I was making my way through some of the feeds I subscribe to and came across two interesting yet very different news stories. The first one was inspiring to me and gave me hope about the state of Christian persecution in our country….while the second one distilled some of that hope.

The first story is about Alabama adopting a textbook for academic study of the Bible. I thought it was good to see a state not be afraid of studying a the Bible (source: Standard News Wire). I think everyone who is honest with themselves would have to admit that the Bible is full of accurate history and has shaped the world like no other book.

Now, I’m not saying that I want state endorsed or sponsored religion because I don’t. I personally think the government should stay out of it; people should have the freedom to do as they please. By this very same token, I think it is good to see a government not being afraid of the teaching the Bible because avoiding a particular subject as important to the world as Christianity is can be just as detrimental to society as fully endorsing one belief.

The second story is about Fort Collins, Colorado proposing to ban red and green Christmas lights in public places (i.e., inside and outside city government buildings) because they are too religious for the city to sponsor (source: World Net Daily). This story is sad but true. I even verified it on the city’s website. How can colored lights really offend someone? This is a case where the masses should stand up against the vocal minority.

Fort Collins must have some against Christianity in particular because they allow the display of another belief in a public place. To see what I am talking about, pay close attention to the image at the right of the news story. It displays a frog, a snake, a lizard, and something else I can’t make out. This image is part of the city’s art in public places program. The catcher? The image’s title is the “Source of life.”

I was considering moving to Fort Collins before reading this story but now I don’t know if I would want to raise a family or pay taxes to a place where the government is afraid of something as minute as Christmas lights. All I can say is that if you live in Fort Collins and believe in Christmas than you might should consider doing your Christmas shopping elsewhere. I wonder if Fort Collins officials plan on taking off of work on December 25 to be with their families for Christmas…

These two stories show that Christianity is in flux in this country which just happened to be founded by Christians who wanted people to have the freedom to express their religion (history books some how leave this out). I know well and good that Christians in the USA have it very good compared to the vast majority of the world. However, over the last 50 years Christians have lost their influence (admittedly our own doing in many cases) in society.

For instance, many corporations prevent their employees from saying the word Christmas. Its only politically correct to say Happy Holidays…people even call Christmas trees Holiday trees. Don’t get me wrong, I understand and respect that their are other religious holidays that occur around the same time of year as Christmas does, but is it really offensive to say Christmas in a nation where the majority of the people celebrate it. I’m afraid the problem with Christmas is Christ– I mean that’s part of the reason some people shorten Christmas to x-mas.

I just wish people wouldn’t act like they are so offended by Christmas because it’s a Christian holiday. If the public is afraid of leaving a people group out then we should also stop celebrating the 4th of July since that holiday only celebrates American independence. I mean, we wouldn’t want to offend people who are from other countries by celebrating a specific holiday that doesn’t include everyone who lives in this country.

The freedom of religion argument doesn’t hold up either. Think about it, if the government prevents a group of people from supporting any one religion than they’re forcing atheism or evolution on people.

I leave you with these words of advice, if you believe in Christmas then don’t be afraid of wishing someone Merry Christmas and if you don’t believe in it than don’t say anything or wish them goes with what you believe believe. I won’t be offended if you wish me Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or Happy Holidays if you won’t be offended when I say Merry Christmas.

I haven’t spent as much time writing this post as I probably should have so I hope my intent and message is clear. I just want to convey that the government shouldn’t force or prevent the expression of religion. Because either way takes away the freedom of religion. If you should have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to leave them in the comment section below. I do ask that you be respectful to others and use clean language. Other than that, I’ll just about approving anything. Thanks!!