CinemaGoddess:

Taylor Lautner is not hot.  Not even a little bit. 

I think I'm team Missymo here. 

I would much prefer that the message of the atheist/agnostic groups had been to highlight the positives of those schools of thoughts rather than attack religion.  We can coexist peacefully and celebrate Christmas in many ways, all of which can be positive.  I don't mind the passion of the atheist organizations but I'm all about real solutions and I think a more positive message is going to be met with a better reception.

 

Its true, Taylor Lautner is not very hot (though I would call him unattractive).  But I think we can all agree that buff Native Americans are way hotter than sparkly perma-high schoolers.

CoffeeBeen:

Its true, Taylor Lautner is not very hot (though I would call him unattractive).  But I think we can all agree that buff Native Americans are way hotter than sparkly perma-high schoolers.

Neville Longbottom grown up > Cedric Diggory anytime. 

CinemaGoddess:

CoffeeBeen:

Its true, Taylor Lautner is not very hot (though I would call him unattractive).  But I think we can all agree that buff Native Americans are way hotter than sparkly perma-high schoolers.

Neville Longbottom grown up > Cedric Diggory anytime. 

I had to google those.  I've never read of seen Harry Potter.  You may initiate shunning.

::SHUN::

::COLLECTIVE SHUN::

CoffeeBeen:

I had to google those.  I've never read of seen Harry Potter.  You may initiate shunning.

I saw the number of replies this has racked up, came in expecting a lively (and perhaps contentious) debate, saw a perfectly civil and reasonable one instead, started to get a little bored... and then saw this. 

::joins in the SHUN:: 

My SN is in reference to a HP character, but in my defense, I created it when I was 12 (for another site obviously) and it just stuck. Not that I don't still love the series though.

Well, to be fair Lexi, no one has come in here being all "But I get persecuted for my Christianity all of the time!!1!" yet. 

 

When that happens.....  

CoffeeBeen:

CinemaGoddess:

CoffeeBeen:

Its true, Taylor Lautner is not very hot (though I would call him unattractive).  But I think we can all agree that buff Native Americans are way hotter than sparkly perma-high schoolers.

Neville Longbottom grown up > Cedric Diggory anytime. 

I had to google those.  I've never read of seen Harry Potter.  You may initiate shunning.

I was already old when it came out. I tried to read/watch but couldn't get into it. 

EllaHella:

CoffeeBeen:

CinemaGoddess:

CoffeeBeen:

Its true, Taylor Lautner is not very hot (though I would call him unattractive).  But I think we can all agree that buff Native Americans are way hotter than sparkly perma-high schoolers.

Neville Longbottom grown up > Cedric Diggory anytime. 

I had to google those.  I've never read of seen Harry Potter.  You may initiate shunning.

I was already old when it came out. I tried to read/watch but couldn't get into it. 

Ah, see I was the perfect age for it. The series really started to get popular when I was 10, the last book came out when I was 18. Worked out amazingly because of the way Rowling wrote them- the maturity level of each book increases as the main characters age, so I didn't really outgrow it in that time so much as grew up with it.

Okay, so I'm a huge HP nerd.

EllaHella:

CoffeeBeen:

CinemaGoddess:

CoffeeBeen:

Its true, Taylor Lautner is not very hot (though I would call him unattractive).  But I think we can all agree that buff Native Americans are way hotter than sparkly perma-high schoolers.

Neville Longbottom grown up > Cedric Diggory anytime. 

I had to google those.  I've never read of seen Harry Potter.  You may initiate shunning.

I was already old when it came out. I tried to read/watch but couldn't get into it. 

It's like I don't even know you anymore. 

NastyAnnie:

Well, to be fair Lexi, no one has come in here being all "But I get persecuted for my Christianity all of the time!!1!" yet. 

 

When that happens.....  

Oh god, I hope someone does, it would detract from my shame. 

As soon as churches pay taxes they can have displays in public spaces.  Until then, no. 

I hope this helps people to realize that public land and funds are not the same as private property. Religious displays on the former are a violation of the separation of church and state, a separation I hope can be maintained whenever possible.

CoffeeBeen:

NastyAnnie:

Well, to be fair Lexi, no one has come in here being all "But I get persecuted for my Christianity all of the time!!1!" yet. 

 

When that happens.....  

Oh god, I hope someone does, it would detract from my shame. 

ML must be busy tonight.  ;)

NastyAnnie:

Well, to be fair Lexi, no one has come in here being all "But I get persecuted for my Christianity all of the time!!1!" yet. 

 

When that happens.....  

 Sorry to disappoint ;) I can't say that I'm not a little sad that these displays would bother anybody and to see what is probably a harmless tradition go by the wayside. However, it is public lands and if someone objects it's got to go. There's no reason someone can't put up a display on their private personal or church property. Public property is not the only venue nor is it probably the most appropriate. As a Christian I think it would behoove the Christians to bow out gracefully and find another location. In the bible it says to pursue peace.

Very well put, SNP.

I have to agree with the atheist group. I'm a Wiccan, and I lived in Santa Monica for 6 years. I don't hate christian people but I do not respect a religion that spends most of its time shoving its views down others throats. I don't see why this even has to go to court. You don't see Jews putting up a menorah on the pier or my people passing out Shaman cookies on 3rd street. As innocent as it is its still very rude to other religions. Just take it down and replace it with a HAPPY HOLIDAYS sign. if your christian that's great! leave it at home! be thoughtful of others. It kind of ruins my family's holiday when I have to explain to my little girl what it is and why is wrong. because it is. ITS WRONG. again... LEAVE IT AT HOME. geez. 

Tell me more about the Shaman cookies. 

CinemaGoddess:

Tell me more about the Shaman cookies. 

This. They seem awesome. 

Atheist groups have different tactics. Some want to be offensive precisely so they can then make the argument that NO religious displays should be on public property. It's either all or none, many atheists would prefer none over all being allowed, so being offensive tips cities toward that direction. Yes, cities have decided to allow none so as not to be caught in the fight.

If you really think about the Christian message, that if you don't believe, you deserve hell... that's a whole lot more offensive than an atheist saying your religion is a myth.

Sibil:

Atheist groups have different tactics. Some want to be offensive precisely so they can then make the argument that NO religious displays should be on public property. It's either all or none, many atheists would prefer none over all being allowed, so being offensive tips cities toward that direction. Yes, cities have decided to allow none so as not to be caught in the fight.

If you really think about the Christian message, that if you don't believe, you deserve hell... that's a whole lot more offensive than an atheist saying your religion is a myth.