If the welcome of a friendly "Merry Christmas" offends one, they had just better get used to it, and lighten up with their petty objections.
I have also tried to make clear in my posting on this subject that I am not talking about offending people. There is nothing inherently offensive about "Merry Christmas." I will argue that point with anyone who thinks there is. Trying not to offend people with chips on their shoulders is called "PC." That is not something I support. When the uttering of "Merry Christmas" is a function of bullying, I object strenuously to it. Otherwise, I find it at worst innocuous background noise.
I sometimes am disturbed that groups, such as NOW, the KKK, and gay groups that prance around in a gay pride parade, showing their bare butts, and making offensive gestures, seem to be allowed to air their beliefs with impunity, but let a Christian group make a public display, and all hell breaks loose. In many cases, I believe the Christian groups are getting the short end of the stick in that respect.
IMO, all those groups should quit being so self-absorbed and show a little respect. Maybe Christian groups do get called on it more than others. I don't know. Shame on us if we don't take exception to all of them regardless of whose oxen are gored. I am targeting here the Christian version of bullying because that's the topic here. If someone on this thread were to advocate bare butts and offensive gestures, I would give them an argument, as well, the same argument I'm giving the Christian-consumed--you're not alone on the commons so show a little respect.
IMO, if all things are done in moderation, and does no physical harm to other individuals, they present no problem to society.
I have framed "moderation" as whatever expression is below the bullying threshold. Same idea, seems to me.
(Yes, I know that some will take offense at my clumping bullying with a Bible and bullying with a bare ass. I submit that they are alike in kind in that each is self-absorbed, arrogant, and disrespectful or others with whom they share space on the commons.) |
