Atheists' 'Navivity Scene' Counters Christian Scene with Blatant Insensitivity

As reported in an earlier post, the Freedom from Religion Foundation decided to put up a 'nativity scene' at the Wisconsin capital to counter one placed by a Christian group.  They put up their 'scene' on Wednesday.   According to a recent AP article it depicts Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.  What the article did not report were the other figures and captions, including a child in a manger with the sign "Heathen's Greetings," and a female figurine announcing "It's a girl!"   According to The Blaze: "In the atheist version of the nativity, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein are the three wise men. The baby, an African girl, is intended to represent the birthplace of mankind. The beloved angels are an astronaut and the Statue of Liberty."

Because the Christians put up a display the atheists insist they needed to have their views represented as well.  So, let's see if we can interpret their message as apposed to the Christian one.  Given the fact that it is a deliberate spoof on the traditional nativity scene, the clear message to me is that they believe in ridiculing things sacred to people of faith.  Of course, they wouldn't think of doing such a thing for those embracing other world religions such as Islam or Judaism.  That would be insensitive. But Christians are a different story. They invite ridicule, right?  Well, let's see if the Christian scene was insensitive to people who choose not to exercise faith in a deity.  I can't see that it was.  As reported before its really an historical representation.  As Christians we believe that the baby in the manger is God in human flesh.  But that's our interpretation.  We do not insist they interpret it that way, and no sign is provided to announce that.  In no way does it insult atheists - unless, of course, they choose to be insulted.  Yet that should mean that any depiction of the miraculous would be a deliberate insult to them and they should stage counter demonstrations wherever they find such depictions, especially if they should be on public land.   

The whole spectacle is a telling commentary on the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Insensitivity and ridicule seem to be their primary message.  How sad....

Comments

Donald V. Engebretson said…
You are very right. There is no real risk for atheists in lambasting Christians. They will not incite terrorist attacks or a drive-by shooting. Yet, they attack us as if we are a huge risk to their way of life. Go figure....
December 17, 2011 at 6:23:00 AM PST
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