The Holiday War has started once again. Amazingly enough, during one of our most important holiday seasons, there's a good chance that, whether you say "Merry Christmas" or Happy Holidays", many people will take offense. It would be funny if it wasn't so destructive to our society.
There are numerous winter traditions - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and indigenous/nature based life-ways all have winter holidays - and that only scratches the surface. They are all celebrated at approximately the same time, during the shortest days of the year. Why, then, do some Christians get so angry when others acknowledge all holidays, instead of just one? Then again, why do some non-Christians get so upset if someone wishes them a Merry Christmas?
Both groups show a level of intolerance that is in direct conflict with the teachings they espouse. Each side accuses the other of intolerance, and of attacking "their" traditions, while ignoring the hypocrisy of their position. Each side attempts to lay exclusive claim to various holiday traditions, even widespread customs, such as decorated trees &/or decorating the home with greenery (most often coniferous evergreens), the Yule log, caroling. The two main opponents (Christians and "universalists", for lack of a better term) each demand that only their approved greeting be used.
Where is the tolerance and respect demanded by our beliefs? Where is the walk, and not just talk - disrespectful talk at that? All of it seems so pointless, so destructive, so unspiritual.
I have friends of at least a dozen faiths; among the Christians, I can immediately recall ten Protestant denominations, minor differences notwithstanding, not to mention the various types of Catholics I know. More curious is that at least three of the denominations of which I'm familiar do not celebrate Christmas at all. They do not trim a tree; they do not exchange presents; they do not wish each other a Merry Christmas. One of them views the whole affair as decidedly heathen, pagan, and in direct conflict with the Bible.
Why should my Celtic friends refer to their holiday tree using another religion's term? Why should my Jewish friends not call their tree a Hanukkah Tree? And, if our government represents all of the people, why shouldn't we call it a Holiday Tree when it's on government property?
We can all gather around the Holiday Tree and sings carols together. We can sing songs from each tradition, and learn about each other in a respectful way. Isn't that better than arguing over territory and the rights of one above all others? If a person greets us with a phrase different from our own, we can still acknowledge it with a smile. Even better we can show respect for our friends and associates by using their term when greeting them.
Instead of engaging in fruitless, sacrilegious hostility, let us engage in peaceful respect for others in our community. Let us seek harmony and understanding, as taught by our holy books and scriptures. Instead of acting as adversaries, let us join hands as friends and live a life of Spirit together.
In peace,
Lane
There are numerous winter traditions - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and indigenous/nature based life-ways all have winter holidays - and that only scratches the surface. They are all celebrated at approximately the same time, during the shortest days of the year. Why, then, do some Christians get so angry when others acknowledge all holidays, instead of just one? Then again, why do some non-Christians get so upset if someone wishes them a Merry Christmas?
Both groups show a level of intolerance that is in direct conflict with the teachings they espouse. Each side accuses the other of intolerance, and of attacking "their" traditions, while ignoring the hypocrisy of their position. Each side attempts to lay exclusive claim to various holiday traditions, even widespread customs, such as decorated trees &/or decorating the home with greenery (most often coniferous evergreens), the Yule log, caroling. The two main opponents (Christians and "universalists", for lack of a better term) each demand that only their approved greeting be used.
Where is the tolerance and respect demanded by our beliefs? Where is the walk, and not just talk - disrespectful talk at that? All of it seems so pointless, so destructive, so unspiritual.
I have friends of at least a dozen faiths; among the Christians, I can immediately recall ten Protestant denominations, minor differences notwithstanding, not to mention the various types of Catholics I know. More curious is that at least three of the denominations of which I'm familiar do not celebrate Christmas at all. They do not trim a tree; they do not exchange presents; they do not wish each other a Merry Christmas. One of them views the whole affair as decidedly heathen, pagan, and in direct conflict with the Bible.
Why should my Celtic friends refer to their holiday tree using another religion's term? Why should my Jewish friends not call their tree a Hanukkah Tree? And, if our government represents all of the people, why shouldn't we call it a Holiday Tree when it's on government property?
We can all gather around the Holiday Tree and sings carols together. We can sing songs from each tradition, and learn about each other in a respectful way. Isn't that better than arguing over territory and the rights of one above all others? If a person greets us with a phrase different from our own, we can still acknowledge it with a smile. Even better we can show respect for our friends and associates by using their term when greeting them.
Instead of engaging in fruitless, sacrilegious hostility, let us engage in peaceful respect for others in our community. Let us seek harmony and understanding, as taught by our holy books and scriptures. Instead of acting as adversaries, let us join hands as friends and live a life of Spirit together.
In peace,
Lane
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