The Pharisees and Saduccees have a great friend in Gary Groman aka "the Vulture" who didn't miss an opportunity two weeks ago to ask the city to force city employees - even non-believers to use God's name in vain by dictate.
In typical Groman fashion, the vulture combines commentary on a holy holiday with references to genitalia in an article published by Ozark Mountain Newspapers entitled, "Will Branson celebrate Christmas or some other neutered politically correct holiday?" He begs:
Would it be inappropriate to ask the city governments of the city of Branson and Hollister, the village of Indian Point, and the Taney County Commission to establish a policy of trying to keep Christmas in Christmas? As a starting point, such a policy could encourage the use of the term Merry Christmas in lieu of Happy Holidays or other things that tend to neuter Christmas in the name of political correctness, in connection with their involvement with Ozark Mountain Christmas or other situations where it is their intent to specifically express Christmas wishes or greetings to those celebrating the holiday of Christmas.
Though we're happy Groman took a break from
hijacking elections and being a nuisance to democracy, I have to ask myself, Through public policy, general living conditions for the Branson workforce, treatment of the poor and unrighteous attacks delivered every sabbath would I know these guys were Christians if they didn't tell me? Maybe they should make public declarations about how holy they are - it might be the only way some could tell.
The question is often posed, "What Would Jesus Do? Which is a bad question since there is limited information on how he would have handled public affairs besides "Giving to Ceaser what is Ceasers." A better question to ask should be, "What did Jesus Do?" Today, he'd be celebrating Hanukkah. Of course, including the faith practiced by Jesus who celebrated the holy holiday doesn't fit Groman's plan of exclusion during the holiday season. Neither does mine. I like to call it "happy baby Jesus day" which would be outlawed by the Vultures plan. Guess he wouldn't be hanging out with Jesus this week.
Groman, in typical ethics free fashion boasts he helped draft the plan that will be put before the public monday night.
It's a neutered version of Groman's unholy proposal which is acceptable as long as city council members add inclusionary text reminding the public that worshiping God is ok in Branson even if it doesn't fit a few city council members religion which I understand to be "Christianity Light."
If you haven't read the New Testament a great deal of it is about rich politicians and corrupt reporters (scribes) who used God's name in vain to act godless. Jesus really socked it to em'. They used the church for financial gain and he tore the place apart demanding they restore the holy place of the Jewish faith back to God. In the Old Testament this happens many times when God's chosen gets off track. A prophet comes striking down the practices of community and church leaders who use God's name to worship mammon.
An athiest reporter wrote me earlier this week. I've shared my personal testimony and faith with her before she went on assignment to study the actions of a church. After she contacted a church leader - who spouted off filthy slander - she said, "I know it's not supposed to be this way, but people like me - view Christianity by the way Christians act." Sadly, she had the whole transcript on tape.
If putting down other people's faith - including the faith of Jesus Christ is what Christianity about - I'd rather hang out with good Samaritans.
Fortunately, this isn't what Christianity is about. In fact, being a Christian is nothing to be proud of - it's everything to be humbled by. It means you believe God sent an innocent man who was killed in the most brutal fashion because he loved you before you knew him.
Christians take responsibility for killing Jesus and believe he died for their salvation. Because of this unselfish act the law of the Jews was fulfilled and everyone who accepts the free gift is forever a bond-servant - forgiven by another's unselfish actions - a gift not even physical death can take away. They believe he died for them and take the responsibility for the whippings the beatings - being humiliated and spat on and having to endure immense suffering before death and resurrection. It means becuase of the sacrifice Christians get to be a joint heir in the ancestry of the Jews and are forced to abide by a new commandment - love one another.
What's scary is a citizen of Branson being unable to profess their beliefs in fear of retribution or having to hide their understanding never getting a chance to hear the gospel because they were afraid to speak their heart.
As Americans its important to remember it was the establishment of a Christian Church that Christians came to America to escape from. I'm personally ashamed that financial institutions have killed over differing versions of the gospel that governments killed and still kill because someone had a different understanding of the creator.
I published Mitt Romney's speech earlier this week which I found to be an inspiring perspective on church and state. In the end he closes with this story:
Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. 'They were too divided in religious sentiments', what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics.
"Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot.
And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God ... they founded this great nation.
In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine 'author of liberty.' And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed, 'with freedom's holy light.'
God bless the United States of America.
I'm glad the Herschend family makes a statement in their business about celebrating Christmas. Some won't go to Silver Dollar City because of it and some will for the same reason. I'm glad I live in a country where I can worship God instead of a country where the government tells me what version of God I have to bow to.
Perhaps, we should be focused on setting an example on what it means to be Christian instead of pretending we're holy and forcing non-believers to use God's name in vain.
But it's not "Baby Jesus Day" yet, so I'll do what Jesus would do and wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah.
