Our nation's past is flawed like that of every nation and person. We seem committed to excluding our virtues and exploiting our vices. As a result nothing of value is left standing to inspire pride in youth and encourage all Americans. Our achievements, which are many, are minimized and our failures maximized, framed and hung on history's wall.
Having visited Israel 40 times, I find in that country an admirable model. The government of Israel is not faith-based. Zionism is not primarily a religious movement. Agnosticism plays a large role in public life in Israel. Yet, they are wise enough to realize the vibrancy and value of their past. They don't show shame and attempt to obscure their past.
Having toured the country many times, numerous groups of youth have been observed being given on-sight lectures of what happened at given places.
Most of these student groups are immigrants, having just come into the land. They are given a history of their new homeland. Yes, they are indoctrinated. As a result they know they have something worth defending and perpetuating. Proper pride abounds.
Not so in America. Thomas Jefferson warned us with these words: "The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"
So many of our holidays have been stripped of their original focus and counterfeit explanations given. It is now taught in some schools that Thanksgiving was started as a time to celebrate when the Pilgrims got together with Native Americans to thank them for their help.
Christmas is constantly under assault. Efforts have come from removing Christ from His birthday celebration to removing all vestige of the holiday. An example is Byam School just outside Boston. They have banned Santa Claus, red and green tissue paper, red and white candy canes, and red hats.
Why?
They say it is to preserve the principle of separation of church and state. You have got to be kidding. What on that list relates to either church or state?
Christmas is a tradition meaning different things to different people. Why deny it ever existed? It has brought joy to millions of Christians and non-religious people who enjoy the family time, good food and sharing. Sure, for Christians it has added meaning.
In Israel the history of the religious happenings is not excluded simply because of the religious aspect. Religion is part of their history and they don't deny it.
In Russia efforts to get Bibles in the schools are as strong as those in America to keep them out. Why in Russia? For historical purposes. They know that religion is part of their history and don't want it written out of the records.
Christians should keep Christ in Christmas. Citizens should keep Christmas with its various meanings alive. Kill it and you kill the spirit of it, which is refreshing.
The Rev. Dr. Nelson Price is pastor emeritus of Roswell Street Baptist Church. Contact Price at nlprice@aol.com.
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