H. Res. 847

[Beneath the Shadows]

Check out the latest House Resolution...

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith.

Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible;

Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization;

Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity;

Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God's redemption, mercy, and Grace; and

Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;

(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and

(6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Source.

R.I.P., First Amendment.

[Beneath the Shadows]

Despite the fact that it's in direct violation of the First Amendment, it doesn't actually do anything. Your tax dollars hard at work.

And I guess I should've put this in the politics section. Sorry about that.

[Delkaetre]

So... effectively doing everything but outlining Christianity as the official religion of the United States and justifying persecution of non-Christians?
Giving official protection to Christianity but not to other religions is a very dangerous move. The founding fathers themselves said that religion and state should be kept separate.

[Linen]

WTF?

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and

Does this mean they can make it illegal to speak out against Christians or Christian practices (prayer) in schools/government locales?

Regardless, this is a total waste of time and money. We should be focusing on much more important things.

[Linen]

Originally Posted by Delkaetre

So... effectively doing everything but outlining Christianity as the official religion of the United States and justifying persecution of non-Christians?
Giving official protection to Christianity but not to other religions is a very dangerous move. The founding fathers themselves said that religion and state should be kept separate.

And furthermore:

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accordingly, all experience [has] shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce [the people] under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." --Thomas Jefferson: Declaration of Independence, 1776. ME 1:29, Papers 1:429

[Drake Dun]

It's a "simple resolution" (one house only) and does not have the force of law. So technically, it's probably not in violation of the first amendment. Really, really obnoxious though. Your tax dollars at work.

Drake

[DepthsofSpace]

As a Christian, I find this resolution obnoxious.

Like we are so put upon and need the State to justify us.

Boo-frakin'-hoo.

[CptSternn]

You have to love a country that claims it's open and accepting to all religions, then passes such legislation, even though its just window dressing.

Still, what message does it send to the rest of the world and the people of other religions who live in America?

Also the separate designation of 'American Christians' - I'm for this part. Let the world know there are Christians, then there are 'American Christians' - and they aren't the same.

* I now have 'American Jesus' by Bad Religion in my head...

[Dead Angel]

acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States

This is scary because after reconizing the founding of the United States is religious, they WILL start skewing the laws towards the 'reconized religion'.

[CptSternn]

I wonder if by 'founding' they mean the mass genocide of the indigenous people who were living here prior to the 'founding'?