Robert
thanx for outlining your 'training wheels' version of morality :)
Its a worry though mate, when u think that in terms of 'ultimate values' which can become the basis for a social organization of humans, making it up along the way, in the adventure kinda only works at the individual level rather than the communal, am I wrong here ?

I read quite a view 'versions' of this over one Christmas and I recommend "The History of Western Philosophy" by bertrand Russell, as a good source. He, of course also wrote "Why I am not a Christian" which I found to be a rather persuasive account of why people SHOULD believe in Christ, but thats another matter.

The main thinkers of the enlightenment and reformation era were concerned with 'what should government be/do' ? how far should authority intrude into the life of the individual, what social contract do we make with those who rule us ? etc

When I'd finished them I came away feeling much relieved and exilerated in the Faith which is so clear, and so workable. The only problem is 'us'. Humans tend to end up with a 'car park' mentality, where most people seem to think they are the only ones in the world.

The early Christians began with 'selling what they had, and giving to those who had need" but before long the 'Greek widows were complaining about neglect in the daily distribution' (it appears a litttle bit of Jewish ethnocentrism was at work :) So, we then move to solve the problem along biblical grounds.

This is the point where Christ is greater than ethnic ties. But I note with interest that those who they appointed over the distribution who were "full of the Holy Spirit and of good character" were also greek :) (by their names) So, sanctified common sense was used.
The early church was not faultless, but it had a means of putting things right that all could appeal to as authoritative, and that was a humble submission to the rule of Christ our hearts.

Thanks for taking the trouble, Boaz. If I may summarize:

1. There are absolutely no religious ties to Easter Monday..."Its connection with the events of Christ is purely tradition. "Important event, have a holiday" kind of thing"

So you cannot possibly have any concerns about including more secular - but still "compassionate" - celebrations.

2. There is absolutely no consistency in the determination of a fixed or movable religious festival. As you say, the dates themselves are entirely irrelevant, they are merely convenient hooks upon which to hang some heavy-duty devotion. So why does it upset you when someone suggests the net be widened, to include folk who would like to share the hook to do some serious reflection of their own? You zoom off into the stratosphere, calling into play the ghosts of Nietsche and Sartre as though they were the devil's spawn, in defence of .... what? A plain old ordinary Monday, with zero religious significance, fixed or floating.

Just a suggestion: pick your battles. You are attacking Eric's idea here purely for the sake of attacking. Not a good look.

As sure as night follows day any comment with a hint of religion or ethnicity - or even more surely - one that has a hint of both, draws a welter of responses. And more often than not they are of the stupid kind. The sad part is how un accommodating Christians are becoming these days - in fact I read an awful lot of vehemence and hatred in some of the christians responses - those with out a faith seem pretty angry as well; they are indeed a sorry bunch.

Eric Claus makes a fair point; Davo would seem to disagree. I dont yet see much merit in Eric's position but the day may come when it needs consideration. As the percentage of non christians escalates it is only reasonable to ask at what point do we institutionalise their days of celebration or replace some of the more traditional ones?

Today, Christmas and Easter celebrations are mere vestiges of what was once a joyful and solemn recognition of a dominant cultural theme.Things change. These days now are simple holidays, and more highly valued as a break from the work a day world than a religious event, operating under the badge of Christianity. For those inclined they are supported by the governments of the day in celebrating them because historically Christians were every where. Not so now.

We are diverse and more sadly there are signs we are divided. And the fault lines have their beginnings at the very heart of our white bread community that is scared stiff of change. THe evidence is no more clearly on show than in the responses to Erics humble suggestion.

As for me I like Christmas and I like Easter as well - in fact I like them so much I would clebrate them in church whether or not we had a public holiday. I think Ramadan is cool too. And so should you.

Inkeemagee.

Inkeemagee,

I'll first ask: why "should" I think Ramadam is 'cool'?

When you have answered, then perhaps we can examine a different perspective.

Inkeemagee - Thanks for your comments. There is an editorial in The Age today http://www.theage.com.au/news/Opinion/Christian-moderates-drowned-out/2005/03/29/1111862387254.html from a moderate Christian saying that there are a lot of moderate Christians out there, who are not opposed to abortion and would prefer a more balanced debate regarding Terry Schiavo's "right to life." She is concerned that every image of Christians shown in the media seems to be an extremist.

I'll bet there are a lot of moderate muslims who don't want to strap a bomb to their bodies and don't mind women having civil rights. That does not make much of an eyecatching story on the six o'clock news, though.

It is similar on this forum. Rarely do people with only a passing interest write a comment. You are an exception and your comment is more about the strident comments than about Easter Monday. Pericles and others are also relatively balanced.

I was interviewed on ABC radio about Compassion Day and the interviewer asked me if I was going to take it further, for example to my local member. When I said "No, I just think it is a good idea," the interviewer lost interest. I think the media are so used to interviewing people with a burning passion for whatever their cause is, that somebody with a "humble suggestion" is just not too interesting.

That raises the question "Can a humble suggestion be adopted?" or does any change need to be supported by someone who is willing to set himself on fire and run naked onto the pitch on the first day of the Ashes Test at Lords.

ericc loved your response to inkeemagee - if only humble ideas could take off w/out the chest beating and flame throwing. Then I would indeed believe that the meek have inherited the earth. I think a compassion day is a lovely idea. But then in a ideal world everyday would be a day of compassion. Thank you for your thoughtful article and comments.