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Locally right here where I have to live, the annual mudslinging & lawsuits have made the news... again. The subject? Decorations at the state Capitol building. The Christian nativity scene has been placed on the grounds like it is every year. Another group called the Freethinkers petitioned to have their winter solstice display put up on the grounds also. It's a tall, wooden rectangular box with a roof, & on all four sides is information relating to the winter solstice. The group's petition to have their display placed on the grounds was refused (again); the official denial statement was because the box was "inconsistent with existing holiday decorations." This is despite the fact that the proposed solstice display meets the requirements of the state Capitol display policy. Of course, it does not sport any traditional Christmas decorations. Mostly the Freethinkers' display has been compared to an outhouse.

During a local news broadcast that has a public opinion question every day, yesterday's poll was how did the viewers feel about having the solstice display along with the traditional nativity scene on state Capital grounds? The responses were extremely derogatory towards the Freethinkers, to say the least. But this is the Bible Belt, with a church every few blocks it seems. I myself didn't bother to weigh in on the tv station's poll. The ACLU will appear in Federal Court on Monday to appeal the Secretary of State's denial of permission to this non-Christian group.

Anyway, I've described the embarrassing annual festivities here in my home state to discuss this same situation in general. In browsing around the Eons site lately, I've seen a few other discussions about Christmas. Most surprising to me was to see one thread in a self-described nondenominational group geared towards spiritualism. The overwhelming sentiment I've seen in several groups is that people *will* say "Merry Christmas", would rather choke than say "happy holidays," are celebrating Christmas & only Christmas, & constantly remind people of the "reason for the season."

I find this *so* very dismaying, & it makes me feel bad. There is little evidence of respect for the spiritual beliefs of others, in spite of the principal of religious freedom this country was founded on. It seems that the Christian Christmas celebration is the only one that matters, the only one worthy of attention (all over the media), & that the very economy of this country pivots on the "reason for the season."

I respect the concept behind Christmas, even while knowing its history. I respect the right of people to celebrate it the way they choose, & will gladly wish every Christian I meet a Merry Christmas - & mean it! But I'm finding it more & more difficult every year to accept the attitude of intolerance & disrespect of Christians towards those of other beliefs during the Christmas season (of all times of the year to be intolerant!). No, I'm not painting all Christians with the same brush, but the vocal majority do bray the loudest. And everybody knows that the majority rules in a democracy, right? So the majority makes sure their heritage & rights are upheld & their beliefs are respected, but does that mean they get to trample the heritage, rights, dignity, & beliefs of others?

Perhaps I should move to a deserted island, since human nature never fails to disappoint. This season hasn't been a happy one for me for a long time, but I do try my best when I'm around my family. Situations like this make it worse.

For some gentle reflection during the upcoming weeks, I'd ask everyone to consider all the other days of celebration held throughout the month of December.

December 8 - Bodhi Day, Buddha's Enlightenment
December 12 - First day of Hanukkah; moveable, based on Jewish calendar
December 18 - Al Hijra, Muslim New Year
December 19 - Last day of Hanukkah; moveable, based on Jewish calendar
December 21 - Winter Solstice, earth-based religions such as Wicca
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - First day of Kwanzaa, thru January 1

Thanks for your post, Sylk. Tolerance, freedom and Love during the holiday season - what a tremendous idea!
Obviously, you have it, and I think I have it - so maybe there's hope of others getting it too?
I know this wasn't intended in any way to be a political post, but the comment about democracy is true, however the U.S. is a republic not a true democracy. The people do not get to choose by popularity what the government does. We elect representatives who we feel are able to make good and proper decisions, then trust them to represent us. My guess is that they will decide to not support the out-house display for the holidays again this year. Maybe that isn't all bad either.
I am imagining everyone doing the best they can with where, what, and who they are to do what is right. A problem arises when what seems like the right thing to one person doesn't look like that to another. Perhaps if we would try to walk that mile in the shoes of others more we would see things from a different perspective.
I consider myself a very unconventional Christian, and I prefer to look at the positive aspects of the spirit of the holidays. There is still a lot of thinking, talking, and feeling about love, respect, tolerance, freedom, compassion, and charity at this time of year. Thank God!
Blessings for a very happy holidays !!!

I consider myself a very unconventional Christian, and I prefer to look at the positive aspects of the spirit of the holidays. There is still a lot of thinking, talking, and feeling about love, respect, tolerance, freedom, compassion, and charity at this time of year. Thank God!
Blessings for a very happy holidays !!!

posted by rickydale
Funny you should say that Rick, because your unconventional-ism use to be the conventional way one who called themselves Christian use to behave. My grandmother was a " Conventional Christian " back in the day. The religion has not changed. The people who practice it have. As we speak there are conservative Christian practitioners looking to rewrite the bible because they say " there is to much liberal thinking in it ".

But for what it's worth, Blessings to all, and a very happy observance!

As a Freethinker and an active and proud member of the ACLU, please allow me to clear up some misunderstandings that many people have.

Most Freethinkers do respect other people’s right to practice their religion. They can practice it in their homes and churches. Freethinkers just don’t want any religion endorsed or subsidized by our government. Putting up a Christian nativity scene in the county courthouse not only institutionalizes Christianity at the exclusion of other believers and non-believers but it also uses our tax dollars in the promotion of Christianity. What would many people think if Muslims got equal time and, at public expense, a display promoting Islam was put up?

Ironically, giving equal time to an atheist display does not fix the violation of the Establishment Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution.

I believe strongly in tolerance and brotherhood and so when people wish me a “Merry Christmas” I wish them a “Happy Holidays” in the same spirit of good cheer.

Oh and by the way. It just hit me. If my birthday falls on Christmas day, would it be unchristian to publicly celebrate it, bring attention to it by posting it on an information board in the office of a Government building?

Putting up a Christian nativity scene in the county courthouse not only institutionalizes Christianity at the exclusion of other believers and non-believers but it also uses our tax dollars in the promotion of Christianity.
CommonGround

Here's where I disagree. I think the inclusion of tax dollars in the talking points are just a way to sensationalize the point. I have no problem with tax dollars being used as long as all observances get equal display. I believe in making the umbrella wider, not close it altogether. Extremes from either side make us less free.

COEXIST IS CORRECT Let it be and let us all learn tolerance....now I even think Jesus would agree

Why wasn't the practice of displaying the Nativity scene never questioned by our parents and grandparents? The immigrants who came over here from other countries celebrated the holidays in their own way, but were in the melting pot of America. Did they accept our traditions of public display of the Nativity scene without question? Religious significance on public display is pounced upon by the ACLU. In the 70s, Madelyn Murray O'Hare in Austin, TX (we lived there at that time) was one of the first to oppose the concept of display of religious artifacts in public buildings. She was a confirmed athiest. So her doctrines of separation of church and state have become the law of the land, She accelerated the movement.

I tend to agree with Charles. Why not give those who want to display their religious symbols equal rights? Outlawing them gives the athiests and agnostics too much power to control the populace. The ACLU had the power to change the words "under God" spoken in the pledge of allegiance, what next?

Ironically, the words "under God" were not included in the original pledge of allegiance. They were added in much later to thumb our noses at the "godless Communists".