This Christmas, Don't Let Them Turn Off the Lights

Human Events ^ | Nov 3, 2005 | Rabbi Aryeh Spero

[rhema]

Somehow Christmas seemed darker last year, bereft of its usual radiance. Like a heroic soldier, it was left alone to fend off a platoon of barrages against it. Shots came from many quarters – all contesting the placement of Christmas symbols in public areas.

No protests came, however, from Orthodox Jews, nor those who, while not Orthodox, remain traditionally-valued. And that is because this group understands and appreciates the ameliorating influence that religion provides civic life, so long as the religion does not call for, as in the case of radical Islam, the oppression of “infidels.”

What better use of public property than the portrayal of values -- such as peace and goodwill to all men -- redounding to society’s benefit, as is done, for example, on billboards regarding the hazards of drunk driving?

Furthermore, this group realizes that it is not religion per se but America’s brand of Protestant Christianity that has created such a hospitable environment for Jews, since it celebrates Judaism as a pillar and forerunner to its own Judeo-Christian ethic. Only in America does a form of Protestantism exist that sees in a living Judaism an actual affirmation of biblical Christianity. Evangelicals actually feel a personal bond to Judaism and the Jewish people -- as opposed to the historic theology that while tolerating it, assumed a separateness from it. This is a world “first” in the 2000 year relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

In contrast, many ardent secularists are discomfited by public displays of Christianity inasmuch as it makes them feel like “outsiders.” They lack the rootedness and sense of security that serious daily observance, faith, or sheer regard for religion offers. The answer to such insecurity, however, lies not in an annual legal and political war against those, Christians, celebrating their religion, but in being fulfilled and secure in one’s own religion.

But to practice ritually, believe or, at least, highly regard would mean they would no longer be secular. And being secular is precisely who they are, what they want to be, and constitutes, for them, their “enlightened” identity.

It is not the duty of Christians to forgo their religious expression to accommodate those who seem unable to fill their own religious void. Nor should Americans be deprived of historic and cultural Seasonal joys because of the intolerance and stinginess of those apparently incapable of live and let live.

So as not to stand out nor be challenged by the religious traditions and values held by most Americans, the rabid secularists years ago embarked on a campaign to negate Christianity and other parts of Americana. In effect, neutralize the majority and its ethos by changing the culture to fit its secular lifestyle and perspective.

If the majority-held religion and attitudes can be leveled to where no one identifies with something unique, then there is no longer a majority ethos, instead a “classlessness.” By working overtime and capitalizing on the politeness of those Americans who wish never to “offend,” they have created a tyranny of the minority.

This neutralizing has been achieved through the concept of multiculturalism, which unlike diversity, wishes to reduce the distinctiveness of American culture. It cleverly labels Christmas displays and the Boy Scouts as “non-inclusive” and therefore, of all things, un-American.

Multiculturalism has been successful in not only neutering public Christianity and unique Americanism but, worse, convincing too many that their continuation is “chauvinistic” and “exclusive.” While the secularists are capitalizing on the innate good-will of the American people, its victims – the American majority – have become unwitting partners in their own cultural self-destruction.

Multiculturalism is the American version and lingo for age-old Marxist/socialist “classlessness.” It has taken hold because there exist in this country influential leaders of many different persuasions and races who subscribe to it. Those who have never understood the essence of America configure it through the prism of Europe and the Europeanism they crave. They are cultural elitists who disdain “cowboy” America and feel superior to it. Others are “cosmopolitans” who care not a wit nor identify with those in Peoria or Lansing but with Paris, Amsterdam, and Geneva.

Cultural nihilism has become the fashion of those infected with self-hate and those bored by Americanism, and by those in need to display their “worldliness” by minimizing the value of their own country’s ways. But why should Americans still excited and inspired by our traditional ways and institutions be silenced and made to take a backseat, here in America, to those long-ago cynical and bored by it?

Be it multiculturalism or its broader socialist antecedent, its effects surely weaken a country. For a people without a distinct identity will be unwilling to fight those outside intent on conquering it , and will be afraid -- as we see daily -- to stand up to those within wishing to dissolve it. Why fight if what you are fighting for is no better than what your opponent wishes to impose? Absent something transcendent, what is the purpose of fighting or even maintaining? Even borders should be open to all and full citizen-like benefits provided illegals, the multiculturalists litigate, inasmuch as America has no special reason, nor right, to assign importance to its own identity and sovereign integrity. Liberalism has as its ultimate aim American culturecide.

Increasingly, their contentiousness goes beyond the church-state issue into areas touching all of American life -- be it lawsuits against the military, government interrogators of terrorists, border patrol, or the Boy Scouts. Most often these are members of the “Blame-America-First” chorus in matters having nothing to do with religion but foreign-policy issues. That tells us a lot about their general feeling about America and what they are really up to.

Generally, we find excuses and justifications for that and those we love while finding things to criticize in those and that which we dislike. Their never-ending, boisterous criticism of America vis a vis the rest of the world (even indicting the American people --- the most generous -- for not giving enough aid for the tsunami catastrophe) sheds light on their congenital anti-Americanism, which on the domestic side is manifest in their desire and actions to dismantle historic America and its way of life. At its core, it has little to do with the First Amendment.

To me, there is something emotionally wrong -- no matter the IQ – with spoilers who so denigrate and despise the very America that has given them so much and been the source of all their blessing and fame. Why would anyone take seriously and surrender to the machinations of such people, especially when it imperils that which they love?

For the politically motivated, removing Christmas from localities and villages all across the Red states is the way to avenge the 2004 election: “You think you control America…well you don’t. Our A.C.L.U. lawyers will rule over your communities, and your Evangelical President is powerless to do anything about it.”

They are equally oblivious to the pain of parents of Boy Scout troopers and the constant indictment of our soldiers inasmuch as they are, by and large, detached personally from these institutions and the individuals aligned with them. Even the removal of the Ten Commandments from public courthouses is non-personal given that to the secularist the Ten Commandments is not part of his glorious past but the core of the Evangelical present.

Most of us realize that among the most vocal entities spreading the message against Christianity, our traditional institutions, as well as the majority-held attitudes are the A.C.L.U., the New York Times, Hollywood, and the Anti-Defamation League. No one should be afraid to take these entities front-on out of fear of being labeled racist or callous to past historical injustices.

Fighting for the preservation of our historic American culture is not “offensive,” nor “chauvinistic,” nor “exclusionary.” It’s our heritage, one our children deserve.

Rabbi Spero is a radio talk show host, a pulpit rabbi, and president of Caucus for America. He can be reached at Caucus for America.

[rhema]

Most of us realize that among the most vocal entities spreading the message against Christianity, our traditional institutions, as well as the majority-held attitudes are the A.C.L.U., the New York Times, Hollywood, and the Anti-Defamation League. No one should be afraid to take these entities front-on out of fear of being labeled racist or callous to past historical injustices.

Fighting for the preservation of our historic American culture is not “offensive,” nor “chauvinistic,” nor “exclusionary.” It’s our heritage, one our children deserve.

[Bahbah]

I think you will enjoy this.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.truthusa.com/CHRISTmas.html

[Cindy]

ping

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[diverteach]

Coincidentily, I put my lights up today. Ya it's a little early but only because I want my message to run as long as possible. I've spelled out in lights "Screw U ACLU" on the rooftop.

[Bommer]

I've spelled out in lights "Screw U ACLU" on the rooftop

Pictures man! We need pictures!!!!

[goodnesswins]

LOL....Santa will REALLY like THAT!

[gidget7]

I am putting ours out before the end of the week. Only because 1. the weather is nice, and it will be much easier now, and 2. I am sick of everyone cow towing to these "we know better than you what is best for our communities" types. I plan to do it up big this year, and not with solely white lights either!!

As last year, whenever I am out, and someone says "Happy Holidays" to me, I will say back to them "and a Merry Christmas to you!!" with a big smile of course!

We really need to start making these statements strongly. When faith is taken out of the equation, so to goes morality and values. After all, to those of us with faith and traditional values, those are the very things that keep us "in line" so to speak. Even without laws, we wouldn't think of doing morally reprehensible things. These secularists cannot understand that, they want laws for everything from mowing your lawn, to chewing gum!! But no laws for protecting our most innocent.

[familyop]

Yes. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religious expression in any way that others' rights are not violated by the expression--not freedom from such public expression.

It's also interesting to note that most people who try to stop others from expressing their religious beliefs are not really Atheists. Most of them are New Age pagans of one sort or another.

[Alouette]

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[ladyinred]

Tell me, would they dare censor a Muslim holiday in this country?

[Alexander Rubin]

This is a great message, and right on the money. And for the record, I try to wish people a Merry Christmas, unless I know they're Jewish. In which case, of course, it's Happy Hannukah.

[ntnychik]

Excellent article. At first, I thought the title referred to something else. During the oil crisis in the early 70's, President Nixon suggested setting thermostats at 55 degrees and not putting up Christmas lights. Lack of Christmas lights seemed almost like a patriotic act. My town was dark at Christmas and it took many years to have people decorate with outdoor lights again. Never again! Let's make sure the ACLU and other far out groups don't try to kill Christmas observations by tying the issue to energy use. As for the thermostats...the birth of the pantsuit.

[potlatch]

This year I will have a brand new Nativity Scene on my front lawn. Wal-Mart was the only store in town selling them!

Thanks for the ping ntnychik!

[Salem]

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[little jeremiah]

read/pingout tomorrow.

[little jeremiah]

I am planning to start a Christimas decoration thread in a little while, so anyone who wants to can post pictures of their own efforts. As many Nativity scenes as possible.

[The Red Zone]

Put it on the basement floor, it will be closer to their abode.

[netmilsmom]

>>As last year, whenever I am out, and someone says "Happy Holidays" to me, I will say back to them "and a Merry Christmas to you!!" with a big smile of course!<<

Me too!

[prairiebreeze]

Excellent and spot-on.

ping!

[Peach]

Furthermore, this group realizes that it is not religion per se but America’s brand of Protestant Christianity that has created such a hospitable environment for Jews, since it celebrates Judaism as a pillar and forerunner to its own Judeo-Christian ethic. Only in America does a form of Protestantism exist that sees in a living Judaism an actual affirmation of biblical Christianity. Evangelicals actually feel a personal bond to Judaism and the Jewish people -- as opposed to the historic theology that while tolerating it, assumed a separateness from it.

Excellent analysis. I think I saw an article headline on FR last night that said that hundreds of lawyers are on hand to combat the ACLU this Christmas.

[prairiebreeze]

Hope so. About darned time...

[Convert from ECUSA]

Something of interest for all Christians! And thanks from this Virginia Catholic to the Orthodox Jews and traditional-values Jews for standing against the rad-lib-ACLU and similar spoiled sports!

[Mo1]

I think I saw an article headline on FR last night that said that hundreds of lawyers are on hand to combat the ACLU this Christmas.

Good .. I am so sick of the ACLU

[NYer]

Catholic Ping - Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[Zionist Conspirator]

Rabbi Spero is a great man. I am glad to see that he, like Rabbi Lapin, understands the uniqueness of American Protestantism, which has produced a brand of philo-Semitic conservative chr*stianity that has existed in no other time or place.

On the issue of chr*stmas itself, I'm conflicted. I believe it is wrong because only Jewish holidays are to be observed in some manner by all mankind and other holidays (other than legitimate national celebrations like july 4) are unauthorized by G-d and thus should not be observed. And there are Orthodox Jews who are conducting a campaign--strictly by persuasion--to get non-Jews to stop celebrating chr*stmas on the grounds that it is displeasing to G-d. However, this is one hundred and eighty degrees removed from a campaign against chr*stmas based on secularism or (even more sinister) multiculturalism, which holds chr*stmas is "wrong" not because it is displeasing to G-d but because it is a holiday of the "host" population and thus offensive to "the other." This whole xenolatry kick is really getting to me.

I hope I have been able to express my true beliefs on this issue without offending anyone, but if I have, I must remain true to the Word of G-d as I understand it.

[Zionist Conspirator]

Tell me, would they dare censor a Muslim holiday in this country?

Of course not. Moslems are "the other," and they must be celebrated. It is only "us," "we," "the abstract host population" that must suppress its manifestations.

I can't help but marvel that Black chr*stians are AWOL on this issue just as they are with creation/evolution and any number of social issues. John Brown would be very disappointed if he were around today (though being a Puritan, he probably didn't observe chr*stmas).

[Zionist Conspirator]

Excellent analysis. I think I saw an article headline on FR last night that said that hundreds of lawyers are on hand to combat the ACLU this Christmas.

I'm a religious minority and I'm offended--offended, I say--by public celebrations of valentine's day, St. Patrick's Day, and halloween. I demand that these all be defunded and restricted to the bedroom where shameful conduct rightfully belongs (and which has been sort of boring since sex went public).

Think the ACLU will represent me?

[Peach]

LOL. It's gotten quite ridiculous, hasn't it?

[Vinnie]

Any store that advertises Christmas as 'Winter Holiday' or the like will not get my business.

[RKBA Democrat]

The thing to realize is that the cultural war being waged against the Jewish and Christian majority is subtle, it's insidious, and makes use of psychology in order to achieve it's aims.

If I can persuade you of nothing else here, I hope to persuade you that Words Have Power and are used as tools against you. It's a form of Orwellian newspeak, but unfortunately is not usually identified as such.

To cite an example, think about the language that has been used against the gun rights movement. Try the term: "rifle" as opposed to "assault weapon." Both terms describe essentially the same tool. The term rifle is fairly innocuous and emotionally neutral. But the term "assault weapon" implies something used for assault(a crime) and by using the word weapon, also implies that the article is a tool used for offensive as opposed to defensive purposes. Or to put meat on the table.

The latest assault on Christian and Jewish holidays is merely the logical extension of what's already been happening for a few decades now. That's why I find it important to reclaim the language. In most instances, there's no reason to be rude in doing so, except perhaps when dealing with the apparatchiks who are trying to implement the strategy.

So when someone wishes me "happy holidays", I turn to them smile and wish them a Merry Christmas. Unless I know that they're Jewish, in which case it's a Happy Chanukah. Also, you should never purchase cards or gift wrap that says Happy Holidays.

Ultimately, it's all about changing behavior. And remember that what's good for the goose is sauce for the gander.

[Coleus]

ADF: More than 800 attorneys nationwide ready to combat attempts to censor Christmas

Group Calls Christians to Flood Country with Nativity Scenes

The War on Christmas : The Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday

A Jew says 'Merry Christmas'       Jews for Christmas! 

NATIVITY SCENES VANDALIZED NATIONWIDE 

The Truth About Separation Of Church And State (Exposing Leftist Lies) 

Why Religious Values Support American Values 

Misquoting Our Founding Fathers 

Back to the Roots: The Founders and the Separation of Church and State

It’s Time to Dump ‘Happy Holidays’ 

Happy holidays? Not for some Christians 

After Action Report--Maplewood NJ "Illegal" Christmas Caroling Protest, 12.21.04 

Anti-Christmas NJ School district hit with federal lawsuit--officials banned instrumental groups too 

Committee To Save Merry Christmas     Saving "Merry Christmas" 

Freeper "Holiday" Party   merry Christmas

This Christmas, Don't Let Them Turn Off the Lights

[lupie]

>>As last year, whenever I am out, and someone says "Happy Holidays" to me, I will say back to them "and a Merry Christmas to you!!" with a big smile of course!<<

I try to say something like "I pray you have a very blessed Christmas"

[Irish_Thatcherite]

But we must respect Islam! < /sarcasm >

[Sun]

Merry Christmas to all!!!

[John O]

As last year, whenever I am out, and someone says "Happy Holidays" to me, I will say back to them "and a Merry Christmas to you!!" with a big smile of course!

And if you really want to tee them off "And may God bless you with a very Merry Christmas"

(Not that I'd do something just to tee someone off. ;^) )