Update:
The Biblical scripture on the controversial monument at the entrance of the school will soon be removed. A two-hour closed session was recently organized to discuss the issue that garnered national attention after the religious structure was erected in August. At least two secular groups sent complaint letters to the school in Madison County, threatening to sue if the monument continued to stay, after which the administration voted unanimously to have the structure altered.
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In the middle of Georgia’s Bible belt, a new religious monument on the football field of a high school is causing much controversy. The monument, which includes a Biblical verse, was built with private funds and donated to the football team at Madison County High School so it would inspire them. While many parents thought the monument was, in fact, inspirational, one parent took great offense to the structure on the edge of the Red Raider field.
The man, who refused to identify himself, reportedly said the religious text on the monument does not belong on the grounds of a secular public school. Yet, several other parents held a banner on the opposite side of the street that showed their support for the monument.
“This whole thing was started by one person who will not come forward and name who he is,” said one parent, Kim Shupe.
Those in favour of the monument say the man who opposed it is an atheist and they believe his opposition was quite unnecessary, because the message on the monument is really only mildly religious.
The verses on the monument read, “If God is for us then who can be against us?” and “I can do all things through Christ.”
The unidentified man who allegedly objected to the monument could not be contacted for comments.
“If you don’t want to read it, shut your eyes when you go by it. Don’t read it. This is Georgia, this is the Bible Belt. We’re taught to believe in Jesus Christ,” another parent, Mike Rice, said.
Photo Credit: Alternet
