parade. They can put whatever they want up next to the nativity- as Bill O'Reilly suggested they could put up a picture of Darwin or a Festivus celebration scene. Anything at all, really. And since they've looked at all their options and decided to go with a placard of provocative, antagonistic prose, the question becomes this: Why did they choose to inscribe something so hateful and mocking of another belief, and what does thier sign say about them? Personally, I think it says that they are really hurting because only people who are wounded and angry feel that they need to be so hurtful and angry toward others.

At first, it may seem that I'm overreacting. As a Christian, it may seem that I'm simply upset that my beliefs are being attacked. I'm not- I actually invite open dilogue about belief and orthodoxy. And I'm not holding up a double standard, either. I have the same reaction to Westboro Baptist Church when they, as self proclaimed Christians and prophets, do just about anything at all (they're the "God Hates Fags" church that boycotts funerals, local diners, and other churches who do anything to reach out to homosexuals). And I don't believe that anyone should be using words as weapons, Christian or Atheist.

Basically, when we're entering into this conversation with others about belief and when we participate in our freedom of speech, I think it should be done with respect and dignity. Freedom doesn't necessitate a verbal or intellectual attack on another.

It's not acceptable for Christians to use the same antagonistic language toward others, and it shouldn't be acceptable to be this openly hostile toward Christians.

Of course, this hostility shouldn't come as a surprise. The New Atheists don't hide behind a curtain of politeness. Guys like Richard Dawkins are openly ANTI-religion and have dedicated themselves to destroying the idea that God exists. They are ready to use any means nessisary to attack religion and the religious- whatever the cost.

So it comes down to this- we've got a battle on our hands and it won't be won through counter-attacks by Christians. It's not going to be won by throwing angry words back and forth. The only thing that can beat back antagonistic placards and open hostility is Love.

Love wins every time, and I encourage those who profess to know and serve Christ to use care and caution when they engage the world. Don't resort to this sort of foolishness. Words hurt sometimes. And as Christians, we don't need to be in the business of using anything in our posession to hurt others.

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