COMMENTARY | Christmas is coming. I'm going to enjoy it as a non-Christian. I'd also like to recommend my religious Christian friends enjoy theirs too. But, as stated by the late Christopher Hitchens, "Religion poisons everything." The insistence of Christians that Christianity be promoted on public property is plain wrong -- possibly evil. It's not American to expect one religion to be advanced above all others by government.
Those of you who want your mythology of the nativity scene promoted on public property -- as reported on theblaze.com -- are twisted. How's that for an opinion? While you're welcome to host your own nativity scene on private property, you seem angry over not being allowed to push your beliefs via displays on public, tax-funded property. Seeing as how government property is paid for by Christian and non-Christian tax dollars, what gives you the "right" to advance your religious beliefs over others?
The above-referenced video mentions one Tracie Lyda of Athens, Texas, asking "What is so offensive about a baby in a manger?" Well, it's on government property. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is merely responding to a call for help from one of your neighbors, who are tired of someone else's religious beliefs being advanced by the local government. You might not be aware, but others do not buy into the guilt of Christianity, and your local government has no right to advance your brand of religion from their position of authority. That's what's so offensive. We don't live in a theocracy.
Frankly, I'm shocked by this response. The Christians I've met are usually more understanding and kind, with no desire to force their religions on others. Why this sudden anger over separation of church and state? Are you desirous of a theocracy, like the Muslims have in the Middle East? Are you no different? And, who are any of you to say what's Christmas or not anyway? ABC News shows some Michigan residents are being chided for their non-biblical celebration of Christmas.
Ours is a secular government. We have a variety of belief systems within the minds of our populace. Just because a particular government official "thinks" it's OK to push their personal beliefs over others', doesn't make them right. Even if this country is a majority Christian doesn't give any bureaucrat the right to advance their personal beliefs onto every passer-by. Like it or not.
