(12/07/2012) Holiday Displays?

     Religious holiday displays on public property is the topic, today; and there is more on reading the Scriptures as “soul” food. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Maria” (Level 2 with 255 points, a member since March 27, 2010) posted the following:

Facts about why you think religious holiday displays should be allowed on public property.?
Thank you very very very very much..... :) :) :)

THE BATTLE AXE: “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012)—The prayer that petitions, “give us this day our daily bread,” speaks to more than food and drink for the flesh. The thoughtful believer acknowledges various needs for nourishment of their emotions, their mental life, and the life of their own spirit. Additionally, believers make requests on behalf of their companion from GOD, the imparted, indwelling Spirit. Rightly understood, for life to be balanced, healthy and productive one needs laughter every day or they become disheartened, gloomy, and grief-stricken. One needs tears of disappointment, loss and sorrow every day as well or they become haughty, incautious, overconfident, and swollen with pride. The holy writings supply believers with examples from the lives of others like themselves, and statements of divine law and wisdom that further establish the heart and mind in mankind as being in the image of GOD, and grounded in truth from the inner depths of divine being.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1st Corinthians 12: 25-27, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); Girdle 43: Of The Common Salvation (12/30/2011); Girdle 41: A Living Sacrifice (12/28/2011); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); A Healing Word (01/13/2011); “Secret Santa” (11/25/2010); Holy Comfort? (11/26/2010)

     The right spirit for giving and receiving public displays during a holiday season (e.g., Mother’s Day, Thanksgivings Day, Veterans Day, etc.) remains one of learning, respect and sharing. In forward-looking areas, it is neither inappropriate, nor a disregard of diverse beliefs and practices within the full community to have peculiar displays on public property. Such materials signal the harmony, intelligence, quality of life, and security within a municipality while encouraging others to become residents, and bring their own unique contributions for development and growth.

     The attitude that all public displays serve as propaganda intended to “brainwash”, indoctrinate, and oppress has come out of war-torn regions and nations where conflict, and insurrection have been a constant aspect of their existence, and cultural history. Condemnation, fear, paranoia, and schizophrenic exaggerations discourage every effort to encourage exploration of other lifestyles, or share explanations of what and why peculiar ideas or symbols have meaning. For example, those who celebrate the birth of Jesus could share the truth that a Christmas wreath is hung upon ones door to acknowledge that a loved one is missing from the family circle. Despite the death of that loved one, joy continues to be in the home, for the family within is comforted by the “good news” of salvation.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, acknowledgment and confirmation of differences, rather than forced conformity, is vital to a community having color, integrity, hope, opportunity and richness. A principle shared among believers in Jesus is that ownership is not an obstacle to joy: Where a gift is given to one member in the body, it is available and will benefit all the members of the body. Thus, as those who are making a mature investment to a commonwealth, everyone celebrates the harvest where the hard work of a single neighbor has permitted his family to have a new car, and this is experienced as a blessing for everyone in the community. Similarly, all the homeowners may not be able to afford light displays in their windows, on their front lawn, or upon the housetop. Nonetheless, all who see the two or three displays that are provided can feel encouraged, and lifted from darkness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC