Please give me a second grace. Please give me a second face. I've fallen far down, the first time around, now I just sit on the ground in your way.
Nick Drake

One of the great non sequiturs of the left is that, if the free market doesn't work perfectly, then it doesn't work at all-- and the government should step in.

Thomas Sowell

comments be taken as highly offensive by those of the Christian faith?  Or is it okay to bash mainstream religions?  I wonder if it would be viewed as acceptable if I made comments as offensive about Jews or Muslims? 

That said, I believe any religious group wishing to put up a religious display should be able to do so.

I apologize for any misunderstandings.... 

Religion is an important part of the history of the United States and the World in general.  I think displays of this kind are great tools for historical study.  I wish that History of Religion was a required class for high school graduation, providing it was taught from the position of historical value and not religious dogma.

If more people knew the historical importance of religion and its impact on society, we'd all be better for it.

To answer the original questions:

There is no benefit to the public here that I can see. This, in my opinion is the majority exerting it's influence on politics. Want votes? Then you'll support this. It'll be balance when there is a Ramadan display, or (thanks Gug) spaghetti monster installation, or a king jub-jub from the bottom of the sea diorama included.

The other religions or belief systems will not be included because of their small numbers in comparison to bigger religions, or, there are simply not enough people to make a stink about it to make it happen. Majority rules.

Rob - thanks for getting back to my original question. I agree that this is simply a majority imposition. And that the display Guglielmo linked to is much more impressive (just look at all those angels!). I fully support churches or private businesses providing space for lavish displays of whatever religion they want to promote. I don't understand why having such a display in the capitol building is at all in the public interest.

Oh, and I should have mentioned that like Muslims, Bahai's also consider Jesus a prophet (or, to use the Bahai term, a "manifestation of God". Let's get the private citizens who erected the nativity scene to include that in their informative sign.

And for the record, I'm fully in favor of respectful irreverence.

Because I agree with Larry.  (sarcasm Larry)  Religious history should be taught in schools so that kids understand the original meaning and intent behind the beliefs.  It seems as though the only thing some kids are learning today is that Jews are evil in the Middle East, radical Muslims are following the meaning of Islam and all Christians are GW Bush.  I know, pretty generic generalizations. 

I was fortunate enough to take a few theology classes when I was younger and I really enjoyed them.  I think the displays are fine and I think they do serve a public service.  If it stimulates some constructive debate then it's great.  Have fun all and stay dry.   

Does this belief that Christ is a prophet in Islam some how supposed to lend credence to Islam? What does it matter? C.

 Have you considered that maybe it lends credence to Christianity?

What is up with the "red, white and blue" garments of Mary and Joseph?  Desert people would wear neutral, light colors to reflect the sun's heat.

It appears that someone is trying to make a point beyond just a Christmas celebration.