Ben, With all do respect, I can only agree partially. I too am a Jew.

And I completely agree with this:

And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. But I think whether you believe in God or not, there really isnt anyone at all who enjoys being pushed around. Like with anything else, there are people who believe- or dont- in God or religion who are mouthy and pushy. And there are people who dont believe in God or religion who arent mouthy or pushy. Who cares if some of them are atheist or they dont appreciate religion in the same way that you do? And likewise, the Constitution doesnt explicitly demand that anyone in this country subscribe to a religion. In fact, religious freedom to some may mean that they are free to abstain, as you well know. Like you, I find it silly that people spend so much time and energy in awe of the latest reality television show star. But I fail to see the link to your complaint about their permission for you to worship God or practice religion. I dont understand how a passive aggressive remark from a celebrity...because make no mistake about it; Billy Graham and his daughter are celebritiesregarding the tragedy of a hurricane proves that religion and God are entities that should be a required element in our lives. I dont feel that somehow the mandatory introduction of these ideas into our society will change the world or our country for the better. If you do, you are welcomed to your opinion as well. But hurricanes are not caused by sin, or by irreverence to a God in which only some have faith. The only sin that may be responsible for some of our natural disasters is the one that we have perpetrated against our environment by being irresponsible with its natural beauty and resources. I believe that personal responsibility and group conscious give way to a better life and a better community. I believe Do Unto Others has nothing to do with the teachings of a religion and more to do with common sense. While I dont begrudge the beliefs of people who are willing to vocalize them, it doesnt mean they understand the first thing about mine since I dont vote the same way they did, and I dont paste grand, sweeping, and narcissistic comments about them on my Facebook page.

I believe the Bible has some wonderful lessons in its content just as you do. But I believe there is a more thoughtful and worthwhile way to teach them than to allow our children to believe that religion is the catalyst for these wonderful ideals. While we instill these important notions into the consciousness of our children, I believe we are better off teaching them more about life and the way the world should work, rather than be reliant on the crutch of Bible stories to do the work for us. Doing the right thing is often very difficult and part of a gray area in life. It should be regarded that way from the get go and not placed in front of us with a Bible we blindly use as a manual for life like a set of stereo instructions. We should learn how to put thought into our life decisions, not be steered and told what to do by someone else. If religion and the traditional idea of what God is should have a place in a familys life, then the family should have the honor of teaching it. If those teachings are benevolent, then they will coincide with lifes general rules anyway. Many traditionally religious people have done great things as a result of their beliefs. Likewise, many untraditional thinkers have risen to great heights. To lament the passing of a one-wayfits-all nation is a waste of time. We dont have the kind of country where everyone is expected to look, think, act, and be the same. I am so grateful for that. Additionally, I found it disheartening for you to imply that your argument regarding the disciplinary philosophy of Dr. Spock was responsible for his sons suicide. Shame on you, Ben. Cheap shots usually arent your style. Dr. Spock is a controversial man indeed; there may be as many parenting philosophies as there are parents. Frankly, I think there are some amazing children in our country. They dont get the press they should. I find it tragic that so many adults keep repeating over and over how disgusted they are with youth today. The youth of today is probably affected in some way by constantly being told how weak and worthless they seem to us. You are correct, we reap what we sow. A little less negativity might go a long way to starting our younger generations off on the right foot. Granted there seem to be some unfortunate issues that have surfaced in the last couple decades, but the incongruence to a strong root in religion or traditional parenting is an obvious one to me. For me its a non sequitur, as obvious as it may seem for you. Trash God and then wonder why the world is going to Hell is a perfect example of something that makes no linear sense to me. Belief in God does not keep the world from going to Hell. Therein lies the philosophical difference between us that makes your argument for better living by traditional values and practices a moot point for me. If by traditional we simply meant a general sense of kindness, moderation, and consideration then there would be no argument. But the words traditional and conservative have long ago been kidnapped. You are correct; I do not favor Facebook posts regarding the Lord and am quick to pass along a joke that Ive seen posted. Frankly, I dont go to Facebook for anything other than stress relief or to catch up with loved ones who live far away. Why admonish me for that? Why do I need to live up to your standard of whats right and whats wrongespecially regarding ye all mighty Facebook? No, Ben Stein; I am not afraid to pass along something I believe in, but most of the posts regarding religion, politics and social consciousness no matter what the side on Facebook are poorly written, and written by people who seem to be less than independent, creative thinkers. And when I do pass along posts about serious matters, they certainly wont be posts regarding the Lord as I frankly dont subscribe to

the structure of traditional religion. And I dont feel that makes me a person who is unable to contribute to the betterment of our great country. No, I am not laughing yet. I find much of your well written message a bit unsettling. Its peppered with subtly passive aggressive jabs and a misinformed understanding of how whole groups of people view the world around them. You are a great writer, and a man who is full of intelligent conviction. But you are a man who may believe that his opinions are best for an entire nation of people who are here because they enjoy the freedom to be different.
I loved you in Ferris Buellers Day Off, by the way. Jennifer Fagan