Coming into Greenfield daily from the Hilltowns, I was surprised to see the Christian creche — Nativity — on our public common.
My first thought was that this was unconstitutional. I was taught that our country had no state religion and that the founding fathers were quite brilliant in avoiding the “problem of religion” they saw historically in Europe.
As a Christian whose grandfather was a Presbyterian minister, I do not believe on imposing my beliefs on others in my community.
This issue has been going on for 20 years. I do not support vandalism as a legitimate right of expression, yet I can empathize and have sympathy with those we may be provoked by the taking of our common by one entitled section of our town.
I attempt to follow Jesus as a model of humanity. Jesus was inclusive, not exclusive. He showed us a way and practice toward a reality where we might see all humans, creatures, plants and Mother Earth as one with us.
The Nativity does not promote oneing or a unitive perspective. It is a metaphor of exclusiveness and separation when displayed on a site that symbolizes all.
This may fit today with the flow of our present political and civic life, but I feel we proceed in great danger toward a Middle Eastern civic solution.
This is a human rights issue.
Henry Austin
Buckland