In a recent article, "An Atheist Speaks Out Against Atheists," I questioned the wisdom of an atheist group's tactic of posting anti-religious wording in the vicinity of a Christmas display, during a time of festivity and celebration.

Now, let's discuss the other side of the issue... some particular Christians who would misrepresent the views of atheists and agnostics, for political purposes, during a time of festivity and celebration.

Some contend that atheists are bent on removing religious symbolism and practice from all realms of the public sphere.  This time of year, they shout the rallying cry "War On Christmas" to elicit emotional reactions against persecution.  This "war" first reared its rhetorical head in the 1920's, when Henry Ford published The International Jew, accusing Jews of seeking to abolish Christmas.  The fictional battle has survived since, with the villian shifting to more socially acceptable targets: the ACLU, liberals, and the irreligious.

So, let's take a moment to confront reality, head-on.

Are there groups who fight against having the Ten Commandments posted in courtrooms?  Yes, and for the same reasons that Christians would not want to see a giant stone Qur'an overtop a judge's bench - they want to know that the law is going to treat them no differently than anyone else.  Are there groups who would prefer not to see any religious iconography on government property?  Yes, because that property and the iconography are paid for with taxpayer money, and therefore should represent everyone's views or no views at all.  Are there some atheists who are offended if you wish them a Merry Christmas?  Yes, there are some, just as some Christians might be if they were wished a Happy Hanukkah.  Are there those who prefer schools stay neutral with respect to holiday observances?  Yes, and not just atheists, either.  Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Atheist children all share the same school, and it's important that no child is marginalized on account of his or her religion.  In this multi-cultural nation, are there people who prefer the more inclusive "Happy Holidays" to "Merry Christmas" out of common courtesy?  Yes, and they're not all atheists.

None of these is the same as removing all religion from public life, not by the longest stretch of logical maneuvering.

Where are the lawsuits seeking to end Christian broadcasting?  Where are the protests seeking to remove Christian-themed holiday music from the mall?  Where are the referendums seeking to cover up the road signs in every town showing you the way to the nearest church?  Who has sought to stifle candidates expressing their religious preference?  When has anyone has advocated shutting down Christian bookstores?  Where are the attempts to block the entryways to churches?  Where are the ravenous letters opposing faith-themed network programming such as Touched By an Angel or Joan of Arcadia?  When one goes walking on any Main Street, America, this month, is Christmas not apparent in every direction?

Christians, you are not being persecuted for your faith.  There's no proof of it, other than a few cherry-picked anecdotes.  Let's put an end to the exaggeration, the polarization, and straw-man arguments, and all have a wonderful holiday season, whatever our beliefs might be.  I make the same argument to you that I did to my own - now is a time to celebrate what brings us together, not to shoot arrows.

This is not a diatribe against Christian beliefs.  As always, mutually respectful, on-topic commentary from all viewpoints is appreciated and encouraged.