tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post6952465049531475609..comments2024-03-28T13:08:26.494-04:00Comments on Religion & American Law: Mountaintop Jesus Faces EvictionBrantley Gasawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02894338478934982958noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-33376309793837602012011-10-26T13:06:06.432-04:002011-10-26T13:06:06.432-04:00I have to agree with Jean on this one. In opposit...I have to agree with Jean on this one. In opposition to Harry's point about tourists not knowing the real significance of this statue (one which holds real symbolism and importance to the locals). Ignorance should not be a deciding factor in the removal of something so close to many resident's hearts. Furthermore, while the land is technically state owned, I believe the difference comes in the form of state intent. The state did not erect that mountain as it would a school or a post office, and (to the best of my knowledge) it does not spend money in the upkeep of that specific area (those who lease the land do). Ultimately, this is the same as a church hosting a religious protest outside of a building on the streets and sidewalks -- that land is technically owned by the state, but they are still allowed to do it.Mike HJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11417347838046982060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-89716230576800851002011-10-25T23:41:47.781-04:002011-10-25T23:41:47.781-04:00I agree with Jean in this situation. Although Jesu...I agree with Jean in this situation. Although Jesus is a religious symbol there is a secular purpose for this statue: honoring the return of World War II veterans. As Bryce mentioned no religion is being forced upon the skiers who go to this mountaintop. However, I understand Harry’s point and I think that maybe there should be some type of sign next to the statue explaining its historical significance. Again I believe that the overall purpose of this statue is about tradition and history, not forcing a religion on skiers that pass by it, so Jesus should stay on the mountain.Allison Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00751308319211025853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-13570404767101399732011-10-25T19:36:25.204-04:002011-10-25T19:36:25.204-04:00I disagree with Jean here. The statue is clearly a...I disagree with Jean here. The statue is clearly a religious symbol, and from what I can tell it is on public property. I like Harry's point that many people could have no clue about the meaning or history of the monument. However, even if they did, it shouldn't be there as it is a religious symbol. Also, I have my doubts that everyone who was at war being honored here was a Christian. Couldn't a soldier from any other religion find this to be leaving them out?Thaddeus Bonefishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05930344397265849774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-10075011543416743182011-10-25T11:44:28.462-04:002011-10-25T11:44:28.462-04:00I'm confused about how this could be considere...I'm confused about how this could be considered establishment. I know that the US forest service is a governmental organization, but a ski range is not-- they are a private business, and private businesses are not subject to the establishment clause.PamelaRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15528391094567499989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-66366247722052955422011-10-24T21:41:52.368-04:002011-10-24T21:41:52.368-04:00I am going to side with Jean on this situation. Al...I am going to side with Jean on this situation. Although complicated, no religion is being forced upon the citizens or visitors of the mountain. The statue of Jesus represents tradition and honors the veterans. As Jean said, the statue does not represent only those veterans who worship Jesus but of all who have passed through this area. No one has the right to assume that the statue favors one religion over another even though it is of Jesus. Overall, this statue should stay. The statue is of secular belief and a memorial with no push of any religion what so ever.Molly Veelguskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13957757354008139091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-2483463696219609672011-10-24T21:39:52.644-04:002011-10-24T21:39:52.644-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Molly Veelguskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13957757354008139091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-37245739464083062092011-10-24T11:36:22.969-04:002011-10-24T11:36:22.969-04:00I do not agree with Jean in this case. While ther...I do not agree with Jean in this case. While there may be historical meaning behind the statue, this history is only known if one takes the time to do research. If a tourist were to take the ski lift to the top of the mountain and see a statue of Jesus, they would be unaware of any historical significance and see instead a clearly religious image. While the location is very different from a highly trafficked location such as a downtown park, the statue is still placed on public land with the intention of being seen by visitors.Harry R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14904234636407712910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-15953724225051777612011-10-24T11:00:39.779-04:002011-10-24T11:00:39.779-04:00While this is certainly a complicated issue, I hav...While this is certainly a complicated issue, I have to agree with Jean in this situation. Although suggestive, no religion is being enforced upon anyone, and the location in which this statue stands does not single out children (as did the scenario in last week’s article regarding the hanging of the Ten Commandments in a school gymnasium). Furthermore, as far I can tell, there is no government funding promoting the upkeep of this statue. It is a memorial maintained by a private organization and they only seek to receive a permit from the government. Leave it up.BryceShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14978573437545812091noreply@blogger.com