This news article tells the story of a man who has displayed some religious artwork in his backyard. The city doesn't like it because he didn't get proper permits and some of the work annoys his neighbors. This has prompted the lawyer for the city, Edward Richardson to ask "At what point do you have to state, 'OK, there are certain limitations to the demonstrations of religious affiliations'?'"
Obviously, this shouldn't even be an issue. The State has no right to put any limit on expression, religious or otherwise. A person should be able to do anything they want on their property, without any interference from government, neighborhood associations, or any other busy-bodies, as long as the action does not deprive someone else of their right to life, liberty, or property through the use of force or fraud. Placing artwork on my property does none of those things.
Now, that being said, I believe that the property owner (as a Christian) should be mindful of his neighbor's comfort and complaints. I do not think he is showing love for his neighbor by keeping the lights on his cross on during the night. True servanthood on his part should prompt him to display his love in a relevant way to his neighbors rather than displaying his cross, even if I do believe that he has the right to display the work.
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