Rudeness Amidst the Holiday Cheer

After she scanned and bagged his groceries, the cashier wished the customer a polite “merry Christmas,” which provoked him to lecture her while making the long line of people behind him wait.

At a near shouting level, he told her that we didn’t really know when Jesus was born, so we shouldn’t simply pick a day to celebrate his birthday. He further insisted that no day was more special than any other.

“But,” he said, “I love you anyway.”

And then he left feeling virtuous in having left my friend a more educated person. Perhaps I should withhold the religion he represented (Jehovah’s Witness). My childhood church often said similar things (Church of Christ). However, most people in both these traditions know how to behave more properly.

Another fellow came through the line shouting the opposite sentiment. When someone wished him a merry Christmas, he yelled at the top of his lungs that Jesus was the REASON for the SEASON! Did he feel noble in interrupting everyone else’s conversation to quote the sentiments of a greeting card?

Maybe I’m being too sensitive in my post-holiday exhaustion. But how appropriate would it be for me to shout in the marketplace that there is no god and Christianity is based on a contrived mythology that continues to evolve into conflicting views? Would that be rude?

I think so, too.

I have my thoughts and usually express them respectfully on my blog and Facebook page, where you can choose to read them. If you want to discuss it, I’ll talk and listen politely, even if I think you are profoundly mistaken. But I’ll refrain from shouting my opinions at you while you’re working.

I should be grateful that most customers at my store have been incredibly kind and encouraging. Perhaps a little perspective is in order. After all, some people use their religion to kill others, so a little rudeness seems a small thing.

So, I wish you all a polite season’s greeting.