Amongst the rubble of Ground Zero are two intersecting steel beams from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center. The cross is going to be featured in the new 9/11 Memorial and Museum however, The American Atheists organization have filed a lawsuit claiming it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
The "cross" as found in the basement rubble of WTC-6 by a construction worker.
Hands stretch towards a steel beam cross as Rev. Brian Jordan, center, applies holy water during its rededication at the World Trade Center site in New York, Friday October 3, 2002. (BEBETO MATTHEWS - ASSOCIATED PRESS)
This statement can be found on The American Atheists website.
"The cross has become a Christian icon. It has been blessed by so-called holy men a few times, and presented as a reminder that God, in his infinite power of goodness, who couldn’t be bothered to stop the Muslim terrorists, or stop the fire, or hold up the buildings to stop 3000 people from being crushed, cared enough to bestow upon us some rubble that resembles a cross. Ridiculous."
The American Atheists are seeking a memorial of their own of equal size inside the museum. The organization is willing to pay for the memorial as they ask for equal representation in the museum.
As a Progressive (liberal) Christian I can tell you that I advocate the separation of church and state. I believe that us Christian folk cannot and should not foist our beliefs onto anyone else. If a person decides to follow God they must do so willingly.
That being said I think that The American Atheist organization is blowing this issue out of proportion. The ground zero cross has become a symbol of hope for many Christians. For me personally I do not see it as such. I find it odd that the steel beams have been "blessed". But that is a reflection on my personal beliefs as I am not on board with the idea that anything can be blessed by man and that holy water is actually holy. Even so, I do not condemn those who find comfort in the cross.
After reading the above quote made by President of The American Atheists, David Silverman, I was struck by a particular sentiment. The bulk of the quote speaks to the notion that God didn't care to prevent the terrorist attacks.
I would assume that the majority of Atheists, or at least the President of The American Atheists would have studied Christian faith thoroughly enough as they have made the decision to steer clear of it. Christians and many Atheists alike understand that God does not work that way. God does not prevent ill will as he gave us all free will. In other words Got is not a superhero who will swoop down and stop moving trains or high jacked air planes.
According to The Washington Post, The American Atheists have made claims that its members are experiencing “dyspepsia [upset stomach], symptoms of depression, headaches, anxiety, and mental pain and anguish” as a result of the supposed unconstitutional existence of the cross. This will be a part of the The American Atheists legal argument.
Thank as always Jon Steward for offering levity to a serious situation...or not so serious.
"If it really bothers you, why not think of it as a metal, t-shaped..thingie"
"Don't think of it as an ode to Jesus the Christian savior think of it as an homage to Jesus the Canaanite with the relatively unsuccessful carpentry business"
The American Atheists will indeed have their day in court. They have that right. I just don't understand their line of thinking. Seems like a waste of time to me.
For more information on The American Atheists visit their official website here.
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