"Tree of Knowledge" display in Chester Co. Penn. [OPEN]

[IisJustMe]

There isn't a link to it yet on Fox News web site, but they had an interview Sunday (12/2) morning with Margaret Downey, president of something called the "Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia," an atheist group that has put up a display, with the county's permission, next to the Nativity scene on the Chester Co. courthouse lawn. They've decorated this tree with laminated book covers of works they consider important in modern thought. Interestingly they've named it the "Tree of Knowledge" and say they are promoting free thought in the modern world. Here's their web site:

http://www.margaretdowney.com/tree_of_knowledge_display

Two things that Father Jonathan, a Catholic priest who is a regular Fox News contributor, pointed out. First, why at Christmas? This is something that could have been done any time of the year, so why do they want to acknowledge the birth of the Savior? Ms. Downey's reply was that they weren't, as she considers this to be a celebration of the changing of the seasons. Secondly, Father Jonathan asked if she didn't see Christians as being open to "free thought" -- in other words, free speech -- and this being something we, Christians and atheists, could promote together? She said no, that Christians are not open to "free thought." Interesting, amusing debate.

I find it interesting in two ways: 1) Despite their insistance this isn't a "Christmas display" they've nonetheless chosen Christmas as the time of year to get their publicity. 2) The name "Tree of Knowledge" is taken directly from the Bible. I'm certain it is no coincidence, though Ms. Downey claimed they gave it no thought. They do display laminated covers of both a Bible and a Qu'ran on the tree. What do you think? This is an open debate thread anyone can take part in.

[Nadiine]

There isn't a link to it yet on Fox News web site, but they had an interview Sunday (12/2) morning with Margaret Downey, president of something called the "Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia," an atheist group that has put up a display, with the county's permission, next to the Nativity scene on the Chester Co. courthouse lawn. They've decorated this tree with laminated book covers of works they consider important in modern thought. Interestingly they've named it the "Tree of Knowledge" and say they are promoting free thought in the modern world. Here's their web site:

http://www.margaretdowney.com/tree_of_knowledge_display

Two things that Father Jonathan, a Catholic priest who is a regular Fox News contributor, pointed out. First, why at Christmas? This is something that could have been done any time of the year, so why do they want to acknowledge the birth of the Savior? Ms. Downey's reply was that they weren't, as she considers this to be a celebration of the changing of the seasons. Secondly, Father Jonathan asked if she didn't see Christians as being open to "free thought" -- in other words, free speech -- and this being something we, Christians and atheists, could promote together? She said no, that Christians are not open to "free thought." Interesting, amusing debate.

I find it interesting in two ways: 1) Despite their insistance this isn't a "Christmas display" they've nonetheless chosen Christmas as the time of year to get their publicity. 2) The name "Tree of Knowledge" is taken directly from the Bible. I'm certain it is no coincidence, though Ms. Downey claimed they gave it no thought. They do display laminated covers of both a Bible and a Qu'ran on the tree. What do you think? This is an open debate thread anyone can take part in.
I think that they should stop being so offensive to Christians & more opened minded about Christians & our beliefs. We're more open minded than they are actually - but they'll never notice it.

I also think they're usually hypocritical - the statements made are just beyond belief.

If I'm thinking of the same Catholic Priest guy that's on Fox, I kinda like him. He doesnt' have a problem proclaiming truth. He does alot better than Joel Osteen does when asked about God & Christianity!

[bill16652]

I think it is justanother sign of the times. Also coinsides with the celebration of the winter solstace which was combined during Constantine.

[flicka]

I don't care about the nativity scene or the tree of knowledge. And nothing is being offensive towards Christanity. To me it's a non issue but if there are people in that particular community who want this I don't see a problem with it. And if people don't want it they should have a good reason besides trying to claim it's anti-christian, because it's not. Christianity doesn't have a lock on December.

[Nadiine]

I think it is justanother sign of the times. Also coinsides with the celebration of the winter solstace which was combined during Constantine.
I agree with Bill, it's a sign of the times. What did God tell us would happen? We're seeing it today, and they're getting more and more bold in the PC world that's been created.

And I think this is all a culmination of spiritual apathy that's building too. Alot of Christians have fallen for materialism and have their feet too firmly planted in the world TO EVEN CARE WHAT'S HAPPENING.

It isn't so much what each new [little] thing is - as if the actual thing is so huge... it's that all things of God in the public arena are continually eroding and being removed each time. Each new thing they attack and take away is one more chip out of the foundation until it finally falls and gives way. (to a godless society and possibly Christian persecution to follow).

As soon as they win one case, it emboldens them to continue that much harder to get the next thing out of the way. It is slowly removing Christianity - if Christians dont' CARE about that, then I'd have to wonder why not.
Why is their no ANGER at it? No concern? No care?? And do we even CARE about the lost out there who won't be reminded of Jesus at Christmas? No more songs that have His name in them... no more nativity scenes... etc.
Each thing isn't catastrophic in or of itself - but when you put it all together, IT IS VERY HUGE in how much God is being removed and attacked in this country - and some of His people don't seem to give a rip about it.

Let's not forget who it affects most: THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS who don't have what we had growing up - they don't have the foundation we grew up on. Alot of people here have grown up with Christ in Christmas or prayer in school or saying the Pledge of Allegience w/ God in it, the 10 commandments in the public arena; KIDS ARE GROWING UP IN A GODLESS SOCIETY that antiChrists are creating for them each time they win court cases...

That's the real harm in all this - the generations it produces as it's removed.

[bill16652]

I don't care about the nativity scene or the tree of knowledge. And nothing is being offensive towards Christanity. To me it's a non issue but if there are people in that particular community who want this I don't see a problem with it. And if people don't want it they should have a good reason besides trying to claim it's anti-christian, because it's not. Christianity doesn't have a lock on December.Thats for sure after the ACLU bunch got done, how come that doesnt work in favor of Chjristians as well?

[Nadiine]

Thats for sure after the ACLU bunch got done, how come that doesnt work in favor of Chjristians as well?
I ask the same thing. Some people may not like Bill OReilly from Fox News, but he did some research and found that the ACLU rarely defended or fought for any Christian cause. Nearly all their cases were for non Christian/anti Christian causes.

It's obvious who they promote and who they work against.

[IisJustMe]

I don't care about the nativity scene or the tree of knowledge. And nothing is being offensive towards Christanity. To me it's a non issue but if there are people in that particular community who want this I don't see a problem with it. And if people don't want it they should have a good reason besides trying to claim it's anti-christian, because it's not. Christianity doesn't have a lock on December.No one said Christianity has a "lock" on anything. I just think its very strange that people who deny there is a God think it is of value to express a belief opposing Him at a time of year when the whole world is turning toward the celebration of His birth. People can rationalize all they want, but that is what this time of year is about.

Its all about perceptions, and no one can legitimately deny that billions recognize Christmas as being about Jesus. I don't know how many think of "winter solstice" before they think of Jesus, but compared to how the vast majority of the world views this time of year, it is insignificant. His name is even included in the holiday designation. Jewish people did much the same thing as this group is trying to do by elevating Hanachuh to a major holiday so their children would be able to participate in the gift-giving that they saw Christians doing. There was no gift-giving tradition connected with Hanachuh before the last 50 years or so. The difference there is that they still celebrate God's blessings and love. There is no love, no blessing, no sense of well-being based in the love of all-powerful, all-knowing God associated with this "tree of knowledge." It is a publicity stunt that glorifies man's knowledge, which compared to God's is ridiculously thin, and mostly misguided. Nothing more.

Perhaps it isn't "anti-Christian" but it certainly is an effort to focus attention on themselves by using a celebration they claim is a worthless undertaking because Who we celebrate "doesn't exist" according to them. Seems very strange, indeed.

[fritz300]

Christian's who have a problem with this need to learn the true origins of Christmas and understand how abominable it is to our God.

Regards,
fritz

[Cabal]

Well, obviously the choosing of Christmas time to do this is a very pointed statement from this group.

On the plus side, at least they've stopped trying to ban nativities. If it keeps them happy, I'm inclined to let it lie. Removing it would probably make matters worse.

[IisJustMe]

Christian's who have a problem with this need to learn the true origins of Christmas and understand how abominable it is to our God.

Regards,
fritzSo you've said before Fritz. And so I've brushed it off as being unimportant to Him how He is glorified, so long as He is glorified. That's not the issue, nor is it the subject of this thread.

[Zecryphon]

I ask the same thing. Some people may not like Bill OReilly from Fox News, but he did some research and found that the ACLU rarely defended or fought for any Christian cause. Nearly all their cases were for non Christian/anti Christian causes.

It's obvious who they promote and who they work against.
They have the ACLU and Christians have the ACLJ. LOL

[flicka]

Thats for sure after the ACLU bunch got done, how come that doesnt work in favor of Chjristians as well?
I have absolutely no idea what your post has to do with mine or how this turned into another paranoid ACLU bashing thread.

[LoveAlways]

I live in Chester Co. and this thread is the first I've heard of this tree. Our courthouse has the ten commandments posted outside of it. Then there's a nativity scene. I have no problem with that. Please explain to me why it's ok to have Christian symbols all over the courthouse, but if anyone else wants in on displaying their beliefs it's "a sign of the times."

BTW, I do see your point about December, and I do believe this is a stunt intended to get a reaction. But the crux of the issue for me is that if Christians have the right to put a nativity scene on the courthouse, other groups should have the same right-- unless you believe freedom of religious expression is a special gift for Christians and no one else. Nativity scene, menorah, or whatever. I'm fine with it all.

Edited to add: I didn't mean to crash your board. I lurk through a lot of the denom forums because I like learning about them, and only posted because it's about my county. I was surprised to see we're so controversial!

[IisJustMe]

I live in Chester Co. and this thread is the first I've heard of this tree. Our courthouse has the ten commandments posted outside of it. Then there's a nativity scene. I have no problem with that. Please explain to me why it's ok to have Christian symbols all over the courthouse, but if anyone else wants in on displaying their beliefs it's "a sign of the times."

BTW, I do see your point about December, and I do believe this is a stunt intended to get a reaction. But the crux of the issue for me is that if Christians have the right to put a nativity scene on the courthouse, other groups should have the same right-- unless you believe freedom of religious expression is a special gift for Christians and no one else. Nativity scene, menorah, or whatever. I'm fine with it all.

Edited to add: I didn't mean to crash your board. I lurk through a lot of the denom forums because I like learning about them, and only posted because it's about my county. I was surprised to see we're so controversial!No problem, I don't see your post as "crashing." I don't say they don't have a right to put the tree up. I just think its pretty strange that they pick a time of year when there is a holiday to celebrate a God they say doesn't exist.

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