Religious studies and sociology scholar Clifford Geertz told a story of a visitor to Japan who went into a
Or perhaps not—perhaps the truth is that outsiders see us more clearly than we see ourselves. A Santa on the cross may be the perfect symbol for a
American cultural Christianity is often little more that self-help conveyed in theological rhetoric. Some sermons focus much more on financial success than on forgiveness of sin.
Instead of the sovereign Lord of all creation, the contemporary Jesus of many Americans is Santa Claus. He fills our stockings if we are good little boys and girls. He wants us to be entertained instead of educated in the truths of the faith. American Christianity is far too much Christmas and not enough Good Friday and Easter.
We have indeed dressed Jesus up in the red suit and relegated him to the self-help version of a jolly old elf. Perhaps the department store worker who set- up that display was not confused. Perhaps that is precisely the image of Christianity we project. If so, are we not guilty of taking Christ’s name in vain (i.e., making empty the meaning of his name)?
If so, then is it any wonder that there is such moral confusion in American culture today? For if the American Jesus is a Santa Claus who gives us our wish list, then should we be surprised that we have become a nation of takers instead of givers? A nation where doing whatever is necessary to gain financially and materially is fair game, regardless of who it hurts and the long-term consequences. I love Christmas but despite the emphasis on giving, it does become about receiving. Have we become a culture of little children scurrying down the stairs to check our stockings instead of believers following the Lord and his commands?
It might be that the department store did understand who our real god is.
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