For what are we Fighting?
What exactly are we fighting for? The Seattle Times reports this year, once again, on a statewide controversy over displays of holiday symbols in public places and state institutions. This year’s controversy centers around a sign displayed in the state capitol presented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. In part the sign reads: “Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” (See the Seattle Times for an article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458044_noreligion02m.html)
When I read such an article, I can help but wonder: what exactly were those Christians hoping to accomplish? Certainly Rep Ahem knew enough about politics to expect that officially declaring the tree a “Christmas Tree” would be tantamount to throwing the first stone. Certainly he expected to cause controversy, certainly he anticipated a backlash. So why do it? Perhaps for the sake of political advancement, perhaps so that he might maintain the status of one supported by the Christian right? If so – his Christian constituents ought to have written their representative and asked that he stand for something more substantial that showy politicking. If we are to declare the message of the gospel, we will do so through real words and real deeds, not the empty symbolic warfare of the Christmas display window.
This incident reminds me of another recent political battle: that regarding Proposition 8. I recall attending an event at which a Christian speaker declared to his enthusiastic audience that “we won” the battle over prop 8. My own views on prop 8 aside, I remember wondering at the time: just exactly what did we win? And just exactly who are we fighting? Is it really something to celebrate when an attempt to elevate biblical principles results in this must hatred toward the church? Even if we voted for Prop 8, should we declare victory? Or should we rather lament the fact that the battle lines even had to be drawn. For what are we fighting?
The political climate of the age would seem to suggest that the battle lines stand between Christians and non-Christians. And the current struggles would lead us to conclude that the thing at stake is political sway. Lord forgive us when that is the case! Let us not forget that the battle is for those far from Jesus, not against them. And the stakes to be won or lost are much greater than those our political system has to offer. Do we really think that the presence of a Nativity scene in the capitol or a Menorah in the airport will be that which leads one toward Christian or Jewish faith? Is a billboard actually going to change lives? Men and women who watched Jesus feed five thousand and raise the dead did not believe – are we really going to convince them with a Christmas tree? Oh, how short sighted we are! Let this be a reminder to us as Christians to rethink just exactly for what it is that we are called to fight.
Tags: holiday display, reason's greetings, religious freedom
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