Originally Posted by DVPGSR
Here is the flaw in the argument though, Christianity is not one particular religion but rather a collection of religions all of whom believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God. Their differences are in how they choose to worship and if the follow the Pope or not. There is no particular religion being enforced upon people and there is no restrictions on the freedom to practice other religions as well. When someone proposes a bill saying that Catholicism is to be the state religion of the US and all other religous sects are outlawed I will stand up and cry fowl. (I am Catholic BTW) But if my town wants to put a Menorah on the town green I am not going to be upset about that because I can be tolerant of others faiths and recognize that displaying anything religous is not an imposition.
Well, endorsement is the legal standard in situations like this. Regardless of whether or not Christianity is considered one religion or many (which is arguing semantics anyway) isn't the point. When a state puts up solely Christian symbols, icons, displays, etc. it is essentially saying that these are the people we care about and all you other a-holes can eat it.
That's why context matters. Like in your menorah example - if the menorah was involved in an overall winter holiday display (some lights, a nativity scene, etc.) it would be ok because it's part of an overall display celebrating the winter holiday (note a state doesn't have to include every religion possible). However, if the local capitol's display only had a crapload of menorah/Hannukah symbols, with no lights, snowmen, etc. the state is showing it is endorsing/approving of solely Judaism.