This Filthy, Secular, CBC

[ed_rex]

It's 8:36 on Christmas Eve, 2006.

I am a atheist, laughing at the idea of god from the first time I heard the concept. Worse, I am a leftist - a "social democract" some days, an "anarcho futurist" on others.

A couple of weeks ago, some judge in Ontario declared that a Christmas tree in the main entrance to her courthouse was an affront, of some sort.

A number of times, over the last few years, a good friend of mine - albehim, a conservative, religious, friend - has bitched about the securalism of CBC Radio, a sewer-ful of atheist and leftist nonsence.

And yet, he is not the rabid neocon the first three paragraphs may suggest to you he is; no more, than the fact I am not a fan of the current US or Israeli administrations makes me "anti-American" or "anti-semitic".

My friend, a serious Christian, wonders why his tax-dollars don't pay for more than 1 hour per week - on one of three radio channels - of our country's Public Broadcaster don't deal with with religious issues.

Rhetorically, he was right. Religion - serious religion - is intensely personal. Given that I (and the CBC) live in Canada, it is not even remotely clear whether "Regigion" is in favour of, or opposed to, gay marriage - Which churcyh are you asking? Which husband, which wife?

And yet, even such a "politically conscious" (if not - thank "god" - "politically correct") institution as the CBC has a sense of perspective.

I repeat: I am an atheist. Your Christ-son-of-God-@ct is nothing to me but a pretty story.

Well, and a pretty story that was written really well.

And which story was one of the basis of my civilization.

Point being. That hideous, secular beast, the CBC has nearly blanketed this 24th of December Carols, with Bible Readings, with all sorts of CHRISTmassy programming.

And good on them.

I am not a Christian, nor am I an apostate, but that tradition is mine, as it is for most of the people in this country.

But you know what? Most of the people in this country are (at least vaguelly) Christian. It is appropriate - it is right - that that tradition is acknowledged by the public's broadcaster. CBC Toronto's Metro Morning works day and night to seek out Toronto's multiplicities of race, creed and religion - because of Metro Morning, I know when Kwanza is happening, when Jews light candles, and when Muslims won't eat while the sun is astride the horizon. But for a couple of days, it is right to acknowledge the majority culture and celebrate that tradition.

Like I said, I am not a Christian. From what I have read, I see no reason even to believe there was, around the year 0, a baby born who would become a great teacher; there is no tangible evidence for the existence of Jesus at all.

But most people in this country think I am wrong. And yet, they are not telling me that I shouldn't think they are wrong. They don't even want me to march in their parades.

But if it hasn't happened yet, someone is going to write a Letter of Complaint because the CBC is playing "holy music" tonight.

And when that happens, I will join with the Christians and say, "Bugger off."

Comments

I dont get it either

[spells-disaster.livejournal.com]

I loved your post.

Partially, because I dislike the consumeristic, hell-fest that is 'xmas'.
I follow some Buddhist principles and thats about how far I go in terms of 'religion'.
I grew up with the whole Christian thing being shoved down my throat, and have leaned away from the church because I find the people who go to church creepy.
I read the bible, I know the rules, I don't need the sociliazation of that place. Not to mention, I am a little creeped out how racist and classist a lot of em are.
Anyhow, I'm off to write my own Dec 24,th post.
Hope you're doing well

K

[shara.livejournal.com]

The whole point of "multiculturalism" is that it's supposed to let everyone practice their culture as publicly as they feel like; even Christians. Nothing gives the policy a bad name like the Christmas Tree Incident. It's not about erasing all cultures, it's about celebrating all cultures. More difference = better.

I might be the least godly person ever to crawl the earth, but I don't begrudge Christians their holiday. Besides, it's a fun one to celebrate, and I will do so to the utmost in my secular way.

[superficiality.livejournal.com]

Agreed!

[stormheller.livejournal.com]

Word! (as the young people say), and also? Happy Ho Ho Ho.

Why didn't you and I stay friends?

[steelcaver.livejournal.com]

I can see why the judge would have asked for the tree to be removed. After all, she works in a courthouse, not a schoolhouse.

[rev-jo.livejournal.com]

atheists for jesus!

we had a fiasco a while back about removing plaques and monuments with the 10 commandments on them from courthouses..
i had mixed feelings about this..on one hand, it is a religious icon..on the other, what it espouses is the basis for law in the western and mid-eastern worlds.. i can see why that would be relevant to a courthouse..
i don't see how a christmas tree would be relevant, unless the staff of the courthouse wanted to decorate for "the season", which would include all of the holidays and winter itself...and the public who the courthouse serves..

[colinmarshall.livejournal.com]

My will-o'-the-majority respect outweighs my cold, hard atheism as well, and, hell, I live in "Jesusland" itself.