Hi to all my Forum Friends,
Recently, a Religion Forum Friend who tends to lean heavily toward a legalistic theology and toward the secularist "separation of church and state" position, posted a new discussion which he titled "Dingbat Alert." He was upset because of the American Family Association's campaign to keep CHRIST in Christmas. I may not always agree with all the things the AFA does -- but, I applaud the AFA for taking a strong stand for our Christian faith.
Yet, my legalistic, "keep them separate" Friend begins his new discussion with this post:
The ultra-ultra-ultra right wing nut American Family ASSociation is at it again in their war on the "War on Christmas." Here is the latest attempt by these Mississippi meddlers to bully a company into saying things the"AFA way."
And, a Roman Catholic Friend posted her thoughts on the situation:
I personally am not offended if someone says, "Happy Holidays!" -- because I don't know their background. I do believe celebrating Christmas is Biblical, but not mandatory. I'm not saying it's sinful if one doesn't celebrate. But, shepherds brought gifts and paid Jesus respect and honor. Angels sang.
To me, I feel the things listed in the bible -- great joy, tidings, singing -- sound celebratory.
I don't need for every commercial business to say "Merry Christmas." Because businesses offer goods for sale to so many people, from so many backgrounds, I think many businesses are just trying to stay neutral. I am not bothered because of neutrality in a business.
My heart is for Jesus, so my heart is NOT neutral. Christmas is for the heart and soul, not for brick and mortar.
My Friend, that is a pretty good summary of the situation - and I agree with you.
And, as you said, when a business opens it doors to the public, it should expect, and will have, customers from all walks of life, from all religious backgrounds -- and they should not be restrained from greeting us in their faith -- and we should not be restrained from greeting people based upon our faith background.
If a person greets me, "Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan" -- or if an atheist, secularist, or humanist greets me, "Happy Holidays" -- I will smile and reply, "God bless you" or "Merry Christmas" -- whichever is appropriate.
None of us should be constrained from expressing our faith in terms of our own spiritual faith.
Yet, you and I both know that any of those folks can say what they want -- and it is considered okay.
But, let a Christian greet a customer, "Merry Christmas!" -- and they most likely will be fired.
I do not believe I have ever seen a Christian get upset or mad because another person greets him/her with "Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan" or even, "Happy Holidays."
Yet, how many times have we seen in the news, or heard, an atheist or a Muslim get upset and demand all sort of things, when greeted with, "Merry Christmas!"?
They must know that we are only expressing our joy in ways based upon our faith -- just as they are free to express their joy based upon their faith.
But, atheists and Muslims will march, hold public demonstrations, demanding, "Stop saying Merry Christmas to me!"
You tell me. Who is the one in error in this situation? And, who is the one being persecuted?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day AND, have a very Merry Christmas,
Bill