G.R. STRAWSER: The separation of church and state is key

Lately, many misconceptions exist as to why the American Humanist Association would want the courthouse Nativity scene removed.

Though I cannot speak for every nonbeliever, I'm certain none of us is "offended" by the sight of any peaceful, religious expression. We are, however, disheartened that the courthouse employees (and now the Harrison County Board of Supervisors) have chosen to favor one religion over all others.

The county courthouse is where decisions that affect people's lives are made. As non-Christians, we are rightfully concerned that we would not have a fair hearing here. Our country is founded on humanist ideals. We are fortunate to have freedom of religion because we are guaranteed freedom from religion. The founders were quite aware of the gallons of blood shed over religion. And they knew the only way to prevent the same from happening here was to keep it and government apart.

The excuse given, that the Nativity display is the personal religious expression of and paid-for by courthouse employees, leads me to inquire: Do these people not have homes of their own? It's publicly funded property that is being used here for this promotion of the Christian religion. Funny how you don't often see Nativities in front of many churches.

Personally, I do not agree with the lawsuit because usually it's the taxpayers paying the bill rather those actually breaking the law. I prefer the more effective means sometimes employed by the Satanic Temple.

Next year, the babe in a manger just might be in proximity of Baphomet.

G.R. STRAWSER

Long Beach

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 7:09 PM with the headline "G.R. STRAWSER: The separation of church and state is key ."