Do you dare to say, in public, "Merry Christmas!" to a stranger? Is there a Nativity scene on your front lawn? Are you wearing anything which refers to Christmas? If no, why not? Christians in America face these challenges to religious liberty after thirty years. What's next? Challenge to Christians The "Presidential Guidelines: Religious Expression in Public School," issued in 1995, was drafted by the ACLU. Each right of religious expression outlined in the Guidelines contains an escape clause to permit anti-Christian, anti-Christmas, secular groups such as the ACLU to sue if they do not approve of what is being expressed. And, sue, they do.[1] What has that meant for you, so far? The spread of the ACLU mentality regarding Christmas is like a cancer on the spirit of America. The ACLU, in their politically correct war on Christmas, defines diversity as including everyone except Christians. Losses in the Fight for Liberty Caving in to the ACLU's invisible tyranny, retailers have avoided mention of the word, "Christmas," in their advertising and displays: Best Buy, Dell, JCPenney, Kroger, Lowe's, Office Max, Sears, Staples, Target, Walgreen, Wal-Mart,and others.[2] A few of these retailers have, lately, changed their policy. Also in 2005, Jackson County, Georgia school officials, on warning from the ACLU, forbade the wearing of Christmas pins, angels, crosses, or clothing that might refer to Christmas. The ACLU sued a Louisiana elementary school for erecting a Nativity display on school grounds. Last year, they sued in Rhode Island for a Nativity scene being displayed in a city park. Good News Sears, Target, and, perhaps others in the last few days, along with Macy's and Bloomingdale's, have begun to use the word, "Christmas," in advertising and store displays. And, the ACLU lost the Louisiana and Rhode Island cases. But, you, the taxpayer, paid their legal fees. More good news comes in word of legislation being proposed in Congress to curb payments to lawyers in Establishment cases, other than for injunctive relief. More encouragement comes from two polls showing that 95% of Americans observe Christmas[3], and 87% believe Nativity scenes should be allowed in public places[4]. Looking Ahead The ACLU shows no sign of giving up their battle to strip America of its religious liberty. They say, point blank, they want religion out of the public arena. What can you do? Exercise your First Amendment rights. Do not be intimidated by the ACLU, or any other secular, anti-Christian group trying to stifle your free speech. Wear your Christmas pin, angel, cross, or special clothing. Display a Nativity scene. Encourage your public officials to permit Christmas symbols in public, and to allow the word, "Christmas," to be used freely in public buildings, communications, and school calendars. Jesus Christ said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."[5] [1] Shroder, Jen. "How the ACLU Stole Christmas - Again." 12-10-04. BlessedCause.org. 12-09-05. [2] USA Today. 12-02-05. [3] Fox News/Opinion Dynamics. 2005. [4] Fox News/Opinion Dynamics. 2003. [5] John 8:32. New King James Version. Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1982. |
