While reading some religious news articles online I came across an Associated Press story about a St. Louis grocery store where the store manager had put up a crucifix near the front counter. Apparently, it has offended a few people, including one Jewish woman who felt the need to complain to the Jewish Light newspaper.
After listening to some complaints, the grocery store company sided with the store manager and allowed the crucifix to stay stating;
I think this is wonderful. Why must everyone get so "offended" by seeing someone else display their religious faith? When I occasionally shop in an Asian store that sells everything from food items to greeting cards and holiday decorations, I am not offended by their Buddha sitting on the counter near the register. When I visit a small gift shop owned by a fundamental evangelical couple I am not offended by the cross hanging on the wall or the assorted faith items displayed around the check out counter. Looking at the Star of David, or a cross or a Buddha statue does not offend me. Why should it? What is so offensive about viewing someone else's symbol of faith? Have we all become so intolerant of religious freedom that we actually feel offended when looking at a faith other than our own?
Look around you. There are things to truly be offended by in this world, a crucifix on a wall is not one of them in my opinion.
After listening to some complaints, the grocery store company sided with the store manager and allowed the crucifix to stay stating;
"Company leaders made a decision to honor that request out of respect for Tom and his faith," Willis said. "In fact, that's part of the reason they put him in charge of Culinaria. He's a man of such strong faith; who better to put in a store where so many faiths come together?" -AP-
I think this is wonderful. Why must everyone get so "offended" by seeing someone else display their religious faith? When I occasionally shop in an Asian store that sells everything from food items to greeting cards and holiday decorations, I am not offended by their Buddha sitting on the counter near the register. When I visit a small gift shop owned by a fundamental evangelical couple I am not offended by the cross hanging on the wall or the assorted faith items displayed around the check out counter. Looking at the Star of David, or a cross or a Buddha statue does not offend me. Why should it? What is so offensive about viewing someone else's symbol of faith? Have we all become so intolerant of religious freedom that we actually feel offended when looking at a faith other than our own?
Look around you. There are things to truly be offended by in this world, a crucifix on a wall is not one of them in my opinion.
