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This holiday season, a war of words unfolded in Madison, Wisconsin, as Christian and atheist groups exchanged competing messages through public billboards. The controversy began when the Catholic League, a religious advocacy group, unveiled a Christmas billboard declaring, “This is our season—not yours,” aimed at atheists celebrating the winter solstice.
Image credits: Friendly Atheis
The message, positioned prominently in the Madison area, criticized winter solstice celebrations as “a child’s game” and proclaimed Christmas as a dominantly Christian holiday. The winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year, has long been celebrated by various cultures and modern secular groups, including atheists. This year, the solstice fell on December 21.
Image credits: Winter Solstice
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The billboard was created in direct response to the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist organization that annually installs a winter solstice display at Wisconsin’s State Capitol. Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, defended the billboard, describing it as a stand against what he called “bullying” by atheist groups.
Image credits: Pixabay/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
Image credits: Catholic League
“Their stunt is done to compete with, and therefore neuter, the meaning of the Nativity scene at Christmas,” Donohue told The Christian Post. He further added, “Our billboard emboldens Catholics, letting them know that we will not be bullied by our adversaries.”
Image credits: Catholic League
On its website, the Catholic League doubled down, declaring, “We rule. They lose.” The billboard, which will remain on display through December 29, is part of a broader push to reinforce Christmas as a religious holiday.
Image credits: Arina Krasnikova/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
The Freedom From Religion Foundation swiftly responded, calling the Catholic League’s actions a blatant attack on freedom of belief. In a lighthearted post on the microblogging platform Bluesky, the group wrote:
“The scrooges at the Catholic League really know how to spread love and joy during the holiday season. Happy holidays!”
Image credits: Bluesky
Founded in 1976, the FFRF promotes the constitutional principle of church-state separation and supports atheists, agnostics, and other secular individuals. It routinely challenges religious displays in public spaces, including Nativity scenes during the Christmas season.
Image credits: Friendly Atheis
The Catholic League’s billboard faced significant backlash online, with critics accusing the group of undermining the spirit of Christmas by turning the season into an ideological battleground. Many social media users mocked the confrontational message, arguing that it perpetuates division rather than promoting goodwill.
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Meanwhile, supporters of the Catholic League commended the organization for standing firm against what they perceived as attacks on Christian traditions.
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This billboard battle underscores the ongoing tension between secular and religious groups in the United States, especially during the holiday season. While the Catholic League views its actions as defending religious freedom and identity, organizations like the FFRF advocate for inclusivity and the recognition of secular celebrations.
Image credits: Pixabay/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
Despite their differences, both groups have sparked broader discussions on coexistence, tolerance, and the evolving meaning of Christmas in a pluralistic society.
Image credits: Pexels
As the holidays continue, many observers hope for a renewed focus on messages of unity and shared celebration—whether under the glow of Christmas lights or the shadow of the solstice.
