According to Dr. Paul Irwin " as we read stories of controversy regarding displays of Nativity scenes and Christmas trees such as the controversy through the years over the airing of the trailer for "Nativity" at the Christkindlmarket in Chicago. As one who has studied the Bible for many years, I find this debate troubling. The American Bible Society believes that we must celebrate the rights of Americans to hold diverse opinions and not to stifle them."
Over the course of a year, we each celebrate historical observations, only some of which have any real religious associations. Some visit renaissance fairs, and others participate in highland games, while a few suit up and reenact Civil War battles. Why, then, are Nativity scenes regarded as objectionable? Why is the appearance of a menorah deemed inappropriate?
Nativity scenes depict Jesus' birth as described in the Bible. The Bible is rife with messages and stories of tolerance, which even most avowed atheists concede to be the case.
Regardless of affiliation or spiritual beliefs, the Bible is among our most treasured historical texts. To that end, the birth of Jesus Christ is a significant historical event. American values and biblical beliefs are closely aligned and not something that is foreign to our culture. We have to welcome the diversity of views that different faith traditions bring to America.
I believe that it is always better for us to listen, talk and reason rather than use inflammatory rhetoric in instances where overt displays of religious significance become a public issue. If it means thinking through the value of such displays and taking the time to be reasonable about inclusion rather than exclusion, then let us reason together.
In addition to making a Nativity Scene – which provides hope and inspiration to millions of people – a political "hot potato," we have become afraid to wish people Merry Christmas, replacing it instead with the generic and politically-correct "Happy Holidays."
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple by a Festival of Lights.
While some people do not celebrate Christmas, it is wrong to think that collectively Americans have found it offensive to wish people a Merry Christmas. I firmly believe that "Merry Christmas" should be seen for what it is: A wish for happiness on the anniversary of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And it's a pleasant way to greet someone in December, too.
