Townhall.com::Ramadan Yea, Christmas Nay::By Amanda Carpenter

At first I was disgusted that our own elected officials would turn their backs on the founding principles of our nation; based in Christian ideals, and accept the importance of Ramadan. Ramadan representing Islam obviously.

After further thought, I'm just plain confused. When did our government decide they had the right to "recognize" a religion or set of beliefs? Did I miss something? Do the world's religions really need the American Congress to be officially recognized?

Last time I checked the response from the Muslim community on such 'recognition' was basically, "yeah thanks, but we don't need you to recognize us...we know who we are and that we find our religion important."

Why has our country decided to turns its back on Christianity? And why does our government feel it needs to "reward" people of religion who aren't Christian? Kids can bring symbols of Islam, Judaism, Satanism, Atheism, Wicca, and other various beliefs into schools and displayed in public. But the second Christianity shows its head the 'head-hunters' in our government (and sadly the populace) show up.

I'm not offended when someone lights a menorah, prays to Allah, or worships a tree...or nothing for that matter. Why should they be offended if I say "Merry Christmas" in their presence?

Much ado about nothing in my opinion. If you are not willing to accept multiculturalism, then your obviously not willing to accept the America we live in today.

I hope that wasn't directed at me, because I clearly stated that I didn't have a problem with other beliefs and views.

There are Christians in the Middle East raised in an Arabic culture and Muslims in Europe having been raised in a European culture; pointing out that religion doesn’t easily fall under culture per se.

Religion; or a lack thereof, is ideologically based. That has more to do with beliefs than culture.

I was actually asking if the government had the right to "recognize" religions.

I also asked why there is a discrepancy in how our government treats the "freedom of religion" in our nation. They try to remove Christian beliefs from our nation while rewarding anyone who follows a different path.

History is what it is and can’t be changed. We were founded on Christian ideals. I’m not saying everyone has to be Christian, or that Christians are “right”…merely stating facts and my curiosity in the discrepancy of treatment.

That really is a subject for another discussion, the main point is does the govt. have the right or the 'jurisdiction' to recognize one religion over another?

I accept America as was, as is, and as will be. That's why I ask questions. If we fail to ask questions; especially those questions directed at the decisions of our government then we lose what truly makes us Americans don't we?

That was in fact directed at you. Congress simply recognized that a certain holiday was important to a certain religion. Is there anything wrong with our legislature realizing that a faith holds certain days to be sacred?

Your main point of contention is whether or not Congress "the right to 'recognize' a religion or set of beliefs." I simply ask you why not? Does Congress have the right to recognize Christianity? Of course it does. But applying your logic rigorously, we find that Congress does not.

You are selectively applying the separation of church and state in a flawed matter. Would I take issue with Congress placing a menorah, Bible, Quran, or Buddha in its halls? Yes, because it is tantamount to a state endorsement of a religion. Would I take contention with a simple recognition of a religion's cultural value? No, because this suits Congress's role as an impartial entity. It is a fine line but an important one.

You posted
"religion doesn’t easily fall under culture per se"

That is quibbling over small points. Religion is part of a cultural identity of the individual which (surprise, surprise) is part of the collective culture of a nation. A Jew in Sweden or a Jew in South Africa brings his religion to his respective area and affects his respective country's culture. That is the same for any other religion.

You also posted
"We were founded on Christian ideals."

A more accurate way to phrase that is we were founded on Greek and Western ideals that happened to be associated with the Middle East religion of Christianity. I think you are outraged because you perceive that Congress is somehow slighting Christianity by recognizing a Muslim holiday. My advice to you is simple: show some tolerance befitting of your belief.

Please read the article. The same officials who recognized that Ramadan was important, did not recognize that Christmas was important.

I was talking about that discrepancy.

I'm confused as to where you are claiming that I'm not being tolerant. I have friends from 6 continents, of every imaginable culture and religion. 2 of my very close friends here in Iraq are Muslim, and many of my very good friends back in the States are Atheist, Jewish, and Buddhist.

I guess you're trying to bait me into an argument or being angry, but I'm not going to go there.

Feel free to label me whatever you like, I know what I posted; it's not my fault you interpreted it incorrectly to help make your point.

Thank you for answering one of the questions though. Congress does have the right…that’s a step onto the path of a proper debate without the name calling. “Intolerant” I don’t think I’ve ever been called that in my life. Thanks for the first!

I'll agree that I personally believe our government has the right to recognize the importance of an aspect of religion or the importance of a religion's importance to people. However; I feel that should be as balanced as possible for all religions.

I get the feeling that you're an Atheist Darwin, but I may be wrong. If I'm right I also get the feeling that you're the particular kind of Atheist who gets offended when someone says, "Merry Christmas" to you on the street. I may be way off here, but maybe not.

I understand the importance on separating Church and State, and I understand the need to be tolerant of everyone. I had a great ideological conversation with an Iraqi Shi'a just 2 days ago, and we both came to the same conclusion of war, peace, and religion. Who knew? 2 different people of 2 different cultures, religions, and nations both convinced of the same ideas on war, peace, and the idea of one God.

Anyway, I really just don't like seeing a war against religion in our nation. That is what I see going on sometimes. Atheism is a religion or ideology if you will. I don't force my beliefs on anyone. I don't think anyone; much less the government, has the right to force the beliefs of Atheism on me.

Maybe that's a little off subject, but maybe not.