ACLU Claims Victory But Jesus Pix Still Hangs in Courthouse
By Penny Starr
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
April 22, 2008
(CNSNews.com) - U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle sided with the American Civil Liberties Union, ruling that a painting of Jesus that hangs in the courthouse in Slidell, La., is unconstitutional.
But some experts say the case is unique, because the picture is still on display, joined now by more than a dozen other images of historic lawmaking figures, and there are no plans to remove the image.
SNIP
The ACLU said plaintiff "John Doe" and others "have suffered, or shall suffer, damages, including mental anguish and emotional distress" from viewing the image.
Laycock advised Lamz that he didn't think the ACLU had an open-and-shut case.
"It's a prediction of how the courts will rule," Laycock said. "The courts don't see this issue as clear cut."
The ruling is significant because of the $1 in damages awarded to the ACLU, Laycock said. "The judge wasn't persuaded by that 'trauma' if he only awarded a dollar," he said.
However the picture IS unconstitutional. And surrounding Christ by other pictures only makes him one of many others, placing them equal to him. Hardly a victory. Besides, we don't really have any pictures of him to begin with.
It should be, but it was meant to represent Jesus, therefore it has the same effect. I am amazed that people venerate artist's depictions of the Christ.
Numerous court cases have held that if a school promotes religion in such manner as pictures, teacher-led prayer, prayer at football games, bible readings, etc. are a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
So are you fine with it, if a school displays a picture of, oh say Buddha or Mohammad.
You are right.
Liberal judges for about the last thirty five years have ruled in that direction.
But all of the judges during the time of the founders have always ruled in favor of the freedom of religious expression in the public arena.
In fact, did you know that in 1892 the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of a church solely on the basis that this is a 'Christian Nation.'
Nobody was upset about it and everyone accepted it.
The same congress that authorized the constitution authorized tax-dollar money for the printing of Bibles for those who couldn't afford them.
Hmmmm.
About other religions in schools.
I read a report recently about a Social Studies teacher who spends about three weeks in school talking about Islam.
In fact, he culminates his studies by having the children dress up and pretend that they are Muslim for a day.
Hmmmm.
Can you cite the cases? Otherwise these are anecdotal. I suspect the source of your info is David Barton. Also, the Treaty of Tripoli explicitly states that the US is "in no way" based upon Christianity. God is not mentioned at all in the Constitution. We are a secular republic, not a Christian nation.
Salty, read the post right above your post...I answered it there. But for your benefit, again, the courts have ruled that school displays promoting religion violate the establishment clause.
I say all religious systems should be a High school course of study. If Paul can go into a city that is wholly given to idolatry and establish a Church that thrives, it stands to reason that the Christian Gospel will again flourish among the youth of our nation. I for one am not afraid to put Christ up against Buddha and Mohammad and whatever else is devised by man.
Christ's teachings coupled with the letters of Paul with the OT.
Buddha who abandoned his wife and family to seek "enlightenment?"
Mohammad who was a thief and a pedophile?
What's there to be afraid of. The Gospel of Christ will overcome them all. I say let's do this thing. :thumbs: Even the Atheist could have his day, which he has had for the past 40 years. It is time to do this. So, lets get er done!
I am all for non-proselytizing classes in philosophy and comparative religion. I am strongly against public schools promoting one religion over another...these schools belong to everyone.
As am I. None that I have see are any where close to what the Bible describes Him. So comely that none should want to look upon Him and a man acquainted with sorrow.
No one religion would be promoted as superior than the other. Just lay them out as they are. Side by side. This thing needs to be done. This secular stuff is giving them the doctrine of the survival of the fittest and our urban youth are resorting to violence. It's not just the urban youth either. Violence in these schools are very high in rural areas as well.
It didn't "overcome them all."
Consider the 7 churches of Revelation in Asia [Turkey].
Are they still there, or did they expand only to be taken over by Islam?
No you did not.
I'm not asking how the Supreme Court ruled, I'm asking for chapter and verse in the Constitution where there is seperation of church and state.
That theory does not exist!