Good morning, Miss Penni, and happy holidays!!!
I think we did have this religious argument last year, but on a different thread--I think I remember reading about it on Minute Subjects. I guess I will throw my two cents in here, since it was me who posted the article to Del you are answering, and just say that there is a huge difference between enjoying religious music and being exposed to it at public schools, or at civic performances.
I might even go to Mass this Christmas (I will have to leave my pointy black hat at home, obviously), because my brother is performing the music and I would like to hear him play, and also because I think it is important to teach children to be respectful of different religions and how to behave in sacred places.
The difference is that I am CHOOSING to hear religious music, which I also think can be incredibly beautiful. It is a little hard to explain how alienating and confusing it is for a non-Christian child to be exposed to this at school, however. There is enormous social pressure in most of America to BE Christian, and it is a very difficult issue because music has taken a hit as a symbol of Christianity as the society sorts out how to be fairer to non-Christians. I think it is possibly for an adult hearing the Messiah to enjoy the gift the artist gives us without being Christian, but I think it may be more difficult for a child. I would love it if more cultures shared their sacred music, incidentally, and this inclusive approach to holiday times seems very joyous. I just would like to preserve the separation of church and state, and perhaps after this is not such a new concept in America, we will do it much less awkwardly.
I think this gets into something even deeper--what are we celebrating at Christmas? Christians are celebrating the birth of Christ, but pagans and atheists find quite a lot to celebrate in all of the feasting, gift giving, the lighted trees and candles and decorations, all of which come from ancient, pre-Christian times as man struggled to stay cheerful at the darkest time of year. Santa is, of course, pagan, and I still believe in Him, so please don't tell me he isn't real!!!!! We are baking cookies today for his arrival, and stocking up on hot chocolate!!!
Hey, it is so nice to see you posting over here!! Please drop by and have a nice cup of cocoa, and you can laugh while I sing badly!!! |
