It is important for all, including the JM Center, to be respectful to all people and groups, religious and non-religious alike. Such is the essence of civility.

This being said, there are four myths which certain groups use to incite their followers. The JM Center offers the following brief comments:

• MYTH #1: The United States is a Christian Nation

  Fact: The United States is a constitutional democracy whose powers are derived from the consent of the governed. We are a diverse nation -- of many nationalities and religions. To single out one religion is demeaning to all others.

  Moreover, the United States is officially on record as not being a Christian Nation. The Treaty of Tripoli, which George Washington initiated and was unanimously approved by the Senate, reads in part: "the Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion ..." [The Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11. Signed by President John Adams on May 26, 1797.]

• MYTH #2: Our legal system is based on Judeo-Christian law

  Fact: Many sources influenced our legal system, including the teachings of Judaism and Christiany. Older legal systems had an impact as well. However, the greatest influence undoubtably was the experience of the American people predating the Consitution and the Bill of Rights. Included in this experience was religious persecution and the desire to create a civil society where all people would be free to practice their beliefs as they choose.

• Myth #3: Children can't pray in public Schools

  Fact: There is no ban on students praying in public schools. All students are permited to pray according to their religious beliefs, whenever and wherever the student feels compelled to do so. However, the student may not disrupt the educational process or interfere with the rights of others. What is "unconstitutional" is government sponsored prayer (whether teacher led or school endorsed).

• Myth #4: Atheists stole Christmas

  Fact: Christmas Day is still December 25th on the calendar. True, during the last 50 years, Christmas has become more secular, but not because of the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State or the Joint Baptist Commitee for Religious Liberty.

  If any one has "stollen" Christmas, it's the American free enterprise system. And our melting pot. We are a diverse nation where many people have a religious view of Christmas and many people do not. That Christmas has largely become secular is because "the people" have chosen that course.