It's Advent, Light the Menorah! (interfaith holiday season alert!)

Time ^ | December 14, 2009 | Amy Sullivan

[NYer]

Like many Americans in interfaith households, I'm ping-ponging between traditions this weekend. The painted figures of the Nativity set are finally arranged in the front window; I've caught up on my Advent readings; and the Christmas-cookie-baking marathon is about to start. At the same time, the candles in the menorah are burning brightly; I'm practicing my Hebrew pronunciation for the blessing; and every corner of our apartment smells like latkes.

More than any other time of year, December highlights the variety and mix of religious traditions in the United States. According to a 2008 study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 37% of married adults in the U.S. have a spouse from another religious tradition. Among Jewish Americans, that figure rises to almost half of all marriages. That's a lot of Chrismukkahs, a lot of travel for family holidays and a lot of gifts. (See the top 10 religion stories of 2009.)

Now a new survey of 4,000 U.S. adults from the Pew Forum shows that even Americans who don't live in interfaith households are curious about other religious traditions. One-quarter of all adults attend services of a faith tradition other than their own at least occasionally throughout the year (not counting special events like weddings and funerals). Social scientists and observers have known for decades that Americans generally have much higher levels of religiosity than their European cousins. But these new findings reveal that this distinctly American enthusiasm for religion includes an embrace of multiple faith practices and beliefs as well. (See a story about the U.S.'s unfaithful faithful.)

[NYer]

Critics of interfaith marriage charge that it often leads to a watering down — and even abandonment — of both traditions. Rather than feeling strongly tied to two traditions, children feel no attachment to either. Parents who can't agree on which tradition their children should be raised in compromise by attending no services. But the Pew study indicates that for at least some interfaith families, religious commitment can lead to a richer, more varied faith life and a greater willingness to experience traditions outside one's own. That provides some comfort at this time of year to those of us whose homes are ablaze in light from Advent and Hanukkah candles. Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1947374,00.html#ixzz0Zi2vanba

Catholic Ping
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[mnehring]

btt, I wish I was home today to honor this show of the HOLYdays and heritage.

[Kieri]

Without Israel there would be no Christ.

Happy Hanukkah to all Jewish FReepers.

From:

a Grafted Branch.

[tet68]

Happy Kwanzahannukamus and a merrry Festivus to every
one!

[tet68]

I’ll be ready for a reading of the grievances once I
find my mojo dreidle.

[LibFreeOrDie]

Rahm Emanuel lights the National Menorah at the White House: