Separating Christianity from Europe's public life leads 'down a blind alley' Pope cautions.
Though our world and environment continue to change, Pope Benedict continued, “the final aim of all our daily efforts, both as individuals and as a community, remains unaltered: the search for the true well-being of the person and the creation of an open and welcoming society attentive to the real needs of everyone.”
"The values and laws, the shared spiritual 'alphabet,' that has made it possible for our peoples to write noble chapters of civil and religious history over the centuries, is a precious heritage that must not be squandered," the Pope added, but rather “augmented with the contribution of modern discoveries in the fields of science technology and communication, which must be placed at the service of the real good of mankind."
The Pontiff continued by emphasizing that if this rich heritage is separated from the public life, it would “mean starting down a blind alley.” He also stressed that “this is why it is necessary to redefine the meaning of secularism, a secularism that highlights the real difference and autonomy between the various elements of society but that also protects their specific competencies, in a context of shared responsibility.”
The phrase our 'shared spiritual alphabet' is especially apt since so many have become illiterate and ignorant of the roots of the civilization that has cradled them.
Take Oxford for example. No more Christmas lights for them. No indeed. Christmas is now banned in Oxford in favor of a 'Winter Light Festival'. Instead of the traditional Christmas lights, there will be a 25 meter high mobile in shape of the solar system.
Muslims and Jews want Christmas back.
Sabir Hussain Mirza, chairman of the Muslim Council of Oxford, said: 'I'm really upset. Christians, Muslims and other religions all look forward to Christmas.'
Rabbi Eli Bracknell of the Jewish Educational Centre said: ' Anything that waters down traditional culture and Christianity is not positive for the British identity. WinterLight includes all festivals but it also conceals them.'
It was in the early 90s in Houston that we had to, at the public elementary, shift to reindeers as a theme rather than Santa and Christmas trees.
I guess I've become acclimated over time, as the diversity in that city was ahead of other places.
Posted by: H.A. Page at November 16, 2008 10:13 PM