Witch Willows WanderingsChristians Only. No Others Allowed.
December 17th 2006 03:10
What Would Jesus Do?
Are you a Christian? Statistics show that a majority of people in the US with religious beliefs are a Christian in some form. Well, Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and recently there has been the yearly controversy of what to call the holidays. So here is my question: What about the other people in this country that do not consider themselves to be Christians? Why do the Christians find it their duty in life to commandeer the winter holidays and really all other major holidays as well? What if you are a Jew, Muslim, Pagan, Sikh, Buddhist, or even an atheist? Why do we as Americans allow one group to take over a holiday or celebration and say it is solely theirs and nobody else can have it? Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of the people you see on TV ranting and raving about being politically correct and changing everything. But, when and where do you draw the line?
It’s not just the holidays either. If you look back through the year at comments made about Jews or any other religion, there was not too much said as to why it was allowed. However, if someone even thinks of uttering a negative word against Christians and/or Christianity then the world will stop and demands for retraction will be set into motion. So why is this? Why are we letting Christians, especially the fundies take over our country and tell us how to think and what to believe? I am not a Christian and I find it offensive that they don’t acknowledge other religions and their beliefs. Here is why I think they are getting away with so much now: They have numerous well-known and influential people in the media and public eye. The only other religion that has some sort of well know advocates are affiliated with Islam. So since Jews, Pagans, Buddhists, Sikhs, or any other religion does not possess the kind of in-you-face representatives what are they to do? Apparently they are to sit back and take it. But why?
This article is a great example as to why the others sit back and take it. Because if you are a Christian and you are reading this, more than likely I just ruffled your feathers. Now imagine if I said something negative about the baby Jesus or Christianity having Pagan and Jewish genes. Imagine how much flack I would get over comments about anything that goes against a Christian belief. Some are so sensitive, I could actually say something minor about one of the Apostles and I would still get hammered and probably called a heathen. On the other hand, if you hear a Christian make an off-colored comment about a Jew, for example, it is completely acceptable. I don’t get it. Why do we allow this to happen? Well, I for one will not allow it to happen to me anymore. I have gotten some rather sorted comments from Christians about my beliefs and non-beliefs. However, I think next time I shall come out with “guns a blazin”, so to say. However, even making that comment can spark some controversy with some. Just to clarify, I meant nothing about actual guns. I was referring to fighting back with words as to what I was being hammered with or about.
I am for equality in this country, whether it is racial, gender, or religious. I am not for one person to have it better than the other, especially at the expense of another group of people. If we all think back to September 11th and how most of the country joined together in shock, yet we were all there for each other. Yes, there was and still is a backlash against Muslims or Arabs in general. But that is not what I want to point out. I want to point out that I saw women and men consoling each other no matter what their skin color or gender. And at that point nobody was concerned about the other person’s religious beliefs. We were all united as one, working together to help one another. So what happened in the past 5 years? How have we made it to this point? It has been a vicious downward spiral since that day. We have been divided based on political views, religious beliefs, and are still being further divided over gender and race. You would think that in the 21st century we would be able to really call it quits and get along a little better. But for some reason, it seems that we are getting worse. Now the theme is every man or woman for themselves. And if you are not of the popular religion of Christianity then your soul needs to be saved ASAP. I have been told by friends and acquaintances of being approached by Muslims and told to convert for fear of being virtually “wiped out”. Yet the Christians pass judgment on all, even the Muslims that make the same statements they are making themselves. When will it end? Well, it seems there is some good in sight. Certain groups of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Pagans have been getting together to show unity and diversity instead of hatred. There are churches called Unitarian Universalist churches that honor different beliefs in their sermons. This is one step toward the positive. The next step needs to be taken by the rest of us. Evangelicals need to stop preaching and trying to save souls. Instead they should be sharing their knowledge of their beliefs and letting people make their own decisions in life. It’s time we actually begin to evolve as a society and allow people to think more freely of their own will. After all, in the end don’t we all want the same thing? Freedom, peace, and equality.
Blessed Be
| 73 |
| Vote |
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
"What does Christmas mean to you? " All faiths and beliefs welcome.
katyzzz
Comment by Miss Faith
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
It's a relief for me, since it means we can enjoy Christmas as great weather (in Australia) and time off school!
Comment by Miss Faith
I don't feel "bummed" over Christmas, I just don't like how groups of christians attack all other religions and take the holiday for themselves. I still say "Christmas" to my children even though I am Pagan because it is how I grew up and what they hear the most, so why change the name? But we don't believe it was the birth of Jesus. We celebrate Christma for giving, sharing, seeing family, and believing in santa (until they grow older). I understand we will all NEVER get along together because you cannot control what people think or feel, but they should use some self control out of courtesy to others. And unfortunately I do not email or contact people that come to my page "anonymously", especially offering me answers and "truth". Happy holidays.
Comment by Miss Faith
I think it would be great if more religions were like that. I don't share my religious beliefs with others (except in my blogging on here) and would never push someone to try to believe something else or feel ignorant for what they do believe. I think people need to focus more on their own beliefs and leave others alone to believe whatever they want.
I used to live in Florida and Christmas time was always great weather, so I can imagine how great it must be in Australia! In Ohio it tends to get pretty cold, luckily not too bad this year though. I miss the warmth sometimes. And you're not kidding about time off school...i have 2 more days and it's finally end of term until January!
Comment by Francis
Passionate Apathy
When someone wishes me "Merry Christmas," I wish the same thing back on them and theirs. Same when someone wishes me Happy Holidays, Joyous Solstice, Wonderful Hannukah, Terrific Ramadan, Festive Festivus, Kick-ass Kwanzaa, etc. The time I could be wasting arguing terminology could be better spent munching on a cookie and washing it down with a cup of nog.