It is clear and measurable that the religious aspect of Christmas has diminished over recent decades. The concept of a man designated as the only “Son of God” was sent here to sacrifice himself for the salvation of all who would follow his teaching and believe in him has lost traction in the collective modern mind. The sharp elbows of observable science have nudged faith in the unseen and belief in the unbelievable from center stage in modern life.
President Obama has declared America a post-Christian nation. Whether that is true or not, I would prefer that the Commander-in-Chief not deliver such derisive proclamations to the Christian community. The members of the 70-odd Christian-based churches in Plant City would, no doubt, disagree with his assessment. But the President misses the bigger picture with this view. No matter what religious belief system you follow there is a reality about the Jesus Christ narrative that must be respected. The actuality of a historical Jesus has been hotly debated for centuries and in America you are free to believe whatever you like. But, the impact on humanity of the Jesus concept cannot be denied. Whether his was a man, a God or a myth, the Jesus Christ story changed the course of human history. Jesus did not lead a revolution, did not band together any nations or tribes to craft a nation. Quite the contrary. The scruffy handful of outcast Jews he left behind, the ragged sect of men and women who proclaimed first hand knowledge of his existence and teachings, managed to found a worldwide religion long after their leader was dead. They did not run away in fear of persecution. They preached his story more fervently after his death than before. Obviously, those people believed in his divinity, in his ability to bring his faith to the masses beyond the grave. This story is unique in history. A religion built in absentee. A religion built on compromises and sacrifices and a refusal to quit telling his story. They did this with full understanding that a brutal death would be their earthly reward.
We live in a graceless and egoistic age. People of this faith are constantly slapped with the need to accept previously unacceptable behaviors. To bend their tenants to accommodate new thinking. Even in the face of growing disrespect.
So, I challenge everyone who reads this, please no matter what your choice of faith or lack of, have the depth of cosmic spirituality to respect all other religions, especially one like Christianity rooted in such faith and sacrifice. And find inside yourself the human egalitarianism to accept other people’s faith, history and community based rituals like Christmas.
Paul G. Lindsey
Plant City, FL