Posted on 12/20/2006 4:54:27 PM PST by Coleus
In my opinion it also has to do with the disintegration of the Jewish community. The quarrel between religious Jews and "secular" jews goes back to the 17th and 18th Centuries. Sometimes during the 19th Century, the idea of an "ethnic" Jews appeared: someone who was "Jewish" but nonobservant or even hostile to Judaism. So we get a new "nationality" where family kinship rather than religion is determinative. Now even the latter seems to be breaking down as Jews more an more intermarry with nonJews and birthrates among Jews drop. Only the observant seem to be growing in numbers. I suspect that the impatience with Christian symbols is part of the fear of assimilation. It puts some rabbis in alliance with those Jews who detest all religion.
Well said, but we must face the fact that the courts of this country don't view religion in the same way we do. While there are many who highlight Christianity there are a bunch of judges and human rights organizations that make it their agenda to keep any symbols of Christianity out of the public arena.
Those who preach tolerance wind up to be the most INTOLERANT of all.
In my case I say bring it on. The head of the DNC here (A Lawyer and probably a card carrying ACLY member) is a friend of mine (sorry) and he knows I carry a big gun and sometimes skirt a law. Pot shots at ACLU lawyers might be entertaining.
"In my opinion it also has to do with the disintegration of the Jewish community"
Thank you for your observations.
Remember, I am from Memphis, and I never observed strong orthodoxy that I see only in movies.
Some of my best friends were Jewish. One was a great interior designer, and put on the best New Years eve parties that I ever visited. The nearest synagogue was only a few blocks away from his home.
That's why so many Jews put them up in their homes. /sarc
Yes, I know a few do.
well, I grew up there in the 50's, early 60's and trust me .. it was WASP!
A "pagan religious custom" ~ not just a "pagan custom". After all, it was a "pagan custom" to eat food, drink water and wear clothes.
The vicinity of the synagogue is a major decision in where an orthodox jew lives.
We are not supposed to drive on the Sabbath so live close enough to walk there.
(in case you didn't know it already)
Anyway,I'm sure Odin could pound Mohamed into submission.
And, how many atheists put a tree up?
thanks.. probably done today the 21st too...
The Left is far from being a staw argument. It is the Left (namely the ACLU) in every instance that is sueing to remove crosses from monuments, county seals (representing history, not prostelytizing), grave yards, sueing to stop prayer at sporting events, Bible clubs, etc. They aren't going after Muslims, just Christians. In fact, the Left is the ones that make kids learn about Islam by learning the tenents of Islam dressing and reciting prayer, etc. Have you ever heard of a Christian being able to "teach" anything about their religion in a classroom? Didn't think so. Then you have well-known Lefties like Rosie O'Donnell saying that "Christian extremists in America" are causing far more havoc than terrorists, without citing one incident. She can't because there aren't any!
Christmas trees don't have to be biblical to be a Christian traditions. Creches are though. The scene as described in the Gospels are creches. They don't just have to be physical. Saint Nicholas isn't in there either, but the reason for gift giving is because he was inspired by the Wisemen. BTW, what is the part about counting the # of paragraphs in the Lord's prayer?
No Christianity isn't hard to understand, but there will always be issues that are discussed/debated/researched. However, that is the case with any religion. You assert that there is no honest debate. What do you base this on?
"Well, in the interest of solidarity with Detroit-area muslims, we should also recognise the importance of Mohammed-oops-peace be upon him!-so I guess we should all observe the fast come Ramadan, right?"
Muslims aren't being attacked, nor will they be by the Left. Christians are. I'm one of the first to stand upI didn't state that everyone HAD to put up a creche and menorah. It was a suggestion. The only "agenda" I have is to fight the Left's oppression, suppression, and repression in this country! People have always decorated their homes, offices, streets, cars for Christmas, whether they made the decorations themselves or bought them. You seem so ardent about not being told to have something, yet fail to realize that that is exactly what you are doing to those that wish to celebrate. I love seeing menorahs this time of year. I love seeing creches as well, but unfortunately, they are getting harder to find. Thank God I can drive Bob Hope's estate and still see a life size creche!
Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year!
"..."the Left" just sounds to me like a convenient straw man."
Check out a new thread about creches being vandalized across the nation, and then tell me if you still think it is a strawman.
"Good for the judge. A menorah and a creche are religious symbols."
I wouldn't be surprised if he were a Clinton-appointed judge, and in any event, he doesn't know the First Amendment - FREEDOM OF RELIGION.
I agree on the freedom of religion. Therefore if a nativity scene is banned then a menorah also should be banned. However, I do not believe that either should be banned, but that is the way the courts have been ruling. Basically, against Christianity.
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