There’s nothing like Christmas time to rehash the old secular versus religion battle, right? Every year, we’re treated to a host (excuse the pun for Catholics) of lies and deceptions perpetuated on people at the hands of religion. Moreover, in contemporary society, it’s awash in rampant consumerism.
One symbol that always seems to be under attack is the Christmas tree as Jean Charest found out. Not even a modest majority government can protect him from the cult of political correctness.
Is nothing sacred anymore?
Gifts and trees aside, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. And while it has been asserted (by Isaac Newton for example) that December 25 was selected because it corresponded to the winter solstice (it’s been suggested Jesus was probably born in March), it still doesn’t detract from the root of why we celebrate.
Despite all the politically correct machinations, moral and religious relativism, people for the most part still accept December 25 for what it is. It doesn’t make them deniers of anything. They just go with their instincts and those instincts tell them how the Christmas spirit and holiday fills with them with good feelings.
Things aren’t perfect, I know. Church attendance is down and I doubt people pray by their bedsides maintaining a private relationship with Jesus. We’re all going to pay dearly for that. The other day I dreamed I was meeting Virgil and Dante at the gates of hell.
Meh.
I believe in Christmas knowing logically it probably is historically inaccurate. Nonetheless, I’m able to set aside my knowledge and readings of Voltaire’s secularism (and other rational philosophers for that matter) to take Christmas for what it is: a celebration of the birth of a revolutionary figure. As the Doobie Brothers once sang, Jesus is just alright.
I’m not the most overt religious person but I shall never make apologies for saying “Merry Christmas.”
And if you’re the type to be insulted after being told these kind words, well, then you’re just a crank. Someone should buy you a Bing Crosby holiday sweater and some marshmallows.
This is who we are. In the West, Christendom is the predominant religion and liberalism is the prevailing political philosophy. Nothing wrong in that.
I agree with Gina that we should acknowledge all religious celebrations from different cultures. We’re definitely more aware of other cultures now and this is a sign of progress. However, we needn’t subvert ours to pander to the lowest common denominator in an effort not to offend anyone.
On this note, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all. Take it away, Linus!
