Reader: Contradictions in society send mixed messages to children, adults

I have been taking notice of what seems to be an increase over the last few years in extensive Halloween decorations outside of homes. I also can’t help but to realize the lack of concern of the part of fellow citizens to some of the more graphic displays. This fact bothers me when I consider this in the context of some open outrage over Christian displays during the Christmas season.

As my wife and I drove around the town and the county, we were amazed at how some people used their immense creative talents to decorate their yards in commemoration of the recent holiday. It was not uncommon to see scenes of violence, simulated car wrecks, fake corpses in or out of coffins, lynching scenes, etc. made from a variety of materials.

The detail involved was disturbingly astute. While I can openly appreciate creativity, it makes me very curious as to why there didn’t seem to be any concern over the graphic nature of such things and the impact that it might have on other adults or children. It seems no one was offended at all. Are we completely de-sensitized to any kind of display?

Of course, the answer to this question is no. Proof of that is coming soon as I am sure a recent trend will continue this year involving towns and cities across the country dealing with protests over a different display — the Nativity Scene. Apparently, this celebratory and historic depiction of Jesus’ birth offends many people every year before Christmas.

People like a man in Somerset, Mass., where, in 1997, the ACLU filed suit on behalf of the American Atheists State Director of Massachusetts to force the Town Hall to remove a Nativity scene from the front of its building that had been placed there for six decades. It seems he was offended and wouldn’t let up until Somerset officials agreed to "secularize" the display. This case made national news.

Proving that offense can also be taken at ANY reference to the true meaning of Christmas, a school system in South Orange was threatened with a lawsuit because they had planned to take students to see "A Christmas Carol". Of course, that trip was cancelled after a vocal minority expressed outrage.

Yet, surprisingly little outrage registered on the national radar screen in 1999 when an Elizabethton, Tenn., anatomy teacher held a decorating contest during the Christmas season that used previously dissected cat cadavers to re-create the Nativity scene. This scene was displayed in the classroom for several days before three students went in and removed it. The School’s Superintendent had no idea why anyone would show concern and fittingly, the teacher was not reprimanded in any way. However, those three students were "suspended for gross insubordination and truancy."

While I can cite numerous examples, I only hope to create an awareness of this apparent contradiction in our society. How wonderful would it be during this upcoming Christmas season if all people took to heart the message behind the image of the Nativity Scene and the meaning of the holiday — Jesus’ example of peace and love — while celebrating the fact that we are allowed to freely exercise our religious beliefs in this great country?

 I read with interest your recent pro-life article (“Of ‘boos-boos’ and baby pictures: Medical advances aid pro-life work,” Nov. 6 issue).  As you may know Life Choices, Inc in Phillipsburg also has ultrasound. 

We have a sonographer and a physician that volunteer for us.  Just this week our ultrasound program saved another life! A young woman came to us planning to abort, but she was not sure how far along she was in the pregnancy.  “Karen” saw the phone book ad for Life Choices advertising “free ultrasound to determine fetal age”... (an abortionist bases cost on fetal age — but certainly would not let a mom see her unborn child).  

On our screen Mommy saw her little one for the first time, dancing, wiggling and swimming.  In this manner the baby was able to ask for himself, “Can you love me mom? Can you nurture this awesome gift of life?” 

Karen chose life! I promised her our support for years to come.  With tears in her eyes she thanked me and continued to stare at her beautiful child on our screen.

Life Choices in Phillipsburg offers free ultrasound for all abortion vulnerable women.  Other pregnancy centers in or around the diocese refer women to us for this service.  This ultrasound program was made possible through a grant obtained from the Hackett Foundation. Children as young as five weeks post conception can be seen, little hearts beating visibly!  This program has saved dozens of precious little lives!

For pictures and an article on ultrasound used in our center see: www.lifechoicesonline.org.

Joan Fasanello, director 
Life Choices, Inc., Phillipsburg

Opinions expressed in this section are those of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect Church teaching, nor the position of The Catholic Spirit or the Diocese of Metuchen.

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