I need your opinion please!!?

Question

What do you think, should religious holidays/celebrations or symbols be allowed in schools or other public forums? Cuz some people might be offended. =)

Answer 1

I bellieve that religious holidays and symbols should be allowed in schools and public forums.

The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

I do think that this can be carried too far, though. For example, suppose a community is nearly 100% Christian and has maybe one or two Jewish families? I think it would be ridiculous for the Jewish families to insist that menorahs and dreidels be displayed all over the place. However, if the population of the town is 10% or 20% Jewish, they'd have a good argument for putting up menorahs alongside those Christmas trees.

Every year there's a gigantic menorah put up just off Central Park in NYC. I'm not offended by it. I love it. I also like--or at least accept--seeing Diwali lights in certain neighborhoods.

Holiday decorations are a good way to learn about ourselves and others, and our/their cultures.

Answer 2

If my children went to a public school where these holidays were celebrated, I just would not send them on the day that the party was. (examples: halloween, christmas, and easter) I could care less if people celebrate it, I have been told a bajillion times in the last week "happy holidays" and I smile and say "Happy Holidays to you as well" I wish all the christians will have a very merry holiday season. Just because some do not celebrate the same holidays it does not in any way mean they dont wish you to be happy during your holiday. That is just silly.

Answer 3

People used to be able to pray in public school. We have always celebrated religious holidays in school. Easter,& Christmas. If someone is offended they should not allow their children to be in the celebration. The majority of Americans are Christians!

Answer 4

I think we need to look at the feelings of offense. When you live in a society where values are the same then offense should be expected and avoided. But modern western society is a melting pot of cultures. I could offend somebody without any intention. I think the offended person has a responsibility to ask if the offense was intended. Otherwise being offended becomes a cultural weapon.

If you go to a country and complain about their culture you can not expect the country to change.

Like all these clashes, we need to talk about it carefully.

Answer 5

Religious education should be in the home, not in public schools. The observances of Christmas in and by schools is less than a century old, with was really pushed after the anti-communism crusades in the 50s.

The problem is that parents will not teach their children, and the churches will not require them to do so.

Answer 6

I most certainly do think that religious holidays and customs should be allowed in our schools. We should teach our children about Hanukah, Christmas, Ramadaan, and all other sorts of religious holidays and customs. I do not, however, think that children should be forced to participate in these celebrations. When I was in high school, part of our Arts and Humanities course was spent talking about different belief systems. I loved it!

Answer 7

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks
are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that
I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was
some
of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what
was actually a time of pagan festival.
Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most
easily
understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of
your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate
My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that, let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town you live in doesn't allow a scene
depicting My birth, just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen
and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn.
If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be a need for such a scene
on the town square because there would be so many of them all
around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a
Holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all
trees.
You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a
grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching
explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks were.
If you have forgot that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth
here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My
birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to
soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely
this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the
cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him
that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow
up.
It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford
and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story
of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here.
Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive them.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take
their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?
Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you
meet a warm smile it could make the difference.
Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk
with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town
calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there.
Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't
allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you
from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday.
If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close
and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary,
especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have
never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your
town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will
they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them
(and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them
to the Marines, Salvation Army or some other charity which believes
in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in
and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian.
Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence.
Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.
Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all
the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short.
I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most
blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember...
I LOVE YOU...

Answer 8

Religious symbols during Religious celebrations should definately be allowed. (I think they should ALWAYS be allowed)

If people are offended when we have something to do with Jesus shown during Christmas.......well....that person is just someone wanting to cause trouble


Should we have the Macey's parade without floats?

Answer 9

Yes, they should be allowed. If they got banned soon enough all churches and mosques etc would be being knocked down just because they "offended" some people. I mean, even if you wanted to ban symbols and holidays you couldn't, they are too cemented in our culture...

Answer 10

No, but not because some people might be offended, but instead because it is wrong for the government to endorse one religion or set of religions over another or non-religion. Espeically when kids are concerned. The only true way to remain neutral is to keep those celebrations out of government-sponsored events and activities. We should be proud of our religious freedom and proud that no government, federal, state or local preferrs one religion over another.