Regarding the Jesus statue on Big Mountain: A few questions for atheists

Recently, an atheist in Whitefish resurrected the lawsuit opposing the Jesus statue on Big Mountain. I have a few questions for that atheist, and maybe all atheists.

First question: Do atheists believe Jesus was a real man, born in the first century, crucified by the Romans?

The Romans crucified thousands of people during the first century. Crucifixion was not uncommon or even that unusual. So, Jesus was one of many people crucified by the Romans during the first century.

Second question: Do atheists believe in God?

We all know atheists do NOT believe in God. So, let’s move on.

Third question: Do atheists believe Jesus is the “Son of God?”

Again, the answer is obvious. NO.

If atheists believe Jesus was a man, not the “Son of God,” then the statue of Jesus on Big Mountain should not offend them. Jesus is the “Son of God” to those people who have faith in God. By saying the statue of Jesus is religious, atheists are giving credibility to the theory that Jesus could be the Son of God. Yet they, personally, refuse to believe it. Either atheists think Jesus is a man, so the statue is acceptable or they think Jesus represents the “Son of God.” That’s why they object to it.

Would atheists object to a statue of Martin Luther King or Abraham Lincoln? Just like Jesus, these men were great philosophers, who died for what they believed. If we put aside the “Son of God” theory, then Jesus was a wise man who shared a great philosophy about love and peace with the people of his era. Eventually he was crucified for it. If you don’t believe in God, this theory makes sense.

The statue of Jesus, the man, shouldn’t offend anyone. Forcing people to accept the atheist belief that Jesus represents religion is not religious freedom. Jesus represents more than religion. He represents love, peace and living a virtuous life. Not because God commands it, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Removing the Jesus statue from Big Mountain would be a selfish gesture by skeptical, angry people. I guess that’s what atheists want. Everyone should be skeptical and angry, just like them.

J. Thomas Lacerte is a resident of Kalispell.