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I am Jewish and never took offense at people wishing me a Merry Christmas or Happy Easter. I knew who and what I was and my parents explained to me at an early age that the majority of people in America celebrate Christian holidays so it was more than likely they would just assume I did too.
It was no biggie. However, I never felt that religious holidays should be celebrated in public schools. Teaching about various religions was one thing but I remember schools have Christmas and Easter pagents some of a very religious nature; not just trees and bunnies and I think that was wrong.
As some have said here, Chanukah is not a huge holiday for Jews. Because Christmas falls in the same month as Chanukah Christians I have had Christian friends talk about Chanukah as a Jewish alternative to Christmas.
Bottom line, not celebrating a religious holiday in the public schools does not or should not take away from the observance in the home. I don't believe it's going to damage any kid's psyche to not see a tree or an menorah for that manner in the halls of his or her school.
Why is everyone ( well some people ) trying to just kind of "erase" God and religion in general from society nowadays...?
I repeatedly see people post statements such as this, but I don't see it. I'm an atheist, and I think if you are going to include one, then it's only right to include all major religions. And that is a sentiment I see repeated often, but I seldom hear of people saying to erase it all.
I repeatedly see people post statements such as this, but I don't see it. I'm an atheist, and I think if you are going to include one, then it's only right to include all major religions. And that is a sentiment I see repeated often, but I seldom hear of people saying to erase it all.
When it's looked down upon to wish others well using your particular belief system it certainly seems like people are trying to whitewash.
Why is everyone ( well some people ) trying to just kind of "erase" God and religion in general from society nowadays...?
Pushing God and religion in Society should not be necessary. Religion should be a private matter between a person and their Diety. Or lack thereof. It doesn't belong as a Society issue.
When it's looked down upon to wish others well using your particular belief system it certainly seems like people are trying to whitewash.
What does your belief system have to do with my holiday? What does my belief system have to do with your holiday? Your belief system has no significance to me, has no meaning to me.
Telling me "Merry Christmas" is as meaningful to me as if you had said "Sixteen green yes." Why would you want to make an empty statement to me? Just because YOU find meaning in it? Then wish yourself a Merry Christmas.
However if you were to say Happy Holidays, as I said in a previous post, I'd appreciate it, find it to be generous and pleasant, and I would wish it upon you as well. It _includes_ your belief system, rather than _excludes_ your belief system.
When you say Merry Christmas to me, you are saying "your own beliefs are irrelevent, and I don't care what you believe, if anything. I only care that you hear me tell you that *I* acknowledge Christmas as the only valid holiday during this season."
I consider it impolite. I'm not hurt by it. Mostly because I really don't care what you believe, either. But it's a waste of words, it's empty, and it is pointless. I don't recognize or acknowledge a Christ. Therefore I am incapable of having a "Merry Christmas," whether you wish it upon me or not.
IME it is not the Jews, Muslims and Athiests who get upset because someone says Merry Christmas to them, it's people who DO celebrate Christmas getting up in arms because someone said Happy Holidays to them and not Merry Christmas.
I recognize that my experience may not be universal though
IME it is not the Jews, Muslims and Athiests who get upset because someone says Merry Christmas to them, it's people who DO celebrate Christmas getting up in arms because someone said Happy Holidays to them and not Merry Christmas.
I recognize that my experience may not be universal though
Mostly they're just upset because the idea of including other religious holidays and seasonal celebrations, implies that their holiday is somehow less valid. In short, they're threatened by the notion that something -other- than Christmas (and Easter, and insert flavor of the month) might be meaningful to people.
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