OK, here we are, smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. And, once again, I find myself wondering about those who attempt to force their holiday on others. Yes, Christmas is coming. And for many, it's an extremely important religious holiday, more than just a chance to get presents.
The thing is, there are other major religious celebrations going on during this time as well. And there are those who, for one reason or another, don't celebrate a "holiday" during this part of the year. So why do some feel the need to try to force others into acting as if Christmas is the only holiday and that everyone should be celebrating it?
Now, for many, if not most, it is a celebration of Christmas. But not for all. Some celebrate Hanukkah. Others celebrate Kwanzaa. Still others have already celebrated Ramadan...for an entire month! Let's not forget Solstice. Or those who have no specific winter celebration as part of their spiritual or religious path.
Here in America, we're supposed to have freedom of religion. We are not supposed to be forced into any particular religious mold. And I support this completely. It is not my right or obligation to force others to believe as I do. Neither is it the right of anyone else to tell others how to worship or what to believe. Or celebrate.
Many of our worst wars have been fought in the name of religion when, in fact, virtually every religion has a prohibition against killing. Most religions also preach tolerance of the beliefs of others.
I believe that we all need to be tolerant of other's choices in terms of spirituality and religion, as long as they're not preaching death and destruction to "non-believers". And, as you've probably already figured out (at least, if you've visited my web site), I believe that we can all live in greater harmony if we practice tolerance and respect.
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. He was the ultimate pacifist. He taught that we should all show respect and compassion to others. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all who claim to follow him were to at least attempt to follow his teachings?
If you celebrate Christmas, I hope it is a joyful - and meaningful - day for you. But I sure won't force you to celebrate it if it isn't part of your spirituality.
Happy Holidays!
The thing is, there are other major religious celebrations going on during this time as well. And there are those who, for one reason or another, don't celebrate a "holiday" during this part of the year. So why do some feel the need to try to force others into acting as if Christmas is the only holiday and that everyone should be celebrating it?
Now, for many, if not most, it is a celebration of Christmas. But not for all. Some celebrate Hanukkah. Others celebrate Kwanzaa. Still others have already celebrated Ramadan...for an entire month! Let's not forget Solstice. Or those who have no specific winter celebration as part of their spiritual or religious path.
Here in America, we're supposed to have freedom of religion. We are not supposed to be forced into any particular religious mold. And I support this completely. It is not my right or obligation to force others to believe as I do. Neither is it the right of anyone else to tell others how to worship or what to believe. Or celebrate.
Many of our worst wars have been fought in the name of religion when, in fact, virtually every religion has a prohibition against killing. Most religions also preach tolerance of the beliefs of others.
I believe that we all need to be tolerant of other's choices in terms of spirituality and religion, as long as they're not preaching death and destruction to "non-believers". And, as you've probably already figured out (at least, if you've visited my web site), I believe that we can all live in greater harmony if we practice tolerance and respect.
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. He was the ultimate pacifist. He taught that we should all show respect and compassion to others. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all who claim to follow him were to at least attempt to follow his teachings?
If you celebrate Christmas, I hope it is a joyful - and meaningful - day for you. But I sure won't force you to celebrate it if it isn't part of your spirituality.
Happy Holidays!
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