Nativity, atheistic sign installed in the rotunda

Atheists brought their own seasonal message to Olympia on Monday, saying the religious beliefs that underpin the holidays are superstitions that lead to conflict.

"We can't solve the world's problems by getting rid of religion, but it would go a long way," said Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

The sign his group erected in the Capitol rotunda is the second such capitol display in the nation, he said. The other is in Madison, Wis., where the foundation is based.

The sign says there is no god or heaven, only the natural world. It also criticizes religion, saying it "hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

A depiction of the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, also was installed Monday just a few feet from the foundation's sign. And workers set up a 30-foot noble fir tree that will be decorated and lit in a public ceremony Friday.

Those other displays might lead some to think that Washington is a Christian institution, Barker said. "Us being here underscores this is not a Christian state. It's a secular state, where Christians are welcome."

Lois Walker of Shelton, who died last month, requested the foundation sign after a local real estate agent set up the nativity for the first time last year.

That nativity was inspired by the installation of a menorah, symbolizing the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, in December 2006. There is no menorah display this year.

"I'm not very fond of all the competition to set up religious displays on state property," said Bette Chambers of Lacey, who attended Monday's dedication.

A member of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, she pointed to the recent terrorist attacks in India, which Indian authorities believe were carried out by Islamist extremists.

"Religion is fine, as long as it's not too fiercely believed in," Chambers said.

The nearby nativity was installed without fanfare early Monday, with a sign explaining that the birth of Jesus, believed to be the son of God by Christians, is celebrated around the world.

The tree is a project of the Association of Washington Businesses. Originally called a Christmas tree, the group named it the "Capitol Holiday Kids Tree" to be more inclusive of non-Christian families, according to executive director Don Brunell.

People in northern countries long have recognized the shortest day of the year — Dec. 21 this year — with festivals, said Barker of the foundation. "We nonbelievers are happy to welcome Christians to the celebration of this time of year."

The group also set up a billboard in downtown Olympia reading "Reason's Greetings."