weekly response

By Leo Brown
[President Obama's Weekly Address]

Christmas for Christians, as I understand it, is a time for love, reflection, and gratitude. But in America, there is so much tension surrounding the holiday because we don't know who we are.

I remember the first time a friend announced, as a simple premise, that we live in a Christian nation. I was startled and confused, and not as a matter of principle.

This was the first time I caught wind of such a notion. Sure, the malls are decked out for Christmas, and I've sung plenty of Christmas carols over the years.  I usually think Christmas lights and decorations are pretty, though I take issue with inflatable snowmen. This is a lovely season, and more generally, I'm perfectly happy to live in a country where most people are Christian.

But how are we a Christian nation, and why would we be? And if we are, is there any way we can change that? How did we even end up talking about this? The first amendment to the Constitution is absolutely clear. Concise, even.

I've always been proud to live in a secular nation in the sense that the state doesn't interfere with religion. Of course, the United States government has interfered with religion regularly throughout our history, perhaps most notably in its treatment of American Indian religious traditions, which weren't legalized until 1972. But I remain proud to live in a country established upon laws guaranteeing religious freedom, a country wherein no cultural tradition reigns supreme. This is an ideal towards which we can strive.

Perhaps those who wish for a Christian nation will find a better life in England.

Mercifully, President Obama acknowledges the existence and legitimacy of non-Christian faith traditions in this week's address.  There might have even been a twinkle in the President's eye as he wished the nation "Happy Holidays" amidst accusations of his supposed War on Religion.

Merry Christmas, and let us each celebrate every day however we see fit.