In the Washington state Capitol Rotundra, atheists and Christians each have their own holiday message.
A nativity scene, next to a 30-foot Noble Fir Christmas tree, was installed a few feet away from an atheist display with an entirely different message.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation placed a sign denying God and heaven’s existence. It emphasized there is only the natural world. It stated that religion “hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
The sign is double-sided because in Wisconsin, the other state with an atheist display at a state capitol, passerbys have often turned the sign around to hide the message.
Dan Barker, President of the Foundation, stressed that the state is not a religious institution.
“Us being here underscores this is not a Christian state. It’s a secular state, where Christians are welcome.”
Ron Wesselius, a real estate agent, organized the nativity display. He is not offended by the atheist display.
“I appreciate freedom of speech and freedom of access. That’s why they’re in there, and hey – you know, that’s great.”
The competing ideologies have even influenced the naming of the Christmas tree. It is now called a “Capitol Holiday Kids Tree.”
