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Samaratins Purse taking Christ out of Christmas gifts.....or not?
November 10, 2006
I read an article today on “Christian Today” a global Christian news source titled “Operation Christmas Child Rejects ‘Christmas’ Gifts”. You can read it HERE or read my brief summary below.
For many years Samaritans Purse has facilitated a donation program around the holidays called ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Essentially, congregations, families, schools, and individuals fill shoeboxes with gifts to be given to poor and needy children in over 95 countries. It is a HUGE operation that has a lot of support. This year they’ve asked that no religious gifts are given, i.e. bible stories or coloring books, Christian images, that sort of thing, as well as war or violence related toys, guns, knives, army action figures, etc.
There has been some apparent criticism of these packing rules, mainly pertaining to the “Christian toys” rule. The article quotes from a few folks who think the rule is “bizarre” and “a shame”, including religious leaders, and a member of parliament. One accusation in particular stuck out to me:
- John Midgley, cofounder of the Campaign Against Political Correctness, said: “It seems extraordinary that a Christian charity is so concerned about political correctness that it is banning itself from its own core values”
- 1. That the act of charity is intended to impact the child receiving the box and him/her alone.
- 2. Sharing the Gospel is only possible by explicitly sharing a 5 step program to Salvation.
My question for Mr. Midgley is, What core value? Is insensitivity a core value? I think there are two assumptions adopted by people like Mr. Midgley that contribute to this perspective :
I think that the act of charity could have major implications for onlookers in our own neighborhoods and communities—seeing a Christian group acting in benevolence while being sensitive (sensitive to a degree, this type of random gift giving across cultures is a bit insensitive by nature). Also, in this case where there is not a deep relationship and a pressing need is present, I think the message of Christ is more effective if delivered through deed rather than colorful words on a paper in a language these kids may not even know. Now, of course deed alone is not enough just as word alone, word and deed must become one. In this situation of dropping off Christmas gifts I think that the deed alone is the act of necessity and love, not the contents.
So, in response to Mr. Midgley and others I think that Samaritans Purse is holding onto some very core values of the Christian faith, Charity, Love, Sensitivity, Humility, and Generosity.
I also understand that there are and should be differing opinions on this topic, so I’d love to read some comments disagreeing or agreeing.
Now, for your pleasure, photos from the St. Louis Zoo…
All kinds of Penguins, 
A derranged Camel who definitely was not at his best, 
Zzzzzebras, 
Wise Monkeys, 
That’s all today, have a great weekend!
-jason
Posted by filetaj on November 10, 2006 01:37 PM
Comments
ah yes, this whole political correctness issue comtinues to be a sensitive subject. but i agree with your view jason, that the gospel in many circumstances is much better communicated through actions rather than words. especially when dealing with different cultures and spiritualities. i think we as christians have too long relied on a very invading style of evangelism. i think it's about time to learn from our mistakes and find a gentler approach. one with intentions of Love not selling a product. i think that samaritan's purse is making a smart move and i don't think it in anyway degrades the phenominal worldwide work they do. is it about "Christmas" or Christ? unless i read my history books wrong, WE invented christmas...
Posted by: mary-grace on November 14, 2006 01:50 PM
hey mary-grace,
thanks for your comment. I agree, and I especially like the thought of how we've commodified faith as a product to be sold...but if we change our intentions to love we may also find we change our methods. thanks for reading!
-jason
Posted by: jason on November 20, 2006 01:54 PM