Christmas 2023 is descending on an America that is now secularized in a vivid way. Churchgoing is continuing to decline, the Democratic Party champions abortion with no limits, and the corporate media gleefully demonizes the devout.
Now, part of this is organized religion's own fault. There are few dynamic religious leaders in this country, as fear has largely stifled public displays of faith. Outside of Catholic Bishop Robert Barron, clerics of all faiths are largely invisible to the public. They don't want any trouble in the cancel culture age.
More than two thousand years ago, a poor stone-cutter set off to preach a radical new theology, one that demanded human beings love other people as much as they love themselves.
No hatred, no division, no miscommunication. We are compelled by Jesus of Nazareth to do everything we can, short of personal destruction, to peacefully assist others - especially those in need.
That philosophy is what Christmas celebrates, but you'll rarely hear Christian tenets in the public square. Somehow, recognition of personal responsibility is vanishing beneath the weight of selfishness and callow pursuits.
My take is that the Nazarene may want to make another visit in some dramatic way. The world desperately needs him.
Merry Christmas.
|
