There is an ongoing controversy brewing in the hearts, minds and faith of millions of people in the United States around the issue of Christmas being driven from the cultural landscape. As one would imagine this is a complicated and sensitive issue.

From the perspective of many Christians, I can understand how the increasing disappearance of Christmas iconography and displays can feel like a war has been declared against Christmas. Yet, there is another side to this conversation that also must be factored into the discussion.

Despite the perception that Christian-related symbols are being ushered from the public landscape, an abundance of Christmas-related images are still on display in many public places, many more than for other religious holidays that occur during the same time of year. From a perspective of someone who is not Christian it can feel like Christmas is everywhere and yet from a Christian’s point of view it may seem that the displays are less frequent and less religiously based. With scant few examples of other publicly recognized religious observances, including Hannukah, Buddhism’s Bodhi day, the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice and the celebration by African Americans of Kwanzaa, aside from Christmas, I think it’s important to establish that from the point of view of these other religions, “generic” symbols such as Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, candy canes and sleighs full of presents, Santa at every mall, still appear very Christian.

An even more sensitive, and what may be the key, issue involves nativity scenes on display in public places, and especially on government property. The privately owned local mall may be fine for such a display, especially if it provides space for other religious displays. Conversely, government and municipal buildings, including schools, would not be appropriate places, as our laws continue to support a separation of church and state.

Ultimately, I think the issue comes down to an established privilege reinforced by a one-up and one-down public mindset. The group in the one-up position, in this case Christians, see their symbols as the rule and not the exception. However, when there becomes an increase of exceptions, the one-up group thinks the rules are changing when in reality what is occurring is a leveling of the playing field. When it comes to the public display of religious symbols during the December holidays we should be looking to create an “And” not an “Either” and to treat each others as allies instead of adversaries. Only then can members of all religions, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu, be recognized, respected and appreciated for their unique beliefs. buy cialisbuy cialisbuy levitrabuy levitrabuy propeciabuy propeciabuy somabuy somabuy levitrabuy cialisbuy propeciabuy levitrabuy somabuy cialisbuy propeciabuy levitrabuy somabuy cialisbuy levitrabuy propeciabuy soma