Why are some (not all) Christians so upset at having to remove Christian symbols from public spaces?

I don't think I agree. Think about it like this: allowing smoking (for example) in a public place forces me to breathe second-hand smoke every time I visit. I can't choose to breathe any other way; I can't have "freedom from smoke". However, allowing the display of Christian symbols in a public place does not force me to become Christian. I can choose to believe whatever I want; I can have freedom from religion. PS You don't live in a secular society. Why are public schools closed on 25th December? EDIT: In response to your comments - I think I agree with you as far as your definition of 'public space' seems to go (i.e. government-owned spaces like courts and schools).

I couldn't agree more. The first problem is, most people only want symbols of their faith placed in public. There would never be any sort of agreement on which symbols could be there and which couldn't. Religion is a private matter, not a public one. If not being able to place a symbol of your faith in a public faith is your biggest concern, you have serious faith issues to begin with. Place all of the symbols of your faith you want on your property. Build a life-sized Last Supper on your lawn, I don't care. Just don't expect me to fund it with my tax dollars. The US was founded as a secular society, not a religious one. Nothing irritates me more than people who claim that we are a Christian nation, nothing is further from the truth. We weren't founded as one and we're not one. I realize you're in the UK, the word whinge gave it away :), but when I read answers from people in the US claiming things that are historically false, I jump on my little soap box.

freedom of speech seems to have gone to many religions

This country is based on freedom of religions, but it's true foundation is belief in God,...and it just so happens that our fore fathers beliefs were based on Christiantiy. In God We Trust,..and so we shall and should to keep Gods blessings and to keep what He's given us here in this Great Nation. God says He will never leave us or foresake us,...but if we turn from Him and don't call on His name, I think He'd be less likely to come to our aid. God's not going to butt in where He's not wanted. Pull the foundation out from under a building,..and what do you have?...something that will just crumble.

yes

totally agree with you, in england you are made to feel ashamed of having your own countrys flag up, children are sent home because thay are wearing the union jack, at my childrens school they have been taught about everyother religion going and we have a child at the school who is given special treatment because of there religion, all of these are examples of human rights gone mad, i have no issues with other peoples beliefs BUT dont want to see it everywhere i go and dont want to be harrased by them either keep your religions to yourself and then everyone will be happy.

It is quite reasonable and fair. However, some believers are not the same way. They find it offensive that anyone would question their faith. In their minds this hyper-sensitivity makes them devout...when it's more likely that they are just insecure. Forcing them to keep their symbols to themselves, or at least out of the public sphere (that which is funded by ALL tax-payers) implies that their faith just might be misplaced. In reality, our Constitution grants freedon for all religions, not just one. Putting religious symbols in public spaces would suggest that the state was partial. This rule is not in place because the founders of our country didn't believe in Christianity, it's in place because they believed in creating a system that was fair to believers of any (or no) religion. Historically, Christians are notorious for using the strength of their beliefs and the missionary stance of their churches and bibles as an excuse to subjugate non-believers. While you can't entirely deny them credit for the passion of their beliefs you can certainly fault them for being close-minded and intolerant.