Hanging in the Sacramento County Public Law Library is a painting of the Bible with a warning across its front which reads: “Warning! May Impair Judgment.”
The library insists that there’s nothing wrong with this display despite some who say it does not belong in a government-sponsored institution and have asked for it to be taken down. The library has refused.
The title of the “art” is “Moral Values.” In a statement from the artist which accompanies the piece, it says “There must be something stupid about religious faith which renders people stupid.”
Just a question – if an artist had put something up saying “Homosexuality makes you stupid” what are the chances it would be up in the library?
The artist, an atheist, insists that the work isn’t supposed to be anti-Christian but only anti-religious. The library can argue that it’s a free speech issue but the fact is that this is not even art, it’s propaganda.
This, of course, is nothing short of taxpayer supported anti-Christianity. I think liberals think that separation of church and state (which is made up in the first place) means that churches can’t say anything about government but government can do whatever it takes to destroy religion.
July 19, 2010 at 2:56 am
"…the work isn't supposed to be anti-Christian but only anti-religious."
Okay, kinda like "just the same only different",
right?
Perfectly logical. Not.
July 19, 2010 at 3:29 am
I'd like to see that artist do the same thing with the Koran. Y'know, because he's anti-religious and not anti-Christian.
July 19, 2010 at 4:49 am
Now, Larry…you know why he won't do that. Because Jews and Christians (both represented by the whole of the Bible) aren't going to call for a fatwa on him.
July 19, 2010 at 5:25 am
Public libraries have generally been on the front lines of the destruction of traditional moral and social values in this country. They are not a force for either creative thought nor sound judgment. Pity as they are funded by us.
July 19, 2010 at 7:59 am
This is probably the awesomest thing ever. Sarcastically speaking, of course…
July 19, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Pair this story with the battle Dr. Kenneth Howell is facing in Illinois, and you can see how these are the preliminary cases designed to solidify hate crimes legislation. The ultimate goal is to go the way of Canada. Sharia Law = Good. Ten Commandments = Bad. God help us all.
July 19, 2010 at 2:44 pm
RTC: AMEN!
July 19, 2010 at 2:46 pm
So this tiny little object in this obscure law library is a major threat to a religion which dominates the American landscape in every possible way (moral, political, legal)? As a Christian, I am quite sure my religion isn't that fragile. Also, who can deny that there are many people whose judgment has been impaired by the Bible. This is a non-issue IMO.
July 19, 2010 at 3:46 pm
The real issue is how anyone could think that was "art".
July 20, 2010 at 12:50 am
How does religion make one stupid? 100% of our faith is believing. And unquestioning, believing doesn't make you stupid! It makes us smarter. Plus, one doesn't have to know how to read to be smart, the Church will read the bible and tell us about it. The Bible is really hard to read, anyway.
July 20, 2010 at 1:30 am
Funny, because here in Wisconsin, a library took down religious artwork done by kids in private religious schools because it had no place in the library. After an uproar, it was restored. Funny how priorities change depending on the content of art, huh?
July 20, 2010 at 2:02 pm
The first amendment:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
This work does not "prohibit" the free exercise of religion; It merely criticizes Christianity.
If you read the amendment, you realize its main thesis is to prevent the establishment of laws that favor a single religion (a State or National Religion, if you will). The first amendment does not PROTECT religion except by prohibiting legislation that impedes free exercise of religion (as long as that exercise complies with the law).
July 21, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Then they should be consistent and allow the ten commandments and nativity displays on public buildings.
July 22, 2010 at 3:15 am
I wonder what would have happened if it was on the Qur'an. I would guess and say after the first death threats, they would take it down.
July 25, 2010 at 4:23 am
This is funny and True!
July 25, 2010 at 4:28 am
reads: "Warning! May Impair Judgment
Its Art and an expression.
if this has to be removed then they should also remove IN GOD WE TRUST from money. it's propaganda.
July 28, 2010 at 11:07 pm
This is obviously a blog of someone who read a blog who read a blog, if you are going to quote something, please do it correctly, the artist said "I came to the conclusion that there must be something about religious faith which renders people stupid." You added an additional "stupid" in there, smart guy, I say leave it up.