It's Christmastime again!

[conuly]

Did you know that there are honestly people in this world who cannot tell others what they believe, because that could lose them their jobs, their freedom, or their lives?

Yeah.

And there's people in this world who can't even own their own religious books because this could get them into some serious troubles.

Uh-huh.

And there's people in this very country who can't tell other important things about themselves because of the potential loss of jobs, lives, homes, whatever.

Yup.

So why, in this world of persecution and opression and pain, why are there stupid people claiming that they're being "oppressed" by losing their special rights, in favor of (say it with me) more equal rights?

Every year, it seems I'm asking the same question. WHY, LORD, WHY? Why don't you smack these people most righteously for using your name (and their religion) in vain and, incidentally, annoying the rest of us? WHY THE FUCK ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID?

It's not the religion talking - most of *my* religious friends are perfectly sane and reasonable. Those who aren't are still not suffering from delusions of persecution.

When my 8-month-old son gets just a little older, it appears he will be living in a country where Christmas is mentioned in our home and in our church, but will be non-existent in the popular media, at his school, in the mall, in the catalogs that come in the mail or by the government.

Such an extreme imbalance will teach him at the most basic level that Christianity is something embarrassing, offensive and threatening to "other people" — so much so that it must be kept private, hidden and never be talked about.

Ha! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, wait, sorry. HOHOHO! (Did Jesus ever say that?)

Now, aside from the fact that your son will almost certainly still be a member of the majority religion (and since when has the majority *anything* considered itself shameful?), and will still live in a world where most of his classmates go to church at least sometimes, and where the "strange" kids are the ones who have to fight to not declare an allegience to God every day, or to wear their religious clothes/symbols (and nobody worries that the Muslim children won't feel shamed by living in a culture where they're automatically assumed to be terrorists!), and that nobody else gets their holiday blared about like that, no, not even Hannukah....

Aside from all that (and that's a list!), I'm wondering why he's supporting secularizing his holiday even more. Isn't it more special when you spend the time contemplating the reason for your beliefs, instead of threatening your kid with Santa? Santa's not in the Bible, last I checked! Neither are computer games or colored lights or candy canes.

What could be more inclusive and non-offensive than a store clerk, who happens to be Jewish, wishing a customer "Happy Hanukkah," and the shopper, who happens to be Christian, responding with a cheery "Merry Christmas" — or, if an agnostic, just a simple, "Thank you."

What could be more inclusive and non-offensive than not automatically taking offense when somebody decides to hedge their bets and wish you a Happy Winter-holiday and New Year's all in one? Nobody's forcing you to say "holidays" if you don't wanna. And it alliterates better.

We have a message for our brothers and sisters who are writing the ads, creating the displays and printing the catalogs:

You are offending us.

We are pleading with you to stop.

So, wait. Wait, wait, wait. It's upsetting to think that this country is full of people who get easily offended at "Merry Christmas", but here he is getting offended at "Happy Holidays"? Hypocrite, much?

(I suppose I should at least be happy that he included the possibility of other holidays. This is really one of the better pieces out there....)

Another article on the subject, from a viewpoint I agree with.

Comments

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

Silly me, I read the title and thought this would be cheery!

Are "boys'" pants okay? I just realized one pair I got is boys' pants.

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

It's scary, actually. So far, most of my "persecutions" have come from self-righteous/radical/"literal"/brainwashed/fearful Christians. It's the crux of my "spiritual insanity"...trying to figure out my own "right faith" when those who supposedly share it with me are essentially saying I'm wrong in a Very Bad Way.

Ah well. I will let my conscience rule comfortably again, once the emotion-demons have been flushed out. :-p It's my conscience I feel is the Spirit within me telling me what is right or wrong.

And I'm certainly not going to tell everyone they need to be Christian. If they live a life filled with Love, treating others with the respect and rightness in conscience and using the brain (that I believe God gave us for a reason)...they're my sisters and brothers, no matter what faith they follow.

If someone wishes me a "happy day" for whatever reason, if it indeed of a pleasant nature, then I shall indeed smile, thank them, and "celebrate it with them" for just a moment.

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

Besides, if/when Jesus was born, He was most likely NOT born on Christmas Day as we know it. It was probably closer to April 4 or sometime around then. Seriously. *rolls eyes* I celebrate Him at this time of year, though, as it's as good a time as any. So is giving goodies to friends and family. Thankfully I've figured out something I can do for my friends that includes neither braving the frenzied hordes of Giftmas mobs nor spending money I don't have. Voila!

At least it's an excuse to get off work for a long weekend to brave the throngs known as in-laws, though. :-p

[conuly]

1. Sorry, ducky.

2. No. If you give her boy's pants, she'll grow strange, half-penises between her legs, and immediately develop facial hair. Plus, you'll turn her gay :P

I don't think Ana cares, or understands, that some people are boys and some are girls. And that's just the way I like it.

[conuly]

Preaching to the converted here. Or, like, not, but I agree with you on the Christmas issue anyway :)

[pne.livejournal.com]

It was probably closer to April 4 or sometime around then.

Interesting; I'm curious where you get that date from, because "6 April" is a date occasionally tossed around in circles I know.

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

There were a few documentaries I watched that were very informative (I suppose) and studied along with astronomy to pinpoint a date when such a "bright star" would have been seen. They also took into consideration what people of that area were doing at the time He was supposedly born, and since it's in the northern hemisphere, it wouldn't have been during winter but instead more likely well into spring.

As for the exact date, I didn't remember, but I knew it was about that general time, early April. :-)

[pne.livejournal.com]

They also took into consideration what people of that area were doing at the time He was supposedly born, and since it's in the northern hemisphere, it wouldn't have been during winter but instead more likely well into spring.

*nods* I'd heard that, too -- that even though Israel is warmer than, say, Germany, shepherds would be unlikely to be out with their flocks at night in December, for example.

[maelorin]

the myth of oppression is both convenient and a powerful tool for fundamentalists. it 'justifies' their claim to be 'special' and need support and everything.

it also creates the environment for manipulation of adherents.

isolate from others who might expose the game, and indoctrinate with "one true way" crap.

it's cultish (coz that works), and it's the reason so many are prepared to accept what they're told without question - they have no context fromwhich to challenge.

besides, with all those regular pep sessions, they feel 'pumped' on "jesus' love" [aka adrenalin] and are moderated to remain "on message".

and those who stray risk being banished ...

[jedirita.livejournal.com]

I myself am baffled as to why they are offended that stores are not using Jesus' birth for commercial purposes. It reminds me of a Simpsons episode: "In honor of our Savior's birth, Try'n'Save will be open 24 hours on Christmas Day."

[wodhaund.livejournal.com]

Even so, they were out during lambing season, which, last I checked, isn't in December, out with their flocks or not. XD

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

I think Ana would look quite distinguished with a beard.

[conuly]

Send her a fake one for Christmas, then :)

*blinks*

Actually....

[conuly]

Yeah, that's what *really* gets me. It's bad enough that they're offended at not being nonstop Christmas (when it's already non-stop Christianity in this country), but that they want it to be even *more* watered down? Huh?

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

Muahahaha....

Oh hey, sent you a letter today. Or wait, maybe it was yesterday... Anyway, letter.

[conuly]

Mother died today, or maybe it was yesterday?

Thanks. Letter! Letter! I bought stamps for Jenn the other day, got the nifty santa-ornament stamps. May not use 'em, though - I don't know if I have enough to mail kooky cookies.

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

Stamps are so @#$&@!&% expensive! Check the envelope out when it gets there, I think you might just be amused at how cheeeeap I am. :P

And hey, if you get a chance, AIM? Pretty please?

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

Silly me, I read the title and thought this would be cheery!

Are "boys'" pants okay? I just realized one pair I got is boys' pants.

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

It's scary, actually. So far, most of my "persecutions" have come from self-righteous/radical/"literal"/brainwashed/fearful Christians. It's the crux of my "spiritual insanity"...trying to figure out my own "right faith" when those who supposedly share it with me are essentially saying I'm wrong in a Very Bad Way.

Ah well. I will let my conscience rule comfortably again, once the emotion-demons have been flushed out. :-p It's my conscience I feel is the Spirit within me telling me what is right or wrong.

And I'm certainly not going to tell everyone they need to be Christian. If they live a life filled with Love, treating others with the respect and rightness in conscience and using the brain (that I believe God gave us for a reason)...they're my sisters and brothers, no matter what faith they follow.

If someone wishes me a "happy day" for whatever reason, if it indeed of a pleasant nature, then I shall indeed smile, thank them, and "celebrate it with them" for just a moment.

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

Besides, if/when Jesus was born, He was most likely NOT born on Christmas Day as we know it. It was probably closer to April 4 or sometime around then. Seriously. *rolls eyes* I celebrate Him at this time of year, though, as it's as good a time as any. So is giving goodies to friends and family. Thankfully I've figured out something I can do for my friends that includes neither braving the frenzied hordes of Giftmas mobs nor spending money I don't have. Voila!

At least it's an excuse to get off work for a long weekend to brave the throngs known as in-laws, though. :-p

[conuly]

1. Sorry, ducky.

2. No. If you give her boy's pants, she'll grow strange, half-penises between her legs, and immediately develop facial hair. Plus, you'll turn her gay :P

I don't think Ana cares, or understands, that some people are boys and some are girls. And that's just the way I like it.

[conuly]

Preaching to the converted here. Or, like, not, but I agree with you on the Christmas issue anyway :)

[pne.livejournal.com]

It was probably closer to April 4 or sometime around then.

Interesting; I'm curious where you get that date from, because "6 April" is a date occasionally tossed around in circles I know.

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

There were a few documentaries I watched that were very informative (I suppose) and studied along with astronomy to pinpoint a date when such a "bright star" would have been seen. They also took into consideration what people of that area were doing at the time He was supposedly born, and since it's in the northern hemisphere, it wouldn't have been during winter but instead more likely well into spring.

As for the exact date, I didn't remember, but I knew it was about that general time, early April. :-)

[pne.livejournal.com]

They also took into consideration what people of that area were doing at the time He was supposedly born, and since it's in the northern hemisphere, it wouldn't have been during winter but instead more likely well into spring.

*nods* I'd heard that, too -- that even though Israel is warmer than, say, Germany, shepherds would be unlikely to be out with their flocks at night in December, for example.

[maelorin]

the myth of oppression is both convenient and a powerful tool for fundamentalists. it 'justifies' their claim to be 'special' and need support and everything.

it also creates the environment for manipulation of adherents.

isolate from others who might expose the game, and indoctrinate with "one true way" crap.

it's cultish (coz that works), and it's the reason so many are prepared to accept what they're told without question - they have no context fromwhich to challenge.

besides, with all those regular pep sessions, they feel 'pumped' on "jesus' love" [aka adrenalin] and are moderated to remain "on message".

and those who stray risk being banished ...

[jedirita.livejournal.com]

I myself am baffled as to why they are offended that stores are not using Jesus' birth for commercial purposes. It reminds me of a Simpsons episode: "In honor of our Savior's birth, Try'n'Save will be open 24 hours on Christmas Day."

[wodhaund.livejournal.com]

Even so, they were out during lambing season, which, last I checked, isn't in December, out with their flocks or not. XD

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

I think Ana would look quite distinguished with a beard.

[conuly]

Send her a fake one for Christmas, then :)

*blinks*

Actually....

[conuly]

Yeah, that's what *really* gets me. It's bad enough that they're offended at not being nonstop Christmas (when it's already non-stop Christianity in this country), but that they want it to be even *more* watered down? Huh?

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

Muahahaha....

Oh hey, sent you a letter today. Or wait, maybe it was yesterday... Anyway, letter.

[conuly]

Mother died today, or maybe it was yesterday?

Thanks. Letter! Letter! I bought stamps for Jenn the other day, got the nifty santa-ornament stamps. May not use 'em, though - I don't know if I have enough to mail kooky cookies.

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

Stamps are so @#$&@!&% expensive! Check the envelope out when it gets there, I think you might just be amused at how cheeeeap I am. :P

And hey, if you get a chance, AIM? Pretty please?