Civility & Christmas
Not too long ago I read a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal that hit the “religion” principle nerve for me. The writer remarked that the best way for me to show him respect is to practice religion the way that he does–namely, in the privacy of my own home. My interpretation of his assertion was that religious sympols have no place in the public square because they infringe on his right not to be confronted by the religious symbols of another.
I have a hard time with this line of thinking as well as a hard time understanding why some are so quick to be offended by public demonstrations of faith. The Constitution protects my right to worship privately and publicly.
Here is my counter to this fellow’s assertion: We need more religious symbols in the public square, not less. I accept gladly the wish of Happy Hanukah or Kwanzaa though these are not holidays my religion celebrates.
It takes NO respect to ask people to not confront me with beliefs that are not my own. True respect and civility come into play when I seek to appreciate, value, understand and honor those things which are good and just regardless of religious persuasion or political affiliation of another human being. I would hope that I am secure enough in my own beliefs to appreciate and see the value in the public expression of a faith different from my own. Not only that, but also to be grateful my neighbor aspires to a higher sphere of moral conduct.
