Let's post any business on here we see that displays "Merry Christmas" or any Christian-based message on their sign. They deserve recognition for publically proclaiming their faith. -Dairy Queen in Clayton has such a message on their sign mention the Savior.
Jester, Was that the sign that said Happy Birthday, Jesus? If so, that struck me as less reverent than it seems most people tend to express their feelings at this time of year. Perhaps a peevish thought, but it didn't come across to me as a religiously inspired message. H6
Or how about businesses that don't exclude folks like myself? I think that would be the more Christian message.
I think the one I saw was a bit more spiritually stated. As a side note, remember the stir about the McDonalds last year on Six Forks in Raleigh with the Christmas-inspired message? Personally, I appreciate the Christian businessperson that isn't afraid to display their faith simply out of fear of alienating a few customers. I wouldn't think anything negative about a Jewish business man or woman that placed "Happy Hanukkah" out front. To me, faith is something that you should build your life on and to be willing to use your own resources to proclaim your faith and Jesus does inspire Christians to do so. If a customer doesn't receive any less measure of good service, then he or she should not be offended IMHO.
Actually we don't have an interchangable sign outside but all our invoices during this month are signed with Merry Christmas.
Just curious, Hught...in what way are you being excluded? I've yet to see any signs that say: "Merry Christmas to everyone except people like Hught" :wink:
I know you only process what you think the other side says verses what they actually say, but I said folks like me. 8) Those who don't consider themselves Christian. Those businesses that wish to ignore or alienate that segment of the population may, that is their privilege. But why highlight those folks as beacons of the community and then blow off those who are more inclusive?
In my own Christian perspective, its simply acknowledging fellow Christian business people who rise above the fear of being ridiculed or concern of alienation for proclaiming their faith, especially during a time of the year when many would feel that it was more appropriate. I'm not about to say let's lambast any business that displays a "happy holidays" or even a symbol like a menorah in a topic. What I'm saying is why not among fellow Christians? Even among non-Christians, why would it matter if you are greeted with a smile and receive the same service? Consider Chick-fil-a. Truett Cathy, the founder, openly acknowledge his Christian faith and despite what is said to be an enormous amount of money lost, closes on Sunday internationally to allow employees to worship and be with family. Yet, an atheist will get the same service and the same quality food as a Christian does. To me, its about principles and when a business person can treat all customers and employees equally while proclaiming and testifying about his faith, its honorable.
So you would not be offended if you were wished a successful Samhain? A number of Christians may take offence. Personally I am not usually offended, if I am wished a Merry Christmas the first thing I will do is wish that individual one right back. I figure they or their employer are either Christian or should know better. Next I try determining if this individual or their employer is ignorant or arrogant. If ignorant, I chuckle to myself and evaluate whether I will have to deal with this individual or organization again. If I figure I will probably interface with them again I make a note to myself that further competency evaluations may be in order before I will trust them. If arrogant, I will try and figure out why they are and if I am being paid adequately to deal with them. Personally if I know someone is a Christian that celebrates Christmas I will wish them and theirs a Merry Christmas, and mean it! If a Wiccan I will wish them a Merry Yule, a Jew a Happy Hanukah, etcetera. If unknown, agnostic or atheist I will just wish them Happy Holidays.
Oh yeah? Who? Why? Why not just accept the greeting and leave it at that? What holidays? If agnostic or atheist, there are no holidays except New Year's, but that singular. Winter solstice is an event, but not a holiday. So, by your actions, you are insulting atheists and agnostics by insisting that they celebrate at least some religious event. Shame on you!
Because I prefer to have every advantage I can, if I have an early indicator that they are not too bright I need to be aware of that. Why waste that knowledge? There is always MLK day and Presidents day.
Cleo, understand that I am typically not offended with a greeting of Merry Christmas, it is just an indicator to me that the individual is probably unaware.
