So, now that we all agree what we’re arguing about, here are some questions to ask while exploring whether Bricker’s claims are meaningful:
(1) Is there actually more of a push to keep the religious aspects of Christmas out of the public sphere now than in the past, or is just more visible?
(1a) If there is more of a push now than in the past, is it in proportion to the general increase in secularity and diversity in society? That is, it only makes sense that if, 30 years ago, the US was 95% Christian compared to 85% Christian now (or whatever), there would be a concomitant decrease in public-sphere Christianity.
(2) Is the number of lawsuits filed against schools and similar institutions concerning Christmas significant, compared to the number filed concerning any-old-random-topic?
(3) Is there a slope here, slippery or otherwise? What is the ideal, dreamed-of end goal of whoever is attacking Christmas?
(4) We’ve all heard about the “offenderati” being offended by being told “Merry Christmas” at the mall. But has that ever happened, at least in enough numbers (or backed up by enough lawsuits) to even be on the radar?
and, while we’re on the topic:
(5) To the extent that there is some “attacking” pressure, is it RIGHT? Is it in fact more American and more constitutional to not allow specifically religious icons on public property like schools and city halls? Where should the line be drawn?
Bricker: I’m assuming your answers are:
(1) yes, it’s increasing
(1a) it’s increasing out of proportion to sociological shifts
(2) yes, the number of lawsuits is significant
(3) yes, there’s a slope here, and the end goal is something like the rather hyperbolic claims you made about removing all religion from Christmas (which I responded to in post 170, which you ignored)
(4) yes, it’s happened
For each of those answers which are indeed your answer, I’d like to hear a specific argument as to why you think that’s the case, along with evidence whenever possible.
Oh, and a cite about that Illinois thing.
