The Opinionator

We Say Merry Christmas

As I consider the joys of the season, I am drawn to think about the bumper sticker being promoted by Bill O'Reilly on "The Factor."  It is a red sign with the words "We Say Merry Christmas." You can get one for free if you spend at least $19.95 on what is known as "Factor Gear." (You can buy a doormat there which says "No Pinheads")

There is much to be said about the meaning of these bumper stickers, particularly the "We." Does it mean "We" are members of an elite group and you may not be in it?  Does it mean that "Season's Greetings" is for dummies?  Does it mean that we are part of the culture wars which wants to poke "Happy Holidays" down the throats of the faux politically correct who utter it? Does it mean we dislike Jews and/or are devout Christians?  Does it mean that you may be in danger of being a secular progressive, while "We" most certainly, are not?

Whatever it means, it is a sad thing that wishing people well this time of year has devolved into some kind of cultural war cry and challenge.  It is a sad thing when young families, who purchase photo Christmas cards proudly displaying their beautiful children, have to make a decision about "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings." on the message in order not to appear callous or insensitive. It is sad that Lands End, a couple of years ago was caught asking employees to say "Happy Holidays" in place of "Merry Christmas" lest that offend non-Christians. When O'Reilly found out about it, he was very upset and sent Lands End into a tailspin of apology to prevent sales losses.

Because the US Constitution prohibits a state church, our country struggles with the idea of separation of church and state and dealing with the "wall of separation" so to speak. A current manifestation of this struggle is the controversy surrounding manger scenes and other symbols of Christmas in the public schools and on public property. When I was a child many years ago, classroom Christmas trees, choirs of angels and Santa Claus was everywhere in the public schools. Over the years schools have gotten away from this and one of the seasonal tension points has been annual Christmas concerts. The standard is less strict on public concerts where attendance is not mandatory, but there still is stress regarding what is sung or played on musical instruments.  Surely the "Messiah" imparts greater religious meaning than "Frosty the Snowman" or "Winter Wonderland."  As the religious right gets a foothold in our culture, look for more pressure to de-secularize the holidays. There are a spate of books out these days by people like Dr. James Dobson and Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver on the role of religion in the public square.  The issue will not go away.  Instead it will evolve as we try to improve our understanding of the place of the church in our lives.

It strikes me as strange that Americans have such a problem with the separation of church and state. Given the examples we see of Islamic extremists all over the world, one would think that politics and religion don't mix without grave problems of violence and discrimination.