Emily L. Ferguson wrote:
At 7:45 AM -0600 12/20/05, William B. Ellis wrote:
I tend to look at these discussions this way. I'm one who will wish
someone Merry Christmas. When I do, I'm wishing others what I feel ,
not what I want them to believe. If they do believe what I do or wish
to, that's their choice. If someone is offended by this greeting, and
please don't take this wrong, but it's THEIR problem not mine. I try
not to offend, but being human, it will unintentionally happen
sometimes. I'll not apologize for saying Merry Christmas, nor will I
cease. When I'm told I can't say Merry Christmas because I'll offend
someone else, please understand that offends me.
Everyone have a joyous holiday season, but I'll have a Merry Christmas.
Some people don't celebrate Christmas. Some people don't celebrate at
this time of year. Best to honor that by wishing them something that
they can connect to.
Wishing them Merry Christmas when they are part of any number of
populations that have been persecuted by those who celebrate Christmas
seems pretty presumptuous to me.
Maybe I'm just a committed Blue-stater.
Have all people that celebrate Christmas been involved in persecution? I
doubt it! I celebrate Christmas, but I have never persecuted anyone. Nor
I suspect have the majority of genuine Christians. Nor have I agreed
that someone else should.
Just because some people claim to be Christian and justify their cruelty
against others in the name of Christ is not therefore a just reason to
condemn Christianity or Christmas;
nor can I dismiss a religion simply because some of its members distort
their beliefs to justify their appalling acts - did all Islam condone
9/11? Not according to my understanding.
As for Bush, well he's convinced God's on his side I suppose so he
believes can do what he likes. Seems to me he's more like a megalomanic
than a Christian.
And I refuse to apologize for other people's behaviour. Heck, if I
didn't do it so why should I say sorry for it?
Furthermore I have several Muslim friends, who, strangely, celebrate
Christmas. But then Christ was a prophet to Muslims so they can
celebrate Christmas and I can't and you don't? Crazy.
I object to pandering to other people's /*presumed*/ sensitivities. They
can practise their beliefs, and we'll practise ours. There's plenty of
room for all given tolerant respect.
Merry Christmas! to those who will accept it. It's a great pagan
festival, nothing to do with Christ at all really...
Howard
P.S. Do all blue-staters wish Joyous Holiday Season? That could be the
summer vacation. Merry Celebrations? Another birthday p*ss-up?
/*Let's stick to photography.*/
