Here, Read This.

Morally Speaking, Many Actions Far From Christian

By: Diana L. Eck
"On Faith" panelist Diana L. Eck is Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University and Director of The Pluralism Project.

America is not a Christian nation in more ways than one.

Numerically? Of course, in terms of numbers America is about 85% Christian. There are smaller numbers of Jews and growing numbers of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. Some of our Native peoples describe themselves as Christian, but others speak of a multitude of lifeways. And don't forget the many people who describe themselves as secular. Our "we" in the U.S. may be that of a Christian majority, but "we" are increasingly a multi-religious nation.

Constitutionally? Definitely not. Our constitution is not about numbers and percentages. It is about principles, one of which is the non-establishment of religion –any religion. Our "we" in the US is governed by a Constitution that promises no state-sponsored religion and the free exercise of religion –a prescription for religious tolerance and a recipe for religious diversity. Not only is religious freedom protected, so is the freedom not to be religious. When it comes to religion, our "we" is not to be subject to majority rule. No indeed. Freedom of conscience is sacred –especially for those who are not majorities and do not win elections.

Morally? Are we morally a Christian nation? This is a matter for some soul-searching for those of us who are Christians. Can our nation's priorities in foreign policy and foreign aid be described as Christian? Have we demonstrated Christian principles in war-making or peace-making? I don't think so. Is it a moral good to consume far more than our share of non-renewable energy resources, creating for ourselves a standard of living that does not know the meaning of the word "enough" and that acquiesces in a world of unconscionable economic disparities? Perhaps we should remember that the most fundamental teachings of the Gospel proclaim that we will be judged by what we do "for the least of these" –for the stranger, the prisoner, the homeless, the hungry.

As for Christmas, are the lights and trees, the holly and mistletoe "Christian?" I far prefer to think of them as the season's substructure of ancient paganism that we share widely and happily with people of many faiths and none.