The American society is in turmoil as we still struggle to identify what kind of nation we want to be in post Christian America and the struggle has arrived just in time for Christmas to an Albuquerque high school trying to get toys to needy children.
La Cueva High School has a tradition that has endured for nearly 3 decades, the Bear Tree. The purpose of this symbol of generosity is to gather as many teddy bears for children who may not have toys this Christmas season in cooperation with Toys for Tots.
The culture wars landed on the steps of La Cueva when local Rabbi Arthur Flicker of Congregation B’Nai Israel decided to write a letter of complaint via email to the high school principal Dana Lee and the Albuquerque Public School Board President Don Duran stating that it was insulting to non-Christians to have the Bear Tree publicly displayed.
Then it was on. APS Associate Superintendent Todd Resch took it upon himself to issue the order to remove the Bear Tree because he felt it was a no brainer violation of the separation of church and state understanding of the constitution but it was not.
Resch stated in an email, “I took it upon myself to define the significance of a Christmas tree after reading the district’s procedural directive.” He also said that he did not consult the acting APS Superintendent Raquel Reedy.
The action by APS and La Cueva prompted a local motorcycle club to deliver a donated Christmas tree and many Teddy bears to the school which the school donated to charity. This has led to more than 150 bears being donated by community members more than tripling bear donation for the 27 year drive.
This has been interesting to watch unfold and I have avoided commenting on the Bear Tree battle until now because the issues at stake are not as cut and dry as they on the surface appear. Sure there are the war on Christmas and freedom of religion issues at play but is a tree covered in Teddy bears really religious or even Christmas related?
I can’t fault Rabbi Flicker for his opposition to Christmas in public schools, he has to fight for those in his congregation, but I can fault APS and Mr. Resch for the knee jerk reaction over a tradition that has helped so many children. It is comforting to note that many more bears have been donated than in years past but the white wash of the Bear Tree is silly at a minimum.
The greater battle is for the soul of America in general and New Mexico in particular. Who are we as a nation and a state? Can we claim to be Christian or Catholic and still welcome those from outside the faith?
In Texas, Governor Gregg Abbott is telling the community of Orange to please fight to keep it’s nativity up for the people despite an atheist groups threat to sue over it.
“As the U.S. Supreme Court has continually held, public acknowledgement of our religious heritage is entirely consistent with the Constitution. The Constitution commands accommodation of religion rather than hostility towards it,” said Governor Abbott. “I strongly encourage the City of Orange to stand up to the demands of a select few who wish to see God thrown out of the public square, embrace the season of Christmas and restore the Nativity Scene immediately.”
The same battle is being fought for New Mexico’s heritage. Why must we apologize to the minority that hold differing views and traditions? I lived in Japan for 5 years were the majority did not celebrate Christmas and did not demand that my traditions be observed.
It turns out that La Cueva could keep the Bear Tree up if they had only fought just enough to do so. The principal and APS could have shown the rabbi due respect without once again caving to the tyranny of the minority.
I must point out too that Rabbi Flicker did not have to go to this extreme either, being Torah observant does not require that you force others to be Torah observant. He could have asked for inclusion while supporting teaching children about charity as the Torah commands, this would have been a greater service to the school than creating division and strife which the Torah forbids.
Christians must decide what is important to them. I think much of the community has handled this matter well by giving more to the children. There are some that are sending threatening messages to the rabbi and I would discourage that kind of thing. We can show kindness to others without compromising our faith.
Many schools in the United States are getting caught promoting Islam and they try to blow it off, I will deal with that in a post tonight, yet they will not allow the majority Christian faith to be taught in any serious way.
Are we willing to tell our local school districts to stop the war on Christianity and Christmas? It will take more involvement by parents and those who are willing to seek and serve on school boards. This will mean giving up time and treasure to win elections. Our society needs people willing to get involved even if we do not have children in school.
What are we willing to do for the Lord?
