Michael A. Clarke: A red cup shouldn’t shake anyone’s faith

As December approaches, we’re beginning to see some Christians starting to worry about hearing “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Their fear seems to based on the so-called “War On Christmas.” They feel Starbuck’s red cups without religious symbols and the absence of religious manger scenes on government property are evidence of anti-Christian fervor.

These folks are apparently unaware that December is full of meaningful holidays: Hanukkah celebrates Jewish freedom, Mawlid Un Nabi commemorates the birth of Mohammed, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, and Kwanzaa brings a message about what it means to be African American. So a greeting of “Happy Holidays” in our multi-cultural nation is appropriate.

Religious symbolism is important, whether a menorah or a manger scene. But basing one’s faith on a coffee cup doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. In the United States we recognize there is no official religion, so religious images don’t belong on government property because it would suggest an endorsement of particular religions and the exclusion of others.

So, if as Christians you want to “keep Christ in Christmas,” reach out and help the poor, welcome the stranger, love your neighbor and respect the beliefs of others.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Michael A. Clarke: A red cup shouldn’t shake anyone’s faith."