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Christmas Crusaders
by Jan Brazill
| As this Holiday season approaches, one wonders what could come next in the annual Christmas Crusade to restore the holiday's "true meaning." Those Christians who believe their own propaganda that "this is a Christian country" feel an exclusive ownership of this holiday and want it celebrated exactly their way. They resent not only the increasing secularization of the season, but the fact that other religions' celebrations are honored at this time of year. (Even the Post Office is now offering Holiday stamps honoring Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Eid in addition to Christmas and secular stamps.) |
Christians insist that "Jesus is the reason for the season." While Jesus may be THEIR reason, it is obvious that many others find their reasons in their own religions or simply in the tradition of give-giving and merry-making that have no religious meaning whatsoever. |
Feeling persecuted by this lack of deference, Christians have set up a "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign" to fight what they call "blatant religious discrimination." Using their tax-free funds, they have hired hundreds of lawyers to fight opposition to the religious displays they insist on placing on public property. The attorneys also watch for instances they might sue public schools, say if a school neglects to include "Silent Night" in a December concert. They continually ignore the fact that schools and public places are supported by tax money and therefore belong to ALL citizens, not just Christians. |
They imperiously demand that everyone use the term "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays." This obsessions has led to threatened boycotts of stores and has even caused them to criticize Present Bush's holiday card for using the generic term. Schools are censured for changing "Christmas vacation" to "winter break." |
Amazingly, this word fixation extends to the Holiday tree, which these crusaders insist be called a "Christmas tree," even when decorated with non-religious symbols. Their Bible confirms that this tradition has a pagan source, and warns them not to adapt it: |
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What can we expect next in the Christians' Christmas Crusade? What new twist might they devise to force their brand of religion on the whole of society? |
Perhaps there's a clue in their reaction to Halloween festivities. They have discouraged many schools from allowing children to indulge in the traditions of that holiday, claiming that Halloween customs involve worship of the Devil. |
With this mindset, it is only a matter of time until it occurs to them that the name "Santa" could be a magical anagram for "Satan." It would follow that the candy and toys and bright lights enjoyed by children on Christmas Day should be considered a temptation from the Devil, creating a sinful diversion from the sober reflections demanded of believers as they honor the birth of Christ. Like the Puritans before them, they would ban such frivolity. |
What a shame for children everywhere if these fanatical crusaders take the "Merry" out of Christmas by turning Santa into Satan! |
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