Since 2004, right wing talk show host Bill O'Reilly has falsely claimed that there is a "War on Christmas" going on in the U.S.
His basis for annually raising this phony issue includes the use by many businesses of the greeting "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" in their seasonal promotions, as well as the practice by cities, public schools and other governmental bodies of making holiday displays and events nonsectarian. O'Reilly finds these practices offensive, but in fact he doesn't have a leg to stand on.
O'Reilly, like many conservatives, particularly those in the Christian Right, seems unaware of the First Amendment separation of religion and state. This means, among other things, that government cannot be involved with the operations of any religion nor can it give any religion preferential treatment. O'Reilly is also oblivious to the feelings of millions of non-Christian Americans who don't celebrate Christmas because it is a Christian holiday. He fails to realize that there are even some Christians, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, who don't celebrate Christmas.
Religious belief is all a matter of opinion. That is why there is a multiplicity of religions and a multiplicity of interpretations of every religion. Under the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion, we are free to practice any religion or not practice one, while separation of religion and state prevents any religion from being imposed on those who are not interested in it.
With Americans holding a wide variety of religious beliefs, the use of generic and nonsectarian holiday greetings, displays and events is the most inclusive approach to the holiday season, and is as thoroughly American as it gets. If O'Reilly wants to object to these practices for no solid reason, it at least takes time away from his spreading lies and distortions about substantive issues.
Comments
Jehovah's Witnesses are for freedom of choice. However, an important part of making choices is proper information.
We share the information that has impacted our decision against partaking in the festivities of Christmas. That being Christmas is a man made holiday at best. M
However, I do believe that Bill is right to be worried. When freedom of choice is threatened, or the lines blurred, attrocities aren't far behind.
Jehovah's Witnesses reject all holidays even benign Mother's day,exception being the Lord's evening meal also called the Last Supper or Good Friday.
WHY-Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t do Thanksgiving,and other holidays.
I was born Jehovah’s Witness 1957 3rd generation,we didn’t celebrate Christmas.
The reason JW’s don’t do Christmas is because their Watchtower leaders say so,the holiday has pagan aspects to it and by rejecting it the Watchtower appears “pure”.
This “demand for purity” is one of the 8 marks of a cult.NOW the Watchtower can use this purity diversion to distract from their own false dogmas.
The Watchtower leaders want us to be 'different' for the sake of being different.Jehovah's Witnesses are not 'happier' and are just as dysfunctional as families who do holidays.
Jesus was not born on Dec 25th,but he also did not have his second coming in the month of October 1914,which is the core doctrine of the Watchtower religion.
--
Danny Haszard
No WAR on Xmas? Try researching the American Judicial System.
The following SUMMARIES OF OVER 1400 JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES CRIMINAL and CIVIL COURT CASES, including numerous cases involving issues relating to Christmas and other holidays, will provide the BEST and MOST ACCURATE info about Jehovah's Witnesses, their beliefs, and how they ACTUALLY practice such day to day.
The following website summarizes 900 court cases and lawsuits affecting Children of Jehovah's Witness Parents:
DIVORCE, BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
jwdivorces.bravehost.com
The following website summarizes over 500 lawsuits filed by Jehovah's Witnesses against their Employers, etc:
EMPLOYMENT ISSUES UNIQUE TO JEHOVAH'S WITNESS EMPLOYEES
jwemployees.bravehost.com
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!