OPINION: Politically-correct beliefs is start of religious cold war

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- I'd like to wish everyone of all religious denominations one great holiday season. Whether your religion has an upcoming holiday or even if you struggle with the religious concept, we are generally in a good mood at this time of year and it's just a good time for all of us to appreciate each other's existence.

Because I feel this way, it makes me sick when I see people using the holidays as a time to act as politically correct as possible. You won't see any Christmas, Hanukkah or other religious decorations at some stores because they are worried about offending people. Why does it have to be like this? I grew up in a northeastern town that was over 50% Jewish and I was brought up Protestant. The majority of my friends were of the Jewish faith. Did I know the difference between being Protestant and being Jewish? Absolutely!

The only thing that bothered us about our Jewish friends is we couldn't hang out with them three out of five weekdays after school because they had Hebrew School. Our parents are responsible for us possessing this good outlook so I guess you could say they were good examples. Shame on them for instilling good values. It seems like today we are so consumed with our own beliefs that at times it hinders our communication with others and not just in regards to religion either.

I am familiar with the Jewish faith because of where I was brought up so excuse me for not caring about possibly offending you. No, I am not educated in all religions and I don't care because as long as people are happy and not using religion to start holy wars, it's all good with me.

In elementary school around this time of year one of my Jewish friends would bring in a 'Top' for 'show and tell' and describe for us it's significance. In visiting a Jewish household, I would always see a Menorah and would get the annual explanation as to its significance. In some of these houses they would have Christmas trees. Not because they doubled as Christians but because on occasion they knew Christians would be visiting. How unselfish is that?!!
Nowadays, it seems like we are keeping our beliefs to ourselves so as not to offend anybody.

BIG FRIGGING DEAL!!! Here we are in the middle of the holiday season and we are supposed to celebrate our beliefs in the confines of our homes? I don't think so!

It's like we are headed straight into a religious Cold War and if we don't watch it, we'll be starting our own little 5000 year holy war.

Don't get me wrong here. I am not saying we need to welcome with open arms those religious zealots that come to our doors and try and make you conform to their religion. Now, that does kind of bother me as there is such a thing as stepping over the line. That's when I politely say that I am happy with my beliefs, but I can appreciate your efforts. In a weird way I am happy for those overzealous people because they are so happy they are willing to go door to door spreading their enthusiasm. No one is offended in that exchange.

What lengths are we supposed to go to so as not to offend people and their beliefs? In our house, we are Christians and we have a nice little Christmas light display at our house. I surprise my family every year by decorating the inside and outside of our house. Because society is hinting at this holiday politically incorrect nonsense, should we be taking our Christmas display down? I'm sorry, perhaps I should have said holiday display.

Come on people! Are we that unhappy with our lives that we need to ridicule others? Doesn't that seem selfish to you? Can't we just be happy for other people regardless of their religious beliefs?

On social media, we see the masses become offended if we have a differing view of whatever subject is being discussed. So much so that people 'unfriend' others because they don't line up with their opinions and beliefs. Somehow, we have become so petty in how we live our lives.

As of this writing, I am declaring a moratorium on being mean. Not just during times of celebration, but at all times. We can do this!!

Have a wonderful Christmas season! My apologies, I meant winter celebration.