Greek goddess Themis in Alabama

[Magnetic Poles]

The difference is that the cross is clearly understood in our society to be a symbol of Christianity. Themis is simply viewed today as a symbol of blind justice, much as the Goddess of Liberty on older US coins embodies a concept, not actual worship of a goddess.

By reasoning that Themis is a violation of Church & State Separation, one could argue that the Army medical corps use of a caduceus is religious entanglement, since it was adopted from a staff carried by Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, as well as by Hermes, messenger of the gods, who carried it as a symbol of peace, (hence the wings on the caduceus). The staff of Asclepius is said to represent healing.

 

[IronWill]

Just curious - do you thing that anyone believes nowadays that Themis exists as a Goddess or that praying to her would affect the outcome of a case?

Yep.
Sure enough.

 

[Alcott]

All this goes to show, again, that it's what particular deity(es), rather than whether any deity or related symbol can be displayed on public institutions.

If displaying the cross on public lands or buildings is unconstitutional because it is "understood in our society to be a symbol of Christianity," then how many people will have to not believe in the validity of Christianity for it to become 'constitutional?' Or, how many will have to claim that it is not a 'symbol of Christianity' to make it so?

Symbols seem to have become public issue in themselves in recent decades. The Confederate battle flag, the menorah, the Christmas tree, Janus, the olive branch, eagle feathers, et al... some have a religious origin, some are a cultural symbol from a culture inseparable from a particular religion, some are borrowed from religions or cultures, some have no known religious explanation but are forbidden because a minority detest them. This silly overcomplication and hypersensitivity pushes the ridiculous; but especially so when some deities are allowed, some are not; some represent defiance of the US government are allowed, but some are not; some represent 'culture' but courts decide differently how religious cultural symbols can be.

We should do one of 2 things: 1) throw out all representations or symbols of religion/mythology/deities, or 2)allow what citizens in a given locale want, since if it is not the local 'culture' they would not want it. But all this inconsistency leads to nothing but the assurance that the battles will continue and be continuously redefined.

 

[Dale-c]

But all this inconsistency leads to nothing but the assurance that the battles will continue and be continuously redefined.

Ever changing with the tide of public opinion.

But there is still only one true and living God!