Athens, TX: 5,000 Christians Attend Rally to Support Nativity at Texas Courthouse

An estimated 5,000 people showed up for a rally Saturday in Athens, Texas, to support a Nativity display in opposition to an atheist group that had requested the county remove the display.

Nathan Lorick, pastor of First Baptist Church in Malakoff, one of four pastors that helped organize the rally, said in a Sunday interview with The Christian Post that they had hoped that 2,000 or 2,500 would show up. They printed 3,000 flyers for the event, but came up 2,000 short.

"We hoped this would be a statement across the nation that would resonate in the hearts of people, that they would know it's OK to stand up for the faith," Lorick said, "and maybe that this would spark a movement across the nation and people would rise up in every small town, every metro city and contend for the faith."

The controversy began when Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a Dec. 1 letter to the county government asking that the Nativity display be removed.

At issue is whether, because the Nativity display is on public property, it is a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

Some, such as FFRF, take a "high wall separationist" view of the establishment clause, arguing that there can be no cooperation between religious groups and government whatsoever. Others, such as the Athens nativity supporters, take a "low wall separationist" view, arguing that, while there can be no government preferences for a particular religion, the establishment clause does not require eliminating all religious references from the public square.

The Christian Post had previously reported that FFRF has been harassed over the phone for their opposition to the Nativity display.

When asked what he thought about the harassment allegations, Lorick responded, "Certainly, our encouragement has been to make sure you're exhibiting the love of Christ and the attitude of Christ in all things, so, we don't condone in any sense people doing things that would be counteractive to the message we're sending. In fact, we believe people ought to communicate the love of Christ in such a way that it draws people to you."

Lorick said there were no counter-protesters at Saturday's rally, and, to his knowledge, there are no local groups opposing the Nativity display.

FFRF has not filed a lawsuit or taken any further action beyond the Dec. 1 letter to county authorities.

"I think the battle is over for the year," Lorick said, but added, "I'm sure it will return for next Christmas."

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[MissCaulks]

Exactly what is so offensive about a nativity scene? I mean seriously, it is a family with a newborn and some visitors, all in a barn with a few animals, celebrating the birth of the new born. How is that offensive? Are people offended because it is associated with Christianity? That's just being hateful. If they hate how CHristians "infinge" on their lives, they'll freak when they see how islam infringes on their freedoms.

[YouCruising]

@MissCaulks

Nothing is offensive about a nativity scene. Only militant muslims who want everyone to follow their Darwinian religion get most offended. But, since America is a Christian majority they really can't do anything about it except sit back and enjoy their freedoms. There are plenty of Atheists who're not offended and actually enjoy Christmas. They know the freedoms we share were afforded thru Judeo-Christian traditions & enlightenment.

[sykeo123]

Wicked maybe we should get thousand people together to hang someone since majority means legal right?

What garbage this is uneducated filth Christians breaking the law.

[YouCruising]

@sykeo123

Actually, this is quite legal. There has already been precedent decided by the Supreme Court that a community can make whatever decisions satisfied them. So, yes, the majority is in the right. That's why the Nativity has not been removed. See: lifesitenews. com/news/archive/ldn/2009/feb/­09022607

That case sets the Precedent that Judeo-Christian displays such as the Ten Commandments may stay without the need to put up other "false" religious symbols. So, get over it!

[Jackieanders]

Thank you for posting this. Merry Christmas !

[YouCruising]

@Jackieanders

Merry Christmas to you as well!

[MissCaulks]

@YouCruising Absolutely right. I have a few friends who are atheists and they decorate their house for Christmas big time, every year. Also, just up the road from where I live there is a beautiful nativity scene next to the highway that stays up all year. It is beautiful and lifesize. If someone is offended by a nativity scene, they better be offended by the 5AM call to prayer (and other 4 daiy calls) blasting over loudspeakers when they get a mosque in their neighborhood.

[FeignofCordor]

America is a fine Christian country

Merry Christmas and New Year

[FeignofCordor]

@YouCruising

Thanks for sharing this video Brother this is how Christmas should be celebrated

[Pitttdog]

@sykeo123 what uneducated filth comparing restoring a right of the USA majority to freedom of religion to killing a human being.Its both a majority AND a legal right.I guess using faux intellectual scenarios makes it all correct.