NO BASIS IN SCRIPTURE FOR RETURN OF NAMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 24, 1993                   TAG: 9301220029
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
NO BASIS IN SCRIPTURE FOR RETURN OF NAMES
I have watched with concern the recent controversy over renaming Christmas and Easter holidays on the school calendars. In my own circles - reformed Presbyterian - there is much discussion about religious holidays. Discussion within the perimeters of Christian love can only make participants better. Even if the parties do not agree, both can at least articulate the reasoning behind their behavior, adding a higher level of consciousness to their chosen activities.
Sometimes the issue is whether Christians should celebrate religious holidays at all. Among my conservative, Bible-believing friends from many different churches, the practice varies. Some do not celebrate Christmas or Easter at all. Others celebrate with presents but not with a tree (because it has its origins in pagan religion). Others go all out with trees, decorations, presents, excellent feasting, parties.
We may discuss the differences in our individual practices - and even have the goal of changing each other's opinions. God has not commanded us to celebrate either Christmas or Easter. There is freedom of conscience among believers and voluntary participation. If this is our freedom in Christ, we should proclaim that to our non-Christian neighbors and offer it to them. We should not force a legalism on them that we do not have to submit to. Remember that's what the Pharisees of old did.
I know and love many of the people in Montgomery County for whom retaining the names of Christmas and Easter holidays is very important. I share their concern about what is happening in our public schools. I agree that replacing the names Christmas and Easter holidays with "winter" and "spring" is another attempt at erasing all shreds of our Christian heritage from our children's minds.
But we have no Biblical basis for asking that the names be returned. It is therefore with a very heavy heart that I must say that as I understand the teaching of scripture, I think they are wrong to continue efforts to effect this change.\ Susan Alder Blacksburg

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB