We all know why Christmas was created. It wasn’t for sale items, stuffing ourselves, or gift giving; it was to celebrate the birth of Christ. Hence the name.
Some Christians seem paranoid that we’re going to forget such a simple fact, claiming there is a “War On Christmas” and using every opportunity to remind us of how secular we’ve become.
The reality is that Christmas no longer represents a religious event to many people. It’s a time to exchange presents, spend time with family, and reflect on the past. While most people understand the origins of the holiday, they aren’t necessarily wishing Jesus a “Happy Birthday” when they celebrate the season. This apathetic attitude about the religious aspects of the holiday isn’t acceptable to many social conservatives.
Mike Huckabee’s recent campaign ad seems to show a floating white cross in the background as he explains that we need to remember that Christmas is about the birth of Christ. Sure, it’s a bookshelf, but the lighting effect is suspicious. Huckabee laughs off questions about his motives, but it should surprise no one of if it were intentional, given the antics of the Religious Right over the last few decades.
The fire department in the small town I live in recently placed a lighted cross on the tower behind their station. When the newspaper ran the picture of the display, the caption said the Fire Chief wanted to make sure that everyone remembered the true meaning of Christmas.
Considering that community tax dollars are funding the religious symbol and it is displayed on public property, I know this type of thing would never be allowed in a larger city. Since our town only has a population of 10,000 and sits right in the middle of the Bible Belt, its easier to get away with it, and God help anyone who dares to complain.
Crosses and crucifixes have become common symbols in many cultures, seemingly carrying no religious meaning when displayed in the homes of rock stars, hanging from rear-view mirrors, and dangling from earrings, but the one prominently hanging several yards in the sky over our downtown area certainly does.
How do you feel about combining religion with politics, and using tax dollars and government property to display religious items?
6 Comments
I remember reading in the paper about last summer’s Billy Graham crusade that was in the area. The city paid for shuttle busses to transport people to the crusade from the various parking areas. I thought then that if this were in a larger city, I’m sure lots of stink would be raised about using tax dollars to provide transprotation services for a religious crusade.
I am thrilled when I see relious items prominetly displayed, but I don’t know how I feel about it being done in a governmental setting. I see it both ways. With the crusade issue, I tried to put myself in the shoes of non-believers. How would I feel if, sometime in the future government is forced to provide “equal billing” and my tax dollars are used to transport people to a satanic rally? Not good.
As for politics, it doesn’t bother me in the least. Public monies are not being used to fund campaigns, so if a person wants to boast his religion in order to get votes, I think they should be able to do so. If you don’t agree with their beliefs, you can show your displeasure by not giving them your vote.
Ron Paul’s Christmas video is very well done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZPCWGtIupE
Note the difference between his bookcase vs. Huckabee’s “bookcase”. Ron Paul has class.
John Edwards also did a nice one where he said, “this is the season of miracles, of faith, of love. . .” Avoiding the word “Christmas” altogether showed class, too. I guess I am one of those in the politically correct crowd and I appreciate when I see efforts to be inclusive and appropriate.
I have a question that I have not been able to answer through internet “research.” Along I81 in Virginia there are crosses in privately owned pastures. I am guessing that someone came up with the idea to minister to interstate drivers and got permission from each of the farmers to put this set of 3 crosses up on their land. The outside crosses are painted yellow and the middle cross is a little taller and painted white. Does anyone know the story of these crosses?
fightingwindmills,
I live in Virginia and was curious about those crosses myself. Check this site for the history and story of the man behind the crosses: http://christiancrosses.org/
JimT
Thank you, Jim! That link was exactly what I needed to help me understand those crosses. I seem to have gotten the colors reversed. The middle one is yellow and the flanking ones are white. Thanks again for helping me out.
Well, I think that it is perdectly fine to display the cross & am glad that the use of my tax money is being vsionally displayed. It is better than in the pockets of the public officials.
I understand some of what you are saying but what I don’t understand in all the political rights & wrongs of the issue, how come I have to be okay with NOT having words or sayings that display a religious theme? I thought freedom of religion is in the constitution or has that changed already?
Merry CHRISTmas!!!!!
LOVE You!!!
@ Alyson: Actually, public money is being used to fund presidential campaigns… at least for the candidates that choose matching federal funds.
@ Liz: The First Amendment to The Constitution -
You are free to practice whatever religion you wish or none at all. However, the government is not allowed to promote or encourage any particular religion.
There is nothing preventing someone from practicing their religion in their home or their meeting place, so it isn’t a matter of limiting anyone’s freedoms.
The only way to preserve religious freedom is to keep it completely separate from government. All we need is a quick look at the Middle East to realize what can happen when religion and government merge.
Happy Holidays!