Dec 21 2008
Christmas, Christians, and Those Who Say No To Religion.
It seems odd to me that so many people think Christianity - well any religion - should be pulled completely out of politics. Why? Why should we not have moral laws? What is wrong with putting a little morality on the table?
I understand that Christianity isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it is out there. And Christianity is never more prominant than during December. Why?
Because of Christmas.
There is a feeling that Christmas has become so commercialized that it lacks any true religious meaning. That cannot be true. Without Christianity, there is no Christmas. Ther reason Christmas has become so big is that there are so many Christians.
At this time of year there are Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, special concerts in the halls of the Capitol, nativity plays, and songs on the radio that have lyrics about God and Christ (which you would never hear otherwise except - maybe - on a country station). Somehow, morality and God have become ok in December.
I am fine with that. In fact, it would be nice to have religion year-round. But there are those who say no to the whole idea of Christmas. In CA, not even the most annoying liberal legislator would think of suggesting that the Governor not do the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, or that the Capitol not be decorated and have special concerts every day at noon. The people of California accept Christmas as a valid holiday.
But in other states (Illinois and Mass. come to mind) there are groups who are banning Christmas lights and Christmas displays in various towns. It seems a little absurd.
Why ban Christmas?
Because it is Christian say those groups.
Yet even in California, the most liberal state - by far - in the nation, Christmas isn’t banned. In fact, lots of things center around Christmas. Christmas is a federal and state holiday. Children get a week of at Christmas of school - it is called the “winter” break, but everyone knows it is for Christmas. Offices get decorated and stores have Christmas sales. Christmas (and by extension) Christianity, are alive and well.
It is good to know that at one time of year everyone does recognize something religious. Now if we could get those same people to behave well all year round, we’d be in business.
I think this whole “war on christmas” is pretty much made up. There are a few isolated incidents of asshattery out there and then people like O’Reilly take it and run with it and turn it into this ridiculous scenario where there’s some grand conspiracy of leftists who are out to victimize christians.
The crazies can argue all they want that Christmas brings people together, but they’ll never understand what it feels like to get out of Hebrew school on a Wednesday afternoon and be greeted with a deceptively cheery “Merry Christmas” at the nearby arcade. They’ll never understand the isolation felt in a department store, slathered with green and red ribbons and images of overweight pedophiles in pajamas, smiling, always smiling. They’ll never understand the betrayal felt as their favorite sitcom characters — the only two-dimensional people they can actually relate to on this earth — sing with smiles, “We’re not like you.”
In the year 2000, only 76.5% of Americans identified themselves as Christian . That leaves 23.5% of the country wincing everytime Toby Keith opens his mouth in December.
LOL, Bill. Some people don’t realize that Christmas is now actually a part of our culture in the US. I am not a Christian, but I put up a tree and give gifts..why? Because it’s tradition and a part of my culture. I don’t go to Christmas programs or do anything that applies to the religious part of the holiday. -
I know that some people think that there is no religious part - that the whole thing is religious. - I say it’s whatever you make it to be in your family and in your home.
I must admit that I do not believe in God. Too many things have happened to me in my life that defy his existance, but I love Christmas purely and simply because it is a time for family. I love spending the day with my family.
However, although I am all for the enrichment of various cultures and religions and do not feel prejudice towards any, I can’t believe the comment above. America was originally a Christian country and taking away Christmas or banning it for the few would be a crime against the very foundations of the American culture. 76.5% is a definite majority.
I’m not a religious person but i don’t have a problem with the Christmas thing. Hell, this is my favorite holiday!
http://politicalanimal.today.com/
I don’t think that people feel betrayed and left out during the Christmas season. Why would you even feel that way? Your feelings are something you can control, so instead of feeling betrayed, you should feel thankful that this is a season of giving.
I agree, its part of the culture now, but it is a religious holiday. People think they can separate the two, and maybe in your mind you are capable of it. But regardless of what you feel about religion, if there wasn’t religion we wouldn’t have Christmas - or the Christmas season.
It is my favorite time of year too. I make decorations, do up the whole house and enjoy the season. And the smeels of evergreen and cinammon. I love it.