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The head librarian at UNC Chapel Hill decided this year that the university's two main libraries should not display Christmas trees in their lobbies.
She did so after years of complaints from library employees and patrons. But some on campus feel it's a case of out-of-control political correctness.
What do you think? Log in and comment below.
Comments
what about this year, any
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 14:05 — fenioxwhat about this year, any christmas 2009 advent countdown can show you -- christmas is coming :)
The Symbolism of One's Life
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 04:39 — CatholicDadsIf a representative of a public institution choose the option to not display a symbol, in this case a Christmas tree, it would seem they have the right no matter the reason. I choose to be less concerned about a representative of a public institution displaying the Christmas tree, and more concerned about the symbolism of my own life. I think this is the time that every Christian home (and those who just enjoy the Christmas tree) to proudly display a tree, and adorn their homes with lights to draw attention to the wonderful joy of this season. And, if possible, Christians may consider displaying a nativity scene in their home or on their property.
The public venue is obviously politically correct. I prayerfully work at being faithfully correct where it matters, in my home and in my life, and hopefully that is a symbol that matters to the lives of others, especially if they are in need, homeless, or elderly.
My daughter, who is four, helped me understand this better one morning in her question, "Papa, why do you wear your cross under your shirt [tee-shirt, 100% cotton no less]? You should wear it outside, so everyone knows about Jesus." As I held her in may arms, she gently took my cross, on a gold chain, and placed the cross just outside my tee-shirt and patted it with much conviction and happiness. Now, more than ever, I am aware of the impact my life has to this child and her sister (who is two).
I think we need to look in our own homes and ask, "What does my home say about our family?" and "What does my life say about me?" The answers we come to will determine if we are living lives of conviction for what matters.
Enjoy this glorious season, peace to all and if you are so inclined, display your Christmas tree so everyone knows about Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
http://www.CatholicDads.org
Who owns the "Christmas" tree?
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 15:53 — mlwrightAs an ardent supporter of interfaith coexistence and religious pluralism, I have to question the removal of the “Christmas” trees from the UNC libraries. Decorated evergreens are a symbol of the winter season in general, and are not specifically Christian. The practice originated in pre-Christian Europe as a celebration of the winter solstice. As a seasonal decoration they are comparable to fall leaves and pumpkins put on display in autumn.
Evergreens do carry a heavy Christian cultural association (and perhaps we are to thank Christians for preserving this lovely tradition), but as a thing of beauty and a universal symbol, why should they be owned by Christians alone? That’s what this decision seems to be saying—that the trees are not a part of American, European, or pagan cultural heritage, but belong solely to Christianity. Musical artist Dar Williams has a song entitled “The Christians and the Pagans”; in it she sings “So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table / Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able / Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and / Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.”
Might the evergreen not be one of those symbols wherein we find common ground during this holiday season?
You're kidding
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 10:00 — tiggermomJust b/c employees and others don't want the trees does not mean that the trees make the students feel better. They are the ones who use the library. Some of the students are away from home and would love to celebrate the season. I don't know why the employees don't want the Christmas trees, but if it is for religious reasons, get over it. For years, Christians have been putting up with religions or beliefs that do not believe in the birth of Christ or Christmas. I, for one am sick of it. Why should elementary kids make 8 candles or celebrate Kwanza while others refuse to celebrate the way Christians do. They say they are offended. Get over it. Everyone needs to be more flexible and open to new ideas. For instance, in public schools you can not have a "Christmas concert". It has to be called a "Winter Concert". You can't sing certain songs b/c they might offend someone else's beliefs. Why can't people be more open minded? My hope is that the rest of the world will stop discriminating against the Christians.