Jesus Statue - News Article

Jesus of Nazareth is someone who is honored throughout in the world this time of year, among scholars, historians, archaeologists, even Muslims, Hindus, and some Jewish people who don't necessarily “believe in” him. His existence is indisputable, even by Dan Brown. So, one might ask, “What is so 'religious' about a statue of this man of history on public property?” Is it because some fanatically believe in him while others barely acknowledge him? If it does violate The Establishment Clause, as some purport, what “religious law” is being established by Congress through the display of a historical figure?

What about the memory of this man needs so desperately to be erased, to even oppose private people seeking a land swap to protect it? If some choose to honor him for his good works and gracious teachings, why do others feel the need to forbid this and iconoclast his monuments? Would we so easily tear down statues of Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, or Martin Luther King as historical figures because not everyone agrees with their ideologies? Such zeal shows insouciance to the message behind “Fahrenheit 451”.

The same might be asked about those who so vehemently oppose displaying a nativity scene. Did the birth of Jesus never happen? How would you like all your baby pictures burned and birth records destroyed by the government because some people wanted to honor you, but someone else thought it was too audacious to have them displayed or even remembered? Hear his own words, “...for which of these works are you going to stone me?”

Make no mistake – the spirit that plotted against Jesus is still harbored by some today. We see history repeating itself, but not with physical nails and wood. It is through ideology, financial barring, petitioning, lobbying, and philosophical bullying. It is the Ebeneezer-esque, Anti-Christmas spirit. To tear down a statue or scene is symbolically tearing down what it represents – a living person, his or her ideas, and their ambition, just like Hussein's was torn down for his. The Nazarene represents something more fundamental to human existence – virtue and honor and love. People honor what they want to emulate. I'm sure FFRF has its own “sacred cows” – C. Darwin, C. Sagan, R. Dawkins, D. Hume. The Pharisees of Jesus' day despised him while He went about doing good. No less for those who want to “be free from” his teachings and ideas today. But just out of curiosity, which of this man's actions or teachings does the FFRF so passionately want to be “free from”?

Is it, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”? Or maybe, “Care about your neighbor in the same way you care about yourself.“ Or was it that he “went about doing good”? Who wouldn't want to have their society live up to such notions or honor such ideology? Especially in such a time as this.

Ideas he taught (and walked-out) like trusting, hoping, caring are so foundational, no one can be any more “free” from them than they can be “free” from breathing air. They may again make a martyr of him. And he might just rise again. Irregardless of a statue, His ideas will live on. Let them disseminate this season. May the Spirit of Christmas be poured out on every heart – of spiritual FREEDOM and expression, hope and forgiveness, caring and giving. Happy Holy-days!

As long as Christians visit or work there, Jesus will ALWAYS be on the Mountain - and they can't "vote Him off".