A North Carolina sheriff is standing firm in his refusal to remove a Bible verse display from the office wall, arguing that “we need more Jesus and less politics.”
Earlier this month, Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which argued he had an “unconstitutional religious display” hanging in the sheriff’s office.
The display reads “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13.”
“We write to ask that the Sheriff’s Office remove this religious sign from its property in recognition that it represents an unconstitutional endorsement of Christianity,” the letter from the FFRF said.
Sheriff Greene is standing firm in his religious convictions and his apparent belief that all in his county share them, and is refusing to remove the display, even under threat of legal action.
Standing His Ground
Sheriff Greene took to social media to defend the display, arguing that it is “one of my favorite Bible verses” and “very motivational to me and my staff” on the official Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Facebook account.
“Before we execute a search warrant, or any service that puts our people in immediate harms way, we ALWAYS go to the Lord with a group prayer. ALWAYS!”
Sheriff Greene argues the complaint is a political hit job. “I have taken many pictures with that Bible verse in the backdrop with not a single issue, but now that we are going into an election year, it is an issue,” he wrote. “How absurd! It seems to me we have a few sheep in wolves clothing. That’s all. This is a political ploy. Some want a person that they can control.”
He concluded by saying “we need more Jesus and less politics” to combat the opioid epidemic ravaging his county.
The post got thousands of likes on Facebook, with scores of comments pledging support for the display.
But the Freedom From Religion Foundation isn’t going to back down.
A Clear Message
Warning that “the Establishment Clause prohibits government sponsorship of religious messages,” the FRFF’s initial message made things very clear: They believe the Christian display in a county building is a violation of law. The letter continued:
“The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office serves all citizens regardless of belief or nonbelief. This message alienates the 24% of Americans who are non-religious. We urge the Sheriff’s Office to recognize its obligation to provide all citizens with an environment free from religious endorsement by removing this exclusionary display."
"The Sheriff’s Office should also cease promoting Christianity on its official Facebook page,” they concluded, an apparent nod to intermittent calls for prayer posted by the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
This is hardly the FFRF's first rodeo. From attempted bans on teaching the Ten Commandments in school to challenging “In God We Trust” decals on cop cars, they’ve been around the religious freedom block, and have scored frequent victories over the years.
What do you think? Is the large display of scripture on county walls a violation of the separation of church and state… or is it simply a motivational tool for the local police force?
Where do you stand?
88 comments
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Raye Rand Rivera
While this is an obvious endorsement of a specific religion, I am more concerned that the department holds prayer meeting before executing every search warrant. This suggests that all members of the department are of the same faith. Is belief in the Christian faith a prerequisite for employment in this department?
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Randall Gene McBride
This country was built on Christianity. If the FFRFwho represent such a small margin in America then we as Christians must stand to protect our rights that have been taken away from us as citizens. We must stand for Christ or be Luke warm and spewed from his mouth. Time to take back America and what our forefathers fought for.
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David Arthur Lewis
Baloney! Total unadulterated BUNK! The United States of America is not and never was founded on ANY religious principles. Christianity in particular is totally HOSTILE to democracy, self-reliance, and self-government. The most Christian nation in the world is Russia, the land of Siberian Gulags.
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John D. Partin
"The most Christian nation in the world is Russia, the land of Siberian Gulags"! Seriously! Are those the same Gulags that had Christian priests, ministers, and laymen in them for being "enemies of the state" and who were sentenced to hard labor and brutalized by the guards and prisoners? Is that the same "Christian" Russia which closed down churches and turned them into atheist museums against Christianity or just boarded them up or tore them down during the Soviet era and persecuted Christians mercilessly? I mean, have you even read any history of the former Soviet Union or biography of Joseph Stalin at all that you would come off with the statement that "Russia is the most Christian nation in the world"? And Vladimir Putin (a former KGB agent), if he had his way, wouldn't be any better toward Christians than the Soviet Union was. Any Democracy in Russia today is because of Christianity, not despite it! I know that that isn't going to be accepted by or fly with a "let's just always dump on Christianity" person, but it's still the truth!
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Rev. Tim
This misinformation is repeated so very often by extremist fundamentalist Christians. It is also so very thoroughly debunked. #ThouShaltNotLieAllY'all #ExceptWhenIWantTo
Go search for the Treaty of Tripoli.
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Donald B. Schultze
I supposed all these critics want “In God We Trust”, removed from all our paper currency and coin as well. That’s coming too! In my 86 years I’ve seen some phenomenal things which God has accomplished in my life and in the lives of my family members. So, if you are offended, too bad. Suck it up! Our country was founded on a basic believe in the Sovereignty of GOD! No one is forced to accept one faith over another and so far the “State” has not dictated the removal of God from one’s personal life, but that may be coming. So is The Final Judgement. So Sheriff, KEEP THE VERSE ON THE WALL!
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Ellen Mary Knowlen
All the naysayers better not go to a Texas rodeo then because they start with a prayer to God and the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
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Marathuzula
There is only one quote that should be on the wall and it's not religious. "The only good cop, is a dead cop."
It's got a pleasant ring to it, it isn't religious, and it reminds all LEO's that they are pieces of **** doing evil **** daily.-
Robert Steven Scott
Wow you are an angry person. I was a cop for many years. I did it because I wanted to make a positive difference in peoples lives and worked to do so. I have had people try to stab me, pull guns on me and attack me many times but I still don't hate all people because of a few. Sounds like you must have had a bad experience, I am sorry if someone hurt you so badly you became prejudice toward them all but many of them are good people and unfortunately the press often goes to the few that aren't.
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Lionheart
I too was once a police officer, but in the UK, Robert. I totally agree with you, and have had similar circumstances to yourself, minus the guns experience of course, which in some ways might have been more scary with only a staff to protect ourselves. It was not an easy task, but was very rewarding bringing criminals to justice. Thank you for your service Robert. 🤗
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Raymond
But you will call 911 when you are injured and or in danger and you know what the Police Officer,. Firefighter and or EMT will show up to help you. So please put your fake outrage towards the liberals who have convinced you to be a victim so that "They" can take care of you because you can't.
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Thomas A. Follis
Why does an atheist spend so much time and energy on something they do believe? Has anyone entered your house and demand you remove those things you believe in? You’re all hypocrites.
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Marathuzula
Are you asking why atheists spend so much time fighting to defend the right to live without religious prejudice? Minorities, regardless of if the are by birth, or by believe have been murdered by religion for millennia... for the first time in history it is safe to proclaim "I am not a part of your religion" and not get murdered for it... and that is because people fight for the religious freedoms. To stop that fight, is to empower the church to proclaim anyone they don't like an enemy of the church... and that's how you get inquisitions... witch burnings...
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John D. Partin
Do you ever also ask why religious people, especially Christians, spend so much time fighting to defend the right to live without prejudice and persecution against religion and Christianity or are you only one-sidedly concerned about some religious prejudice against you?!! The French Revolution was prejudice and persecution against Catholics and other Christians. The Soviet Union and Nazi Germany killed and persecuted Catholics and other Christians, as did the feudal lords in Japan and as do the Communists in China and dictatorships in many other countries. It may be safe for you to proclaim "I am not a part of your religion" now and not get murdered for it, but it is still not safe for many Christians in the world to say "We are Christians and not part of your atheistic system or belief" without their getting murdered or persecuted for it!! Whatever freedom from being killed or persecuted Christians have gained in the world has been the result of our fight for religious freedom!! To stop or slow down on or back off that fight would also empower secular society and atheism to proclaim anyone they don't like an "enemy of the state and the revolution" or "subhuman vermin" and that's how persecutions, Holocausts, purges, ethnic cleansings, genocide, and human rights violations of Christians happen!!! This rights business is a two way street,, not just a one way street.
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Thomas W. Feola
The sheriff can put momentos on his walls, pictures of his family on his desk Etc... The atheists will lose the lawsuit. The sheriff has a right to his opinion. (religious beliefs) We need to STOP with all this cancel culture nonsense. Reminder: We defend people against discriminatory actions not words! Words are perceptions in a person's mind not a physically discriminating roadblock in your way... this country is becoming very Orwellian!
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Joe R Day
He is a public employee, working as an elected official in a nation who's Laws prohibit the display of religion or religious faith, of any kind. Keep the verse in your wallet to remind you of your faith. -sigh- I lived in NC for a few years while serving in the Marines. I have Never experienced a more Bible-Thumping, In-Your-Face-Jesus-Is-Lord place than there. I can understand the drive against federal law regarding this, but I feel that the bible quote should be removed. (JMO, of course).
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Robert Steven Scott
Someone can post a "Rainbow" on their wall for support of gay rights and its ok but someone puts up a Bible vs and its an attack. The separation of church and state really has no basis here. The law wasn't put in place to stop a persons expression of their faith even publicly, it was put in place to stop the government from establishing a state religion. If you view the law historically, you see many leaders in government expressing their faith convictions like this. Unfortunately some groups like the FFRF and trying to force their agenda which is a religion of its own. Religion Definition: "a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance."
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Rev Ned
Read The Constitution, then decide. IMHO, his putting a quote on a wall is not “establishing a religion.”
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Selecia Young-Jones
I have to side with the Sheroff this time. It says it strengthens HIM. It does not require anyone else to ascribe to this. It seems to just be an inspirational message. Now does it really have to be tehre? Maybe not. Nothing more that an affirmation. I don't find that it violates anyone else.
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Jacqueline M. Brinegar
People used to keep their sex life in their bedroom where it belongs, but see where that's got us. People outside of Christianity complain about Bible verses on peoples walls as they write their beliefs on every building, every wall. But that's okay. If you expect others to respect your beliefs you must respect theirs. Doesn't mean you agree, it mean you respect the other persons right to believe what they want. If there was no complaint from within the police station or it's citizens throughout the years, this should be left alone.
No, my rights do not end where yours begin. We all have the same constitutional rights, no more no less. You choose how to use these rights. Are we going to choose to get along, or kill each other? I choose God, the ten commandments, and the US constitution.
Squabbling over words on a wall during times that all religions are being tried, even atheism, seems like such a petty thing to do. There is so much more we could be doing for our communities than this.
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Nathaniel Robert Hunt
The issue is under the ten commandments you would stone me to death for worshiping other Gods, for working on Saturday and or cussing
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John Casillo
EVER WONDER IF WE ARE ALL IN ONE BIG CARTOON THAT GOD MAY OCCASIONALLY WATCH....I THINK WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS...."CANN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG" rev john
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Lionheart
Interesting thought John. Which historical religious character would you assign to Goofy? I have my ideas 😜
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Michael Barton
At the end of the day you have free speech, do you not? The Establishment Clause talks about laws. If the law States that you can post any message, from any faith, on the wall; then nothing is broken.
But be honest, the Gov. breaks the Constitution every day. Just look at the vaccine mandates, and forcing people to wear masks.
So leave it up, it's a positive message that is part of the Foundation of the U.S.
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John Michael Romero
I believe the point is that we need to post something on the wall from our Great Prophet, Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon are at the very heart of the Lord Jesus Christ’s latter-day work. Joseph Smith and his work were known prophetically in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon.
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Joe R Day
You're being sarcastic, right?
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Robert Roy Kunkel
This is really a tiresome debate. It is favoring one religion over another on the Courtroom wall.
Do you really think that people having another religion will be treated fairly in Court?
It is the subjective perspective of the persons in the Court that should be the goal that justice should have.
Justice is not some notion of a baby G_d coming down and giving us directions of what to do. Christians did not invent the term “justice”. It was invented in antiquity
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Scott Franklin Collins
It is a political hit job. The progressive left talks about tolerance but practices intolerance instead.
They claim that others are forcing their beliefs upon them but then demand that society's institutions accommodate their views and needs.
The hypocrisy of such posturing is palpable.
They talk about seperation of church and state but forget that atheism is also an ideology and they don't hesitate to promote that either.
I could go on but most people are sick of this and it needs to stop.
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Christopher David Williams
How many times does this have to be said: Atheism is a lack of belief in gods - that's it!
It's not a belief, ideology, lifestyle or philosophy.
Atheism is an ideology in the same way that not playing football is a sport
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Joe R Day
Thank you for the cogent reply.
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John D. Partin
Atheism isn't only a lack of belief in gods or God, but a presence of belief in something to fill the void left by that lack of belief, namely, a "mindless universe that is running itself", as an "explanation" for what would sensibly be explained by God. You have far less evidence (in fact, NO!!! evidence) for your "mindless universe" theory than you claim that Christians and other religious people have for their beliefs, since they all believe in something coming out something and mindfulness coming out of mindfulness, not mindlessness. Yet, you stick to your irrational and unrealistic belief because you prefer it or other obvious nonsense over admitting, sensibly and logically, that there is a Mind behind the universe because that would shake up your little worlds and make you rethink everything and put moral obligations on all of you, and you don't want that!!! That makes atheism a faith, ideology, and religion, too!! There wouldn't be and have been Communists and Nazis and other ungodly atheistic people committing atrocities, such as the Holocaust and purges, merely because of a lack of belief, but, rather, from the presence of belief in fighting against God and everything and everyone connected with God, and for the mindless universe over the Mindful universe and world, and Man's "taking the place of God", in his own "thinking", anyway!!! The atrocities that have been committed by "Christians" have been committed despite their religion and in contradiction to Jesus' teachings and life examples, while atheists' atrocities have been committed BECAUSE!!! of your beliefs and faith!!!
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Lionheart
Christopher is correct Scott. Atheism is merely a term used for someone that does not believe in any gods due to lack of evidence that any exist.
Christian’s and Jews don’t believe in Allah, or Brahma. Hindus don’t believe in Yahweh or Allah. Muslims don’t believe in Brahma or Yahweh. Atheists agree with all of them.
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Gary Richard Noce
For me it's simple, separation of church and state.
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Michael Barton
That's not a real thing. It just says you can't create laws respecting one over the other. Using your free speech equally is perfectly fine.
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Nathaniel Robert Hunt
Michael Barton Would you be fine with it, if it was a Pagan/Wiccan/Satanic or other religion Sherriff posting a religious message pertaining to their religion on the wall the same way?
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John
More and more American Christianity is looking like American Nationalism. Religion is used to justify many actions and beliefs that are nothing like what Jesus's teachings. If the Sheriff wants to advertise let him do it throughout the walls of his house. But at State funded office...it comes down!
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Karl Axel Lindström
he has all the freedom in the world to profess his belief in any deity outside of government property. but blatantly that all his actions are motivated by his religion is kinda disturbing comming from a cop... what is he going to enforce any of the BS anti-soddomy laws some states still have? or act out of predjudice against atheists or memeber of other religions?
this is behavious unbecoming of a public servant.. people of every religion still have to pay the taxes that employ this person they should be able ot trust he will treat them equally... this throw that into question...
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Karl Axel Lindström
religion does not belong anywhere near government the constitution is pretty damn clear about that... the text has to go or he has to go out of his way to put up quotes from ever religion in existence...
And not just the abrahamic ones....
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MIKE
Stand firm Sheriff!!
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Woodrow
24% vs. 76%
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John D. Partin
Do we really want a country where Christianity has no place or say in government, such as was the case in Nazi Germany or the former Soviet Union and is the case in China and many other countries today, which allows human rights violations and genocide to occur? Of course not, anymore than we want a country where the Church is the government and there is a theocracy, which allowed the Inquisition, witch burnings, and their genocide and human rights violations to occur. Something in between these two extremes would be best, where the Church and Christians have some say in government and can fight against things that they believe are wrong (such as abortion, pornography, child and adult prostitution, illegal drugs and drug addiction, and other problems), but not all the say and those who disagree with them have their say, too, and can also fight for what they believe, since we all live here and share this country and have to get along together. That is, supposedly and hopefully, what we already have in America or should have here, though you couldn't tell it quite often. "A house divided against itself cannot stand", as Abraham Lincoln said, but difference of belief and opinion isn't our being divided, but the basis of our Democracy!! If you don't like the Ten Commandments in front of a government building or a sign on the wall in a Sheriff's office saying "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" or a Nativity scene in front of city hall, then just as you tell people who don't like what you want to watch on TV or adult magazines that you want to look at or adult movies that you want to watch or anything else that you enjoy "If you don't like it, don't look at it and turn it off, but don't tell me that I and other people who like it can't look at it and impose your views upon us!", instead of one standard for you and a totally different standard for Christians. Obviously, this doesn't refer to totally sick and depraved things and malum in se, such as pedophilia and bestiality, which should be denounced and kept from being "glorified" or promoted. Sharing means everyone getting their way about some things even in government buildings, not everything their way all the time, and Ten Commandments and religious signs and Nativity scenes in front of and on walls in government buildings, as well as Baphomet statues in front of or in them. Those who don't like either of them can just not look at them. We will never convince any people who don't believe in God by denying them the right to their expression, as the Church did to "heretics" or as the Nazis and Communists did to "enemies of the state and the revolution" and "subhuman vermin" or as even our government does to "subversives and radicals". God didn't even deny Satan and his minions the right to spread their lies and evil through the world, because that would only be His deciding for them not to do that, but only keeps shining His light of love and truth upon the world to save people from all of that evil and give them a way out of it!! Following His example, that should be our practice here with this matter of Christian and unChristian or even antiChristian monuments or signs in front of or inside of government buildings, since this government "of the people, by the people, and for the people (all of them) shall not perish from the Earth", as Abraham Lincoln said!!
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Donald Richard Starns
Would you rather live in a country where a certain religion is mandatory? In Russia today, it’s a crime to “blaspheme” against the state-approved cult. In Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, et al, it’s very risky to NOT bow down before the official religion.
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John D. Partin
Neither mandatory religion nor totally uninvolved and voiceless religion, but just between everything or nothing, and allowing others their voice, too.
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Joe R Day
Yes, I do want "Do we really want a country where Christianity has no place or say in government." There are millions of Christians in our nation, they bring their Faith to work everyday. The sheriff is an elected/appointed public servant and his faith is never in question. However, his office is owned by the public and is therefore subject to the Constitution and the SCOTUS. They have ruled that government offices (local, state and fed) Shall Not Display Any form of religion (quotes, 10 commandments etc) unless they are willing to display ANY form of religion. Actually, the 8,9 & 10th rules from Satanic Temple) might do well on the wall in NC... "Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself. Do not harm little children. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food."
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John D. Partin
Then allow Baphomet statues in front of and small desk ones inside government buildings, and Christian signs and statues and Ten Commandments monuments, and religious signs of Hindus and Buddhists and other religionists working in those buildings, as you said could be done if they are willing to display any sort of religion, since these are the people's houses and serve the people and so should be reflective of the different people that they serve. That wouldn't have to be confusing at all, but just these people's being who they are and teaching us all to live and get along together. Just as Elijah told the priests of Baal: "If God is God, serve Him, and if Baal is god, serve him" before he tested their god's power by seeing if he could consume an altar to him with fire, which he couldn't after all his priests' gyrations and jumping and dancing around and slashing themselves and prayers to him, whereas Jehovah consumed even a soaked in water altar with fire, and destroyed all the priests of Baal and their altar with fire from heaven, too!! We don't have to be afraid of any other religions or to have other expressions of their faiths around us. Live and let live. Gandhi was a Hindu and was still a very godly person and so we can appreciate the good in other religions, too.
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Debra L. Derrick
This is my stand; Separation of church and state. Period. Also I want churches to start paying taxes.
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ULC Rev Paul
Debra, I can't agree with you more. Churches should not be exempt from taxes, especially local taxes. Maybe they can have a discount but they should not enjoy complete deferment. Where I live I have witnessed massive swath's of property owned by churches now being sold off for real estate development and they don't even have to pay a transfer tax...but the the buyer has to pay their end of that same tax. It's absolute b.s.
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Mark Nelson Rosewell
Which somewhat negated your “separation period.” Stance
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David Arthur Lewis
This is clearly a blatant and intentionally provocative violation of the Constitution's Establishment Clause. The self-righteous Sheriff is seeking free publicity for his political campaign and playing the "persecuted martyr" card. He may be re-elected, but the courts will definitely make him remove this illegal religious display from public property. If the cops need a rah-rah moment before a bust, they can do it in private in the break room. All Christians and wannabees should pray the way that Jesus instructed - in PRIVATE! (Read Matthew chapter 6 BEFORE replying).
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Raymond
So why do so called non religious people make great displays of outrage over other's displays of religion, and if you care to study religion you will find that one, Christianity call for an outward display of faith, second the law of separation of church and State is that the State cannot create nor require adherence to a single religion. Each person is free to choose their beliefs but you can't choose for someone else.
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David Arthur Lewis
Raymond - I cannot speak for any "non-religious" people, as I happen to be a devoutly religious person. And as a religious person, I object to this illegal display being in a taxpayer-funded government space dedicated to enforcing our laws. This sign is against the highest Law of the Land. It is un-Christian and un-American. If you think for one second that Jesus Christ promoted public displays of religion, you seriously need to turn off your TV and READ that bible.
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Minister Jim
The Lord our God is our creator. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that whoever believes in him will have everlasting life in Heaven. This world needs more of these statements. We have too much corruption in the world. Read and believe in the Bible. This will help our world be a better place for us and our grandchildren. AMEN.
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Lionheart
If we all believed in the Bible we would possibly all be in jail for stoning people to death, and having slaves, being as that’s what your mythical god condoned.
Please don’t take my comment personally, I reject the existence of all gods, not just yours. 🤗
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Ronaldo
I do not know any Christians who have stoned people to death, or owned slaves. Why would someone that believes in a book suddenly be charged with something he did not do? That may happen in Islamic nations, and does happen in China, and may happen all the time in your personal utopia, but does not happen in the United States, at least not legally.
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Lionheart
I was responding to Jim’s comment to “Read and believe in the Bible” where his god condoned slavery and stoning people to death instead of condemning it.
It is of course very possible Christian’s don’t stone people to death today Ronaldo, however, the atrocities performed by Christian’s during the crusades, and the inquisition can never be forgotten, and possibly surpasses anything fundamental Islamists have ever done. The horrific crimes and torture by supposedly Christian people throughout Europe and elsewhere will live in infamy for ever.
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Joe R Day
Recently 2 women were sentenced to dead in Sudan for apostasy. "A Sudanese court has sentenced a woman to hang for apostasy - the abandonment of her religious faith - after she married a Christian man." There have been reports of stoning by Abrahamic religions. Just because we don't "know someone" who stones someone... doesn't mean it's not happening.
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flugo
'lying fart': So YOU reject God, the Creator of the universe, the holy, loving, righteous, merciful, forgiving Heavenly Father. I'm sure He's being affected by YOUR rejection.
You epitomize an ant crawling up an elephant's leg hollering 'Rape'! Futility personified! Your greatest concern should be the future eternal rejection YOU will get from this Jehovah God! Repent of your blasphemous thinking!
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Lionheart
Your religious blackmail might work with young immature children flugo, but it will never wash with me. Your pathetic jealous butcher that you worship can kiss my a**.
On the lighter side, if at any time a real deity ever came forward to prove its existence I’m quite confident that you could well be first to taste it’s wrath, and may the children that you would condemn because they reject your evil religious designs be the first to judge you.
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John D. Partin
So, CHL, you would approve of a "God" that did what you wanted "Him" to do, such as show wrath to some people (Flugo Marx) and judge them, but just disapprove of a "God" that did what other people wanted "Him" to do, such as show wrath to some people and judge them, which is what you condemn "Him" doing for them, but approve of "Him" doing for you?!! That is very contradictory and confused of you, and your "God" that you approve of is as much a figment of your imagination as their "vengeful God" was of theirs, and neither of your "Gods" the true God of love and mercy!!!!
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Reverend Kurt
A starving man believes food will save him, alas belief does not manifest food, so he dies. A dehydrated man believes water will save him, belief does not manifest Water,he dies which does not benefit his grandchildren either.
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Reverend Kurt
A starving man believes he will be fed, belief does not become reality, he dies. A thirsty man also dies because he believed water would materialise, it doesn't either. Did either create a better place for their grandchildren?
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Joseph E Scott
Let it ride. If people don't like it, they can vote him out of his position. Besides, the article states that the office is alienating 24% of the population. What about the other 76%? I'll admit that it's pretty risky for an elected official to do that. My final thought is this: I just finished watching the news. There are a lot worse things than this. Just say'n.
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Stewart
Buy a place and display to your hearts content .
But places owned by the public should be free from religious materials unless all are given space just as prominent .your rights end where others rights begin
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Chris
I find it interesting how many "Christians" feel the need to make massive displays of their faith even while doing things that completely go against the teachings they claim to follow. It makes me wonder who they're trying to convince. Themselves, perhaps? Let him put his quote in a frame on his desk. And having group prayers? Jesus warned against public praying.
All in all, religion shouldn't be for display. It's supposed to be a personal, private thing. It doesn't belong on public buildings. If you can't deal with that maybe you're in the wrong line of work.
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Timothy Holland Sr
I agree. And there is always an agenda…
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Raymond
So why do so called non religious people make great displays of outrage over other's displays of religion, and if you care to study religion you will find that one, Christianity call for an outward display of faith, second the law of separation of church and State is that the State cannot create nor require adherence to a single religion. Each person is free to choose their beliefs but you can't choose for someone else.
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Rev. Tim
Your misrepresentation of the First Amendment is one of those "Thou Shalt Not Lie" things.
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John D. Partin
Chris, group praying isn't just for display, anymore than protest gatherings are just for display, but to demonstrate people's belief in their causes and in prayer. Jesus didn't say that people couldn't gather for prayer meetings, which are what all church services are and charismatic prayer groups are. "Whenever two or more of you are gathered in my name" there am I in the midst of you" clearly states that there should be more than just individual prayer. Group praying is a reinforcement of everyone's faith who is attending it, which is what all group meetings are to their participants. If other people aren't meeting by themselves for all these other causes, to avoid "putting themselves on display", Christians can also not just pray by themselves, but in groups, too, even in government buildings, without "putting themselves on display", and pray by themselves, too, since it isn't just one or the other. Government buildings have other signs on their walls, though they are for the people's business, and so they can have Christian signs on their walls, despite that, too, since they are also the people's houses, and not interfere with their work there by doing so. The same as they have signs, pictures, flowers, etc. on their desks without interfering with their jobs there. Let other people have whatever signs and statues they want in government buildings, too, that don't interfere with their work, so as not to be catering to just Christians alone.
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Ann
The quote obviously helps the officers who work there.. I'm not Christian and I can appreciate this quote. It's like the Merry Christmas issue; why would you be offended by someone wishing you well? I guess someone who wants everyone to be as miserable and unhappy as they are.
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Nathaniel Robert Hunt
Would you be fine with it if a non christian sheriff put a non christian message on the wall ? or even a painting of a Pagan God? since they also would be wishing people well, just to a diff God
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Maximillian Martin
It needs to be taken down!! Bottom line!!!
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Pedro Pagan Jr
I stand with the Sheriff on having a spiritual message to encourage his staff. Unfortunately being that the building is for public and government business the constitution is clear. The same way that religious writings are being removed from court houses, to me its an indication of how lost our country has become.
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Donald Alexander Netherton
The Constitution is clear, no establishment of religion. It does not belong. Spiritual and religious are often far apart, as numerous Crusades, Inquisitions, Jihads and Troubles have shown. If that were a quote from Al Quran, he would have a firestorm on his hands, and he would be forced to take it down. No, it is not a political hit job, and no, Jesus is NOT going to help in an opioid epidemic.
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flugo
The FFRFand their ilk would do well to heed the warnings in Acts chapters 9 and 26.
'Kicking against the pricks' refers to the oxen being jabbed in the back of their rear foot to speed up, who would kick back into the sharp stick (prick) thus increasing their pain and injury. It was folly for the dumb animals.
The atheist groups are like the dumb animals. They resist and fight against the Word of God, but are ultimately subjecting themselves to increased pain and futility. . . . . and possible eternal doom.
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Reverend Kurt
judge not others lest ye be judged yourself.
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Ennyl Yesac
Hello Flugo. May I ask how many atheists, agnostics and non-theists do you know? Have you ever had a conversation with a single one? There are probably billions of them. Don't spit your venom for all when you don't know all of them. Thank you.
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Joe R Day
I am amused by your words "The atheist groups are like the dumb animals, they resist and fight against the Word of God, but are ultimately subjecting themselves to increased pain and futility." A person's life should not be judged by their 'Faith', but rather their actions. Atheists don't need religion to have morals or compassion. We do it because that's what feels 'right'. -sigh- Sadly flugo, you will never know the feeling of satisfaction of doing a compassionate deed or helping someone, without the obligatory genuflection to an imaginary entity. I wish you all the happiness in the world, loving your God. Would be a 'blessing' if you felt the same to me...
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Nicholas J Page
Nick Page UK Some people would be offended But its done no harm to anyone.If you don't like religion on display don't read it or ignore it I have met ex prisoners when I lived in a bail hostel 5 years ago They were given Bibles in jail to help them reform. I thought the US Done the same.
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Charles Jude Platt
The Sherriff's belief or faith is not in question. The USA has a Constitution which We here in America should follow. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions. "
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Chris
Charles,
Unfortunately the federal Constitution is often overridden by state constitutions. The federal one says the US government can't put one religion over another (something the Trumplican Fundigelicals can't seem to grasp) but states can and in some cases do have religious promotion. It's sad they don't seem to be able to actually live by the religion they claim to follow, though. The ones who claim to be the biggest followers of Christ usually are the least Christ-like.
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flugo
'chatt': And, what DOES the Constitutions say about this?
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Douglas Robert Spindler
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Isn't this telling criminals if they murder, steal, mug, rape or break God's or man's laws they get strength through Christ?
Wonder if on another wall the sheriff has Ezekiel 23:20?
There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.-
John D. Partin
Murder, theft, mugging, rape or breaking God's or man's laws aren't through Christ, anymore than the Inquisition, witch burnings, "holy" wars, Catholic and Protestant fighting in Northern Ireland or Crusades were. So, strength through Christ isn't obtainable for things outside of the will of Christ and God. Ezekiel 23:20 is part of that human "rocks and dirt" in the gold mine of the Bible that I have mentioned before, where the gold has to be dug out of it. So, it doesn't belong on a wall across from the truth in the Bible.
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Shango MasterExorcist, D.D.
The wall might loo boring if the quote is removed. Adding teh second quote to an adjacent wall would be fascinating.
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Minister for the Kingdom
This scripture doesn’t express the faults of man. But it does do is give us the strength that Christ commanded each Christian who is new in there faith, the hope to accomplish all things our Lord has instructed. All sins have been forgiven to those who love him and do his word. Even the sins mentioned in this page. Their is only one sin that cannot be forgiven; blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Let them read and believe they have the power to change.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
@Ralph Krebbs So what you are saying is God is NOT all powerful and almighty and people can change. Isn't that blasphemy? Or is God really all powerful and almighty and what the sheriff is doing is a mean trick. The is telling the criminals they have the power to change when really they don't because God almighty has control over them. Sick
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Peggyann Johnson-Hansen
The day will never come when we as a nation accept our diversity. If you want others to respect one's belief systems than all should respect the diverse belief systems of all others in this nation. Do we accept words of wisdom for public display by others within our history worldwide? Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, Abraham Lincoln, and the list continues. Why rob our children and grandchildren of understanding diversity and how to agree to disagree, while still finding value in concepts that encompass our diverse world.
We need to see more of the Word of God displayed, avert your eyes if you can't take it.