An organization for religious liberty advocacy has awarded a group of residents in a Texas town this week after they pushed back against a resident — notice that says “resident” as in one — who tried to have a Nativity scene that was put up outside the local courthouse taken down. It always amazes me how there’s always that one person who complains about Christians “shoving religion down their throat,” all the while they try to force their views on everyone else. It’s like a person who is nose blind to their own vile scent.
The organization, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, stated on Tuesday that citizens of the town of Sweetwater, Texas would be recipients of the inaugural “Tiny Tim Toast” award for turning out in high numbers to oppose the taking down of the Nativity scene erected outside Nolan County Courthouse.
Sweetwater is a town of approximately 10,000 people about 40 miles west of Abilene. Last week, there was standing room only when the Nolan County Commissioners Court held a public forum regarding a call from Carolyn Anne Frawley to take down the Nativity, according to CBS affiliate KTAB. Frawley penned a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, the Sweetwater Reporter, expressing her opposition to the Nativity display on government property, citing the separation of church and state.
Faraway notably left “Christian” uncapitalized in her letter, despite capitalizing “Jewish,” “Muslim,” “atheist” and “freethinkers.”
Not all cultures and religions are equal. I think taking a quick look at the history of Islam reveals that to be true. It’s a religion steeped in bloodshed that has resulted in the murder and massacre of untold numbers of individuals. Is that the kind of thing you want to honor? I know I don’t.
“Not all residents of Nolan County are of one religion,” Faraway stated in part. “There are people who are Jewish and maybe even Muslim and of course Atheist. Yes, we do exist even though many christians choose to ignore or use intimidation to keep Freethinkers whispering instead of speaking out.”
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“The Obvious christian law display must be removed from our public property. The Nolan County Courthouse is a representative and place for government business for ALL Nolan County residents, not just christians,” she continued. Faraway attended a meeting that was held on Dec. 9, however, she was the only individual that was in opposition to the display, according to reports from CBS affiliate KTXS.
“The religious display should be removed from the Nolan County courthouse lawn,” Frawley explained. “It is a taxpayer-supported public building where county and city business is conducted. It is not a church and the display is an over-Christian display.”
KTXS noted that eight other people spoke in support of the Nativity display, and that authorities took no action on the issue, which allowed the display to remain outside the courthouse. Mark Rienzi, who serves as president and CEO of Becket, praised the solidarity of Sweetwater residents who showed up in support of their Nativity scene.
“When the humbug spirit tried to snuff out Sweetwater’s cherished Nativity scene, the locals stood their ground with unshakable resolve,” Rienzi explained in a statement given to The Christian Post. “God bless them for the courage they showed in the face of adversity — it should be an inspiration to all those who wish to keep the Christmas and Hanukkah season sacred.”
The “Tiny Tim Toast” award — named after the boy in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol — took the place of Becket’s annual “Ebenezer Award,” which for 23 years highlighted “the most outrageous offenders of the holidays,” according to its website. This year, the group decided instead to highlight “an individual or group who inspires hope and perseverance in the face of adversity during the Christmas and Hanukkah season.”
“Every Christmas and Hanukkah season, there are some bureaucrats and activists who seek to shut out the lights on religious displays and expression,” Rienzi added. “This year, Becket is happy to raise a hearty toast to all those who stood firm against these efforts, unwavering in defending faith’s rightful place in the public square. Here’s to you, the citizens of Sweetwater, Texas, for keeping the faith.”
The people of Sweetwater have demonstrated what it means to stand up boldly for Christ. May we all be so brave in our daily lives.