The calendar flips to December and the old, familiar talking points begin. The White House tweeted, “We’re saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!” along with a photo of President Donald Trump standing stiffly next to a Christmas tree. Laura Ingraham has warned…
Don’t succumb to criticism of ‘Happy Holidays’; it can be an expression of God’s inclusive embrace
The negative reaction to “Happy Holidays” is mostly about changing demographics, the politicization of Christianity, and Christian fragility. This greeting can be an expression of kindness, warmth, acceptance and love that transcends narrow sectarianism and reflects God’s inclusive embrace.
Secular Americans not alone in doubting Christmas story
Many Church of Christ members have historically drawn a sharp distinction between Christmas and the birth of Christ, usually dismissing the former as a commercial, even pagan, observance. Nowhere in the New Testament, preachers and Sunday school teachers have counseled,…
War on Christmas redux
While Bill O’Reilly and Fox News get much credit for seasonal claims of a “War on Christmas” waged by the secular left, a progressive blog site says the perennial cultural clash finds roots in a brand of early 20th century…
Historic opponents of Christmas, Protestants expect big turnout Dec. 25
From papal fallacy to cherished holiday, Christmas has come a long way in the eyes of American Protestants. Earlier this month, LifeWay Research announced that the vast majority of Protestant pastors say their churches will worship on Christmas morning this…
Hoping for cessation of ‘war on Christmas’ rhetoric? Don’t, historians say
Another season of the so-called “war on Christmas,” especially in the wake of Donald Trump’s election, may be just enough to drive some people over the edge. And all indications are it isn’t going to go away. “There is no…
The faux fight for Christmas: Backdrop on the annual year-end culture war
“Every company in America should be on its knees thanking Jesus for being born. Without Christmas, most American businesses would be far less profitable.”
Gold, frankincense and espresso
By Bill Leonard When the church’s Christmas witness wanes, let’s blame Starbucks. When our Advent hope falters, let’s fault the “war on Christmas.” When the “Gospel of Wealth” (Andrew Carnegie, 1889) fails to undergird our Bethlehem-borne faith, let’s whine about…
Richard Land joins Starbucks red cup fray
By Bob Allen Former Southern Baptist leader Richard Land has added his voice to the latest “war on Christmas” campaign, suggesting Christians should boycott Starbucks over the plain red design of this year’s holiday cup. Land, retired executive director of…
The Starbucks flap
By Russ Dean It starts this time every year, but thanks to South Park Mall in Charlotte, N.C., and Starbucks, the Christmas War is off with a bang. You know, Starbucks hates Jesus. So says Mr. “Merry Christmas,” who’s taking…
Starbucks and Christmas
By Alan Rudnick Starbucks red cups are out to bring us holiday cheer, but the response on social media has not been very cheerful. Joshua Feuerstein, a former Arizona pastor shared a video on Facebook that went viral with over…
Kirk Cameron, Chuck Norris, and war on Christmas
It seems every year there is an outcry from Christians who bemoan culture’s lack of acceptance of Christmas displays and call it the War on Christmas. Kirk Cameron is the latest to defend Christians from a supposed secular atheist attack…