Forget Christmas ... And Forget Democracy
The suggestion that Christmas should be "downgraded" to help race relations, made by the Labour think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research really does defy belief. The leaked report into identity, citizenship and community cohesion suggests, "Even-handedness dictates that we provide public recognition to minority cultures and traditions. If we are going to continue to mark Christmas - and it would be very hard to expunge it from our national life even if we wanted to - then public organisations should mark other major religious festivals too."
The IPPR clearly have no concept of how our national heritage and shared experiences contribute to a personal sense of identity in community. As for the suggestion that "We can no longer define ourselves as a Christian nation, nor an especially religious one in any sense" and that we "should recast the civic oaths and national ceremonies, or institutions like Parliament and the monarchy, in a more multi-religious or secular form and make religious education less sectarian" ... Where do they think the ethical foundation of our legal and political system is rooted - Hans Christian Andersen? Which book do they believe was the inspiration for modern democracy and the human rights we both hold so dear and so take for granted - Aesop's Fables?
How are we supposed to respect any other culture, when we're not even supposed to treasure our own?!
5 comments:
Who did the IPPR ask as to whether Christmas should be down-graded? Was it the Africans or the West Indians? Was it the Poles or the Irish? Was it the Chief Rabbi, the Muslim Council of Britain or the Sikh or Hindu communities? I suspect that none of these communities, Christian or otherwise would sign up for officially down-grading this great festival. Christianity is the most multi-cultural of beliefs and Christimas as celebrated in this country a most inclusive festival. No, I think the IPPR just talked to themselves and a few close friends, it is attitudes such as theirs that do more harm to British culture and inter-community relations than anything else. Personally I would like to see Christmas up-graded with church celebrations, marches of witness, firework displays and powerful messages from prominent Christian leaders. Up the Christ in Christmas with 'peace and good will to all men'.
Well done Stonemason - the sooner we get people like you onto these trumped-up committees to input common sense into their 'thinking' the better.
I take this opportunity to wish you a Blessed and most-Christianly Happy Christmas :-)
G in Oxfordshire
I don't see the need to dignify such drivel with a response. Its folly speeks for itself. Though the first comment sums it up quite aptly.
'Downgrading' and eroding our Christian roots as The Institute for Public Policy is considering doing will lead to a disintegration of the moral and ethical fibre of our society. It is because of our Christian roots that other cultures and religions feel so free to live and worship here not despite it! Promoting the Christian values of peace, love and tolerance will enhance social integration and harmony. Christmas time is a time of good- will to all mankind where these values are highlighted, therefore if logic is to prevail we should upgrade not downgrade Christmas.
Who idea is this this country is doing a lot on intergration and diversity compare to other europian counterpart.As a christiain that lives in christian rooted country, ifeel that every christian festival according to the Bible should be celebrated and reinforce accordingly. At my place of work we celebrate Devali, Eid Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and different historian and cultural festival to promote and encourage tolerance and acceptance which is the root of DEMOCRACY.IF WE LOWER GOD STANDARD WE WILL ANSWER TO IT CONSEQUENCES SUCH AS DEVINE PROTECTION,PEACE AND OUR GREATNESS.
Genesis 12:2-3 says
"And i will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.
And i will bless them that bless thee, and curse him the curseth thee:and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." from Michelle Akintoye
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