This holiday season in Madison, Wisconsin, a new billboard by the Catholic League is creating quite a stir in the community, shining a spotlight on the ongoing dialogue between religious and secular perspectives. The message on the billboard reads, “Atheists strike out at Christmas,” followed by a playful nudge that celebrating the Winter Solstice is merely a “Child’s Game.” The billboard, which is a direct response to an installation by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) at the state Capitol, aims to reclaim the narrative surrounding Christmas.
The billboard boldly proclaims, “This is our season — not yours,” urging people to “Celebrate the Birth of Christ … Merry Christmas!” It will be on display for a limited time, just until December 29, taking center stage in this ongoing seasonal debate.
A Response to Secular Celebrations
Catholic League President Bill Donohue provided some insight into the motivation behind this bold statement. He explained that the billboard serves as a “direct refutation” of the FFRF’s traditional Winter Solstice display, which has been a recurring event aimed at countering Nativity scenes. Donohue expressed his hope that this move would offer encouragement to Catholics during the season, emphasizing that they will not be intimidated by opposing views.
In a light-hearted rebuttal, the FFRF took to social media to share their thoughts on the Catholic League’s latest effort, making a comment that underscored the humorous tone of the exchange. They sarcastically remarked that the “scrooges at the Catholic League really know how to spread love and joy during the holiday season.” Their post concluded with a cheerful “Happy holidays!”
The FFRF has established a presence at the Wisconsin state Capitol for nearly three decades, typically featuring a display that includes messages promoting reason over religion. Their winter display typically emphasizes a secular worldview, urging viewers to consider “There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.” This year’s display includes depictions of key historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, adding a layer of irony to their message by placing them in a manger setting.
This back-and-forth highlights a broader discussion across the nation about the balance of religious expression and secular ideals, particularly in public spaces during the holiday season. Just last year, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling reaffirmed the rights of organizations like the FFRF to express their views against religious displays, reinforcing the ongoing legal and cultural debate.
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