Wednesday, December 2, 2009

It's December and that Means It's Time for the Grinches to Come Out in Force

It's December which means that it's time for the anti-Christian campaign to kick things into high gear and start complaining about any vaguely Christian symbols in public places. Catholic.org gave a number of examples of the craziness that has already started as has Bill Donohue.

"Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the latest Grinch campaigns:

This is a lonely time of year for those who believe in nothing. Most, however, manage to get by without lashing out at believers. But not the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Last year, this group took its campaign to Olympia, Washington, and this year the Wisconsin-based religion haters are taking their show on the road to Springfield, Illinois. Here is what their sign says:

There are no gods,
no devils, no angels,
no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but
myth and superstition
that hardens hearts
and enslaves minds.

By contrast, the American Humanist Association’s campaign is not anti-religion; it is simply pro-atheism. Nonetheless, its timing is clearly designed to compete with the Christmas message. It says, “No God…No Problem!” This sign will appear in several cities, including Washington, D.C."
The Freedom from Religion sign brought one thought into my mind: It especially heartbreaking when people can't recognize the freedom that comes with conversion and faith. I thought that I was "free" before I converted. I was miserable, although I was living on my own and could pretty much do whatever I wanted! I was searching, without being fully conscious of that fact, for the one thing that my soul longed for and would always long for: God.

On another note (back to the original topic) a commenter on the Catholic.org article doesn't see anything wrong with all the anti-Christian rhetoric and said:
"Defending Christmas" is simply code to feel comfortable for shunning Jews, Muslims and any other non-Christians. Does Christmas really need "defense"? Is selling more Santa junk really the mission of any church? Christmas is doing just fine, and doesn't need to insult Jews to feel good about itself."
Quite a few thoughts popped into my head when I read this quote... does the writer of this question who we shall call "John" really believe that all the Grinches out there really have a problem with the consumerism that runs rampant this time of year? My husband however, beat me to the punch with his response to John on Catholic.org.
John, you simply couldn't be more wrong. It isn't about insulting anyone else. It's about sticking up for yourself. People are trying to bully Christians whom they take to be soft targets to make themselves feel better.

We have always celebrated Christmas in our culture. It is a national holiday. Why should we get flak for celebrating what is a national holiday?

This really isn't about us Christians. Its about the poor maladjusted egos of others who hate Christianity. If you want to though, John, you could hold a non-orientational candle light vigil to be in "solidarity" with all the victims who are oppressed when little old ladies say "merry christmas" to them.

Merry Christmas!
Paul
I wish Paul had more time. I would try to convince him to start his own blog. But then I would start start to get competitive with him over who had more readers, so maybe it's best I just steal his comments once in a while.

Despite the best efforts of atheists and the extremely bitter, Christmas keeps rolling along year after year and our while our traditions may be banned from certain places, they remain entrenched in our hearts. Perhaps more so because they have brought to our attention the importance of our faith by trying to take it away and sweep it under the rug.

2 comments:

  1. Good morning! I got a kick out of Paul's response. Especially the "oppressed little old ladies".

    Perhaps you would let Paul do an occasional "guest" post on YOUR blog. It may attract more readers with the contrast.

    Fortunately, here in flyover country we do not see the PC anti types as much. My sympathies are extended to all y'all on the left coast.

    Speaking of left coast. Sometime on one of your drives to the ocean, perhaps Paul would be willing to pull over & snap a pic or two in the redwoods. Sadie really needs to have those memories preserved. :) And besides, us logger-wannabees just looooooove tree pics. :)

    God bless y'all. I'm off now to check in on the Darwins, the Cavemen, local weather, obits, etc...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Cliff-

    I think that's a great idea. I'll ask him if he can squeeze it in. He just finished up a twenty something page paper on the Vatican II documents, but he's about to go on Christmas break, so he might be willing to give it a try.

    It's a relief to know that the PC anti-types aren't anywhere. When they're always around you kind of imagine it being that way everywhere!

    I can't believe I don't have any pictures of Sadie in the redwoods, but as I read this I realized that I don't! Since I grew up in them (for the first seven years of my life) I think I kind of take them for granted! It shouldn't be too long until our next trip though, we go over a few times a year, usually to escape from the heat or the cold since the temps are a bit more moderate.

    Have a good day!

    ReplyDelete

I love comments and I read every single comment that comes in (and I try to respond when the little ones aren't distracting me to the point that it's impossible!). Please show kindness to each other and our family in the comment box. After all, we're all real people on the other side of the screen!